David Walsh
@davidwalsh16.bsky.social
Head of Public Affairs, WWF UK
185 Munros to go⛰️
Sharing my own opinions.
185 Munros to go⛰️
Sharing my own opinions.
Should have done it ages ago, partly stayed to save money on a conference pass. But I've left the Labour Party. They had the chance to change a broken economic model for good for climate, nature, and the most vulnerable people in society. They have failed too often in too short a time.
November 17, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Should have done it ages ago, partly stayed to save money on a conference pass. But I've left the Labour Party. They had the chance to change a broken economic model for good for climate, nature, and the most vulnerable people in society. They have failed too often in too short a time.
Only middle class professionals think about how to use tax incentives to minimise their tax bill!
One thing I've greatly enjoyed over the past few days is hearing government advisors diss every salary sacrifice tax break as a middle class thing. Only shiraz sipping bastards cycle to work! Yacht-dwelling latte sippers don't need pensions! Ed Miliband drives an EV!
November 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Only middle class professionals think about how to use tax incentives to minimise their tax bill!
Reposted by David Walsh
Q: Why can’t the UK do more rail electrification?
A: because it is too expensive
Q: why is rail electrification so expensive in the UK?
A: because we do so little of it
🤪
Welcome to the treasury logic that prevents sensible rail electrification investment, with your guide @noeldolphin.bsky.social
A: because it is too expensive
Q: why is rail electrification so expensive in the UK?
A: because we do so little of it
🤪
Welcome to the treasury logic that prevents sensible rail electrification investment, with your guide @noeldolphin.bsky.social
Huge thanks to @freewheeling.info who allowed me, this week, to go through the "Sparks Effect", HM Treasury and how we run the railway, on the Freewheeling Podcast. www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Feast-Famine Electrification with Noel Dolphin — Freewheeling
Why does electrification in the UK cost so much more than in the rest of Europe? And why does it always seem to go wrong? In today’s episode I talk to Managing Director (UK) of Furrer+Frey, the lead...
www.freewheeling.info
November 6, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Q: Why can’t the UK do more rail electrification?
A: because it is too expensive
Q: why is rail electrification so expensive in the UK?
A: because we do so little of it
🤪
Welcome to the treasury logic that prevents sensible rail electrification investment, with your guide @noeldolphin.bsky.social
A: because it is too expensive
Q: why is rail electrification so expensive in the UK?
A: because we do so little of it
🤪
Welcome to the treasury logic that prevents sensible rail electrification investment, with your guide @noeldolphin.bsky.social
Starmer said: “The greater our collective ambition, the more progress we make in tackling the climate crisis, and the greater the opportunities we create.” Then he did nothing to raise collective ambition.
How could No 10 let something like this happen? They will have had sign off on William's speech. They could have found the money to invest in the fund.
November 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Starmer said: “The greater our collective ambition, the more progress we make in tackling the climate crisis, and the greater the opportunities we create.” Then he did nothing to raise collective ambition.
How could No 10 let something like this happen? They will have had sign off on William's speech. They could have found the money to invest in the fund.
November 6, 2025 at 4:18 PM
How could No 10 let something like this happen? They will have had sign off on William's speech. They could have found the money to invest in the fund.
PM at COP truly giving one of his worst performances.
November 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
PM at COP truly giving one of his worst performances.
Reposted by David Walsh
Important thread here on the possibility of scrapping ECO. I would add that when ECO was cut in 2013, 10,000 people lost their jobs. That's more than 3 times as many than Scunthorpe steel works and a whopping 20 times more than Grangemouth oil refinery
I’m afraid I’ve heard enough to take this seriously - No.10 is thinking of abolishing ECO, the main source of funding for upgrading fuel poor homes.
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
November 6, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Important thread here on the possibility of scrapping ECO. I would add that when ECO was cut in 2013, 10,000 people lost their jobs. That's more than 3 times as many than Scunthorpe steel works and a whopping 20 times more than Grangemouth oil refinery
If I was advising Reeves I'd say have a whole transport section to the budget where you also reintroduce the fuel duty escalator, tax short haul and frequent fliers, and set out how all this extra revenue will support cheaper bus and train fares, active travel and new/bigger EV grants for businesses
The Government is reportedly drawing up plans to overhaul car taxation in the upcoming Budget. This is welcome and long overdue – transport taxes have failed to keep up with the switch from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) to Electric Vehicles (EVs). 🧵
buff.ly/nGl374z
buff.ly/nGl374z
November 6, 2025 at 1:13 PM
If I was advising Reeves I'd say have a whole transport section to the budget where you also reintroduce the fuel duty escalator, tax short haul and frequent fliers, and set out how all this extra revenue will support cheaper bus and train fares, active travel and new/bigger EV grants for businesses
"We want to save you £170 a year off your bills by cutting the thing that could save you £300 a year off your bills".
Same as every government policy decision of the last 15 years, cutting the investment today that would provide a long-term fix your problems.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Same as every government policy decision of the last 15 years, cutting the investment today that would provide a long-term fix your problems.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
"We want to save you £170 a year off your bills by cutting the thing that could save you £300 a year off your bills".
