Colin Dodds

I served my country to protect free speech — sadly, it no longer feels free.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@RuthDavidsonPC The policies of the Tory wets helped create the conditions that led to this utterly embarrassing government being elected.

[Liam Halligan @LiamHalligan]

Conventional wisdom says that leaving the European Union has harmed the British economy.

Listen to almost any Brexit debate – over the airwaves or on the professional conference circuit – and it’s invariably taken for granted being outside the EU has done serious economic damage.

Now we're in June, and as the 23rd approaches – the ten-year anniversary of that hotly-contested, era-defining referendum – this message will be rammed home again and again.

But it simply isn’t true.

My latest "Economic Agenda" column in @Telegraph

🧵1/7

https://t.co/3x1C903R8n

[David Paton @cricketwyvern]

Shame economists like @LiamHalligan & @julianHjessop have to keep explaining the lack of evidence Brexit has harmed the UK economy as well as the positive evidence Brexit has if anything, benefited UK trade.

But I am glad they are persevering.

For example, please read this🧵

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@matthewdmarsden Knife crime has unfortunately been around in the UK for decades. I grew up always being aware that someone could be carrying a knife, so this is certainly not a new type of crime. I'm 56 years old, and it's something I've known about for most of my life.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@grantshapps @wayve_ai Not one thought about how so many Taxi and Private Hire drivers are going to lose their income because of driverless cars.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@RangersFC Missed a golden opportunity to win the league after such a disastrous start to the season. Two poor managerial appointments cost us badly — with a decent coach, we could have won the league this year.

[Annunziata Rees-Mogg @zatzi]

Facts destroy the EU rejoiners’ fantasy.

Well worth a listen.

[Women Won't Wheesht 👩‍🦰 @TheParty1sOver]

Exactly Bernard....😒🤦‍♀️

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @UberUK @theAliHaydor
GMB claims to stand for workers’ rights — so where’s the pushback on fare cuts for Uber Private Hire drivers?
Drivers deserve fair pay, not being pushed into spending their lives behind the wheel just to get by.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@John2Win @RuthDavidsonPC The One Nation wing of the Conservatives, led by figures like Ruth Davidson, has contributed heavily to the party’s downfall. Her gains in Scotland came at a time when Jeremy Corbyn was leading Labour, which made things easier.

[hardlyperennial🌸 @hardlyperennial]

This is Duncan Massey, @ReformUKScot candidate for Aberdeen Deeside & North Kincardine, local to the area and a senior economist in the oil and gas industry.
He knows what he's talking about on energy, unlike most other Scottish politicians.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @GMBScotOrg @UberUK @theAliHaydor
Uber drivers are classed as “workers” — minimum wage should apply. Glasgow Airport to Campbeltown trip was offered to driver for £144.
~£120 costs
~6 hours tied up
That’s £3–£5/hour in real terms.
How is that acceptable?

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
Isn’t it time Uber properly employed its drivers, giving them real protections and rights, instead of being treated like something out of Victorian times? Drivers deserve security, fair conditions, and respect—not uncertainty.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
With driverless tech on the horizon, is there a risk Uber ramps up account deactivations for minor issues to reduce future compensation liabilities? What safeguards are in place to ensure drivers are treated fairly and not pushed off Uber.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
What is GMB doing to protect drivers’ income as AI and driverless cars move closer to UK roads? Is there a plan for safeguards, retraining, or compensation for loss of earnings? Drivers need clarity on how their livelihoods will be protected

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
More Uber drivers would join GMB if the union was more proactive in standing up for them. Right now, it feels like there’s more talk than action. Even visible steps or clear updates would show members that something is actually being done.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
Has GMB considered pushing Uber to include links or integration with rival operators in their app to help create a more level playing field? It could give drivers and customers real choice instead of one platform dominating the market.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
Why isn’t GMB challenging Uber’s growing dominance in certain cities? Has the union raised concerns with the Competition and Markets Authority about this? Drivers need fair competition.

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
Why has nothing been done about Uber UK squeezing drivers’ share of fares? Drivers are seeing their cut reduced while costs keep rising. What action is GMB taking to protect members and push back on this?

[Colin Dodds @doddsy70]

@GMB_union @GMBGarySmith @theAliHaydor
When will GMB hold a membership vote on a national demonstration over the Uber fare cuts? As a member, I don’t understand why there hasn’t been a national demo since collective bargaining rights were secured with Uber UK.