Sofie Jenkinson

Sofie Jenkinson

@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Co-Director @roundourwayUK.bsky.social // ex @ippr.org @neweconomics.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social // @PersuasionUK.bsky.social & @lcefuk.bsky.social advisory boards // nerd's nerd // wheaton's law // blobby correspondent // eat pizza.have guts🍕🎉

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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Last year I wrote a piece on Blobby for @renewaljournal.bsky.social b/c he was, and is, the vibe of our country and an important icon of our culture and essence. Since then Josh Widdecome, SNL UK & now @theguardian.com are in on it. renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Charlie Stross@cstross.bsky.social

BLOBBY IS BAAAAACK!!! https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jun/04/bizarre-return-of-mr-blobby (Just noting that my current novel-in-progress features a mass crucifixion of burning Mr Blobbies at one point. It seemed … necessary.)

theguardian.com‘A metaphor for a nation gone soft in the head’: the bizarre return of Mr BlobbyHe’s pink, dotty and as British as a Boots meal deal. In recent months he’s duetted with pop stars, appeared on Saturday Night Live and been declared the UK’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. What’s behind...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Really good to hear this from @andyburnham.bsky.social. We're seeing this response in large part because of amazing work loads of people & organisations have been doing to highlight all the impacts we are seeing - we have been coordinating some of this @roundourwayuk.bsky.social. And so

Round Our Way@roundourwayuk.bsky.social

Great to see the comments from the PM on impacts of our changing climate. All summer we've been raising the alarm about this unprecedented heatwave.From 40c heat in classrooms to mums struggling at home to keep cool. We need to adapt today AND mitigate the worst effects of climate change for tomorrw

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

we've been lucky enough to work with so many amazing ppl & helped to tell the stories of how people are being impacts right now. It’s good to finally hear some front-footed political leadership on this - the right thing & the smart thing, as I've written about recently labourlist.org/2026/08/work...

labourlist.org'Working class communities deserve a bold climate plan from Labour' - LabourListLabour has always proudly protected, championed and supported working class communities and should do so once more when it comes to climate.
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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

We should also be very clear that Net Zero is crucial in all of this for ensuring our climate impacts don't continue to get increasingly worse. We need to see the ramping up of the key work DESNZ is doing alongside an URGENT plan for dealing with the impacts already here.

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Anti-Net Zero actors and those denying climate change do not care about the health and protection of those we love, and we shouldn't be afraid to point this out. There are already too many people dealing with the impacts of climate change here in the UK, and we need a govt that takes this seriously.

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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Earlier this year @samalvis.bsky.social & I wrote a paper for @ippr.org on why progressives need to take the issue of extreme weather seriously. Long story short: not only is it the right thing to do,but it is also the politically smart thing to do. You can read it here: www.ippr.org/articles/ada...

ippr.orgAdapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather | IPPRWithout a serious rethink, we will lose any reputation for competence and leave an opening for the far right. But bringing together protections from extrem
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

This @theguardian.com piece today from @dpcarrington.bsky.social & @guyshrubsole.bsky.social shows we are not prepared & need to see the govt make this a priority. At @roundourwayuk.bsky.social we'd like to see a cross-dptment Minister for Climate Impacts & Risk. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.comJust 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfiresExclusive: England ‘desperately unprepared’ for effects of crisis including water shortages and heatwaves
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Since May our health workers, firefighters & farmers have been stretched to the limit and our infrastructure is under severe strain. The people who keep this country moving are being asked to work in dangerous extreme heat conditions & so many have been struggling with daily life

Sofie Jenkinson reposted

Steve Akehurst
@steveakehurst.bsky.social

Some interesting context: a summer of extreme weather (or, cultural discussion around it) has spiked the issue salience of climate for voters. Is back as a top 5 issue, ahead of housing, education, crime. But elite polarisation means politicians largely still too scared to talk about it for now.

