History will show Keir Starmer’s approach to Trump was one of his worst mistakes, making Britain poorer and less secure. We need more than vague promises. We need real action, starting with a new customs union with Europe.

And people aren't yet commenting to say what a brilliant idea this is. 😁

Here's my reaction to last week's election results from a LibDem point of view. "The most unfortunate result possible." www.libdemvoice.org/the-most-unf...

This is the scale of factory farming the shooting industry doesn't want us to think about. endbirdshooting.substack.com/p/endless-ro...

So, how do we get the attention of voters? @robparsons.bsky.social offers three key long-terms goals for us to campaign on… www.libdemvoice.org/the-most-unf...

We all know a closer relationship with Europe would turbocharge our economy. Yet the Prime Minister's 'fresh start' is far too weak and unambitious. It's time for a UK-EU customs union.

EU rules on common chargers apply to laptops from today. It means that all new laptops sold in the European Union must now support USB-C charging

The reach of reading knows no bounds. We have Rebecca Yarros's excellent Fourth Wing in the library - and it's popular; see here: bsky.app/profile/ring... and here it is in the Thai edition in a bookshop in Chiang Mai.

“Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.” Milton

“Under whatever political institutions we live, there is a circle around every individual human being which no government be it that of the one, the few or the many, ought to be permitted to overstep.” John Stuart Mill.

“He asked his mum once if they could have a cat. “One pet animal is enough, dear”, she said, looking at him meaningfully.” Nanotales, 26 short stories by Rob Parsons – that’s me - is on sale at ko-fi.com/s/19f8a3feeb Proceeds to St Peter and St James hospice. “gently humorous style” says a reader.

"Liberalism properly conceived is a repository of political sense and practical problem solving." Adrian Wooldridge

We deserbed that win. I'll get me coat. #COYS

It's today!!! Get your tickets, or just turn up!!! "They say the pen is mightier than the sword And books are bombs in battles of ideas". Tickets still available from Ringmer Village Library or email [email protected]

"I might one day be as friendly and informal as the great Henry Normal,". Tickets still available from Ringmer Village Library or email [email protected]

"The verses sing to the soul as his poetry polishes the prose of the everyday". Tickets still available from Ringmer Village Library or email [email protected]

British democracy is under serious threat from powerful men outside our country who are trying to destroy it – Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin. Elon Musk should not be able to use his money to interfere in British politics through the back door.

"They say the pen is mightier than the sword And books are bombs in battles of ideas". Tickets still available from Ringmer Village Library or email [email protected]

This is the best letter I've read in a paper for a long time. It may be a minor topic in the current maelstrom of global and British politics, but it gets to the heart of its issue. Beautifully constructed, well written, clear, and pointed. www.theguardian.com/education/20... #UKPolitics #schools

Today we moved forward on both: ▪️ Unlocking the €90 billion loan to Ukraine, securing financial and military support for 2026–2027. ▪️ Adopting the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, reducing its ability to wage war. Europe stands firm, united and unwavering in its support to Ukraine.

“I am a Liberal, because Liberalism seems to me to mean faith in the people and confidence that they will manage their own affairs far better than those affairs are likely to be managed for them by others.” Millicent Fawcett

It’s official: the UK is rejoining Erasmus! 👏🇪🇺

an absolute legend

I've just signed "Establish a public inquiry into foreign interference" - Will you support the campaign too? actionstorm.org/petitions/fo... @OpenBritainHQ

I have seen a lot of NIMBY selfishness in my time, but "my convenience matters more than cancer care" is a new low. Quite seriously tempted to email them and tell them as much.

Trump is no friend to the UK — he’s a dangerous, corrupt gangster. The PM must call off the state visit to Washington before it’s too late. @eddavey.libdems.org.uk

this goes hard as fuck

me too.

We must not become less of ourselves in the face of annihilation. We must hold to who we are, hold tight to our joys. i came into this world dead, grey and silent. I shall go out of strange, full of love and wondrous curiosity. I shall go a fully-grown changeling with a kiss of intent on my lips.

UK signals it will not let US use British bases to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure - www.ft.com/content/e7b1... via @FT One would hope!

I have written to the Prime Minister with Liberal Democrat colleagues to urge him to withdraw or severely limit US access to UK air bases. If Trump is threatening attacks on civilian targets in Iran, Britain cannot allow our bases to be used to commit war crimes.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, I've only just learned that Eartha Kitt played Catwoman. I should have been paying more attention.

Threatening war crimes and mocking Islam isn't a sign of strength, it's a sign of weakness. The PM should rule out UK forces and airfields being used for any attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure. What more will it take for Starmer to call off the Royal Visit Trump craves?

#NowWeAreReading Lesley Thomson's A Kind Of Vanishing "Eleanor seldom reflected that she invented the most exciting bits of her life. The whimsical world in her head was real, the life she lived a dull perseverance in comparison."

“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt” God Exodus 23:9

I've just finished Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State and Utopia. The final paragraph is inspiring. Pity the rest of the book didn't live up to it.

by which I assume you are thinking he might deteriorate rapidly, rather than he might suddenly rally.

Ringmer review A reader writes Michelle Paver: Rainforest A journey into the jungle, and into somebody's mind. Captivating.

Ringmer review A reader writes S. F. Williamson: A Language of Dragons 1923 London. Vivien is considering how best to use her facility for languages, including the various dragon tongues. As war beckons, she has to become a codebreaker.... at Bletchley Park.

Outside of SAFE, there will be a 35% cap on the value of UK-supplied components to any SAFE-funded project. Not only will this hold back the UK defence industry, but it could also limit crucial interoperability and efficiencies that joint defence initiatives require.

A cruel penalty’: disabled people face lower benefit payments if conditions not deemed lifelong Forthcoming rules mean debilitating conditions may not meet strict ‘severe and lifelong’ criteria, say charities www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Reform and the Conservatives are happy to cheer on Trump’s illegal Iran war that's hurting our economy, sending inflation soaring and deepening the cost of living crisis.

Ringmer review A reader writes Gregory Maguire: Wicked I nearly didn't start reading because of the Hollywood film poster on the front. Glad I did; it's very well written, seriously dark, and a brilliant exploration of good and evil, perceptions and relationships.

It's my birthday!!!!!! And you will make me very happy if you buy my book, Nanotales. I am selling it to raise funds for my local hospice, St Peter and St James. Buy from here: ko-fi.com/s/19f8a3feeb (UK only, I'm afraid. Overseas, email me at [email protected] and I'll see what I can do.)

"a story of psychoanalysis, neurotic conflict and super-weird sex stuff." That is absolutely a challenge to the fantasy novelist inside me.

“If you cannot be free, be as free as you can.” Emerson

Yesssssss! Preferably our shelf.

I don't know who needs to hear this, but one day, you will pull a loose book from a bookshelf and that hidden door will finally open for you.

We care about the people we serve, the communities we live in and the country we love. Today I launched our local election campaign with our amazing activists. Together we’re standing up for our local communities and against the politics of division. 🔸