This year alone, Iran has executed at least 841 people already. Signs of a corrupt and inept regime in fear of its own people. The mullahs’ brutality knows no bounds. www.ohchr.org/en/press-bri...
Screw it, let's do it. Proof it's the real me: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rbranson_richard-branson-richardbransonbskysocial-activity-7267516793689124864--I14 Here's my blog: https://www.virgin.com/branson-
132,469 followers 58 following 119 posts
view profile on Bluesky
This year alone, Iran has executed at least 841 people already. Signs of a corrupt and inept regime in fear of its own people. The mullahs’ brutality knows no bounds. www.ohchr.org/en/press-bri...
Poignant analysis by Lord Hague. Whatever you think of John Bolton – he knows Trump, and he knows Putin. And he was targeted for his sharp criticism of the current US approach to Russia. Americans should be able to agree to disagree without fear of retribution: www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Brilliant to see Senegal eliminate eye disease trachoma as a public health issue. Sightsavers (a Virgin Unite partner) worked with Senegal’s ministry of health to deliver 4.2mil doses of antibiotics & provide 30k operations for patients with advanced trachoma: www.sightsavers.org/news/2025/07...
The death penalty is bad business for California. Very compelling piece by Matthew Stepka highlighting why Governor Newsom should commute his state’s death sentences: www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
(5/5) This #WorldHumanitarianDay sends a strong message that the normalisation of violence against aid workers must end. We must protect the humanitarians who put their lives on the line. And those who attack them must be held to account: www.unocha.org/news/world-h...
(4/5) The 2024 death toll is a 31% increase from 2023. It is the highest death toll ever recorded, but 2025 could be even worse.
(3/5) Last year alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed. Many more are injured, kidnapped, or detained - like Eddy Scott, a British volunteer medic I met who was severely wounded after his vehicle was attacked by Russia in Ukraine: virg.in/4lCEG0p
(2/5) Where bombs fall or crises hit, humanitarian workers offer lifelines for millions of people. But those who help are increasingly being killed and injured themselves.
(1/5) The humanitarian response movement is underfunded, overstretched and under attack: www.unocha.org/news/world-h...
Encouraging to see the UK government plan to bring more Gazan children to the UK for treatment. Immensely proud of Project Pure Hope (which we support through Virgin Unite) for helping to bring more Gazan children to the UK for urgent medical care: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Important read on the forgotten war in Sudan and the breakdown of the international order: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
A persuasive look at why A Land For All offers the most compelling pathway to peace in Palestine and Israel: www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Russia and Ukraine must seek a proper framework for talks, says Juan Manuel Santos, chair of @theelders.bsky.social economist.com/by-invitatio...
(2/2) What counts is the rule of law. I hope Brazil’s institution will not cave in to bullying. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/07...
(1/2) The latest round of US tariffs imposed on Brazil is a blatant example of wielding economic power as a blunt instrument to pervert the course of justice. Coupled with sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes - a direct attack on Brazil’s sovereignty.
(3/3) Sure, in the short term this will have an impact on the price of oil, but it’s the right thing to do. The ball is in Russia’s court now to act on this. And by extension, it should propel China and India to nudge their ally Putin into action: www.reuters.com/world/europe...
(2/3) Trump’s ultimatum, if he sticks to his commitment to act, may be the most consequential decision made thus far to end Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It may also be the most effective way for the US to stand by its 1994 commitments to guarantee Ukraine’s security.
(1/3) Only 10 days left for Putin to act. On Monday, President Trump announced he would shorten the deadline for Putin to come to the negotiating table over Ukraine to 10 to 12 days. If Putin doesn’t respond, the US would introduce steep tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, gas, & other resources.
The two-state solution needs global affirmation, says Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein theelders.org/news/two-sta... @theelders.bsky.social
There must be a ceasefire. Remaining hostages must be returned. The killing of civilians must end. And Israelis and Palestinians must come together to speak about two states on one homeland - the only option for lasting peace and long-term prosperity www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYxC...
The UK & 27 other countries rightly call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. Our screens are filled with horror day in, day out. Enough is enough. Where is the humanity? Where is the basic decency? Civilians must never be a target in a conflict. The killing must stop www.bbc.com/news/article...
Deeply alarming to see a range of human rights abuses (including slavery, human trafficking, child labour and torture) being carried out on a vast scale in Cambodian compounds that organise online scams. Another cruel facet of the scamming world: www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne... @amnesty.org
Measles cases hit highest total since US eliminated the disease. Through its self-inflicted drop in vaccination rates, the US is putting its people and the rest of the world at deadly risk: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/w...