Sofie Jenkinson@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Today I've written for @labourlist.bsky.social on why working class communities deserve to see a bold plan from Labour on climate. Quite simply we all deserve to be safe and be protected. And there's quite a clear political case for the government too. labourlist.org/2026/08/work...

labourlist.org'Working class communities deserve a bold climate plan from Labour' - LabourListLabour has always proudly protected, championed and supported working class communities and should do so once more when it comes to climate.
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Today I've written for @labourlist.bsky.social on why working class communities deserve to see a bold plan from Labour on climate. Quite simply we all deserve to be safe and be protected. And there's quite a clear political case for the government too. labourlist.org/2026/08/work...

labourlist.org'Working class communities deserve a bold climate plan from Labour' - LabourListLabour has always proudly protected, championed and supported working class communities and should do so once more when it comes to climate.
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

There are those that deny the issue or say that it's too late and nothing can be done. This is simply not true. We have the solutions and we can protect people, communities, wildlife and nature. Leaving people, businesses, schools, hospitals, communities to face this alone is not an option.

Sofie Jenkinson reposted

Megan Corton Scott
@mcortonscott.bsky.social

I love this: people say the UK isn’t cohesive or kind or that culture is only something for certain people. I am of the belief we are the funniest nation on earth, and that is the shared culture and joy that I know and love, and that is wholly inclusive. Grateful to Sof for articulating as always.

Sofie Jenkinson@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

So I wrote about it again lads. See what you think. It's just my view of the Britain I think exists. Would love to know yours, and what you think our v specific silly British things are – because there were simply too many good ones to list www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.comCount Binface represents the Silly Sausage Britain I know and love | Sofie JenkinsonMr Blobby, the Liz Truss lettuce, Boaty McBoatface … the Clacton hopeful is part of a rich tradition – and a reminder that it’s laughter that defines us, not hate, says co-director of Round Our Way, S...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

So I wrote about it again lads. See what you think. It's just my view of the Britain I think exists. Would love to know yours, and what you think our v specific silly British things are – because there were simply too many good ones to list www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.comCount Binface represents the Silly Sausage Britain I know and love | Sofie JenkinsonMr Blobby, the Liz Truss lettuce, Boaty McBoatface … the Clacton hopeful is part of a rich tradition – and a reminder that it’s laughter that defines us, not hate, says co-director of Round Our Way, S...
Sofie Jenkinson@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

I would simply like to point out that what we are seeing rn, from Binface in particular, is Mr Blobby Patriotism in action (@renewaljournal.bsky.social). We are in Silly Sausage Britain and we just have to accept it: renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

I would simply like to point out that what we are seeing rn, from Binface in particular, is Mr Blobby Patriotism in action (@renewaljournal.bsky.social). We are in Silly Sausage Britain and we just have to accept it: renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Reform clearly need a regular reminder that two MPs have been murdered in the last 10 years. Contributing to and arguably driving the increasing temperature in politics and then hating it impacting you is, honestly, maddening.

Sofie Jenkinson reposted

Megan Corton Scott
@mcortonscott.bsky.social

Why should the Burnham government prioritise targeted grid upgrades in its first 100 days? How would this save consumers money, revitalise our industries and lead to new and innovative growth? And what are constraint costs anyhow? 👇

Labour Climate and Environment Forum@lcefuk.bsky.social

Our Deputy Director @mcortonscott.bsky.social spoke to Arguably about our policy ideas for Andy Burnham’s first 100 days - including tackling grid constraints. www.arguably.uk/p/20-ideas-f...

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Last year I wrote a piece on Blobby for @renewaljournal.bsky.social b/c he was, and is, the vibe of our country and an important icon of our culture and essence. Since then Josh Widdecome, SNL UK & now @theguardian.com are in on it. renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Charlie Stross@cstross.bsky.social

BLOBBY IS BAAAAACK!!! https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jun/04/bizarre-return-of-mr-blobby (Just noting that my current novel-in-progress features a mass crucifixion of burning Mr Blobbies at one point. It seemed … necessary.)

theguardian.com‘A metaphor for a nation gone soft in the head’: the bizarre return of Mr BlobbyHe’s pink, dotty and as British as a Boots meal deal. In recent months he’s duetted with pop stars, appeared on Saturday Night Live and been declared the UK’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. What’s behind...
View full thread
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Last year I wrote a piece on Blobby for @renewaljournal.bsky.social b/c he was, and is, the vibe of our country and an important icon of our culture and essence. Since then Josh Widdecome, SNL UK & now @theguardian.com are in on it. renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Charlie Stross@cstross.bsky.social

