Richard Branson
@richardbranson
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President Zelenskyy has been one of the greatest leaders of our time, leading Ukraine through the darkest period of its recent history, rising up to Russia’s aggression, being an inspiration to the Ukrainian people and ensuring that Ukraine’s voice is heard on the world stage.
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(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.
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Whenever you welcome guests, treat them with kindness, grace and respect. Simple as that.
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I was once a child with a dream looking up to the stars. Now I'm an adult in a spaceship looking down to our beautiful Earth. To the next generation of dreamers: if we can do this, just imagine what you can do #Unity22 @virgingalactic
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I have dreamt about this moment since I was a child, but going to space was more magical than I ever imagined #Unity22 @virgingalactic
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Big day ahead. Great to start the morning with a friend. Feeling good, feeling excited, feeling ready. Watch #Unity22 launch and livestream TODAY at 7:30 am PT | 10:30 am ET | 3:30 pm BST. @virgingalactic @elonmusk
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It's not cricket. @ImranKhanPTI should be released immediately by Pakistan’s authorities. His arbitrary detention casts a dark shadow on respect for democracy and rule of law in Pakistan:
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Huge respect for the many brave women who are shedding their hijabs and cutting their hair on the frontlines of public protest in Iran. The young generation taking to the street are the country’s future. Read my thoughts on Iran:
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There are no words to describe the feeling. This is space travel. This is a dream turned reality @VirginGalactic #Unity22
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Congratulations to @ElonMusk & the @SpaceX @Inspiration4x crew on reaching orbit, another great moment for space exploration #Inspiration4.
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(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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Very sad to see Mr Trump attack London Mayor on a day for sympathy not criticism. The world needs to work together, not create more division.
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As missiles hurtle down on blocks of flats in Kyiv, one thing is so important. As President @ZelenskyyUa said, no one can expect Ukraine to fly and push Russia out with one clipped wing. Give Ukraine whatever wings they need. As quickly as possible.
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“If Ukraine loses, Ukraine ceases to exist. If Russia loses, we have a completely different Russia.” We must keep this conflict at the forefront of our minds and do all we can to support. #StandWithUkraine
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Thanks for being so typically supportive and such a good friend, Elon. Great to be opening up space for all - safe travels and see you at Spaceport America! #Unity22 @virgingalactic.
@richardbranson @StephenAtHome @thegreatkhalid @Cmdr_Hadfield @kelliegerardi @virgingalactic Will see you there to wish you the best.
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2 days until #Unity22! Watch the launch live this Sunday at 6am PT | 9am ET | 2pm BST with @StephenAtHome @thegreatkhalid @Cmdr_Hadfield @KellieGerardi @virgingalactic
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(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.
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(1/3) On the third anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion, Ukraine deserves better from its Western allies. The brave Ukrainian people have sacrificed everything. Their right to control their territory, to freely choose their alliances, and to shape their own.
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(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.
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Imagine having 15 minutes to defend yourself against the death penalty. Iran’s courts make a mockery of justice: . #MahsaAmini #IranRevolution.
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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.
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Ukraine’s troops are fighting and dying so the rest of us don’t have to. My thoughts on US Congress denying aid to Ukraine:
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Well done @blueorigin, @jeffbezos, Mark, Wally and Oliver. Impressive! Very best to all the crew from me and all the team at @virgingalactic.
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The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp is a terrorist organisation. The EU (and others) must recognise this.
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The execution of 23-year-old #MohsenShekari today is unacceptable and cruel. Iran’s brutal and corrupt regime must be held accountable by the international community #beourvoice
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No one should be compelled to shake the hand of the aggressor
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Climbing Mount Kenya & realising how far we still had to go…
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Yes, it’s the weekend. But in Ukraine it’s anything but a weekend. Think for a minute of the children, the mums and dads, the young men and women bravely trying to defend their country, the wounded and the dying. Let all our thoughts be with them all this weekend.
