**You may have noticed there was no newsletter yesterday. As this is a living experiment I decided not to send it because - being August - there’s not always much political news. I’d rather not send something than send something sub-standard. I am noticing that migration and Gaza are very consistently top news stories and without the usual pace and mix of stories there is a risk of repetition.
I’m going to monitor this to see if it’s an August thing or an AI thing!
TL:DR?
What's Dominating: JD Vance's UK visit becomes populist ammunition while EHRC trans guidance provides perfect "common sense vs woke madness" narrative
The Populist Angle: "American conservative hero shows what real leadership looks like while UK finally stands up to gender ideology"
Why Today Matters: Reform UK gets foreign validation from Vance while trans guidance gives them domestic "victory" - expect coordinated messaging about "turning the tide"
EHRC Trans Guidance - The "Common Sense Victory" Play
What Actually Happened: EHRC will recommend organizations can exclude trans women from single-sex spaces like toilets and changing rooms. Schools, hospitals, leisure centers affected. Birth certificates can be requested. Guidance follows Supreme Court ruling.
How It's Being Twisted:
"Finally protecting real women from woke ideology"
"Common sense defeats the trans lobby"
"Elite universities and corporations forced to face biological reality"
"Proof the gender experiment has failed"
Progressive Pushback Options:
If emphasizing dignity: "Everyone deserves safe spaces - this isn't about ideology, it's about practical solutions that work for all"
If addressing fear-mongering: "Trans people are 0.5% of population - is this really the crisis keeping you up at night?"
If highlighting distraction: "While they obsess over toilets, your energy bills just went up again"
Vance's Britain Tour - The Foreign Validation Play
What Actually Happened: US Vice President JD Vance arrives for weekend at Chevening with Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Official bilateral on Ukraine, Middle East, trade. Family holiday with cultural visits planned.
How It's Being Twisted:
"Real conservative leadership comes to teach failed socialist Britain"
"Trump's VP shows what defending Western values looks like"
"Vance understands the threat - unlike our weak leaders"
Reform subtext: "Our American allies prove we're on the right side of history"
Progressive Pushback Options:
If emphasising sovereignty: "Since when do British patriots need American permission to run our country?"
If highlighting hypocrisy: "He called Britain 'Islamist' - now enjoys our hospitality. That's not strength, it's rudeness"
If addressing Reform links: "Funny how 'Britain First' means getting validation from American billionaires"
Trans Guidance:
What They're Really Feeling: "My daughter's safety matters more than political correctness"
The Legitimate Concern: Parents want clear rules and safe spaces for their children
Address It By: "Your concerns about safety are heard - but populists use fear to avoid discussing real solutions like properly funded facilities for everyone"
Story 2 - Vance Visit:
What They're Really Feeling: "Finally someone says what we're all thinking about Britain's decline"
The Legitimate Concern: Many feel Britain has lost confidence and direction
Address It By: "You're right Britain faces challenges - but taking orders from Americans who insult us isn't strength, it's submission"
Remember: When populists claim "victory" on culture wars, ask what it actually changes about your rent, your bills, your NHS wait times. Distraction is their strategy.
The Winner: Vance's "Islamist country" meets British hospitality
The Angle: Map showing Vance's luxury tour route through "Islamist Britain" - Chevening mansion, Cotswolds hotels, London museums. Caption: "Hates our country. Loves our country homes."
The Execution:
Interview Cotswolds locals: "Did you know you live in an Islamist village?"
Film Reform supporters explaining why Americans insulting Britain is actually patriotic
Show split screen: Vance's anti-UK quotes vs him enjoying British culture
Why This Works: British humor deflates pomposity. Exposes Reform's desperation for foreign validation while they claim to be patriots.
For Trans Guidance:
Dignity angle: "Everyone needs safe spaces - including trans people"
Distraction angle: "They want you angry about toilets, not asking about economic solutions"
For Vance Visit:
Respect angle: "Would Churchill accept being called names by allies?"
Economics angle: "He represents billionaires' interests, not working people's
Complexity Made Simple
Don't say: "The intersection of gender identity and sex-based rights requires nuanced policy"
Do say: "Everyone needs somewhere safe to pee - this isn't the crisis they claim"
Don't say: "Diplomatic protocols necessitate bilateral engagement"
Do say: "Even people who insult us want our hospitality - shows who really has class"
Tomorrow: "No asylum day" protests at migrant hotels plus Palestine Action solidarity demo - expect "defending Britain" vs "importing problems" narratives
Prep: Get footage of hotel workers (often immigrants) explaining how protests affect their ability to serve local communities. Real people's stories beat abstract arguments.
This newsletter is produced using AI - specifically Claude’s Opus 4.0 Model.
It is designed to offer insight and spark ideas but not everything will align with your values and strategy - take what works for you and leave the rest.
It may contain errors - if you’re going big on something here then do double check it!
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We also believe strongly that tackling populism in a way which also strengthens democracy and social cohesion requires a willingness to listen to and engage with people who see the world very differently to us.
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