Russia's war on evangelical Christians - stunning reporting from peter pomerantsev.
'By hurting those who practice an “American” religion,' he writes, 'the Kremlin can claim it is striking against American power—while picking on the powerless.'
time.com/6969273/russia…

'After they beat Azat Azatyan so bad blood came out of his ears; after they sent electric shocks up his genitals; after they wacked him with pipes and truncheons, the Russians began to interrogate him about his faith. 'When did you become a Baptist?''
Indispensable reporting

A brilliant response by Timothy Snyder to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s accusation of Nazis in Ukraine. As a leading scholar on the subject of nationalism, Snyder makes three points:
1/n

Well said Anand Menon — how have we been at this for eight year and still unable to manage the absolute basics??

“Utterly depressing”, indeed. Via Lisa O'Carroll

theguardian.com/politics/2024/…

'Pleased to see you looking so well your majesty. We need to discuss your return to work.'

When factual knowledge meets myths.
Professor Snyder 👍

The most geopolitically illiterate position of the last few years coming from those currying favor with Trump was that Ukraine had to be abandoned so that the USA could stand up to China. If it is true now that the GOP understands that supporting Ukraine is vital to restraining

🚨🚨 In today's 'surprise, surprise, surprise', UK will not ‘turn on’ post-Brexit checks of EU goods for fear of border delays. Another delay to UK border controls. Remarkable. #BrexitShambles via Madeleine Speed & Peter Foster.
ft.com/content/ba1974…

For Foreign Policy, I embedded with an artillery brigade on the frontlines of Europe. What I saw there should terrify Western leaders.
Ukraine is bleeding out, and without immediate ammunition deliveries the total collapse of the eastern front is at risk.
foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/17/ukr…

Grant Shapps, whose party has spent weeks suggesting Angela Rayner is a tax-dodging criminal, now says we shouldn't rush to judgement about suspended Conservative MP Mark Menzies

'Just because an accusation is made, or something is written, doesn't mean it is necessarily proven'

The Department for Work and Pensions continues to go after the poor and weak in its attempts to recover benefits it knew were being overpaid bit.ly/3W4gpXP DWP is reviewing the case and says “we carefully balance our duty to protect the public purse with helping individuals manage repayments”

Microsoft recorded the intensification of the Russian campaign to interfere in the US elections

It is noted that Russian-related accounts spread controversial content aimed at an American audience, in particular criticizing the US's support for Ukraine.

Microsoft clarified that

Why have there been no prosecutions over Covid profiteering and corruption?

Lord Rose, Chairman of Asda, criticises Brexit

'We are the architects of our own demise. And our own demise started in 2016 when we made the ridiculous vote to come out of Europe'

'Now, you would say, well, you're an old moaning remainer, but of course I am. But of course, if

At some point those concerned about £1500 possibly owed by Rayner are going to call in the police for the tens of thousands allegedly taken by Mark Menzies MP which the Tory Party hoped you wouldn’t know about!

thetimes.co.uk/article/tory-m…

Kemi Badenoch is lying. EU did not raise trade barriers. UK leaving a single market of regs & a customs union raises (regulatory & customs borders, between now diff. regulated & customs territories) the very highest of trade barriers.
Which UK only now trying to reciprocate

The US, UK and France are making it more and more clear that nuclear states have massive strategic benefits. The result will be more nuclear states.

Laura Trott makes it REALLY CLEAR to Marxists Fred Balls & Susanna Reid:
The lower rate of Inflation means prices are coming down even though they are in fact still going up.
This means your food costs less even though the price of it is still increasing✅

“The Middle East is going to be volatile forever. But if Ukraine loses to Russia, that would be a step change for Europe and Nato. Where do our strategic priorities really lie?”

on.ft.com/443qUg7

Another horrible Russian missile attack today, this time on downtown Chernihiv in northern Ukraine. At least 11 people killed and 22 injured.

Our support can make a difference in this fight. Our support can save lives. But we must act now.