Andy
@andydrummond.bsky.social
Between Knotty Ash and North Cave.
Posts about bikes, Lib Dems 🔶 and occasionally intensive care medicine.
All views own and probably not that interesting.
Posts about bikes, Lib Dems 🔶 and occasionally intensive care medicine.
All views own and probably not that interesting.
Pinned
Really important article - I’d argue that the switch to opt-out hasn’t failed but hasn’t worked as hoped either. It does however reinforce that even with opt-out in place it’s important to consider your wishes, register a decision & tell your loved ones - #LeaveThemCertain #YesIDoNate #OrganDonation
Reposted by Andy
If you want people to feel that their day to day lives are improving then make sure that local government is properly funded. You could call it “the pothole theory of everything”.
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
Survey finds 60% of key cities councils are planning to sell assets to meet costs of adult and children’s social care
English councils are planning to sell social clubs, sports centres and shopping arcades as they bet on a fire sale of assets to balance the books, according to a survey of local authorities.
The key cities group of councils, which represents second-tier cities in England, said 60% of councils were planning to sell assets to meet the escalating costs of adult and children’s social care. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:14 PM
If you want people to feel that their day to day lives are improving then make sure that local government is properly funded. You could call it “the pothole theory of everything”.
Reposted by Andy
More evidence that carrot and no stick does nothing to encourage #ModalShift. Greater Manchester’s politicians need to be braver and bring in the #CleanAirZone and #CongestionCharge the city so desperately needs
www.sciencedirect.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:31 PM
More evidence that carrot and no stick does nothing to encourage #ModalShift. Greater Manchester’s politicians need to be braver and bring in the #CleanAirZone and #CongestionCharge the city so desperately needs
Reposted by Andy
The government is proposing to abolish the right to asylum. Fuck Starmer and fuck Mahmood, they are traitors to their entire electorate cosying up to the far right.
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The government is proposing to abolish the right to asylum. Fuck Starmer and fuck Mahmood, they are traitors to their entire electorate cosying up to the far right.
Reposted by Andy
Terrific, thought-provoking piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social:
On incompetence
Much of our political culture is fundamentally incompetent.
chrisdillow.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Terrific, thought-provoking piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social:
Reposted by Andy
That’s why “blue Labour” is doomed and was doomed from the start: you cannot make water run uphill. A party whose core electorate for over a decade has been socially liberal university graduates and ethnic minorities cannot sell itself as a party hostile to socially liberal values.
November 15, 2025 at 12:49 PM
That’s why “blue Labour” is doomed and was doomed from the start: you cannot make water run uphill. A party whose core electorate for over a decade has been socially liberal university graduates and ethnic minorities cannot sell itself as a party hostile to socially liberal values.
Reposted by Andy
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Right on cue - and it’ll rise in line with public transport fares. This is the right decision #CongestionCharge
November 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Right on cue - and it’ll rise in line with public transport fares. This is the right decision #CongestionCharge
Reposted by Andy
Good stuff from @chrisboardman.bsky.social in the latest @callingallstations.bsky.social about the transformative effect, particularly for women, of #BigBirminghamBikes - would be great to see a similar scheme in @Rochdalecouncil.bsky.social @triciaayr.bsky.social @walkrideGM.org.uk
Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast
News Commentary Podcast · Updated fortnightly · Christian Wolmar, Mark Walker and guests keep you up to date with the most engaging news stories, policy developments and interviews from across the…
podcasts.apple.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Good stuff from @chrisboardman.bsky.social in the latest @callingallstations.bsky.social about the transformative effect, particularly for women, of #BigBirminghamBikes - would be great to see a similar scheme in @Rochdalecouncil.bsky.social @triciaayr.bsky.social @walkrideGM.org.uk
Reposted by Andy
Why I have zero sympathy for Burnham's stance on a GM congestion charge. I understand the politics but it's fantasy to pretend that better public transport will tempt people out of cars, particularly when that public transport requires subsidy to make it attractive.
November 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Why I have zero sympathy for Burnham's stance on a GM congestion charge. I understand the politics but it's fantasy to pretend that better public transport will tempt people out of cars, particularly when that public transport requires subsidy to make it attractive.
Meanwhile in Greater Manchester…
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reducing traffic with “carrots”: A review of the evidence
Reducing traffic volumes is one way to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector. Since increasing driving costs is often met with public resi…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Meanwhile in Greater Manchester…
Reposted by Andy
Lady, this is your 5th driving offence (4th speeding) in 8 years.
