Ben Parker
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
Green Councillor for Morningside 🌱
Read / subscribe to my blog: https://cllrbenparker.substack.com/ 📝
He/him
Read / subscribe to my blog: https://cllrbenparker.substack.com/ 📝
He/him
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Ben Parker
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
· Aug 4
As your Councillor, I hold a monthly drop-in surgery at Morningside Library from 4-5pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month 💬📅📚
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
My latest blog post is now live covering action and updates on: rogue landlords 🏚️, purpose built student accommodation 🧑🎓, artificial intelligence 🤖, BDS 🕊 (and more!)
Subscribe and read my blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp... 🗒️
Subscribe and read my blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp... 🗒️
October 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
My latest blog post is now live covering action and updates on: rogue landlords 🏚️, purpose built student accommodation 🧑🎓, artificial intelligence 🤖, BDS 🕊 (and more!)
Subscribe and read my blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp... 🗒️
Subscribe and read my blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp... 🗒️
Reposted by Ben Parker
This month the Scottish Parliament backed Green calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel and companies complicit in the genocide and occupation.
Now it's time to put those words into action at all levels of government.
Now it's time to put those words into action at all levels of government.
September 26, 2025 at 10:47 AM
This month the Scottish Parliament backed Green calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel and companies complicit in the genocide and occupation.
Now it's time to put those words into action at all levels of government.
Now it's time to put those words into action at all levels of government.
Lots of folk at the Eric Liddell Centre contributing their ideas for the Astley Ainslie as part of the local place plan development 🗺️📍
What’s on my list? More space for nature, co-operative / co-housing development, accessibility at the forefront and (of course!) protecting the trees 🌳
What’s on my list? More space for nature, co-operative / co-housing development, accessibility at the forefront and (of course!) protecting the trees 🌳
September 27, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Lots of folk at the Eric Liddell Centre contributing their ideas for the Astley Ainslie as part of the local place plan development 🗺️📍
What’s on my list? More space for nature, co-operative / co-housing development, accessibility at the forefront and (of course!) protecting the trees 🌳
What’s on my list? More space for nature, co-operative / co-housing development, accessibility at the forefront and (of course!) protecting the trees 🌳
I’m pleased to be proposing this motion today 🇵🇸
The Scottish Government took a big step forward in supporting BDS calls from Green MSPs, but now they must do the same for Councils ⚖️
New powers need to be granted to local authorities or else the government position is just warm words ❌ 💬 🤷
The Scottish Government took a big step forward in supporting BDS calls from Green MSPs, but now they must do the same for Councils ⚖️
New powers need to be granted to local authorities or else the government position is just warm words ❌ 💬 🤷
NEW: The Scottish Greens are calling for Edinburgh to become the first city in Scotland to boycott Israel
Greens motion could see Edinburgh become first Scottish city to boycott Israel
www.thenational.scot
September 25, 2025 at 7:11 AM
I’m pleased to be proposing this motion today 🇵🇸
The Scottish Government took a big step forward in supporting BDS calls from Green MSPs, but now they must do the same for Councils ⚖️
New powers need to be granted to local authorities or else the government position is just warm words ❌ 💬 🤷
The Scottish Government took a big step forward in supporting BDS calls from Green MSPs, but now they must do the same for Councils ⚖️
New powers need to be granted to local authorities or else the government position is just warm words ❌ 💬 🤷
“In what appears to be pandering to the demands of a small group of CEOs, political parties – and not just Labour – are showing their true colours.” 🟥🟧🟦
Thank you to @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social for this excellent overview of a complex topic ⤵️ 📰
Thank you to @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social for this excellent overview of a complex topic ⤵️ 📰
I wrote this piece for anyone who has wondered why there are Air Canada adverts on Lothian Buses and Emirates adverts on the tram, given that Edinburgh Council has a ban on fossil fuel advertising: theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/09/are-...
Are arms length bodies a wasted opportunity?
What do Edinburgh Leisure (which does not guarantee a real living wage for staff) the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (which has hosted conferences for weapons manufacturers and has in the p...
