Brendan Thomas
@altostratus.bsky.social
Welsh tech industry worker living in East London.
Fascinated by science, nature, and geopolitics, and loving the sanity of BlueSky having previously been an avid fan of Twitter.
Fascinated by science, nature, and geopolitics, and loving the sanity of BlueSky having previously been an avid fan of Twitter.
This is awful.
A few weeks ago, I spoke to an MP about this very issue. At the time, they were optimistic about changes likely to address mega donor funding of political parties. What an enormous mis-step by Burnham and Labour.
A few weeks ago, I spoke to an MP about this very issue. At the time, they were optimistic about changes likely to address mega donor funding of political parties. What an enormous mis-step by Burnham and Labour.
Burnham drops support for political funding cap aimed at curbing mega-donors.
Reportedly, favours a cap at £500k.
How many people have £500k to buy influence? A game only the super-rich, big corporations/unions can play.
Can't end political corruption without banning all political donations.
Reportedly, favours a cap at £500k.
How many people have £500k to buy influence? A game only the super-rich, big corporations/unions can play.
Can't end political corruption without banning all political donations.
Burnham drops support for political funding cap aimed at curbing mega-donors
PM said he would set bar at £500k, but trade unions say funding reforms could undermine their ability to donate to Labour
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2026 at 6:57 AM
This is awful.
A few weeks ago, I spoke to an MP about this very issue. At the time, they were optimistic about changes likely to address mega donor funding of political parties. What an enormous mis-step by Burnham and Labour.
A few weeks ago, I spoke to an MP about this very issue. At the time, they were optimistic about changes likely to address mega donor funding of political parties. What an enormous mis-step by Burnham and Labour.
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at the 2026 Cambridge Disinformation Summit:
“Murdoch has done more damage to democracy in the English-speaking countries than any other individual alive.”
youtube.com/shorts/riRrb...
“Murdoch has done more damage to democracy in the English-speaking countries than any other individual alive.”
youtube.com/shorts/riRrb...
August 23, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at the 2026 Cambridge Disinformation Summit:
“Murdoch has done more damage to democracy in the English-speaking countries than any other individual alive.”
youtube.com/shorts/riRrb...
“Murdoch has done more damage to democracy in the English-speaking countries than any other individual alive.”
youtube.com/shorts/riRrb...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
An Open Letter to Scott Bessent https://robertreich.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-scott-bessent
August 17, 2026 at 3:19 PM
An Open Letter to Scott Bessent https://robertreich.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-scott-bessent
The Trump administration is shutting down key anti-corruption measures by reducing shell company transparency.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
August 12, 2026 at 4:52 PM
The Trump administration is shutting down key anti-corruption measures by reducing shell company transparency.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
@samtlevin.bsky.social
The 'worm-like creatures' are almost certainly mosquito larvae, and they are found in bodies of still water left open to the air. They are harmless to drink, but their presence suggests poor maintenance of facilities - open water tanks etc.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The 'worm-like creatures' are almost certainly mosquito larvae, and they are found in bodies of still water left open to the air. They are harmless to drink, but their presence suggests poor maintenance of facilities - open water tanks etc.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
ICE detainee reveals video of drinking water apparently contaminated with worm-like creatures
‘Disturbing’ footage shared by California detainee surfaces amid wider complaints about conditions in ICE detention
www.theguardian.com
August 4, 2026 at 8:28 AM
@samtlevin.bsky.social
The 'worm-like creatures' are almost certainly mosquito larvae, and they are found in bodies of still water left open to the air. They are harmless to drink, but their presence suggests poor maintenance of facilities - open water tanks etc.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The 'worm-like creatures' are almost certainly mosquito larvae, and they are found in bodies of still water left open to the air. They are harmless to drink, but their presence suggests poor maintenance of facilities - open water tanks etc.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
The State Department has just put out a tender, offering funding of up to $3 million to European organizations who want to fight against "Supra-national institutions" - presumably the EU - and governments who seek to regulate the internet and end Western Civilization.
www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...
www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...
