Brett Callacher
@bcbluesy.bsky.social
Bluesman, gourmand, cook, sausage obsessive, problem solver, IT developer. English/European
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Just comparing last week's pensions discourse with this week's £100k childcare discourse. In both instances, you have groups who are generally deemed "wealthy". For one, it's unthinkable to contemplate taking their state benefits away. For the other, there is outrage if you try to give it to them
October 6, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Just comparing last week's pensions discourse with this week's £100k childcare discourse. In both instances, you have groups who are generally deemed "wealthy". For one, it's unthinkable to contemplate taking their state benefits away. For the other, there is outrage if you try to give it to them
Reposted by Brett Callacher
The creators of any AI, however autonomous they claim it is, should be legally responsible for any damage or law breaking it carries out. Simple.
October 5, 2026 at 4:51 PM
The creators of any AI, however autonomous they claim it is, should be legally responsible for any damage or law breaking it carries out. Simple.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Just as a counterpoint to some of the obituaries this morning, here's the start of the Archer chapter in my history of political lying, The Lies of the Land:
October 6, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Just as a counterpoint to some of the obituaries this morning, here's the start of the Archer chapter in my history of political lying, The Lies of the Land:
Reposted by Brett Callacher
The UK does need to rethink its air defences, but given the likely direction of any missiles, an integrated effort with other European countries would make more sense
Welcome to the serious fiscal responsibility party, where we believe that what the United Kingdom needs is its own version of the Iron Dome.
October 6, 2026 at 8:54 AM
The UK does need to rethink its air defences, but given the likely direction of any missiles, an integrated effort with other European countries would make more sense
Reposted by Brett Callacher
If The Times’ political editor didn’t challenge Kemi Badenoch on her banning of @bylinetimes.bsky.social can the newspaper of record just make this simple correction?
October 6, 2026 at 9:26 AM
If The Times’ political editor didn’t challenge Kemi Badenoch on her banning of @bylinetimes.bsky.social can the newspaper of record just make this simple correction?
Reposted by Brett Callacher
"By using AI, tasks like essays that used to take hours can be completed in minutes!"
Sure, like how if I arrive at the gym and immediately go for a shower, my workout is done in record time. And if I throw my sandwiches straight in the bin, I can finish my lunch in under 10 seconds.
Sure, like how if I arrive at the gym and immediately go for a shower, my workout is done in record time. And if I throw my sandwiches straight in the bin, I can finish my lunch in under 10 seconds.
October 6, 2026 at 7:36 AM
"By using AI, tasks like essays that used to take hours can be completed in minutes!"
Sure, like how if I arrive at the gym and immediately go for a shower, my workout is done in record time. And if I throw my sandwiches straight in the bin, I can finish my lunch in under 10 seconds.
Sure, like how if I arrive at the gym and immediately go for a shower, my workout is done in record time. And if I throw my sandwiches straight in the bin, I can finish my lunch in under 10 seconds.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Useful things are happening recently on the right, with prominent figures drawing a line under the racism: Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nadhim Zahawi, now James Cleverly. Tentative sense of a social and moral norm being re-established.
James Cleverly hits out at Suella Braverman's 'English' comments
James Cleverly hits out at Suella Braverman's 'English' comments
It comes after Braverman, who is now part of Reform UK, drew controversy by saying she is British but not English as she is of "Asian origin".
news.sky.com
October 5, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Useful things are happening recently on the right, with prominent figures drawing a line under the racism: Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nadhim Zahawi, now James Cleverly. Tentative sense of a social and moral norm being re-established.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
I don't normally post political things but this is awful. Young children forced to make a decision on something they don't understand, and without legal representation.
"Among the first to appear before the judge was Angel, a 13-year-old. He had no attorney. “Would you like to request voluntary departure, or should I issue a removal order?” the judge asked “I don’t know,” Angel said, bursting into tears: “I have no one. I have nothing.”
www.cnn.com/2026/09/28/p...
www.cnn.com/2026/09/28/p...
Inside the Texas courtroom where toddlers face immigration judges | CNN Politics
Migrant children as young as 2 are showing up at immigration courts nationwide, many without attorneys, to try make their case to stay in the US and avoid deportation.
www.cnn.com
October 5, 2026 at 1:48 AM
I don't normally post political things but this is awful. Young children forced to make a decision on something they don't understand, and without legal representation.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Sends a real message to the terrorists! That message being: make enough threats and you'll get your way.
Am sure that will have no unintended consequences whatsoever.
Am sure that will have no unintended consequences whatsoever.
The U.S. removed all its B-1 bombers from the U.K.’s RAF Fairford air base, a decision stemming from security concerns over suspected terror plots against the facility, American officials said.