If losing the privilege of driving would cause you exceptional hardship, then perhaps you should have been less careless with that privilege.
www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/kirs...
If losing the privilege of driving would cause you exceptional hardship, then perhaps you should have been less careless with that privilege.
www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/kirs...
Kirsty Gallacher says judge has 'no empathy' after being banned from driving
The presenter asked the court to spare her from a driving ban, saying it would prevent her from taking care of her teenage sons
www.standard.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Lady, this is your 5th driving offence (4th speeding) in 8 years.
If losing the privilege of driving would cause you exceptional hardship, then perhaps you should have been less careless with that privilege.
www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/kirs...
If losing the privilege of driving would cause you exceptional hardship, then perhaps you should have been less careless with that privilege.
www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/kirs...
Reposted by Andy
💥Our very own Kate Bartlett of the LCC Women's Network smashing it last night - presenting to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Walking & Cycling 💥
You could hear a pin drop after our film on abuse against women cycling in London 😨
See it here: lcc.org.uk/campaigns/wo...
You could hear a pin drop after our film on abuse against women cycling in London 😨
See it here: lcc.org.uk/campaigns/wo...
November 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
💥Our very own Kate Bartlett of the LCC Women's Network smashing it last night - presenting to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Walking & Cycling 💥
You could hear a pin drop after our film on abuse against women cycling in London 😨
See it here: lcc.org.uk/campaigns/wo...
You could hear a pin drop after our film on abuse against women cycling in London 😨
See it here: lcc.org.uk/campaigns/wo...
Reposted by Andy
I do wonder if labour are just chucking ideas at the wall to see what sticks, and what the reaction is.
They just seem to be fiddling at the edges and avoiding the big issues.
JUST RAISE BLOODY FUEL DUTY
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
They just seem to be fiddling at the edges and avoiding the big issues.
JUST RAISE BLOODY FUEL DUTY
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Hundreds of thousands to lose heat pump subsidies in Reeves’s budget plan
Exclusive: chancellor plans to fund energy efficiency levies via warm homes plan as part of drive to lower energy bills
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I do wonder if labour are just chucking ideas at the wall to see what sticks, and what the reaction is.
They just seem to be fiddling at the edges and avoiding the big issues.
JUST RAISE BLOODY FUEL DUTY
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
They just seem to be fiddling at the edges and avoiding the big issues.
JUST RAISE BLOODY FUEL DUTY
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
"Because his level of ambition is blindingly obvious"
Why some in No 10 think Wes Streeting is plotting to become prime minister
Health secretary has always been open about his ambitions but recent actions hinted at reasons for potential coup plot
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
"Because his level of ambition is blindingly obvious"
Reposted by Andy
If you've never watched the Canadian series of #RaceAcrossTheWorld it basically goes like this
"we need to get to Simpatico Falls"
"hey my brother Ted lives there, take my minivan and Ted will drive it back next week"
"OMG really"
"oh sure, let me just fill the tank and buy you some snacks"
"we need to get to Simpatico Falls"
"hey my brother Ted lives there, take my minivan and Ted will drive it back next week"
"OMG really"
"oh sure, let me just fill the tank and buy you some snacks"
November 13, 2025 at 4:57 PM
If you've never watched the Canadian series of #RaceAcrossTheWorld it basically goes like this
"we need to get to Simpatico Falls"
"hey my brother Ted lives there, take my minivan and Ted will drive it back next week"
"OMG really"
"oh sure, let me just fill the tank and buy you some snacks"
"we need to get to Simpatico Falls"
"hey my brother Ted lives there, take my minivan and Ted will drive it back next week"
"OMG really"
"oh sure, let me just fill the tank and buy you some snacks"
Reposted by Andy
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
November 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
This is a complete failure of planning. Why was no #SelectivePermeability mandated?
Do have to wonder what genius thought it'd be a good idea to allow a housing development to be built, immediately bordering an 60 year old estate, but it would appear with no walking or cycling links between the two - except by going out to the main road and back in, potentially on a long deviation.
November 13, 2025 at 2:23 PM
This is a complete failure of planning. Why was no #SelectivePermeability mandated?
Reposted by Andy
It was expanded by Livingston and then shrunk by Johnson
The format of the charge hasn't changed since it started in 2003. Needs a review.
