Richard Branson

president.gov.uapresident.gov.ua

4 June

Read the Open Letter from President Zelenskyy to Putin www.president.gov.ua/en/news/vidk...

virg.inRubble without a cause: What's America's Iran endgame? | Virgin

9 Mar

Rubble without a cause: What's America's Iran endgame? virg.in/46PLOSA

theelders.orgWe are only protected by law if we abide by itJuan Manuel Santos delivered a video address at the UN Association’s event marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly.

30 Jan

Powerful words from Juan Manuel Santos on why we must protect international law. To ignore it would be "a dangerous race to the bottom – toward a world in which nobody is protected, where there are no rules and no order.” A timely reminder: theelders.org/news/we-are-...

linkedin.comMinnesota’s Biggest Companies Call for ‘De-escalation’ of Tensions | Paul Polman | 20 commentshttps://lnkd.in/eXp-_JxU Fear and moral paralysis is not a strategy. For the second time in a month, the city is mourning a civilian killed by federal agents, and the atmosphere is thick with grief...

27 Jan

"Fear and moral paralysis is not a strategy.” Powerful words from Paul Polman: www.linkedin.com/posts/paulpo...

edition.cnn.comCNN video analysis sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti | CNNCNN analyzed cellphone footage of immigration officers fatally shooting Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Taken together, they appear at odds with the Department of Homeland Security’s claims about the kill...

25 Jan

Absolutely horrified by the brutal killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. There is no justification, no excuse for a government to unleash this kind of violence on its own citizens. Those responsible must be held to account. This is not a partisan question, but a matter of decency and equal justice.

(1/6) Relieved to see some form of consensus emerge to take the heat out of the US Government’s brazen attempt to seize Greenland.

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(5/6) European nations haven't even been invited to be part of these negotiations, despite the fact this war is taking place in Europe. But what European leaders can and must do is up their support for Ukraine even further and tighten economic pressure on Russia to bring its war economy to its knees

(6/6) This is the moment for Europe to act together, truly collaborate, and draw strength from the realisation that it has the power to bring this war to a conclusion on Ukraine’s terms.

(1/6) Relieved to see some form of consensus emerge to take the heat out of the US Government’s brazen attempt to seize Greenland.

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(3/6) Today, officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the US are meeting in Abu Dhabi for yet another round of negotiations. I am not holding my breath.

(4/6) Putin has no interest in peace on any other terms than his own. And this current US administration does not have the willpower to help Europe to force Russia to the table as Ukraine’s equal.

(1/6) Relieved to see some form of consensus emerge to take the heat out of the US Government’s brazen attempt to seize Greenland.

(2/6) Now, everyone’s attention must turn to Ukraine. An enormous war, almost forgotten in recent months, continues to rage in Europe, killing many Ukrainians and even more Russian troops every day.

thetimes.comTrump claims Nato troops avoided Afghan front lineLabour minister calls US president’s comments ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘plainly wrong’

(1/3) Few things stir up anger and indignation like defiling the memory of those who have given their lives for their country and their allies. And rightly so. www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...

(2/3) Good to see so many speaking out against these disgraceful falsehoods. If this was a genuine mistake, the right thing to do would be to apologise – as all good leaders do.

thetimes.comTrump claims Nato troops avoided Afghan front lineLabour minister calls US president’s comments ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘plainly wrong’

(3/3) An apology to America's NATO allies and the families of the fallen and injured is the least they should expect. It’s just so sad and sets such a bad example that for this ‘leader’, "sorry" seems to be the hardest word: www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...

youtube.comDavos LIVE: Canadian PM Mark Carney speaks at World Economic ForumYouTube video by Associated Press

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech today is one of the most insightful, albeit sobering, political speeches in a long time. Carney tells it as it is: "If you're not at the table you'll be on the menu." Well worth finding the time to watch: www.youtube.com/live/dE981Z_...

virgin.comAI won't define our future, how we choose to make decisions will | VirginHighlights from Humanity in the Age of AI, exploring how leaders can protect human skills and work with AI to shape the future of work.