BLOBBY IS BAAAAACK!!! https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jun/04/bizarre-return-of-mr-blobby (Just noting that my current novel-in-progress features a mass crucifixion of burning Mr Blobbies at one point. It seemed … necessary.)

theguardian.com‘A metaphor for a nation gone soft in the head’: the bizarre return of Mr BlobbyHe’s pink, dotty and as British as a Boots meal deal. In recent months he’s duetted with pop stars, appeared on Saturday Night Live and been declared the UK’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. What’s behind...
View full thread
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

I did enjoy @michaelhogan100.bsky.social's piece and like to think I am part, however small, of Blobby's comeback - he's the hero we need at this time. bsky.app/profile/mich.... renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Michael Hogan@michaelhogan100.bsky.social

A lobotomised hero for stupid times! The British Mickey Mouse! But is he a comedy folk hero or a horror monster? I wrote about Mr Blobby's unlikely comeback. Features contributions from @drmatthewsweet.bsky.social and @gralefrit.bsky.social. Blobby blobby blobby! www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

theguardian.com‘A metaphor for a nation gone soft in the head’: the bizarre return of Mr BlobbyHe’s pink, dotty and as British as a Boots meal deal. In recent months he’s duetted with pop stars, appeared on Saturday Night Live and been declared the UK’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. What’s behind...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Last year I wrote a piece on Blobby for @renewaljournal.bsky.social b/c he was, and is, the vibe of our country and an important icon of our culture and essence. Since then Josh Widdecome, SNL UK & now @theguardian.com are in on it. renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
Charlie Stross@cstross.bsky.social

BLOBBY IS BAAAAACK!!! https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jun/04/bizarre-return-of-mr-blobby (Just noting that my current novel-in-progress features a mass crucifixion of burning Mr Blobbies at one point. It seemed … necessary.)

theguardian.com‘A metaphor for a nation gone soft in the head’: the bizarre return of Mr BlobbyHe’s pink, dotty and as British as a Boots meal deal. In recent months he’s duetted with pop stars, appeared on Saturday Night Live and been declared the UK’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. What’s behind...
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

My piece angered David Frost so much he wrote a Telegraph column about Paddington (!?) & why only ppl like him get to decide what culture is meaningful - clearly nonsense & he missed the non-twee non-posh point. Glad blobby is getting discussed, plz read my piece too! renewal.org.uk/blog/mr-blob...

renewal.org.ukMr Blobby patriotismOver recent weeks I have found myself thinking about the country we live in, what it feels like and what I like, and love, about it. I guess I found myself thinking about this because of the summer w...
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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

TL;DR: I disagree with Tony Blair, tackling climate change including investment in Net Zero will protect and secure the future of our country, not put it in jeopardy. People and their communities deserve to be protected both now and in the future, and their lives made better with the best we have.

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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

For example Bridgend Ravens RFC are currently having to spend upwards of £6500 a month on energy bills, at the Gnoll in Neath it's over £4000 a month. Our local rugby clubs, football clubs, pubs & favourite spaces are struggling, & electrification would not just protect them but help them to thrive

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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

For info on Net Zero and Labour's coalition see @persuasionuk.bsky.social's work here: "Provided noticeable cost & inconvenience to consumers is avoided at a policy level, unambiguously pro-Net Zero signalling is more or less all upside within the Labour coalition... persuasionuk.org/research/ref...

persuasionuk.orgGetting to know 'Reform curious Labour voters'Exploring the attitudes, demography and values of Reform curious Labour voters and the coalitional dilemmas they represent
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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

We need mitigation to do that, & we need adaptation to protect people from the impacts already here. This is the right thing to do. But equally the politics of both for the Labour Party, this govt, is actually very clear – it is the smart political move, for the electoral coalition & for the country

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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

And so we need our politicians to be very serious and very clear about how they are going to protect people and make their lives better, on the issue of climate, both now and in the future. Tony Blair's position is not to do that.

