ruby tandoh has written the definitive essay on “the great british bake off,” and you can read it now: newyorker.com/magazine/2025/…

“You don’t make it to the world of competitive televised baking by accident.” In this week’s issue, Ruby Tandoh, a food writer and former contestant on “The Great British Bake Off,” reflects on how the show became a cultural phenomenon. nyer.cm/WNP4N4L

Very excited for today’s publication of The First King of England, and very grateful to Princeton University Press and PEW Literary and Doug Young for all of their support

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the formal Japanese surrender in WW2. Tomorrow is the 86th anniversary of the UK declaring war in 1939. The outbreak of WW2 is now as far from us as the start of the war in 1939 was from the outbreak of the Crimean War...

Every year I do this and I can't recommend it enough. A box of picture books for older children to take home and read to their younger siblings. They bloomin' love it. #ReadersAreMadeFromReaders

Today is deservedly Zack Polanski’s, but I want to shoutout Carla Denyer, who I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with for the last 3 years. Carla is relentlessly hardworking, incredibly competent and has been an exceptional Co-leader. Bristol is lucky to have her 💚

Hello from occupied Palestine! I’m in Jerusalem and the West Bank for the next week. I’m with the incredible Sabeel-Kairos - please follow and support them.

Happy to report that our own Angela Rayner (the Rev'd) remains fully in place and ready to preach tomorrow! Fr Angela Rayner SMMS

JUST IN: there are approx 1,500 people in Parliament Square protesting the proscription of Palestine Action through mass civil disobedience - and only 40 people have been arrested in 2.5 hours. Novara Media

The far-right are targeting a hotel nearby. If I'm feeling terrified about just holding a Refugees Welcome sign near them, how the hell do asylum seekers feel? It breaks my heart that just when asylum seekers finally feel they can catch a breath, they are again faced with danger

Nearly 6pm - five hours in - and arrests still being made one by one, using 20-30 officers per single elderly person. Bystanders calling it ridiculous and saying it’s a “waste of taxpayer’s money” Novara Media

Thank you for all the suggestions for attracting more hot men to the National Trust. My favourite so far was getting Hot Priest to come and hide out in some of our priest holes. If anyone knows Andrew Scott please can you raise the idea with him - just casually.

Does anyone else wish to communicate only with the Refreshment Department?

Hey Grok, based on my tweets, I am: - Which historical Prime Minister? - Which current politician? - Which political thinker? - Which religious figure? - Which ideology? - Which political party? - Which novelist, writer, or poet? - Which artist? - Which musician?

QUNO in Geneva is delighted to announce that after a thorough international recruitment process, Laurel Townhead has been appointed as Director. Read more about Laurel's years of service and reactions from other Quaker leaders here: quno.org/timeline/2025/…

Oh my this will be good

Jobs like this one in Parliament are rare, where you can influence legislation by advising Peers. Why not apply?

At #TUC2025 this morning, Congress will vote on Wages not Weapons. As Zack Polanski said: “You need to vote for security, not the arms trade to invest in people and planet, not destruction.” ✊🌍 #UCU #WagesNotWeapons

Israel actually allowed me into Palestine via Jordan last Monday. They let the rest of the group through, then kept me behind for interrogation - but let me in. Then, two days later, they sent me a message revoking my ETA. I left today. Solidarity with Kais though! ❤️

It's a big moment. Not that CND tweet it but that unions have decided to turn against warfare having an open checkbook. Who will join this and demand a debate on military spending? Spending that is not harmless, and has real impact in what it funds and what funding it denies