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
“In what appears to be pandering to the demands of a small group of CEOs, political parties – and not just Labour – are showing their true colours.” 🟥🟧🟦
Thank you to @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social for this excellent overview of a complex topic ⤵️ 📰
Thank you to @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social for this excellent overview of a complex topic ⤵️ 📰
A little bit later than usual, but August's blog post is now up 📝
Read on to hear about what I've been doing for tree protection in the Fringe 🌳, local traffic improvements in Marchmont 🚧 🚶♀️, tourist tax spending on accessibility ♿ and lots more (!)
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Read on to hear about what I've been doing for tree protection in the Fringe 🌳, local traffic improvements in Marchmont 🚧 🚶♀️, tourist tax spending on accessibility ♿ and lots more (!)
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
September 18, 2025 at 8:52 AM
A little bit later than usual, but August's blog post is now up 📝
Read on to hear about what I've been doing for tree protection in the Fringe 🌳, local traffic improvements in Marchmont 🚧 🚶♀️, tourist tax spending on accessibility ♿ and lots more (!)
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Read on to hear about what I've been doing for tree protection in the Fringe 🌳, local traffic improvements in Marchmont 🚧 🚶♀️, tourist tax spending on accessibility ♿ and lots more (!)
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Please do submit your views on this excellent project! And for what it’s worth, I support the option advocated by the Community Council ✅
Reminder! You can still review the designs for a new Polwarth junction and share your views by 21 September .
Let the council know if you support the overall changes, which design option you prefer and why, and if you have any other thoughts or concerns.
merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
Let the council know if you support the overall changes, which design option you prefer and why, and if you have any other thoughts or concerns.
merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
September 9, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Please do submit your views on this excellent project! And for what it’s worth, I support the option advocated by the Community Council ✅
Absolutely delighted that, at the 3rd time of asking, we have successfully banned arms companies from commercial activity (including testing) in Council parks and greenspace 🌳🚫
Thank you to everyone who wrote into the consultation earlier this year to make your views known .. we did it! 💬📝
Thank you to everyone who wrote into the consultation earlier this year to make your views known .. we did it! 💬📝
August 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Absolutely delighted that, at the 3rd time of asking, we have successfully banned arms companies from commercial activity (including testing) in Council parks and greenspace 🌳🚫
Thank you to everyone who wrote into the consultation earlier this year to make your views known .. we did it! 💬📝
Thank you to everyone who wrote into the consultation earlier this year to make your views known .. we did it! 💬📝
This issue is back at committee tomorrow where the new park management rules are being decided 🌳
After the Council's own consultation saw lots of write-in objections to the use of parks by arms companies, we are once again calling for a ban 🚫
Fingers crossed for a better result tomorrow ✅
After the Council's own consultation saw lots of write-in objections to the use of parks by arms companies, we are once again calling for a ban 🚫
Fingers crossed for a better result tomorrow ✅
This was incredibly disappointing 🙅♂️
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
NEW: Labour councillors joined Tories to vote AGAINST prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test equipment
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
August 20, 2025 at 3:48 PM
This issue is back at committee tomorrow where the new park management rules are being decided 🌳
After the Council's own consultation saw lots of write-in objections to the use of parks by arms companies, we are once again calling for a ban 🚫
Fingers crossed for a better result tomorrow ✅
After the Council's own consultation saw lots of write-in objections to the use of parks by arms companies, we are once again calling for a ban 🚫
Fingers crossed for a better result tomorrow ✅
I remain very concerned about this and will be raising this further - watch this space! 🌳
St ANDREW SQUARE GARDEN.—Concern for trees, but retrospective application for Spiegeltent is approved. Spurtle is not happy: broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/concern...
#Edinburgh #hyperlocal #news #planning #environment
#Edinburgh #hyperlocal #news #planning #environment
August 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
I remain very concerned about this and will be raising this further - watch this space! 🌳
Reposted by Ben Parker
The Tour de France is coming to Edinburgh in 2027, but sponsors include fossil fuel giants the city should not be advertising.
🚫 ⛽✈️🛢️ 🚫
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social was asked if council rules mean that logos of climate-destroying brands should be removed from the picture when the Tour passes through.
🚫 ⛽✈️🛢️ 🚫
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social was asked if council rules mean that logos of climate-destroying brands should be removed from the picture when the Tour passes through.
August 13, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The Tour de France is coming to Edinburgh in 2027, but sponsors include fossil fuel giants the city should not be advertising.