AI can do amazing things, but leadership still depends on human judgment.” Well said. Here’s a closer look at how the decisions we make will define our futures, more than AI alone: www.virgin.com/virgin-unite... #AI #leadership #decisions

ft.comRussia unleashes ‘energy terror’ in bitter Ukrainian winterMoscow targets energy system as Kyiv suffers minus 20C temperatures

As much of the world is focused on other crises, Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the midst of a bitter winter: www.ft.com/content/ec1b...

thetimes.comIran report says 16,500 dead in ‘genocide under digital darkness’Witnesses tell of the brutality inflicted on those taking part in anti-regime protests

“You have 10 minutes to cry.” Some estimates say up to 16,500 people have now been killed in Iran’s brutal crackdown on ongoing protests. Some harrowing stories from people on the ground: www.thetimes.com/world/middle...

nytimes.comHow Russia’s War Machine Brutalizes and Exploits Its Own SoldiersConfidential complaints filed by troops and their families reveal patterns of wrongdoing in the ranks that are hidden from the Russian public.

Awful to see Russia's lawless military abuse its own troops: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

17 Jan

Bonkers. Just completely bonkers. www.bbc.com/news/live/c1...

(1/2) Executing the young on trumped-up charges just shows Iranians and the world why this mullah regime must fall. And the sooner it falls, the better. According to authorities, at least 2,000 protesters have been killed. Probably many more.

news.sky.comIranian protester faces 'imminent' execution, claims human rights groupDonald Trump has urged Iranians to "keep protesting" and cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the "senseless killings" stop, as the death toll surpasses 2000.

(2/2) The ruthless theocrats responsible for this carnage must be stopped and held responsible for the horrors they’ve brought upon their own people: news.sky.com/story/irania...

(1/3) In recent days, Venezuela has released just a fraction of the estimated 800 to 1,000 political prisoners being held by the regime. The US Government should push for the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela as a matter of priority.

(2/3) As President Trump is scheduled to meet opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House this week, he should use the opportunity to recognise the result of the 2024 presidential elections, which opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won decisively.

bbc.co.ukTrump to meet Venezuela's María Corina Machado on ThursdayMachado, the winner of 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, had offered to share the honour with Trump, an award the president has long coveted.

(3/3) The US should then push for a peaceful transition from the current regime to those elected to lead. It’s the only way for Venezuela to find peace, freedom and democracy: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

independent.co.ukStarmer rejects MP’s call for referendum on death penalty for criminals

13 Nov 2025

Keir Starmer is right. The death penalty is never the answer for any country. It’s inhumane, costly & doesn’t deter crime. It has no place in the civilised world. Most of Europe abolished the death penalty decades ago & has been better, safer without it: www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/new...

toforestjohnson.comJustice For Toforest JohnsonFor 24 years, Toforest Johnson has been on Alabama’s death row for a crime he did not commit. The State’s lawyers continue to seek his execution.

5 Nov 2025

4 former Alabama Supreme Court Justices 2 former State Governors 1 former State Attorney General 1 former Alabama Senator The District Attorney The Original Trial Prosecutor are all calling for a new trial for Toforest Johnson Why is Alabama still trying to execute him? www.toforestjohnson.com

theelders.orgThe Elders call for Marwan Barghouti’s release to spur moves to two-state solutionThe Elders call for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison as an important step towards reviving a lasting two-state solution.

3 Nov 2025

I join with The Elders in calling for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison. This is as an important step towards reviving a lasting two-state solution: theelders.org/news/elders-...

theonlinecitizen.comIf disruption is the goal, why execute me? A final letter from death rowScheduled for execution on 15 October 2025, Hamzah bin Ibrahim accepts responsibility but questions the justice of his sentence. He cooperated with authorities, received a Certificate of Substantive A...

14 Oct 2025

(1/3) Hamzah bin Ibrahim is scheduled to be hanged in Singapore tomorrow for a non-violent drug offence, despite giving substantive assistance to investigating authorities: www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/13/i...

14 Oct 2025

(2/3) His open letter to Singapore’s President and Home Affairs Minister raises all the right questions: “What does this serve? What do the authorities actually want to achieve?” Hamzah deserves clemency.

14 Oct 2025

(3/3) The death penalty for drug offences is no deterrent. Singapore would be better off without it: www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/13/i...

virgin.comA Land for All is possible | VirginRichard Branson discusses 'A Land for All' - a bold and audacious vision that would enable both Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs to flourish and prosper on a common understanding of the ground benea...

13 Oct 2025

A wonderful day for the hostages & prisoners on both sides being released. Now all parties must do their best to keep the peace. A fair, collaborative two-state solution will be critical to that. A Land For All’s pragmatic framework is the best way to get there: www.virgin.com/branson-fami...