All B-1 Bombers Returning to U.S. From U.K. Base
The withdrawal came amid security concerns around the base where several suspects were arrested last week in connection to a suspected plot.
on.wsj.com
October 4, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Sends a real message to the terrorists! That message being: make enough threats and you'll get your way.
Am sure that will have no unintended consequences whatsoever.
Am sure that will have no unintended consequences whatsoever.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
We need to rephrase the whole discussion in terms of hazardous products, instead of "minds". And then we need to make sure that there's liability. A model hacks someone? Put a C-suite guy in jail. A model produces sexual harassment material? Put a C-suite guy in jail.
Watch how fast things get safe
Watch how fast things get safe
New just now in The Atlantic:
David Robinson resigned this week. He was among the longest-tenured employees at OpenAI—and oversaw safety reports on 12 frontier launches.
He is very worried: “The time for trial and error is over.”
You can read his essay here:
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
David Robinson resigned this week. He was among the longest-tenured employees at OpenAI—and oversaw safety reports on 12 frontier launches.
He is very worried: “The time for trial and error is over.”
You can read his essay here:
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
I Quit OpenAI Because Its Culture Is Broken
The industry’s approach to safety guarantees more failures.
www.theatlantic.com
October 3, 2026 at 12:48 PM
We need to rephrase the whole discussion in terms of hazardous products, instead of "minds". And then we need to make sure that there's liability. A model hacks someone? Put a C-suite guy in jail. A model produces sexual harassment material? Put a C-suite guy in jail.
Watch how fast things get safe
Watch how fast things get safe
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Green Party conference just voted in favour of this motion, and this time, in the hall itself, specifically voted against an amendment which would have removed the element about “Zionist Synagogues”.
As a result, for most Jews the Green Party will now be considered to have a policy of antisemitism.
As a result, for most Jews the Green Party will now be considered to have a policy of antisemitism.
Although it feels like I am shouting into the void about this sometimes, I want to share some further thoughts on the “Zionism is Racism” motion which the Green Party is due to debate in the next 16 hours.
Just to address various points which I think people in general should know.
A thread:
Just to address various points which I think people in general should know.
A thread:
October 4, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Green Party conference just voted in favour of this motion, and this time, in the hall itself, specifically voted against an amendment which would have removed the element about “Zionist Synagogues”.
As a result, for most Jews the Green Party will now be considered to have a policy of antisemitism.
As a result, for most Jews the Green Party will now be considered to have a policy of antisemitism.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
A Conservative leader who passes up an opportunity to free themselves of the triple lock is not “doing well”, sorry. The point isn’t just to make the map blue!
October 4, 2026 at 12:09 PM
A Conservative leader who passes up an opportunity to free themselves of the triple lock is not “doing well”, sorry. The point isn’t just to make the map blue!
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Be under no illusion: this is a significant victory for everyone who stuck their neck out and defended jury trials, day after day, clause by clause.
But it is not a comprehensive victory.
Magistrates should not be allowed to send people to prison for two years.
But it is not a comprehensive victory.
Magistrates should not be allowed to send people to prison for two years.
October 4, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Be under no illusion: this is a significant victory for everyone who stuck their neck out and defended jury trials, day after day, clause by clause.
But it is not a comprehensive victory.
Magistrates should not be allowed to send people to prison for two years.
But it is not a comprehensive victory.
Magistrates should not be allowed to send people to prison for two years.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
The Conservative Party is “authoritarian” and attacking the “free press” by banning journalists from its conference when Kemi Badenoch called Reform precisely that for doing the same.
bylinetimes.com/2026/09/30/k...
bylinetimes.com/2026/09/30/k...
Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives Block Byline Times From Conference After Condemning Reform for Journalist Ban
The ban comes just weeks after the Conservative leader called Reform's barring of critical journalists from their conference an "authoritarian" attack on the free press
bylinetimes.com
October 4, 2026 at 7:22 AM
The Conservative Party is “authoritarian” and attacking the “free press” by banning journalists from its conference when Kemi Badenoch called Reform precisely that for doing the same.
bylinetimes.com/2026/09/30/k...
bylinetimes.com/2026/09/30/k...
Reposted by Brett Callacher
"I don't think you have to be white to be English - if you are born and bred in England, and you feel English, you have every right to be English".
Nadhim Zahawi, came as an 11 year old, identifies primarily as British. He doesn't see English as closed to Marcus Rashford or Rishi Sunak
Nadhim Zahawi, came as an 11 year old, identifies primarily as British. He doesn't see English as closed to Marcus Rashford or Rishi Sunak
October 4, 2026 at 9:45 AM
"I don't think you have to be white to be English - if you are born and bred in England, and you feel English, you have every right to be English".