DRL NOFO Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe - United States Department of State
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in EuropeBureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, Department of StateOpportunity number: ...
www.state.gov
July 15, 2026 at 5:36 PM
The State Department has just put out a tender, offering funding of up to $3 million to European organizations who want to fight against "Supra-national institutions" - presumably the EU - and governments who seek to regulate the internet and end Western Civilization.
www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...
www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
🇬🇧 for those complacent enough to think that Thiel & Palantir are US-only problems … or that Reform is a cheap joke …
Thank you @nafeez.bsky.social @peterjukes.bsky.social
@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social … for shining your light.
bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/p...
Thank you @nafeez.bsky.social @peterjukes.bsky.social
@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social … for shining your light.
bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/p...
Palantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK's Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project Revealed
The world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation by Byline Times raising serious concerns about the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at...
bylinetimes.com
July 9, 2026 at 2:43 PM
🇬🇧 for those complacent enough to think that Thiel & Palantir are US-only problems … or that Reform is a cheap joke …
Thank you @nafeez.bsky.social @peterjukes.bsky.social
@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social … for shining your light.
bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/p...
Thank you @nafeez.bsky.social @peterjukes.bsky.social
@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social … for shining your light.
bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/p...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
Cambridge University has consistently ignored confidential queries about the concerns raised by James Orr’s activities. Instead, its press office has passed them on directly to Orr’s lawyers. The University has offered no explanation of, or comment on, the extensive findings of this investigation
Palantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK's Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project Revealed
The world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation by Byline Times raising serious concerns about the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at...
bylinetimes.com
July 9, 2026 at 6:15 AM
Cambridge University has consistently ignored confidential queries about the concerns raised by James Orr’s activities. Instead, its press office has passed them on directly to Orr’s lawyers. The University has offered no explanation of, or comment on, the extensive findings of this investigation
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
A) This a properly brilliant piece of investigative journalism by BBC & @hopenot.bsky.social Huge kudos to all involved for doing the job the UK police & CPS failed to do: naming the alleged spymaster & clearly showing Kremlin’s role.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Russia was behind arson attacks targeting PM, BBC reveals
Evidence shows Russians directing the plot and stoking tensions with fake far-right and Muslim groups.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM
A) This a properly brilliant piece of investigative journalism by BBC & @hopenot.bsky.social Huge kudos to all involved for doing the job the UK police & CPS failed to do: naming the alleged spymaster & clearly showing Kremlin’s role.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@theguardian.com
I guess this is a known issue, but pages fail to render on your app when they load.
This article for instance
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
Only when you scroll down do you see the content, but scrolling up hides the content again.
I'm on a modern Android device.
I guess this is a known issue, but pages fail to render on your app when they load.
This article for instance
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
Only when you scroll down do you see the content, but scrolling up hides the content again.
I'm on a modern Android device.
May 17, 2026 at 9:58 AM
@theguardian.com
I guess this is a known issue, but pages fail to render on your app when they load.
This article for instance
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
Only when you scroll down do you see the content, but scrolling up hides the content again.
I'm on a modern Android device.
I guess this is a known issue, but pages fail to render on your app when they load.
This article for instance
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
Only when you scroll down do you see the content, but scrolling up hides the content again.
I'm on a modern Android device.
Far too little attention is being paid to Russia's war against sanctions, with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan playing a major part.
See also the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is delivering essential components to Russia from China, India, and the EU.
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
See also the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is delivering essential components to Russia from China, India, and the EU.
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
The Central Asian Corridor Powering Russia’s Wartime Trade | OilPrice.com
A new watchdog report alleges that Central Asian states and Caucasus transit routes remain central to Russia’s efforts to evade Western sanctions and procure dual-use goods for its war machine.
oilprice.com
May 9, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Far too little attention is being paid to Russia's war against sanctions, with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan playing a major part.
See also the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is delivering essential components to Russia from China, India, and the EU.
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
See also the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is delivering essential components to Russia from China, India, and the EU.
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
I'm certain the scale of the systemic damage being done by the Trump administration is not being fully appreciated, and may not be for some time.