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This week in 1991 - 33 years ago - Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly (92%) for their independence. In the Donbass region, the pro-independence vote was 85%. Even in Crimea it was 54%. Overall turnout was 84%. That day, Ukrainians chose to be sovereign and shape their own future.
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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.
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After an invitation from @ZelenskyyUa, I travelled to Kyiv to meet with the President, Foreign Minister @DmytroKuleba and a group of Ukrainian business leaders. I also visited some of the sites of Russian attacks since Putin’s appalling invasion began
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President Carter’s passing leaves a hole in the moral leadership of the world, at a time when it is needed more than ever. He was one of the guiding lights of my life, and one of the most impactful leaders of our time:
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“Are we family, or are we just friends? Once you realise it’s your family who is fighting, you realise it’s your war and the politics as well as the optics will change.” Reflections on my trip to Ukraine: #StandWithUkraine
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It’s a beautiful day to go to space. We’ve arrived at @Spaceport_NM. Get ready to watch LIVE at 7:30 am PT | 10:30 am ET | 3:30 pm BST #Unity22
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Billions have been spent. Massive amounts of capital have left the UK. Thousands of jobs have already gone. As an entrepreneur and investor in UK business, I say it’s time for the UK Parliament to rethink Brexit and give the people a #FinalSay.
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(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.
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There is nothing supreme about Iran’s current leaders, and nothing revolutionary about its courts and armed thugs. #IranRevolution.
The international community must take urgent action to stop further executions in Iran.
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I echo Venezuelan opposition leader, @MariaCorinaYA, in calling for a global movement to rescue Venezuela from Maduro’s corrupt regime. This should be a world cause that we all stand for:
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(1/7) Alarmed by news reports that anywhere between 3,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops are currently being prepared to serve as cannon fodder in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
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I’ve always been a dreamer. My mum taught me to never give up and to reach for the stars. On July 11, it’s time to turn that dream into a reality aboard the next @VirginGalactic spaceflight #Unity22
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Heartfelt congratulations to President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris. A victory for democracy and decency. Now is the time to bring America together as a United States and start the healing. The world will be rooting for that.
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In Morocco, delivering supplies to the incredible Berber communities in the High Atlas Mountains. Awe-inspiring bravery from people who have been through unthinkable horror. The teams are working hard to help: @EveBranson @VirginUnite @VirginLimitedEd
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(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.
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In a single hour, the amount of power from the sun that strikes the Earth is more than the entire world consumes in an year
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Space is for all humanity, which is why we're giving YOU the chance to win 2 seats on one of the first @virgingalactic flights to space! ENTER NOW - all donations go to non-profit @spacehumanity: @omaze #Unity22
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Welcome President Macron’s leadership and his honest and unflinching words tonight.
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When we return from space, I will announce something very exciting to give more people the chance to become an astronaut. Because space belongs to us all. So watch this space… #Unity22
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(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.
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Inspiring to see brave women and girls protesting in the streets of Iran and standing up for their freedom. Their voices deserve to be heard, and we should all tell their stories: #MahsaAmini #BeOurVoice.
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Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!.
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My mission statement is to turn the dream of space travel into a reality - for my grandchildren, for your grandchildren, for everyone. Watch the launch of the next space age at 6 am PT | 9 am ET | 2 pm BST on @virgingalactic #Unity22
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(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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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.
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Delighted to be on the flightline to watch @VirginGalactic’s first human spaceflight from the majestic Spaceport America @Spaceport_NM #UNITY21
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A sister of Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei has condemned protest crackdowns and says they have brought nothing but suffering. Hear, hear: #MahsaAmini.
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Reflections on @virgingalactic’s first space flight & the momentous achievement of a crewed spaceship, built to carry private paying passengers, reaching space for the first time ever
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Marcellus Williams was killed today by the state of Missouri for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s a shameful day for Missouri, and a shameful day for Governor Mike Parson, who failed in his duty to protect an innocent man from injustice.
