"The willingness to travel long distances by train has increased dramatically...The Berlin-Paris ICE is a great success, 80%+ occupancy. We thought 50% of passengers would travel the full 8h, but 75% do. Talking to SNCF about a 2nd Berlin-Paris train in 2028." www.berliner-zeitung.de/article/chef...

People in their 20s should not be singing My Way at Karaoke.

London is proving that sustained action on road safety delivers real change. By investing in better junctions, safer speeds and HGV safety standards, we’re building a city you can move around with confidence. Low rates are a start, but our goal is zero. Because every journey should end safely.

Delighted to announce that following the consultation, I'm giving the green light to make Oxford Street traffic-free.

This is a blunt falsehood from Farage. 3.5m Epstein files were released on 30 Jan and on Jan 31, the FT carried a front-page story on Mandelson (see image). People like Farage seem to dislike reporters aslking questions. If you do like reporters asking questions, pay for some (any!) journalism.

The bristling wit and melancholy of Cees Nooteboom came to me when I needed it most | Madeleine Thien

Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again. #Pinks #ProudBlue

The Sánchez 🇪🇸 government has - built Europe's boom economy - hiked minimum wage from €736 to €1221 - cut insecure work from c.30% to c.13% - regularised, not demonised, migrants - stood up for human rights - refused to humiliate itself before Trump No wonder Musk hates it.

Making it make sense: Epstein wasn't a global mastermind. He did not orchestrate a vast conspiracy that led us to today. He was a very rich man with connections to other very rich men. The shared culture of these men is that they have a right to dominate and abuse others without consequence.

youtube.com/watch?v=3Xz1... Groundhog Day.

Ossoff: "This is a seismic event. This should have people across the country absolutely shook. This is a huge deal. This is an FBI raid on the Fulton County Elections office ... This is a shot across the bow at the midterm elections. He tried to steal power when he lost it in 2020."

For the first time in many years, Londoners and visitors can now walk along the north bank of the Thames from Westminster to the Tower of London within metres of the river. See more: londonist.com/london/great...

I am leaving X. The app is capable of creating pornographic images of children, there is absolutely no question: I cannot, in good conscience, remain on the platform. Follow me on Instagram: @ tonyvaughanmp Follow me on Bluesky: @ tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social Follow me on Facbook: Tonyvaughanlabour

www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/op-ed-synony... @lydiahislop.bsky.social is not pulling her punches here.

One of my all-time favourite films. A neglected masterpiece. Well worth seeking out.

Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design. news.sky.com/story/the-x-...

youtube.com/watch?v=E-nG... One of the greatest of 11 o'clock numbers. From Ballroom by Billy Goldenberg, Marilyn Bergman and Alan Bergman, who has died at 99.

Nigel Farage looks uncomfortable as Jamie Raskin uses his opening statement to absolutely demolish him

Cleo Laine, Britain's most successful jazz singer, dies aged 97

youtube.com/watch?v=atKo... Song of the day. 39 years and counting.

A 40 year plus 2 weeks anniversary. Is that a thing? I Don't Care. How appropriate.

Absolutely incredible turnout for Budapest Pride! So proud of all the organizers, including some old friends, who estimate hundreds of thousands— major embarrassment to Orban

So glad Uncle Joe took Mel Brooks to see Ethel Merman in ‘Anything Goes’ 90 years ago. From his delicious ‘All About Me!’

London has been ranked the world’s #1 city for 2025—for the 10th year in a row. This recognition speaks to the strength and vibrancy of our capital. From our cultural institutions to our nightlife, London remains a place for everyone.

Mamdani ending his victory speech with this quote from FDR. This is potentially a consequential moment for US politics.

(1/2) With a heavy heart, I have written to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as a whip. Whilst I will continue to support the government in delivering the change the country so desperately needs, I cannot vote in favour of the proposed reforms to disability benefits.

I Can Lose My Heart Tonight. Goodness knows when I last heard that. Very much here for records from my extreme youth.

Announcement (after train has been standing 5 minutes): apologies. There is a swan on the line. As it is a protected species, I have been instructed not to move until it has been moved. 🙄😯

The Postman Always Rings Four Times.

Today marks 26 years since the Admiral Duncan Nail Bombing. Three people died and 79 were injured. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people are increasing dramatically. We stand in solidarity and remembrance, for those lost on that day and in similar attacks globally. #AdmiralDuncan

Should have been the jolly.

Average vote share from YouGov's metro mayor polling: - 2024 Conservatives 67% Con 23% Reform 5% Lib Dem 3% Green 1% Lab - 2024 Labour 57% Lab 13% Lib Dem 11% Green 8% Reform 6% Con - 2024 Reform 88% Reform 6% Con 3% Lib Dem 2% Lab 1% Green

The St. Paul Saints minor league baseball team have a new menu item this season. It's a giant beef hot dog topped with smoked pulled pork, cheddar macaroni & cheese, jalapeños, & fried onion topping. $130, feeds 10-12, or one Homer Simpson. www.reddit.com/r/baseball/c...

Looking ahead to the disability benefits green paper, this essay for @citizensadvice.bsky.social makes the case for a system focused on improving health outcomes. Co-authors @maddyirose.bsky.social, @victoria-anns.bsky.social & Simon Collerton We challenge the 5 big falsehoods underpinning cuts…🧵

Shattered glass

There has been a lot of chatter today about Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, some regarding this moment when White House correspondent Brian Glenn asked if the Ukrainian president plans to wear a suit. I want to address idea in this thread. 🧵

Word of the day is ‘huff-snuff’ (16th century): a hectoring bully or braggart.

a regular bugbear of mine - when something goes over budget on costs by 50% it's the end of the world, but you can underestimate the benefits massively and people treat it like a success story. Crossrail was arguably built 20 years too late because of these errors

youtube.com/watch?v=Z_v0... Well worth 9 minutes of your time.

I know we all love a dose of hopium, especially now. But the take, which I see all across here, that the far right was defeated in Germany tonight because 80% of Germans voted for other parties is very misleading and unhelpful. Understanding this really matters. 🧵

Tango Führer announced on Truth Social that he's "decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!"

Groundhog day. Elaine's centenary. I'll drink to that. youtube.com/watch?v=virv...

Fancy.