33 Comments
User's avatar
Jeni's avatar

Once and if summer weather allows it I would like to organise a Bear picnic in a suitable London park so all Ursus fans can meet up and talk about the issues that bring us here. I suspect very few arguments would occur over the coleslaw at such a get together.

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The Bear's avatar

This would be pretty amazing actually.

🐻

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Jeni's avatar

Okey dokey. It's officially now on my to do list. Watch this space.

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Felicity Cobbing's avatar

Agree. 👍🏻

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Mag McC's avatar

We might need a series of events across the country - not sure I can do London - a park in Glasgow would suit me better!

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David Soulsby's avatar

Brilliant idea

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Felicity Cobbing's avatar

Yes!! What an event that would be!

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Kathy's avatar

I’d love that!

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Jan Archer's avatar

Dear Bear, I follow you because of what you write and how you write ( some words I’ve never heard of ). What I appreciate is the clarity that allows me to have greater understanding of complex situations. What I particularly like is that you can adapt and change the things that work and don’t work. The ability to change your position or thinking because upon reflection you can see things differently is a talent. We need politicians who can flex when something is clearly wrong, like Brexit red lines. I look forward to your next insight. Best wishes.

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Kane Clements's avatar

Good morning Bear.

What a year!

First never go for the House Red especially if it has a cork stopper!

To make any sort of leeway in the current media environment is something special. That you have gone so far so quickly is remarkable and a testament to the quality of your work.

Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Wishes of more success in the New Year.

Kane

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Elaine Chalus's avatar

I don't get a chance to read everything, as I'm struggling to write a monograph while keeping up with academic stuff and politics, but I read most of what you write -- and I appreciate your insights and political intuition, as well as your wit, annoyance, frustration and general humanity. So glad you are now able to do what you want to do. Best wishes to you and yours for a sparkling Xmas (with quality wine) and a New Year that brings challenges and successes of all the best sort.

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Sheila Sadler's avatar

Happy Solstice, Bear! (I like to celebrate REAL things) You make my day regularly and I look forward to following you from solstice to solstice for as long as you write.

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Tracey Fuller's avatar

You are one of my Substack highlights Bear. So well done, taking that difficult life-changing step. I suspect you will never regret it.

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Ginny Gilmore's avatar

Happy Christmas Bear and Mr Bear. I hope you have some relaxing time doing what you want to do - Lego is good - and drinking some half decent wine. xx

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Maggie's avatar

Happy Xmas Mr Bear and partner, may 2026 bring peace and happiness to your door. xx

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W Adam's avatar

Love your writing Bear & hope for a lot more in years to come. The NHS’s sad loss is our gain 👍🏼

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Jacky Smith's avatar

I think we've all noticed & enjoyed the way your writing has developed & I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Best wishes for a suitable bang-babbelas over the holiday!

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lyn's avatar

Wishing you both a very merry Christmas & a peaceful & prosperous New Year Bear 🐻

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Elaine Maisey's avatar

I'm pleased for you. I wish you and yours a happy Xmas and look forwards to reading all your pieces to come in the New Year.

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Janice Roberts's avatar

Hope you get to rest over the festive season Bear and have a great one!

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Victoria Gwilliam's avatar

What lovely, positive comments from great sounding people. Seems to me that you now have the audience that you so obviously deserve.

I always enjoy reading your posts and I'm so happy for you that you have achieved so much in such a short time.

Happy Christmas to you and Mr Bear. May 2026 be a good one. Virtual 🫂 from Victoria, with flu 🤧, in beautiful, very wet West Wales x

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Hannah Lucinda Smith's avatar

One of my very favourite Substacks! Congratulations, and I'm looking forward to reading more - and I second the suggestion of a Bear Picnic.

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Brown Reporter's avatar

Enjoyed reading this update and wishing you and your family a happy Christmas and New Year... I hope in 2026 you reach your 100% target to do this full-time 🙌

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