🚫 ⛽✈️🛢️ 🚫
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social was asked if council rules mean that logos of climate-destroying brands should be removed from the picture when the Tour passes through.
🚫 ⛽✈️🛢️ 🚫
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social was asked if council rules mean that logos of climate-destroying brands should be removed from the picture when the Tour passes through.
As your Councillor, I hold a monthly drop-in surgery at Morningside Library from 4-5pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month 💬📅📚
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
August 4, 2025 at 8:53 AM
As your Councillor, I hold a monthly drop-in surgery at Morningside Library from 4-5pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month 💬📅📚
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨🦯🧏
Reposted by Ben Parker
Had a lovely morning doorknocking with Cllr Ben Parker in Marchmont yesterday. Lots of great conversations; gathered some council casework to take forward; and got a few folk registered to vote 💚
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@edinburghgreens.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@edinburghgreens.bsky.social
August 3, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Had a lovely morning doorknocking with Cllr Ben Parker in Marchmont yesterday. Lots of great conversations; gathered some council casework to take forward; and got a few folk registered to vote 💚
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@edinburghgreens.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@edinburghgreens.bsky.social
What did I get up to in June 2025? 🌳🙋♂️
Read my latest blog post now and subscribe for future updates: cllrbenparker.substack.com 🖥️📝
Read my latest blog post now and subscribe for future updates: cllrbenparker.substack.com 🖥️📝
What did I get up to in June 2025?
5 updates from June 2025
open.substack.com
July 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
What did I get up to in June 2025? 🌳🙋♂️
Read my latest blog post now and subscribe for future updates: cllrbenparker.substack.com 🖥️📝
Read my latest blog post now and subscribe for future updates: cllrbenparker.substack.com 🖥️📝
Reposted by Ben Parker
Polls are open in Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart! A Green [1] vote can stop a second Tory councillor for the ward, deliver fresh ideas and new energy to Edinburgh council.
June 26, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Polls are open in Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart! A Green [1] vote can stop a second Tory councillor for the ward, deliver fresh ideas and new energy to Edinburgh council.
I’m so excited for Thursday — fingers crossed we can get @qmanivannan.bsky.social elected! I’d be so excited to work with them in the City Chambers #VoteQ1 🗳️🌱
June 21, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I’m so excited for Thursday — fingers crossed we can get @qmanivannan.bsky.social elected! I’d be so excited to work with them in the City Chambers #VoteQ1 🗳️🌱
Reposted by Ben Parker
Edinburgh Council has agreed to evaluate a four day week for our workers after my motion was passed yesterday at our full council meeting
“Council to look into giving workers four-day week” www.bbc.com/news/article...
“Council to look into giving workers four-day week” www.bbc.com/news/article...
Edinburgh council to look into giving workers four-day week
One councillor argued that it could help tackling staffing and morale problems at the council.
www.bbc.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Edinburgh Council has agreed to evaluate a four day week for our workers after my motion was passed yesterday at our full council meeting
“Council to look into giving workers four-day week” www.bbc.com/news/article...
“Council to look into giving workers four-day week” www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Parker
📐🚗🚶♀️🚴🏾♀️👩🏼🦼We have seen draft plans for the new Polwarth junction design, and they look good! We believe these improvements address our community's safety concerns.
🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer.
🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!
🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer.
🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!
New Polwarth junction designs are coming soon – Merchiston Community Council
Get the latest updates on how we are representing community interests and views in Merchiston.
merchistoncc.org.uk
June 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM
📐🚗🚶♀️🚴🏾♀️👩🏼🦼We have seen draft plans for the new Polwarth junction design, and they look good! We believe these improvements address our community's safety concerns.
🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer.
🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!
🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer.
🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!
It's that time of the month again where I share my latest blog post 📝📅
Read on to find out more about work I'm doing on the Tour de France, supporting BANZAI's cargo bike library, Council retrofitting and more! ⤵️ 🚲 🏡
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Read on to find out more about work I'm doing on the Tour de France, supporting BANZAI's cargo bike library, Council retrofitting and more! ⤵️ 🚲 🏡
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
What did I get up to in May 2025?
5 updates from May 2025
open.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It's that time of the month again where I share my latest blog post 📝📅
Read on to find out more about work I'm doing on the Tour de France, supporting BANZAI's cargo bike library, Council retrofitting and more! ⤵️ 🚲 🏡
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Read on to find out more about work I'm doing on the Tour de France, supporting BANZAI's cargo bike library, Council retrofitting and more! ⤵️ 🚲 🏡
open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...