Richard Branson reposted

lauraburstein.bsky.social

@lauraburstein.bsky.social

29 Sept 2025

Lester Holt investigates the urgent case of #RobertRoberson — an innocent Texas father facing execution Oct. 16 for a crime that never happened. Listen to new NBC Dateline podcast trailer here: www.nbcnews.com/thelastappeal

nbcnews.comThe Last Appeal – an original podcast from Dateline NBC’s Lester HoltIs Texas about to execute an innocent man? Lester Holt examines Robert Roberson’s controversial death row case.

thetimes.comHit Putin hard now or attacks will worsenOnly by using all its political, financial and military means will the West deter Russian mischief

26 Sept 2025

Hard words are not enough. The West must use all its political, financial, and military means to be taken seriously by Putin. As Edward Lucas put it: “Hit Putin hard now, or attacks will worsen": www.thetimes.com/article/8ca6...

time.comThe U.N. Must Listen to President Zelensky and Ukraine"Now, more than ever, it is vital that Ukraine remains at the forefront of global debate," writes Richard Branson.

24 Sept 2025

When it comes to Ukraine - the world must listen & act. Ukraine has endured unspeakable losses & its struggle is a test of international resolve. My thoughts on why we must stand for Ukraine, which is fighting the frontlines of global freedom: time.com/7319512/u-n-...

22 Sept 2025

A good news round-up to start the week: www.positive.news/society/good...

bit.lyStop the Oct. 16 Execution of Robert RobersonAdd to your name to stop Texas from executing an innocent person.

22 Sept 2025

(1/2)Time is running out to save an innocent father. Texas has set an Oct. 16 execution date for Robert Roberson, who has spent more than 20 years on death row for a crime that never occurred. bit.ly/48Qkdzj

bit.lyStop the Oct. 16 Execution of Robert RobersonAdd to your name to stop Texas from executing an innocent person.

22 Sept 2025

(2/2) Robert could soon become the first person in the U.S. to be executed based on the debunked and discredited “shaken baby syndrome” hypothesis. Add your name to help save an innocent man: bit.ly/48Qkdzj #SaveRoberson

theguardian.comThe ‘war on drugs’ has failed. There’s another way to solve the US fentanyl crisis | LetterLetters: To defeat the cartels, governments should decriminalise personal use and create legal drug markets, says Richard Branson. And Richard Kilroy decries US military action against suspected drug-...

15 Sept 2025

The ‘war on drugs’ has failed. There’s another way to solve the US fentanyl crisis: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

foreignaffairs.comHow to Arm Ukraine for NegotiationsFor a durable peace, Trump must get the order of talks right.

3 Sept 2025

How to arm Ukraine for negotiations, and finally bring Russia’s devastating invasion to an end: www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/how-a... @foreignaffairs.com

ohchr.orgIran: Call to halt increasing executions and impose moratorium on death penaltyIranian authorities have executed at least 841 people since the beginning of the year and up until 28 August 2025, according to information gathered by the UN Human Rights Office – ignoring multiple c...

1 Sept 2025

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...

thetimes.comJohn Bolton raid is a chilling sign of rule by vendettaFormer US security adviser was courageous in his criticisms of Trump’s approach to Putin — his treatment is alarming

28 Aug 2025

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...

sightsavers.orgSenegal reaches historic milestone by eliminating trachoma | News | SightsaversThanks to support from Sightsavers and other organisations, millions of people in Senegal are no longer at risk from losing their sight to the eye disease.

22 Aug 2025

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...

sacbee.comCalifornia’s death penalty is bad business. Newsom can help dismantle it | Opinion“California death penalty prosecutions in the last five years alone have led to court costs of more than $300 million.”

20 Aug 2025

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...

unocha.orgWorld Humanitarian Day: Attacks on aid workers hit another record, humanitarians call for urgent action(Geneva/New York, 19 August 2025): A shocking new record of 383 aid workers killed in 2024 must be a wake-up call to protect all civilians in confli

(1/5) The humanitarian response movement is underfunded, overstretched and under attack: www.unocha.org/news/world-h...

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(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.

(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...

(1/5) The humanitarian response movement is underfunded, overstretched and under attack: www.unocha.org/news/world-h...

(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.

virg.inUkraine: defending freedom with Oleksandr Usyk | VirginUkraine: defending freedom with Oleksandr Usyk

(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