And I am studiously avoiding tweeting too much politics stuff today, because of the uncertainty around the one issue I really want to talk about (the Saga of the NHS Bots). I have strong views on it, but I don't want to become an irresponsible tweeter.

I think it says a lot that it's plausible to so many that the government would do it. But it being sadly plausible and it having happened is not the same thing. I encourage everyone to exercise caution and good sense today and wait for evidence from trustworthy sources.

There are obviously unanswered questions. Something has happened here involving the creation of (very) fake profiles that spread a certain coordinated message. There needs to be investigation into this. But until and while there is, I want to exercise restraint.

I've deleted previous tweets on this. I think the UK government is made up of spivs, charlatans and psychopaths, I don't respect them, and I'm fine with expressing that view. But I don't want to turn that dislike into an unconditional acceptance of what MIGHT not be true. Sorry.

And I know that this thread will make me unpopular in some of my more vehement circles - so be it. If I spend my time online arguing for the value of truth and evidence, I have to be prepared to stand up for that even when the victim (in this case the gov) is a complete tosser.