Over recent months, the situation in #Gaza has gone from dire to unimaginable. Project Pure Hope provides a way to respond to the immediate need of innocent children: virg.in/3TU8nyp
To mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, members of The Elders and its Advisory Council joined other world leaders, nuclear disarmament advocates, and survivors (hibakusha) in honouring victims & renewing a shared commitment to a world free from nuclear weapons.
A new report from Human Rights Watch spotlights the widespread discrimination and violence unleashed upon LGBTQ+ people since Uganda enacted the world’s harshest anti-gay laws two years ago. You should never be outlawed or abused for loving who you love: www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
(3/3) No doubt, we’ll miss Ban Ki-moon dearly, but we’ll still lean on him for advice and guidance in the years to come: bit.ly/3FAejcA
(2/3) And true to his brilliant and reflective mind, he has left us with some incredibly important and personal parting words – a heartfelt plea for a renewed multilateral world order in the spirit of the UN Charter, delivering for everyone, but especially the most vulnerable among us.
(1/3) The Elders never fail to inspire all of us with their moral courage and leadership. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is now stepping down as Deputy Chair after eight years with this wonderful collective, really embodies the best of what The Elders stand for.
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...
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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...
(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.
(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.
(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) 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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(1/4) Strong leadership means taking risks and trying things - but when it doesn’t work, realising your mistake and correcting it. Quickly.
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...
(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.
(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.
(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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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
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.
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.
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...
Zurawski V Texas - a powerful documentary about reproductive rights – is now available on Jolt: on.jolt.film/3PMFRNj
Mick Brown on the power of The Elders. 18 years on, their role in the world is needed more than ever. www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3666...
Powering the world with clean energy is common sense. It will secure the future for our grandchildren. The clean energy transformation is - and remains - unstoppable www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/t...
Wonderful and significant gesture by President Biden. No one should go to prison for non-violent drug offences. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/u...
Never, ever give up." Beautiful words from Jean Oelwang on President Carter's final Sunday School lesson: www.virgin.com/virgin-unite...
I share the global sense of relief as a hostage exchange and withdrawal plan in Gaza has been agreed between Israel and Hamas. At this critical moment in time, A Land For All's unique proposition may be more relevant than ever. Here's my thoughts @time-magazine.bsky.social time.com/collection/t...
Do you have a dream? Pitch it to me and Simon Squibb at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch at our Elevator of Dreams video doorbell. Here’s all the details: virg.in/42cxi5V
Fantastic to see the UK’s first drug consumption room finally open its doors in Glasgow. Congratulations to all those who made this happen. As the experience from more than 200 drug consumption rooms around the world shows, The Thistle will save many lives: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Merry Christmas to all the blue-sky thinkers out there x
By championing forgiveness and mercy, President Biden has come down on the right side of history.
It’s inhumane and unfair. It’s costly and wasteful. And it doesn’t deliver justice or make communities safer. Commuting these federal death sentences sends an important signal that there are alternatives to state-sanctioned killing.
President Biden has made a historic decision to put common sense over retribution and vengeance. The death penalty is broken. www.npr.org/2024/12/23/g...
Martin Sheen: Why President Biden Should Commute Death Row time.com/7203199/mart...
President Biden should spend his final weeks in office commuting the sentences of the 40 federal inmates on death row. What a powerful legacy to leave. The death penalty should be abolished worldwide. www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/o...
Grateful to authorities in Denmark and Greenland for releasing Paul Watson, a true champion and hero of ocean conservation. Common sense prevailed. news.sky.com/story/anti-w...
One of my 2024 highlights – inviting Alan Bates and his wonderful wife, Suzanne, to Necker and officiating their wedding: www.virgin.com/branson-fami...
Here's my thoughts on Syria: www.virgin.com/branson-fami...
(3/4) This was as uplifting a moment of liberation as any we have seen in the last 40 years. Of course, ending Assad’s brutal rule is one thing. Keeping the peace and rebuilding a nation so fragmented and battered is another matter altogether.
(2/4) After more than 50 years of iron-fisted rule by the Assad clan, propped up by the dictators in Iran and, more recently, Russia, many Syrians got a taste of freedom for the first time in their lives.
(1/4) Amidst the turmoil & crises facing the world, it’s important to highlight the moments that lift our spirits. This weekend, I was touched by the celebrations of millions of Syrians upon hearing that Bashar al-Assad had resigned as Syria’s ruler & fled to Moscow.
Friday reminder: Complexity is your enemy. Anyone can make something complicated. It’s hard to keep things simple, but it’s absolutely necessary.