Nadhim Zahawi, came as an 11 year old, identifies primarily as British. He doesn't see English as closed to Marcus Rashford or Rishi Sunak
Nadhim Zahawi, came as an 11 year old, identifies primarily as British. He doesn't see English as closed to Marcus Rashford or Rishi Sunak
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Why you can’t trust Grok - or any other LLM which basically tells you what you want to hear and amplifies online echo chambers
October 4, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Why you can’t trust Grok - or any other LLM which basically tells you what you want to hear and amplifies online echo chambers
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Years of extremist media using phrases like 'Sadiq Khan's hated ULEZ cameras' in their headlines surely contributes to people like this becoming radicalised to commit terrorist acts?
October 3, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Years of extremist media using phrases like 'Sadiq Khan's hated ULEZ cameras' in their headlines surely contributes to people like this becoming radicalised to commit terrorist acts?
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Nigel forgetting the riots that happened here in 2024
What did we call them again?
Ah yes. The Farage Riots
What did we call them again?
Ah yes. The Farage Riots
October 3, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Nigel forgetting the riots that happened here in 2024
What did we call them again?
Ah yes. The Farage Riots
What did we call them again?
Ah yes. The Farage Riots
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Great way to demonstrate the club isn't state owned and is a totally independent business, honest.
UAE warns Andy Burnham it may pull billions in investment for the UK's proposed Oxford-Cambridge tech hub—dubbed the UK's Silicon Valley—in retaliation over Manchester City's guilty verdict, per The Telegraph.
October 2, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Great way to demonstrate the club isn't state owned and is a totally independent business, honest.
Reposted by Brett Callacher
Sidcup man gets 15 years for home-made bomb blowing up Ulez camera - luckily failimg to injure or kill anybody with damage in a 100 yard radius
news.met.police.uk/news/man-jai...
news.met.police.uk/news/man-jai...
Man jailed for 15 years over ULEZ camera explosion
Kevin Rees, aged 63, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 October.
news.met.police.uk
October 2, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Sidcup man gets 15 years for home-made bomb blowing up Ulez camera - luckily failimg to injure or kill anybody with damage in a 100 yard radius
news.met.police.uk/news/man-jai...
news.met.police.uk/news/man-jai...
Reposted by Brett Callacher
For a long time I've wanted a sense of how trump has or hasn't interacted with chatbots (we know he posts a lot of slop sure). And this TIME anecdote about Grok arguably leading Trump into war is just extremely bracing
October 1, 2026 at 5:23 PM
For a long time I've wanted a sense of how trump has or hasn't interacted with chatbots (we know he posts a lot of slop sure). And this TIME anecdote about Grok arguably leading Trump into war is just extremely bracing
Reposted by Brett Callacher
We don't actually need carve outs for either. Schengen is not required for EU membership (Ireland being the most notable non member) and while theoretically every EU country is supposed to join the Euro in reality there's no mechanism to actually force you. Sweden has simply not joined and won't EG
October 1, 2026 at 7:48 AM
We don't actually need carve outs for either. Schengen is not required for EU membership (Ireland being the most notable non member) and while theoretically every EU country is supposed to join the Euro in reality there's no mechanism to actually force you. Sweden has simply not joined and won't EG
Reposted by Brett Callacher
The triple lock on the State Pension is a terribly designed policy that manages to both under-deliver and over-cost.
The money saved from adjusting it could be far better spent elsewhere ⤵️ buff.ly/dviy5zU
The money saved from adjusting it could be far better spent elsewhere ⤵️ buff.ly/dviy5zU
October 1, 2026 at 8:30 AM
The triple lock on the State Pension is a terribly designed policy that manages to both under-deliver and over-cost.
The money saved from adjusting it could be far better spent elsewhere ⤵️ buff.ly/dviy5zU
The money saved from adjusting it could be far better spent elsewhere ⤵️ buff.ly/dviy5zU
Reposted by Brett Callacher
New Mystic Meg prediction by Daniel Hannan who famously predicted the ‘blue eyed Sheikhs’ of Iceland Banking would would save us in 2004, Brexit Britain would be booming in 2026, and that Covid wouldn’t kill anyone in 2020
In other words, we will be rejoining the EU
In other words, we will be rejoining the EU
September 30, 2026 at 8:05 PM
New Mystic Meg prediction by Daniel Hannan who famously predicted the ‘blue eyed Sheikhs’ of Iceland Banking would would save us in 2004, Brexit Britain would be booming in 2026, and that Covid wouldn’t kill anyone in 2020
In other words, we will be rejoining the EU
In other words, we will be rejoining the EU