Ex-Army Engineer geek. Diagnosed autistic at 39 #neurodivergent Former STEM Ambassador & now proud owner of Devon's friendliest Board Games shop!
Kingsbridge, England
Joined April 2010
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Adam Taylor retweeted
@CountBinface
Forget politics for a moment.
Whether you agree with Count Binface's policies or not is almost beside the point.
Ask yourself a different question.
If Clacton wanted to put itself on the map in a way that no marketing campaign, tourism board or government grant could ever hope to achieve, what would it do?
The answer may be staring us in the face.
If Count Binface were elected as the Member of Parliament for Clacton, it would become one of the biggest political stories on Earth.
Television networks, newspapers, YouTubers, podcasters and comedians from around the world would descend on the town.
Overnight, Clacton would become a global household name.
You cannot buy publicity on that scale.
Tourism experts often speak about "destination branding".
Normally it costs millions of pounds and takes years to build. Count Binface could achieve it in a single night.
And unlike an ordinary news story, this would not simply disappear after the election.
Every Prime Minister's Questions, every television interview, every parliamentary debate and every unusual constituency event would return the spotlight to Clacton.
The town would become permanently associated with Britain's most unconventional MP.
Think of the practical consequences.
Hotels would fill.
Guest houses would prosper.
Restaurants, cafés and pubs would enjoy increased trade.
Local taxi firms would be busier.
Airbnb owners would have a valuable new source of customers.
Shops selling souvenirs, novelty merchandise and local produce would benefit from visitors looking to take home a piece of the story.
Television documentaries would follow.
Comedy programmes would return.
International journalists would continue making the pilgrimage to discover the town that elected Count Binface.
Every constituency surgery could become an event in itself. Imagine queues of visitors hoping not merely to meet their MP but to become part of the story.
It would be Westminster's most unusual tourist attraction.
There is another benefit that is often overlooked.
Most seaside towns struggle with one thing above all else: getting people to notice them.
Clacton would have solved that problem forever.
People spend fortunes trying to become famous. Entire councils commission branding consultants, advertising agencies and public relations firms in the hope that someone, somewhere, might notice them.
Here, fame would arrive free of charge.
Whatever your politics, there is a serious economic argument hidden beneath the comedy.
Attention has value.
Recognition has value.
Publicity has value.
The world's biggest companies spend billions trying to achieve exactly those things.
Perhaps the most remarkable twist of all would be that a joke candidate could end up delivering one of the most serious gifts a struggling seaside town could receive: becoming impossible to ignore.
Maybe that is the biggest joke of all. 🤔🤣
Adam Taylor retweeted
Our local meeting at Kirklees Council a few days ago has become viral.
Many people have seen the clips showing disagreement, frustration and confusion. What many have not seen is the full meeting, which remains available to watch online.
Cllr Sarah Wood, leader of Reform in Kirklees, nominated herself to become Leader of the Council. During the meeting she stated that she did not understand the constitution, yet simultaneously accused others of acting unconstitutionally for following the AGM process and established procedures. To me, those two positions are difficult to reconcile.
Cllr Wood also stated on camera, “We will make sure the residents know.”
That language concerns me. When elected representatives publicly label councillors, officers or cross party colleagues as acting unconstitutionally without evidence, it risks creating a false narrative. Words matter. They carry weight. They influence public perception.
I know all too well the real world consequences misinformation can have when it spreads locally. We have seen how narratives can take hold, how trust can be damaged and how individuals can become targets because of things that simply are not true.
That is why I stood up. That is why I challenged what was being said. That is why I was passionate in my response.
My only apology is to our newly elected Mayor. She conducted herself professionally throughout an extremely difficult meeting and ensured all sides had an opportunity to speak. She showed patience, fairness and leadership, and for that she deserves recognition.
Our communities benefit when councillors, regardless of political affiliation, communicate, cooperate and work together in the interests of residents.
Defamatory language, misinformation and a refusal to engage constructively do not help our communities. They do not solve problems, improve services or support residents facing real challenges in their daily lives.
On Thursday, the Council’s responsibility is clear. The focus must be on electing a Leader who can provide stability, competence and direction. Residents expect serious leadership, not political theatre. They expect councillors to focus on the issues that matter: local services, public finances, community safety and the future of Kirklees.
The people of Kirklees did not elect us to create division. They elected us to deliver results. That must remain the priority.
Adam Taylor retweeted
Ex army general on @lbc, asked if UK is ready for war.
'We haven't been since Cameron cut the defence budget by a 1/3 in 2010, people still don't understand what austerity actually mean't'.
Adam Taylor retweeted
She thinks she can wave a magic wand when it takes Years to construct hi technology Modern warfare
SHE IS WRONG
The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon was in the process of being "re-rolled" (reconfigured) for an urgent mission to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Key Details as of March 4–6, 2026:
Mission: HMS Dragon was ordered to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect UK bases in Cyprus from Iranian drone and missile threats.
The ship was loading ammunition and undergoing maintenance in Portsmouth after coming out of a refit.
Delay: The departure was delayed because the vessel was initially configured for a different, upcoming operation.
