While so much news coverage of Israel and Palestine just bobs along with the prevailing current we still have a few seasoned journalists who are worth reading. Not many though. open.substack.com/pub/markurba...

Your Party. No! MY party (Sultana). No! MY party (Corbyn). What party? (everyone else).

Far as I can tell, Robert Redford was: * successful at everything he tried * genuinely intelligent & insightful * desired by women * envied by men * an absolute mensch to everyone he dealt with * a tireless, lifelong philanthropist ... and he died peacefully in his sleep. 10/10 life. No notes.

If you’re interested in what’s going on in Parliament, my newsletter explains the bills MPs are voting on each week. Get it free here: clearthelobby.co.uk

If I’m being honest, I’m feeling pretty crap about my small business. It’s so bloody difficult at the moment with rising costs, US tariffs, Brexit nonsense and the threat of AI. Please have a look at what I do and repost to spread the word gailmyerscough.co.uk

Bennett says government full of ‘stupid ministers,’ plans to form united centrist party https://www.timesofisrael.com/bennett-says-government-full-of-stupid-ministers-plans-to-form-united-centrist-party/

A rare and helpful glimpse inside Iran. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/06/w...

A thoughtful, useful and frankly urgent discussion in which @arusbridger.bsky.social and @aloner.bsky.social get answers from @daverich1.bsky.social and Jo Glanville www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/religi...

For Melvyn Bragg fans you need this Explore the In Our Time archive | Braggoscope share.google/JE8LsIw2CmXF... (thank you @billt.bsky.social )

Terrific analysis from @peterkellner.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...

Andrew Scott is a contemporary artist renowned for his bold "frame-breaking" creations, where characters in his paintings seem to penetrate through glass. Through this unique creative approach, Scott explores themes of freedom, solitude, and resilience. Artist: @andrewscott_art #art #visualart

Unintended consequences. The Epping judgment could be relied upon to prevent the use of hotels/B&Bs for anyone who is homeless, not just asylum seekers, including families escaping domestic violence. Legitimate concerns indeed.

@jamesrussell2790.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/markurba...

Another treasure the BBC should have hung onto. open.substack.com/pub/urbankao...

Excellent analysis. I wish you were still giving it to us on the BBC, Mark.

The world’s hardest makeover: Hamas www.economist.com/middle-east-... From The Economist

The BBC live coverage of the VJ memorial ceremony has been incredibly moving. And Paddy O'Connell has truly taken his place as the voice of the nation.

"I never have been in despair about the world. Enraged. I've been enraged by the world, but never despair. I cannot afford despair. You can't tell the children that there is no hope." ~James Baldwin

One reason why the government should have moved off X is that X shapes commissioning choices at our most important broadcaster, the BBC, because producers spend time there. You see this with the Online Safety Act, which whatever one thinks of its effectiveness is a popular measure.

I think, like Enoch Powell in the 1970s, GBNEWS has mistaken its own anti-immigrant sentiment - its own institutional racism, we could say - for majority opinion. Its presenters - some of whom have links with the far right - are working hard to make the two align, under the nose of Ofcom.

The headline here should say: "Number of private schools increases by 35 - showing fears of an exodus to be unfounded". (The increase is mentioned way down the article.) www.thetimes.com/article/19ef...

Excellent.

📌 We are looking for a new Director of Journalist Programmes The successful candidate will lead on the delivery, strategic development, and long-term financial sustainability of all Journalist Programmes at the Institute. Apply by Mon 1 Sept, noon (UK time) More info: buff.ly/FTCNDd1

Despite the popularity of The Rest Is Politics I learn a hell of a lot more from this one.

A reminder that a senior Tory MP, and former colleague of Jenkyns, described her to me as "the stupidest person he'd ever met".

"Ultimately it’s these attempts by government to control so much that undermine understanding of what the forces or intelligence agencies do, and therefore public support. That’s important at a time when we’re committed to spending a lot more on defence." open.substack.com/pub/markurba...

So depressing www.thetimes.com/article/c614...

Thank you to all the #Arsenal supporters who have given this important petition such a boost since yesterday. Keep it up. As a lifelong #LFC supporter respect to you! And whichever team you support, you're invited.

Kudos to @arsenalfc.bsky.social for its brilliant walking football programme for people with Parkinson's. If you're an #Arsenal fan (and even if you're not) please sign this petition petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...

Broadcasting legend John Stapleton who’s living with #parkinsons has signed the #parkypetition100K and wants you to join him petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71... What do you mean, you haven't signed the Parky Charter petition calling for better Parkinson's care?? We Parkies have an excuse - one of the symptoms of PD is apathy. But as for the rest of you, jump to it! (pretty please..)

You know all those petitions that feel a bit pointless? This isn't one of them. Please sign. And share. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...

You know all those petitions that feel a bit pointless? This isn't one of them. Please sign. And share. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...

Please sign this. Just do it. Thank you. Increase funding for people with Parkinson’s and implement the "Parky Charter" - Petitions share.google/kg43omN9oitf...

Just published. With a scene-setting chapter from @municipaldreams.bsky.social amzn.eu/d/1W5BLEw

Top quality analysis this morning of what to expect this week in the Gaza ceasefire talks from @markurban.bsky.social. All the right questions from @hugorifkind.bsky.social; all the answers succinct and knowledgable in return. @listentotimesradio.bsky.social

Genuinely good news - a first step towards repairing some of the damage of the last 15 years. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

It is so weirdly satisfying when people double down on the cliché. "Some Reform councillors don't actually want to administrate!"; "some Tories just interested in enriching themselves!"; "some on the hard left would rather plot and out-procedure each other than.. oh well than anything really!"

Award-worthy old school journalism

Couple of con artists observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

Latest thorough analysis from @markurban.bsky.social www.thetimes.com/article/6f04...

Hours after Putin spoke to Trump And a few days after the US announced it would cut supplies of Ukrainian air defense

This.

As I keep saying, this is top quality. No waffle, expert, timely, essential listening. Latest episode of The Crisis Room. Iran-Israel war: has Trump sho… - The Crisis Room - Apple Podcasts share.google/aDo201oN5xf9...

If you're heading to Cornwall this summer..... open.substack.com/pub/municipa...