The format of the charge hasn't changed since it started in 2003. Needs a review.
November 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM
It was expanded by Livingston and then shrunk by Johnson
The format of the charge hasn't changed since it started in 2003. Needs a review.
The format of the charge hasn't changed since it started in 2003. Needs a review.
Reposted by Andy
Resident doctors begin striking tomorrow.
There'll be regional and local pickets between 14-19 November, across England.
If you're planning on picketing or showing solidarity at a picket line, make sure you've read our guidance: www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign... #DoctorsStrike
There'll be regional and local pickets between 14-19 November, across England.
If you're planning on picketing or showing solidarity at a picket line, make sure you've read our guidance: www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign... #DoctorsStrike
November 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Resident doctors begin striking tomorrow.
There'll be regional and local pickets between 14-19 November, across England.
If you're planning on picketing or showing solidarity at a picket line, make sure you've read our guidance: www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign... #DoctorsStrike
There'll be regional and local pickets between 14-19 November, across England.
If you're planning on picketing or showing solidarity at a picket line, make sure you've read our guidance: www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign... #DoctorsStrike
Reposted by Andy
Loughborough has gone balls to the wall on halls (!) because it can only expand if it provides accommodation. The local authority will not licence any new student HMOs.
The economics also work because the university owns land which is its contribution to PFIs.
The economics also work because the university owns land which is its contribution to PFIs.
November 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Loughborough has gone balls to the wall on halls (!) because it can only expand if it provides accommodation. The local authority will not licence any new student HMOs.
The economics also work because the university owns land which is its contribution to PFIs.
The economics also work because the university owns land which is its contribution to PFIs.
Reposted by Andy
At the risk of becoming a "one neat trick" policy poster, I come back to these. Tenements in Scotland are frequently mixed age. One flat will be HMO students, one will be young professionals, a retired couple, a young family etc
The solution is literally build more missing middle housing
The solution is literally build more missing middle housing
November 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
At the risk of becoming a "one neat trick" policy poster, I come back to these. Tenements in Scotland are frequently mixed age. One flat will be HMO students, one will be young professionals, a retired couple, a young family etc
The solution is literally build more missing middle housing
The solution is literally build more missing middle housing
Reposted by Andy
On the "we need large flats/apartments suitable for families" point that's been raised in this thread, there is a *reason* why the Singapore HDB doesn't just build 1-2 bedroom flats, many are ~2000 square foot 4 bed family homes!
November 13, 2025 at 11:03 AM
On the "we need large flats/apartments suitable for families" point that's been raised in this thread, there is a *reason* why the Singapore HDB doesn't just build 1-2 bedroom flats, many are ~2000 square foot 4 bed family homes!
Reposted by Andy
We lease a car through work and use it at weekends!
All criticisms of bike work schemes fall apart when you compare to work car leading
All criticisms of bike work schemes fall apart when you compare to work car leading
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM
We lease a car through work and use it at weekends!
All criticisms of bike work schemes fall apart when you compare to work car leading
All criticisms of bike work schemes fall apart when you compare to work car leading
Reposted by Andy
Axing the cycle-to-work scheme might seem like low-hanging fruit for a cash-strapped Treasury, but it would be a big mistake. Particularly with expensive kid-carrying cargo e-bikes, it's one of the most effective modal shift levers out there.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Rachel Reeves to cut tax benefits for workers using salary sacrifice schemes to buy bikes
Chancellor expected to introduce new limit on how much can be spent on a bicycle through cycle to work scheme
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Axing the cycle-to-work scheme might seem like low-hanging fruit for a cash-strapped Treasury, but it would be a big mistake. Particularly with expensive kid-carrying cargo e-bikes, it's one of the most effective modal shift levers out there.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Andy
Thanks to open data, it's possible to look at what the spending on the cycle to work scheme is compared to other similar schemes, say vehicle salary sacrifice.
Both involve buying things before tax on wages so reducing your tax bill, giving an idea of the tax raising potential from each.
Both involve buying things before tax on wages so reducing your tax bill, giving an idea of the tax raising potential from each.
November 13, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Thanks to open data, it's possible to look at what the spending on the cycle to work scheme is compared to other similar schemes, say vehicle salary sacrifice.
Both involve buying things before tax on wages so reducing your tax bill, giving an idea of the tax raising potential from each.
Both involve buying things before tax on wages so reducing your tax bill, giving an idea of the tax raising potential from each.