Preparation: The ship was being equipped with air defense missiles and undergoing final work, with plans to sail
The ship was in the final stages of a Power Improvement Project (PIP) upgrade, along with other Type 45 destroyers.
UK Parliament
@LukePollard
11 December 2025
As of December 2025, three Type 45 Destroyers have completed their Power Improvement Project (PIP) upgrades: HMS DAUNTLESS, HMS DARING, and HMS DRAGON, HMS DEFENDER and HMS DIAMOND are currently undergoing PIP upgrades. HMS DUNCAN is operational, pending the start of her PIP upgrade, which will run concurrently with her next docking period at HMNB Portsmouth.
We are unable to release further detailed information about the forward integrated PIP schedule and upkeep plans for the Type 45 Destroyers, as to do so could risk revealing future capability levels to our adversaries.
Completing the Type 45 PIP work is dependent on the availability of ships to undertake the upgrade, balanced against the Royal Navy’s (RN) current and future operational commitments. Class availability is now maximised to ensure that the RN has been able to fulfil all its operational commitments and PIP remains on target to have all six ships receive their conversions by 2028.
As of March 2026, UK forces in the Gulf and wider Middle East have focused on active defense, protecting UK citizens and shipping amid escalating regional tensions. Key achievements include shooting down Iranian drones, providing maritime security, and coordinating with allies to secure airspace.
Key Achievements & Actions (2024–2026):
Active Defense of UK Citizens: RAF Typhoon jets operating from Qatar have intercepted and shot down Iranian drones aimed at regional targets, directly protecting areas with high British national populations.
Protecting Maritime Shipping: Under Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Kipion, the Royal Navy (including Type 45 destroyers and Type 23 frigates) has actively protected commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Rapid Response and Protection of Personnel: Following attacks on bases in the region, UK forces in early 2026 deployed "drone-busting" Wildcat helicopters and reinforced air defense systems (including Sea Viper missiles) to protect British personnel and bases, such as in Cyprus and Bahrain.
Evacuation Preparedness
The UK government has utilized its military presence to formulate and implement plans to secure the safety of an estimated 300,000 British citizens in the Gulf, providing support and monitoring in volatile locations.
Anti-Smuggling Efforts: Operations have included interdicting weapons smuggling, specifically targeting weapons bound for the Houthis in Yemen.
Counter-Terrorism (Operation Shader): UK forces have continued training Iraqi security forces and providing surveillance to ensure the lasting defeat of Daesh
Operational Infrastructure:
Bahrain: Royal Navy Mine Counter-Measure Vessels and HMS Jufair (naval support facility).
Qatar: RAF Typhoon jets based at Tamim Air Base.
Oman: Logistics support base at Duqm
Cyprus: RAF Akrotiri serving as the main operating base for Typhoon and F-35B aircraft.
Note: The situation in the Middle East has been rapidly evolving as of March 2026, with UK forces active in patrolling and defending against threats to British lives.
Adam Taylor retweeted
As Europeans, we often argue with our British friends, and we will keep doing so.
But one thing is certain: we recognize, and will always recognize, the strength and dignity of the UK.
Criticism comes easily when a country refuses to act like a vassal.
Respect to Britain 🇬🇧🇪🇺
What a coward. Calls me a liar then blocks me so I can't reply. Is this how sensible discourse happens or is it just how they manage to talk themselves into the BS they spread.
Adam Taylor retweeted
By the same argument that Peanut is using, Sir Keir Starmer must be the greatest Prime Minister we've ever had.
Unlike Farage, who never takes a hard question, Starmer is questioned every week by his opponents.
Unlike Farage, who has never governed anything in his life, Starmer's Labour is steadily navigating the UK into growth after 14 years of #ToryChaos.
Unlike Farage, who seeks to divide and turn people one against another, Starmer's Labour has sought to benefit everyone.
Starmer's main failure in the eyes of the right is that he champions the UK, not the billionaires funding Reform, who want the people to hate each other, while they are all fleeced.
Shout out to the team @WWUtilities for their work here in Kingsbridge the past 3 days. They've worked blooming hard to get all our gas supplys back on in what I'm sure will be used as a case study in crisis management for years to come. @SouthWestWater should pay heed.
With two very recent crises in critical infrastructure in our area recently, one currently ongoing, it really shows how different companies react. @SouthWestWater can really take some lessons from @WWUtilities in how to react to a crisis. Well done Wales and West Utilities.
Adam Taylor retweeted
🚨Some personal news.
I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
Jonathan Gullis - The Seagull's Lament.
mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p…
So as per usual, the Reform supporters don't like hearing the truth, and don't like reasoned debate but instead just go to blocking. Ask a question, then block so you can't reply. They simply don't like to be challenged.
Adam Taylor retweeted
The presence of a Head of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is not a "politically correct non-job" that diverts money from veterans. Instead, it is a strategic role that ensures the charity can effectively fulfill its core mission: supporting all veterans and their families in the most efficient and far-reaching way !
The "Non-Job" Fallacy: The Role is a Strategic Necessity, Not a Luxury.
