Robina Thompson

Interested, if not always interesting. Believer. Educating and being educated daily.

[Sophy Ridge @SophyRidgeSky]

Can I be honest with you? I didn’t want to start the programme talking about the Conservative claim that a Labour Government would cost you £2,000 in extra taxes.

It’s obviously been disputed. Not just because it’s cumulative rather than annual – but because it’s based on an awful lot of assumptions, with some of the conclusions even being disowned by the authors who did the research.

But look – I’m being sucked down the rabbit hole now too.

There are two reasons I don’t want to talk about the £2,000 claim.

The first is because the Conservatives WANT us to talk about it – because even if we’re discussing the fact the number is being disputed, we’re still talking about Labour putting up tax.

But the second reason is even more important.
The parties are both arguing about whether each others sums add up.
Well… they don’t, do they?

Both of them are promising they won’t raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT – three fifths of the total tax revenue. Nobody wants to borrow other than to invest. Health, schools and defence are all ring fenced from spending cuts in some form.

I genuinely don’t understand how this all adds up. Not even close.
Public spending projections after the next election have been described as a “fantasy” by economists – the tax burden is set to hit a historic high - and we’re spending more on debt interest payments than education.

Forget about the quibbling over a few numbers here and there. Because it doesn’t seem to me like ANY party is being honest about just how difficult it will be after the election… and the kind of choices that the next Government will have to make – no matter who it turns out to be.

[FAN of the Prince & Princess of Wales @TribesBritannia]

Awww this is so lovely, decent people care about the Princess of Wales. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

About to see ⁦@MarianKeyes⁩ with my himself…. We are playing “ Spot the other Himselves”

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@strategywoman Yara you are amazing to show such strength and fortitude. Thank you for sharing so much with us.

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@silverpebble I could literally listen to you all day. Your enthusiasm is infectious and a joy to watch. I have a copy of your book and I will be taking it out later today because it’s too icy for my normal walk! You have glowing skin - no make up needed

[Richard Osman @richardosman]

Happy 2024 everybody. Wishing you all peace, health and happiness. Lets spend less energy on noisy people who want our attention and more energy on quiet people who need our help.

[Prof Alice Roberts💙 @theAliceRoberts]

Here's a treat in the middle of a wet and windy winter: visit some of the best archaeological digs across the UK this year with a BRAND NEW series of #DiggingForBritain, starting tomorrow evening on @BBCTwo.
Once again, with no trailers for this series, I'm hoping you can help spread the word!

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@LeandadeLisle @dailytelegraph @thetimes The Royal family will rise above this utter rubbish. What a way to make a living!

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@wmarybeard On my Christmas list. Congratulations!

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@MarianKeyes Me too Marian. He’s like her in many ways, also his Dad who’s done a sterling job! So sad. I always felt Jade was a vulnerable human ( like us all) in many ways and did her best to make her family financially secure despite facing her own mortality.

[Rebecca Thompson @Becs_Pharmacist]

Giving children support & autonomy over their condition means healthier adults - mentally & physically. Megan & I met on the renal ward @BelfastTrust Royal Children’s hospital. She is now an advocate for organ donation & researching sexual health in CKD patients

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@strategywoman Dahlias from my garden

[BBC News (UK) @BBCNews]

Margate doctor given misconduct warning for praying with patient https://t.co/gpRawrvs0C

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@StuartBlakley Also, I’ve been to the public records in Washington to see what f I can find what happened to the family. I’ve only found one match before time ran out. I might be able to visit this church! Thank you

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@StuartBlakley Stuart - I’ve been meaning to go here! I do believe you’ve found the gravestone of one of my ancestors. My dear grandmother was a Lowe and her father had lived in Swatragh, although he had an American accent and was born in NYC. He was orphaned and brought back to family.

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@MarianKeyes Superdrug ( cardboard type shaft…) and Sostrene ( wooden)

[Theirworld @theirworld]

We are facing an #EarlyYears crisis. More than half of the world's children are missing out on the early years care they need and we MUST act now.

So, with the help of @theirworld Ambassador @RealMattLucas, we are launching a #GlobalTantrum! Join us: https://t.co/BQ0X8nQZTS

[Robina Thompson @robinat9701]

@Philippa_Perry I have had help…. made dinner quickly in the air fryer whilst other half put on the potatoes. Daughter made dessert. Haven’t moved in the last hour…… I can hardly watch!

[Emma Mitchell 💙 @silverpebble]

If you wake & feel very low, here’s a step-by-step to help,based on scientifically-proven ways to alleviate anxiety & lift mood. Important:if you’re on meds & have missed a dose, sort that first. If you’re frightened by your thoughts, emergency numbers are the last step below...

[Rebecca Thompson @Becs_Pharmacist]

We had the best visitor on 4A today ✨ Holly the cuddle manager is my favourite colleague @AlderHey 🤍 She has the most calming & gentle presence 😌

Going to try to recruit her for @AhchPharmacy maybe she can teach kids how to swallow tablets 😅💊