The 24 sacked board members of The National Science Board were tasked with advocating for education and research.
www.science.org/content/arti...
The 24 sacked board members of The National Science Board were tasked with advocating for education and research.
www.science.org/content/arti...
Trump fires NSF's oversight board
Dismissal of the National Science Board is widely seen as latest move to erase NSF’s independence
www.science.org
April 26, 2026 at 8:10 AM
I'm certain the scale of the systemic damage being done by the Trump administration is not being fully appreciated, and may not be for some time.
The 24 sacked board members of The National Science Board were tasked with advocating for education and research.
www.science.org/content/arti...
The 24 sacked board members of The National Science Board were tasked with advocating for education and research.
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
I have three court hearings to attend in three months. Two subjects of our reporting are suing us.
Journalism is threatened by abusive legal threats aimed at silencing reporting. The Government needs to #StopSLAPPs.
Please share and write to your MP.
manchestermill.co.uk/three-courts...
Journalism is threatened by abusive legal threats aimed at silencing reporting. The Government needs to #StopSLAPPs.
Please share and write to your MP.
manchestermill.co.uk/three-courts...
April 15, 2026 at 6:17 AM
I have three court hearings to attend in three months. Two subjects of our reporting are suing us.
Journalism is threatened by abusive legal threats aimed at silencing reporting. The Government needs to #StopSLAPPs.
Please share and write to your MP.
manchestermill.co.uk/three-courts...
Journalism is threatened by abusive legal threats aimed at silencing reporting. The Government needs to #StopSLAPPs.
Please share and write to your MP.
manchestermill.co.uk/three-courts...
Former lawyer, Jenny Cohn consistently produces clear, informative, well sourced, and detailed reporting that reflects her diligence and sharp mind.
The links between Orban's Hungary and prominent MPs, academics, and think tanks is stark, and very much deserves to have more light shone on it.
The links between Orban's Hungary and prominent MPs, academics, and think tanks is stark, and very much deserves to have more light shone on it.
“Public records appear to show the most prominent member of Vance’s closest circle with connections to Orban’s Hungary is Chris Buskirk,” who co-founded the Rockbridge Network with Vance. Rockbridge is “the secretive fundraising group backed by billionaire Peter Thiel…” 4/5/26 … 1/
In Hungarian election, Trump and Putin are backing Viktor Orban
He is trailing in the polls ahead of a national election on April 12.
www.detroitnews.com
April 14, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Former lawyer, Jenny Cohn consistently produces clear, informative, well sourced, and detailed reporting that reflects her diligence and sharp mind.
The links between Orban's Hungary and prominent MPs, academics, and think tanks is stark, and very much deserves to have more light shone on it.
The links between Orban's Hungary and prominent MPs, academics, and think tanks is stark, and very much deserves to have more light shone on it.
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
Earthset from Artemis II. I am overcome.
April 7, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Earthset from Artemis II. I am overcome.
An excellent explainer by Dr Aaron Thierry that covers the non-linear growth of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere.
I have no idea how people can in good conscience invest in the fossil fuel industry.
I have no idea how people can in good conscience invest in the fossil fuel industry.
1/ Why is atmospheric CO₂ accelerating faster than fossil fuel emissions are growing?
The answer is buried in the data, and it's more worrying than most people realise.
A thread. 🧵👇
The answer is buried in the data, and it's more worrying than most people realise.
A thread. 🧵👇
April 3, 2026 at 8:11 AM
An excellent explainer by Dr Aaron Thierry that covers the non-linear growth of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere.
I have no idea how people can in good conscience invest in the fossil fuel industry.
I have no idea how people can in good conscience invest in the fossil fuel industry.
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
Discussion of why we built the Cambridge Disinformation Summit.
“Why do people listen to blatant liars who have a track record of bullshitting people? Why do people pay attention to, believe and defend what they say despite all the counter-evidence?"
ccodactivity.substack.com/p/discussing...
“Why do people listen to blatant liars who have a track record of bullshitting people? Why do people pay attention to, believe and defend what they say despite all the counter-evidence?"
ccodactivity.substack.com/p/discussing...
