Alastair Winter

Inside the global race for lithium batteries | FT Film ft.com/video/b6908d24… via @FT

You don't have to agree with every word (I do with nearly all) but these guys make you sit up and even feel a bit less glum. Bravo!

Fuller excerpt of @jennirsl excellent analysis

Full marks to @jennirsl on Supreme Court highlighting 'neither Britain nor Europe has any plausible.. policies to solve the mismatch between the vast numbers.. who have a ..claim for refuge under international law, and the level of immigration that voters are willing to accept

Simon speaks for many of us! Bravo, mate!

We should all be concerned about our protest rights. Here's why: goodlawproject.org/right-to-prote…

@PickardJE None of the above although neither May and Cameron are flakes.

which former prime minister would *you* have brought back into the cabinet?

😉

Listen to or read the transcript of George in top form! Calm and perceptive analysis of Xi and his China.

It's a tie! 🙄

Yes, indeed😂

George, say what you really think! 😉

Hold the presses. The odds are that China isn't actually selling dollar bonds. Or even moving its reserves out of the dollar. A new blog on how to interpret the US TIC data cfr.org/blog/china-isn…

@vtchakarova Well said, Velina! The voice of reason and humanity. @TFletcher has written in a similar spirit in today's FT. There is a way through but it starts with ending the hyporcritical neglect of ordinary Palestinians with HAMAS the worst offenders while safeguarding ordinary Israelis.

‼️ A very long post on the Middle East. In recent weeks, I've delved deeply into the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, spotlighting the pivotal roles of major global players such as the US, China, and Russia, as well as regional actors including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Turkey, among others. Now, I'd like to share my strictly personal perspective. I'm a staunch supporter of the two-state solution, upholding the Palestinians' right to their own state - a sanctuary where Gazans and Palestinian refugees from surrounding Arab countries can live in harmony, dignity, and freedom. Hailing from Bulgaria - a country that endured two centuries under Byzantine dominion and five centuries under Ottoman rule - I cherish freedom immensely. Throughout our 13-century existence as a state, the core of Bulgarian identity has been firmly anchored in our enduring spirit of freedom, dignity and justice. Currently, Bulgaria is home to the largest percentage of Muslims in Europe, surpassing 13%. Yet, we stand as a beacon of mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. A poignant chapter in our history is also our successful effort to save our whole Jewish community during WWII, even when aligned with Nazi Germany. Through my lens as a Bulgarian, I grasp the profound trauma for Israel stemming from Hamas' terrorist acts on October 7. The gruesome acts conducted against babies, children, women and civilians of any age, cannot be justified by anything, even the right of resistance. However, I cannot condone a potential ground invasion by Israel, out of apprehension it might pave the way for the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians in the face of sustained military combat. Regarding Hamas, I perceive it as a terrorist organization that doesn't truly echo Palestinian interests. I am convinced that even if a Palestinian state emerges, their violent pursuits would not cease. Entities mirroring the malevolence of ISIS must be unequivocally dismantled and destroyed. Lastly, in my capacity as an Austrian citizen and as a European, I firmly condemn any actions by pro-Palestinian groups or diasporas in Europe that put Jewish lives at risk. My position on this remains steadfast. At present, two potential outcomes emerge. None of the major global players - be it the US, China, or Russia - desire a war in the Middle East. Regionally, key stakeholders had been actively participating in various diplomatic endeavors to normalize relations and seemed poised for progress. However, it appears Hamas had intentions of disrupting the budding normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The first scenario suggests that the direst outcome - a regional war - might be averted by ensuring the safe return of all hostages and by neutralizing Hamas's military leadership. Conversely, the second scenario envisages a ground offensive by Israel, which could potentially escalate tensions, drawing in various regional entities and nations. It is my hope that foresight, regional aspirations, and mutual understanding will supersede vendettas and miscalculations from all parties involved. #Velsig

@youngvulgarian Ken Livingstone, of all people, said it best after the the 7/7 bombs. 'People will still come to London to be themselves'. True of me a long time ago and you more recently. The thing is, you, me and countless others really are welcomed and.... welcoming.

In a democratic society, we should have the right to hold a placard in protest, without fear of imprisonment. Read more about those standing with #TrudiWarner goodlawproject.org/hundreds-copy-…

@vtchakarova Sorry to miss you, Velina. I am spending more and more time in Rome (we have an apartment in the central Monti district) but have slipped away for a few days by the seaside. I find 3 Seas initiative fascinating in cutting across so much history. I hope it really progresses.

No better feeling than having my espresso doppio at the heart of the eternal city 🇮🇹. Life is good. Full day of meetings and appointments. If you happen to be in Rom, come to our geopolitical discussion this afternoon #Velevents #geopolitics centromachiavelli.com/en/evento/conf…

@Halsrethink Touche, mon cher!

Possibly, Alastair. Who knows how many times in how many different bodies my spirit may have been there in the action of the day?

@Halsrethink Weren't you there at the time, Hal?

You are reminding me I should go back to reread the final stages to give credit to all the relevant characters, including in events prior to Hastings

@Barker4Kate I am not sure I get this allusion but I do recall your prowess at Trivial Pursuit, including Sport and Entertainment. 😀

9 on quiz of the day ….