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Not only he is ignoring the potential of renewables and electrification to make people's lives better and bring down bills, but he is taking the same position as the anti net-zero populists in that we don't need to act to ensure the impacts we are already seeing don't get worse.

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

...at 26°C our NHS has to bring in risk assessments & extra health&safety & can cancel entire surgical lists. As CCC pointed out last week: pupils taking an exam on a 32°C day leads to around a 10% lower likelihood of passing compared to a 22°C day. Climate change is here & it's impacting people now

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

So, it's hot eh? The @ukhsa.bsky.social have issued a heat health alert because the levels of heat we are going to see across the weekend are going to be dangerous for some people - especially those who are older or pregnant. Stay safe & hydrated – see advice from midwife Angie below!

Round Our Way@roundourwayuk.bsky.social

The @ukhsa.bsky.social has issued its first amber heat health warning of the year, which means there will be increased risk to vulnerable people from high temperatures in the coming days www.gov.uk/government/n...

gov.ukUKHSA issues amber and yellow heat-health alerts across EnglandUKHSA has issued its first amber heat-health alert of 2026, warning of increased risk to vulnerable people from high temperatures in the coming days.
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Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

Our public services will be hit hard - with NHS wards under more strain & operations cancelled when it hits 26 degrees in hospitals and pupils struggling to concentrate - the CCC report states that taking an exam on a 32°C day leads to around a 10% lower likelihood of passing compared to a 22°C day

Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

That's why me & @samalvis.bsky.social wrote this paper – because not only is adaptation the right thing to do, because people and communities are suffering now, it's a political no-brainer for progressives: www.ippr.org/articles/ada...

ippr.orgAdapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather | IPPRWithout a serious rethink, we will lose any reputation for competence and leave an opening for the far right. But bringing together protections from extrem
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

So, it's hot eh? The @ukhsa.bsky.social have issued a heat health alert because the levels of heat we are going to see across the weekend are going to be dangerous for some people - especially those who are older or pregnant. Stay safe & hydrated – see advice from midwife Angie below!

Round Our Way@roundourwayuk.bsky.social

The @ukhsa.bsky.social has issued its first amber heat health warning of the year, which means there will be increased risk to vulnerable people from high temperatures in the coming days www.gov.uk/government/n...

gov.ukUKHSA issues amber and yellow heat-health alerts across EnglandUKHSA has issued its first amber heat-health alert of 2026, warning of increased risk to vulnerable people from high temperatures in the coming days.
Sofie Jenkinson
@sofiejenkinson.bsky.social

As ever, I agree with @samalvis.bsky.social - we need to take adaptation more seriously - because people and communities deserve us to - but also because it’s politically smart. We wrote a paper for you on this very thing, which is in Sam’s thread below!

Sam Alvis@samalvis.bsky.social

The @thecccuk.bsky.social report today is landmark. Adaptation is something politicians see as a future problem. Its not. We'll cross 1.5 degrees *this parliament*, the current govt will deal with those consequences Great coverage by @fionaharvey.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

Sofie Jenkinson reposted

Sam Alvis
@samalvis.bsky.social

Replying to @samalvis.bsky.social

In @ippr.org's paper Adapt or Die, with the crazy smart @sofiejenkinson.bsky.social we get under the hood of these political arguments and where progressives can make the public case and how www.ippr.org/articles/ada...

ippr.orgAdapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather | IPPRWithout a serious rethink, we will lose any reputation for competence and leave an opening for the far right. But bringing together protections from extrem

Sofie Jenkinson reposted

Sam Alvis
@samalvis.bsky.social

The @thecccuk.bsky.social report today is landmark. Adaptation is something politicians see as a future problem. Its not. We'll cross 1.5 degrees *this parliament*, the current govt will deal with those consequences Great coverage by @fionaharvey.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

Institute for Public Policy Research@ippr.org

Extreme weather is a growing political problem in the UK. As we’ve seen in Valencia & LA, when increasingly severe & frequent climate impacts strike, populists are quick to exploit public anger over a lack of preparation, using it to advance their own agenda & weaken support for climate action.