Reposted by Ben Parker
Fantastic evening out in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart for our great candidate Q‼️
So many people excited on the doors to #VoteGreen1 on the 26th of June💚
I’ve certainly got a good feeling about this one 👀
So many people excited on the doors to #VoteGreen1 on the 26th of June💚
I’ve certainly got a good feeling about this one 👀
June 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Fantastic evening out in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart for our great candidate Q‼️
So many people excited on the doors to #VoteGreen1 on the 26th of June💚
I’ve certainly got a good feeling about this one 👀
So many people excited on the doors to #VoteGreen1 on the 26th of June💚
I’ve certainly got a good feeling about this one 👀
This was incredibly disappointing 🙅♂️
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
NEW: Labour councillors joined Tories to vote AGAINST prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test equipment
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
Labour councillors vote in favour of arms firms using public parks for testing
LABOUR and Conservative councillors have voted against prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test their equipment…
www.thenational.scot
June 5, 2025 at 8:08 PM
This was incredibly disappointing 🙅♂️
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
I'm proud to be bringing forward this motion to the Council's Culture and Communities committee today. Fingers crossed other Councillors support my calls.
NEW: Councillors in Edinburgh will be taking part in a vote today on whether arms manufacturers should be allowed to use public parks in the city to test their equipment
Public fury sparks vote to ban arms testing in Edinburgh's public parks
www.thenational.scot
June 5, 2025 at 1:04 PM
I'm proud to be bringing forward this motion to the Council's Culture and Communities committee today. Fingers crossed other Councillors support my calls.
Reposted by Ben Parker
Another great session knocking doors in Shandon today for Q Manivannan @qmanivannan.bsky.social ahead of the council by-election in 1 month. Voters are dismayed at the running of Edinburgh Council by Labour propped up by the Tories and Lib Dems. They are ready to have a Green councillor once again!
May 24, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Another great session knocking doors in Shandon today for Q Manivannan @qmanivannan.bsky.social ahead of the council by-election in 1 month. Voters are dismayed at the running of Edinburgh Council by Labour propped up by the Tories and Lib Dems. They are ready to have a Green councillor once again!
I’ve always been sad that my neighbouring ward Cllr @gavincorbett.bsky.social stood down at the last election so we didn’t work on cross boundary issues together 🗺️📍
I’m delighted Gavin is endorsing the excellent @qmanivannan.bsky.social who will make a fab colleague instead (!) 🗳️ #VoteGreen
I’m delighted Gavin is endorsing the excellent @qmanivannan.bsky.social who will make a fab colleague instead (!) 🗳️ #VoteGreen
May 26, 2025 at 9:29 AM
I’ve always been sad that my neighbouring ward Cllr @gavincorbett.bsky.social stood down at the last election so we didn’t work on cross boundary issues together 🗺️📍
I’m delighted Gavin is endorsing the excellent @qmanivannan.bsky.social who will make a fab colleague instead (!) 🗳️ #VoteGreen
I’m delighted Gavin is endorsing the excellent @qmanivannan.bsky.social who will make a fab colleague instead (!) 🗳️ #VoteGreen
Reposted by Ben Parker
I’m so excited to share that I’m to be the Green candidate for the Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart by-election on 26 June.
I want to bring care back into politics, to commit strongly to solidarity, safer roads, tenants rights, and green spaces in our ward.
I look forward to the next 6 weeks!
I want to bring care back into politics, to commit strongly to solidarity, safer roads, tenants rights, and green spaces in our ward.
I look forward to the next 6 weeks!
Greens launch campaign for crucial city by-election | Edinburgh Greens
Q Manivannan has been selected by the Greens to contest the vacancy left by the sad death of Labour councillor Val Walker.
www.edinburghgreens.org.uk
May 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
I’m so excited to share that I’m to be the Green candidate for the Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart by-election on 26 June.
I want to bring care back into politics, to commit strongly to solidarity, safer roads, tenants rights, and green spaces in our ward.
I look forward to the next 6 weeks!
I want to bring care back into politics, to commit strongly to solidarity, safer roads, tenants rights, and green spaces in our ward.
I look forward to the next 6 weeks!