Discussing Disinformation #3 Professor Alan Jagolinzer
Earlier this year, the CCOD sat down with Alan Jagozlinzer – Professor of Financial Accounting at the University of Cambridge and organiser of the Cambridge Disinformation Summit.
ccodactivity.substack.com
March 17, 2026 at 4:56 AM
Discussion of why we built the Cambridge Disinformation Summit.
“Why do people listen to blatant liars who have a track record of bullshitting people? Why do people pay attention to, believe and defend what they say despite all the counter-evidence?"
ccodactivity.substack.com/p/discussing...
“Why do people listen to blatant liars who have a track record of bullshitting people? Why do people pay attention to, believe and defend what they say despite all the counter-evidence?"
ccodactivity.substack.com/p/discussing...
Reposted by Brendan Thomas
ABC, Meta, X, and Paramount promised as much as $63 million in donations to Trump's future Presidential Library.
But now the Library Fund is dissolved, leaving the American people in the dark on the fate of millions of dollars.
Where did that money go? I’m pushing for answers.
But now the Library Fund is dissolved, leaving the American people in the dark on the fate of millions of dollars.
Where did that money go? I’m pushing for answers.
March 16, 2026 at 8:34 PM
ABC, Meta, X, and Paramount promised as much as $63 million in donations to Trump's future Presidential Library.
But now the Library Fund is dissolved, leaving the American people in the dark on the fate of millions of dollars.
Where did that money go? I’m pushing for answers.
But now the Library Fund is dissolved, leaving the American people in the dark on the fate of millions of dollars.
Where did that money go? I’m pushing for answers.
In 2018, Boris Johnson amongst others warned Trump against his decision to abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement.
Advice given to Trump at the time was pertinent, but has somehow been forgotten.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018...
Advice given to Trump at the time was pertinent, but has somehow been forgotten.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018...
Iran Nuclear Deal - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Iran Nuclear Deal' on Wednesday 9 May 2018.
hansard.parliament.uk
March 16, 2026 at 4:42 PM
In 2018, Boris Johnson amongst others warned Trump against his decision to abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement.
Advice given to Trump at the time was pertinent, but has somehow been forgotten.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018...
Advice given to Trump at the time was pertinent, but has somehow been forgotten.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018...
On Farage becoming incensed during an interview this week, I recall seeing the administration of councils as a test Reform would likely fail. Rhetoric only takes you so far.
I hope Farage, his followers, and his well resourced benefactors face increasing scrutiny.
I hope Farage, his followers, and his well resourced benefactors face increasing scrutiny.
March 11, 2026 at 8:21 AM
On Farage becoming incensed during an interview this week, I recall seeing the administration of councils as a test Reform would likely fail. Rhetoric only takes you so far.
I hope Farage, his followers, and his well resourced benefactors face increasing scrutiny.
I hope Farage, his followers, and his well resourced benefactors face increasing scrutiny.
A concise, compelling, and well written summary of the US war in Iran and of other foreign policy decisions in today's Times newspaper.
I have not always agreed with William Hague, but I cannot fault this piece.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
I have not always agreed with William Hague, but I cannot fault this piece.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Prepare for chaos unleashed by Ayatollah Khamenei’s fall
Death of the Iranian dictator is undeniably positive but Trump’s great gamble pushes the world into an uncertain future
www.thetimes.com
March 3, 2026 at 1:39 PM
A concise, compelling, and well written summary of the US war in Iran and of other foreign policy decisions in today's Times newspaper.
