Richard Branson
Screw it, let's do it.
Proof it's the real me: linkedin.com/posts/rbranson_rich…
Here's my blog: virgin.com/branson-
- Heading to Japan with The Elders, commemorating 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here’s a crucial reminder on the enduring threat posed by nuclear weapons – and what must be done to reduce the risk: theelders.org/news/nuclear...
- Inspiring celebration of David Attenborough from Kate Winslet and many others - and a much-needed reminder to stand with science www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
- Cayman Islands voters pass referendum approving marijuana decriminalisation - a great step forwards. www.marijuanamoment.net/cayman-islan...
- Today, May 1st, was the hottest May Day on record in the UK. Another reminder why it’s so important to trust science and challenge politicians who deny climate change www.yahoo.com/news/uk-reco...
- (1/4) It was America and Britain that guaranteed the sovereignty of Ukraine and its borders in return for persuading them to give up their nuclear weapons.
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View full thread(3/4) For the sake of peace worldwide, we must learn from that mistake and stand firm with Ukraine. To cave now would send a terrible message to Russia, and to China, that aggression pays, and the US does not stand by its pledges.
- (4/4) Furthermore, for anyone to infer that Ukrainians are not brave is beyond contempt. Ukrainian people and their President are amongst the bravest people I’ve ever had the honour to meet.
- (2/4) But, despite that, when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 “not a shot was fired” by either of these countries in defence of Ukraine. This only emboldened Putin to move further and attempt to take the whole of Ukraine.
- Amber was a treasure - radiating joy, love, and purpose wherever she went. I feel so lucky to have called her a friend. Her legacy lives on in the millions of lives she touched: www.virgin.com/virgin-unite...
- “Since Putin is clearly set on continuing the war while dividing the West…threats (by America) to walk away only incentivise him to carry on. It is a counter-productive approach in defiance of all recent experience of bringing peace talks to a successful conclusion.” A must-read: virg.in/4jCtvUE
- "A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else." - John Burroughs
- "The security of the world is at stake." Well worth watching President Zelenskyy's interview on 60 Minutes www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine...
- Well worth listening to @barackobama.bsky.social's words this week on leadership, democracy and resilience barackobama.medium.com/conversation...
- An interesting piece from Virgin Unite, about how philanthropy must evolve from charity to strategic investment: virgin.com/virgin-unite...
- "So many children died." - If one of Ukraine's allies (America) shows weakness to Russia, they’ll just carry on their outrageous and unjust war. The only way to negotiate with Russia is from a position of strength. www.france24.com/en/video/202...
- (1/4) The ongoing market response to last week’s US tariff announcement was both predictable and preventable. Even if you agree with the premise of these tariffs, every reasonable effort should be made to give US companies sufficient time to adapt.
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View full thread(3/4) As the dollar is weakening, US consumer prices will rise. And countless small and medium-size enterprises are going bankrupt as a result. This is not a winning long-term strategy. The US government can still turn things around, but it must act in the next few hours.
- (4/4) This is the moment to own up to a colossal mistake and change course. Otherwise, America will face ruin for years to come.
- (2/4) The opposite has happened, and now financial markets everywhere are in freefall, with catastrophic results for ordinary Americans and for the rest of the world. Retirement savings will be wiped out at enormous scale.
- (1/4) Strong leadership means taking risks and trying things - but when it doesn’t work, realising your mistake and correcting it. Quickly.
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View full thread(3/4) It’s not just about the economy. Countries that trade fairly and healthily prosper and flourish. They reduce poverty, improve health and education, and decrease the likelihood of war.
- (4/4) Courage and self-awareness are cornerstones of true leadership. That includes quickly acknowledging errors and making corrections. With a swift reversal back to sensible economic policy, America and the rest of the world can still avoid the catastrophic fall out these tariffs will inflict.
- (2/4) One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from 60 years of business is to accept when I’m wrong and change course. The US government’s sweeping tariffs are taking the world’s economy in a dangerous direction. They will make people everywhere worse off – especially in America.
- Very sad to see this www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
- The fight to end the #deathpenalty needs more business engagement. Airgas should be applauded for standing up against the misuse of its products in executions: www.nola.com/gambit/news/... #BizVsDP
- This is a mission everyone should be able to get behind. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been torn from their families. No effort must be spared to bring them home:https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-halts-program-track-abducted-ukrainian-children-lawmakers-2025-03-18/
- “The US spent 8 decades building an international system of rules, norms and values that has produced the longest period of great power peace and global prosperity in human history.” Fareed Zakaria on how upending the world order will only weaken America: www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
- In grim contrast to the red carpet, Soheila Golestani faces 74 lashes for her Oscar-nominated film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig. Watch this film to understand the repression of Iran’s theocratic regime &why the #WomenLifeFreedom movement is so important: www.thetimes.com/culture/film...