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Venezuelans deserve transparency about their vote. The international community must keep up the pressure and should not recognize #Venezuela's rigged election results
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Rap artist Toomaj Salehi bravely gave a voice to millions of young Iranians protesting in the street. As his life hangs in the balance after 8 months+ of imprisonment and torture, we all must give our voice to him and call for his release: #FreeToomaj.
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Hi Steve. Yes it was me. Appreciate the lift! Was really late for a critical meeting. Would like to return the favour – want a lift with @VirginAtlantic to Miami, then a cruise with @VirginVoyages to say thank you?.
@richardbranson I've always regaled friends and family with a story about the time I picked u up when you were trying to get to London after being stuck in traffic on the M40, this was about 10 years ago. No-one believes me, please tell me it was really you #fingerscrossed.
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Challenged @barackobama to a kitesurf vs foilboard learning contest – here’s what happened
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I’m so sad that Archbishop Tutu has passed away – the world has lost a giant. He was a brave leader, a mischievous delight, a profound thinker, and a dear friend
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Thoughts are with #Manchester. A devastating loss of innocence. Music will continue to unite us, not divide us.
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Hi @VancityReynolds. Just a reminder we have a commercial partnership with @virginatlantic & @aviationgin. We aren’t merging
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Marcellus Williams is innocent. We placed this full-page ad in the Kansas City Star today, urging Missouri @GovParsonMO to halt the execution of an innocent man: @innocence @The_MIP #SaveMarcellus
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1/4 Wishing all the best to Venezuelans and others around the world protesting Maduro’s fixed election. Since stealing the election, he has created a 'campaign of terror': arresting 2,000 people, killing more than 20, while hundreds more have had to go into hiding:.
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At 21:21 it is the 21st minute of the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century. A good time to look ahead with hope to a brighter 2021.
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The world must keep its eyes on Iran, give voice to the protest movement and bear witness to the regime’s crimes
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"The security of the world is at stake." Well worth watching President Zelenskyy's interview on 60 Minutes
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A powerful scene as the people of Iran continue to protest and work to establish a political system that is built on equality and upholds human rights. The international community must support them. #MahsaAmini #BeOurVoice.
In Amol (northern Iran), family and friends of slain 33-year-old protestor Ghazaleh Chalabi burn their compulsory headscarves at her 40-day mourning ceremony and chant, "We will avenge the death of our sister."
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I haven't had a sleepover quite like this since I was a kid. Wonderful team here on Necker all well #Irma
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The world is thinking of the brave people of Ukraine and their armed forces who are putting up one hell of a fight against the Russian invasion force. The least all of us can do is to make sure Putin and those around him pay the price for their aggression.
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Back on Earth on with my son @sambranson, so joyful I still felt weightless @virgingalactic
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10 things you need to know about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and 10 reasons why we organised #VenezuelaAidLive, happening right now: #readbyrichard.
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(3/3) Europe – the EU and the UK - must find unity and resolve to confront Putin’s threat. A united Europe must show that it is more than just a single market or a trading bloc, but a community of shared values ready to stand its ground against oppression and tyranny.
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Happy 95th birthday to my biggest inspiration and my most trusted advisor – my mum
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Never lose the thrill of trying something for the first time. What’s on your list to try? #FindingMyVirginity
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RIP to Steve Wright - a true gentleman presenter who was loved by all. It was a pleasure to have known Steve over the years. Sending love to his family and to all who have lost special friends recently.
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Such a powerful and brave act of defiance in the face of oppression. Iranian authorities must immediately release #AhooDaryaei from detainment. Say her name. #WomanLifeFreedom.
In Iran, a student harassed by her university’s morality police over her “improper” hijab didn’t back down. She turned her body into a protest, stripping to her underwear and marching through campus—defying a regime that constantly controls women’s bodies. Her act is a powerful
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(2/3) Ukraine’s allies have a choice to make: double down on support and help repel the aggressor or sacrifice Ukraine and with it Europe’s security and stability for years to come. Putin is not a peacemaker. He is an imperialist, and his ambition doesn’t end with Ukraine.
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