I have not always agreed with William Hague, but I cannot fault this piece.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
I have not always agreed with William Hague, but I cannot fault this piece.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
@tbenner.bsky.social
Thanks for this excellent open article in IP Quarterly outlining the changing inport and export markets, the traps being put in place by China, the likely outcomes if little is done, and the opportunities that the EU has in trading with allies.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
Thanks for this excellent open article in IP Quarterly outlining the changing inport and export markets, the traps being put in place by China, the likely outcomes if little is done, and the opportunities that the EU has in trading with allies.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
Germany’s China Shock
For a long time, Germany’s political and business elites have chosen to ignore the economic threat emanating from Xi Jinping’s China. It’s now time to confront it.
ip-quarterly.com
February 23, 2026 at 9:05 PM
@tbenner.bsky.social
Thanks for this excellent open article in IP Quarterly outlining the changing inport and export markets, the traps being put in place by China, the likely outcomes if little is done, and the opportunities that the EU has in trading with allies.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
Thanks for this excellent open article in IP Quarterly outlining the changing inport and export markets, the traps being put in place by China, the likely outcomes if little is done, and the opportunities that the EU has in trading with allies.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
@dangoyal.bsky.social
I saw you share this fascinating open access Nature article on X.
Thank you.
Research by Germain Gauthier, Roland Hodler, Philine Widmer, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, at the Department of Economics, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
I saw you share this fascinating open access Nature article on X.
Thank you.
Research by Germain Gauthier, Roland Hodler, Philine Widmer, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, at the Department of Economics, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The political effects of X’s feed algorithm - Nature
Among users initially on a chronological feed, 7 weeks of exposure to X’s algorithmic feed in 2023 shifted political attitudes and account-following behaviour in a more conservative direction compared...
www.nature.com
February 23, 2026 at 8:48 PM
@dangoyal.bsky.social
I saw you share this fascinating open access Nature article on X.
Thank you.
Research by Germain Gauthier, Roland Hodler, Philine Widmer, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, at the Department of Economics, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
I saw you share this fascinating open access Nature article on X.
Thank you.
Research by Germain Gauthier, Roland Hodler, Philine Widmer, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, at the Department of Economics, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
This is such a pressing issue.
It could be argued that the likes of Bamford, Ashcroft, Lebedev, and Hintze, who have all been given peerages, bough enormous power and impacted the decision to hold an EU referendum, its terms, and its outcome. This should also be a national security issue.
It could be argued that the likes of Bamford, Ashcroft, Lebedev, and Hintze, who have all been given peerages, bough enormous power and impacted the decision to hold an EU referendum, its terms, and its outcome. This should also be a national security issue.
The Representation of the People Bill doesn't cap political donations.
Super-rich can buy/bribe political parties to protect their interests.
The poor can't.
The bottom 50% of the population owns less than 5% of wealth and the bottom 20% has only 0.5%.
24m live below minimum living standards.
Super-rich can buy/bribe political parties to protect their interests.
The poor can't.
The bottom 50% of the population owns less than 5% of wealth and the bottom 20% has only 0.5%.
24m live below minimum living standards.
We need to get serious about tackling corruption through political donations
The government's reforms are welcome but they won't end political corruption
leftfootforward.org
February 21, 2026 at 8:07 AM
This is such a pressing issue.
It could be argued that the likes of Bamford, Ashcroft, Lebedev, and Hintze, who have all been given peerages, bough enormous power and impacted the decision to hold an EU referendum, its terms, and its outcome. This should also be a national security issue.
It could be argued that the likes of Bamford, Ashcroft, Lebedev, and Hintze, who have all been given peerages, bough enormous power and impacted the decision to hold an EU referendum, its terms, and its outcome. This should also be a national security issue.
@preetbharara.bsky.social
- Some interesting talking points here from the brilliant Jenny Cohn. Could you share an opinion?
In these dynamic times, there is a strong interest in election integrity and the possible federalisation of elections in the US.
- Some interesting talking points here from the brilliant Jenny Cohn. Could you share an opinion?
In these dynamic times, there is a strong interest in election integrity and the possible federalisation of elections in the US.
February 15, 2026 at 7:08 AM
@preetbharara.bsky.social
- Some interesting talking points here from the brilliant Jenny Cohn. Could you share an opinion?
In these dynamic times, there is a strong interest in election integrity and the possible federalisation of elections in the US.
- Some interesting talking points here from the brilliant Jenny Cohn. Could you share an opinion?
In these dynamic times, there is a strong interest in election integrity and the possible federalisation of elections in the US.