- Horrifying to see South Carolina preparing for its first execution by firing squad. The inmate, Brad Sigmon, will have a hood placed over his head and a target pinned over his heart before a three-person squad fire their rifles. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
- (1/3) It needs repeating: in 1994, Ukraine was persuaded to give up its nuclear weapons to Russia in return for the US, the UK, and Russia guaranteeing Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
- (2/3) The UK government is doing its best to live up to this commitment, but the US is effectively siding with Russia in undermining it. Instead of seeing its sovereignty preserved, Ukraine is being pressured to accept a lopsided peace agreement without real guarantees.
- (3/3) With decades of Western policy consensus callously swept aside, European nations must now do everything within their power to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and repel Russia’s aggression.
- Whenever you welcome guests, treat them with kindness, grace and respect. Simple as that.
- Have you noticed a growing skills gap? According to Hays research, 85% of hiring managers are struggling to find the right talent. It's time to rethink hiring practices & focus on skills-based hiring to create more inclusive companies. Here's how businesses can lead this change: virg.in/3X8FNvn
- After 27 years on Oklahoma’s death row, Richard Glossip gets another day in court to prove his innocence. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is right, just, and fair: edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/p...
- For the US to side with Russia and North Korea to oppose a UN resolution condemning the illegal invasion of Ukraine defies all common sense and adds insult to the countless injuries suffered by the brave Ukrainian people. edition.cnn.com/2025/02/24/p...
- I was willing to give this new US administration the benefit of the doubt, particularly on foreign policy and the war in Ukraine. But siding with Russia, Belarus and North Korea to oppose a UN resolution condemning Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine defies all common sense...
- and flies in the face of all those who believe in sovereignty and the rule of law. And it adds insult to the countless injuries suffered by the brave Ukrainian people.
- Research shows that LGBTQ+ inclusion can drive economic activity. Open For Business’ latest report shows the economic case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Poland: open-for-business.org/poland
- The principles of A Land for All provide a new pathway for Palestinians & Israelis alike: · Democracy for all · Freedom of movement for all · Sovereignty to all · A homeland for all · Justice for all · Jerusalem for all · A confederate for all · Security for all www.alandforall.org/english/?d=ltr
- President Zelenskyy has been one of the greatest leaders of our time, guiding Ukraine through the darkest period of its recent history, rising up to Russia’s unwarranted aggression, being an inspiration to the Ukrainian people and ensuring that Ukraine’s voice is heard on the world stage.
- Ukraine’s battle for freedom is the world's, too. If the rule of law is to triumph over tyranny and darkness, President Zelenskyy and his country need unwavering support.
- Interesting read - 'Conspiracists are about to get a dose of reality' www.thetimes.com/article/b3bb...
- “I thoughts there were some brakes on the system, but I was wrong.” One year since Alexei Navalny’s suspicious death, political opposition in Russia is more repressed than ever. Here’s what’s going on: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Europe can’t rely on the strength of the transatlantic relationship to help contain Russia’s threat – it must lead from the front and be the true force of support that Ukraine needs. Not just for Ukraine’s sake, but for a free and sovereign Europe.
- Dismantling the death penalty is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. Inspiring to see how a group of nuns are trying to save women on death row in Texas: www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
- Any pathway to peace in Palestine & Israel should be determined by Palestinians & Israelis themselves. This is what drew me to A Land for All – a framework created by Palestinians & Israelis – based on principles of shared interests, lived experience & context: www.alandforall.org/english/?d=l...
- When I was younger I was crippled with self-doubt… Great to chat to the BBC about my experiences with imposter syndrome and how dyslexia has shaped my life (for the better). It’s important to keep challenging the status quo that holds neurodivergent people back. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- An innocent man has been on Alabama’s death row for over 26 years, but there is still time to fix this tragic mistake. Listen to Toforest Johnson’s story on the critically-acclaimed podcast, Earwitness, at www.toforestjohnson.com/podcast & follow @ToforestJohnson on Instagram
- @iangoldin.bsky.social's deep dive into the history of migration provides essential context to one of today’s most polarizing debates. The Shortest History of Migration is engrossing & instructive – a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the topic: iangoldin.org/books/the-sh...