The argument dismisses the role as a "non-job," implying it has no tangible value. In reality, for a large organization like the RBL, a D&I lead is crucial for:
· Reaching Isolated Veterans: Many veterans from minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ veterans, or those with disabilities do not come forward for help due to fear of discrimination, misunderstanding, or a belief that the RBL "isn't for them." A D&I strategy actively works to break down these barriers, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
· Modernizing and Expanding the Donor Base: The RBL relies on public donations. To survive in the long term, it must resonate with a modern, diverse Britain. Showing a commitment to inclusion helps attract younger donors and those from all backgrounds, securing the charity's financial future. Alienating potential donors over this issue would cost far more than this salary.
· Internal Efficiency and Legal Compliance: Ensuring the RBL's own staff and thousands of volunteers are trained in inclusivity prevents internal issues, fosters a better working environment, and protects the charity from potential legal challenges related to discrimination—all of which saves money in the long run.
· Market Rate: For a Head of Department role in a large national charity based in the South East of England, £65,000 is a competitive, not extravagant, salary. To attract a professional capable of handling this complex, high-responsibility role, the RBL must pay a market rate. Underpaying would mean hiring an incompetent person, which would be a waste of money.
· Return on Investment (ROI): If this role's work results in even a small percentage increase in donations from new communities, or helps identify and support hundreds of previously unreached veterans (thus reducing their long-term need for crisis support), the salary pays for itself many times over. It is an investment in growing the charity.
The argument creates a false choice: "This money should be going directly to veterans instead of staff."
No Charity Operates Without Staff: This logic, if applied consistently, would mean having no CEO, no fundraisers, no accountants, no support coordinators. The RBL is a multi-million pound organization with complex operations. It needs professional staff to manage its funds, run its programs, and coordinate its efforts. A volunteer-run organization could not provide the scale and professionalism of support that modern veterans require.. The question for any donor should not be "Are there zero administrative costs?" but "Are the administrative costs reasonable and effective in delivering the mission?" The RBL's administrative costs are consistently reported and are within the norms for a major charity.
The core mission of the RBL is to support the Armed Forces community. This community is itself diverse.
· Serving Personnel are Diverse: The modern British military includes people of all ethnicities, faiths, and backgrounds. The RBL has a duty to be ready to support them when they become veterans. A charity that fails to reflect the diversity of the very community it serves will inevitably fail to meet its needs.
· Addressing Past Harms: There is a known history of discrimination within the armed forces (for instance, towards LGBTQ+ personnel before the ban was lifted). A D&I lead helps ensure the RBL is a welcoming place for those who may have been failed by the institution in the past.
Adam Taylor retweeted
Billy Bragg: ‘My Old Man Used to Say to Me “It’s Not the Skinheads You Want to Worry About, It’s the Skinheads in Suits You Want to Worry About”. That’s Who Reform Are’ – Byline Times Digital / Print Edition subscribe.bylinetimes.com/ed…
Adam Taylor retweeted
This is one of the most magical and joyful things that I have ever seen.
Paris, Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody.
5 minutes of pure joy.
Adam Taylor retweeted
Who you should talk to is simple.
Get a qualified estates and trust solicitor, financial adviser or accountant in and ask him or her how this happened.
Then ask him how common it is.
Then ask him whether Rayner would have gained personally from it (spoiler alert, she wouldn't)
If you seek professional advice you have a reasonable expectation to be able to trust it. If it turns out to be wrong, all you can do is rectify the error.
The way this was 'exposed' was the rag involved hired a specialist trusts and estates solicitor to go through what she filed.
Her conveyancing solicitor wouldn't have even addressed the issue with her.
Why do you suppose all this energy has been exerted on a £40k underpayment, since rectified, but none of it was ever deployed on any actual criminality by the Tories?
It's not about being a Rayner supporter or detractor. It's about recognising when elements of the press are baying for blood when most of them don't understand how this happened in the first place.
They want a Hunger games style tribute, and in this case, the tribute they really want is Starmer, but they'll take Rayner.
We're beyond reasoned discussion in this country and it shames us.
I'm not a geopolitical expert, but to me this sounds like Putin and Trump have decided what will happen. Putin gets what he wants. Trump is expected to force Ukraine and NATO to accept it? And if (when) that fails, it isn't Russia's fault.
It is astonishing that Conservative MP Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary nonetheless, has such a lack of understanding on how the legal system works in this country.
It is astonishing that Labour councillor Ricky Jones, who was caught on video calling for throats to be slit, is let off scot free - whereas Lucy Connolly got 31 months prison for posting something no worse.
The development of two tier justice is becoming increasingly alarming.
It cannot have been a question of uncertain evidence as Jones was on video clearly calling for violence.
The government must come forward with plans to ensure justice is handed out equally, regardless of the background or views of the perpetrator - but as far as I can see this Labour government seems to be quite happy with two tier justice.
Hey @Tesco, what on earth is going on here. I know products don't always look like the box but this is completely ridiculous even for a supermarket. Free from pastry isn't the best as it is, and we pay a significant premium for it, so we expect a decent product for it.
Adam Taylor retweeted
#AFVBC First official breakfast in Kingsbridge at the #RBL Clubhouse. @sapperadam so glad you could come!