Same as every government policy decision of the last 15 years, cutting the investment today that would provide a long-term fix your problems.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Same as every government policy decision of the last 15 years, cutting the investment today that would provide a long-term fix your problems.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by David Walsh
Can't believe UK PM would fly all way to the #COP30 #climate summit in Amazon to tell Lula he's not backing his flagship forest protection plan. Diplomacy 101... must be something in cooker... (apart from planet)
UK Will Not Invest in Brazilian Forest Fund Key to COP30
The decision makes it harder for Brazil, the summit host, to raise $125 billion toward the fund that’s designed to protect tropical forests.
www.bloomberg.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Reposted by David Walsh
We must urgently pass the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill.
Without it, the UK risks losing a seat at the table in key discussions affecting British wildlife.
Our seabirds and other species are in decline—let’s pass this Bill and fight to protect them.
Without it, the UK risks losing a seat at the table in key discussions affecting British wildlife.
Our seabirds and other species are in decline—let’s pass this Bill and fight to protect them.
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
We must urgently pass the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill.
Without it, the UK risks losing a seat at the table in key discussions affecting British wildlife.
Our seabirds and other species are in decline—let’s pass this Bill and fight to protect them.
Without it, the UK risks losing a seat at the table in key discussions affecting British wildlife.
Our seabirds and other species are in decline—let’s pass this Bill and fight to protect them.
This government should stop just doing everything big businesses want every time they're asked and start doing things that are actually in the interests of society.
Thursday's i: Leaked memo reveals Labour plan to slash affordable homes target #TomorrowsPapersToday
October 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM
This government should stop just doing everything big businesses want every time they're asked and start doing things that are actually in the interests of society.
Reposted by David Walsh
The Global Tipping Points Report is clear: without urgent climate action, damage to nature could be irreversible. 🚨
But it's not too late to stop the destruction.
Tell your MP we need action at #COP30 - for the Amazon, for nature, for our world. 🌎👉 https://ow.ly/C9nB50X9Fjg
But it's not too late to stop the destruction.
Tell your MP we need action at #COP30 - for the Amazon, for nature, for our world. 🌎👉 https://ow.ly/C9nB50X9Fjg
October 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The Global Tipping Points Report is clear: without urgent climate action, damage to nature could be irreversible. 🚨
But it's not too late to stop the destruction.
Tell your MP we need action at #COP30 - for the Amazon, for nature, for our world. 🌎👉 https://ow.ly/C9nB50X9Fjg
But it's not too late to stop the destruction.
Tell your MP we need action at #COP30 - for the Amazon, for nature, for our world. 🌎👉 https://ow.ly/C9nB50X9Fjg
Reposted by David Walsh
Rosebank forced to admit its climate impact would be 50x greater than it initially claimed. Clear evidence that this climate-wrecking oil field must never be developed
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Controversial UK oil field reveals climate impact if approved
The impact from the Rosebank oil field is estimated at nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming CO2.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Rosebank forced to admit its climate impact would be 50x greater than it initially claimed. Clear evidence that this climate-wrecking oil field must never be developed
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Email your MP (again) to ask them to tell the government (again) that they need to pull their finger our and protect forests at COP30.
I've been at WWF 5.5 years and I can't believe I've had to run basically the same e-action every year.
Help me make it the last time!
www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-p...
I've been at WWF 5.5 years and I can't believe I've had to run basically the same e-action every year.
Help me make it the last time!
www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-p...
A chance to protect our precious forests
Tell your MP that the UK government must seize the moment to protect forests at COP30.
www.wwf.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Email your MP (again) to ask them to tell the government (again) that they need to pull their finger our and protect forests at COP30.
I've been at WWF 5.5 years and I can't believe I've had to run basically the same e-action every year.
Help me make it the last time!
www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-p...
I've been at WWF 5.5 years and I can't believe I've had to run basically the same e-action every year.
Help me make it the last time!
www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-p...
Just re-reading Kemi Badenoch's Conference speech, and isn't this bit just a bit funny? It's really not clear what the policy is on climate action - do they want to scrap the CCC? Carbon budgeting in general? or just Net Zero in particular? These lines are just slogans with no actions attached.
October 15, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Just re-reading Kemi Badenoch's Conference speech, and isn't this bit just a bit funny? It's really not clear what the policy is on climate action - do they want to scrap the CCC? Carbon budgeting in general? or just Net Zero in particular? These lines are just slogans with no actions attached.
Reposted by David Walsh
Captain it's Wednesday
October 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Captain it's Wednesday
Reform polling falls back when Reform (and their priority issues) don't get wall-to-wall coverage all summer shock!
I am once again asking Labour to stop talking about immigration as being a bad thing.
I am once again asking Labour to stop talking about immigration as being a bad thing.
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (+1)
LDM: 15% (+1)
GRN: 9% (+1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 10-13 Oct.
Changes w/ 3-6 Oct.
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (+1)
LDM: 15% (+1)
GRN: 9% (+1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 10-13 Oct.
Changes w/ 3-6 Oct.
October 15, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Reform polling falls back when Reform (and their priority issues) don't get wall-to-wall coverage all summer shock!
I am once again asking Labour to stop talking about immigration as being a bad thing.
I am once again asking Labour to stop talking about immigration as being a bad thing.
Reposted by David Walsh
We're putting more money into destroying forests than protecting them.
We are losing our precious ecosystems for short-term financial gains.
This needs to stop. It's time our world leaders step up, and what better time to do it than #COP30 in Brazil.
We are losing our precious ecosystems for short-term financial gains.
This needs to stop. It's time our world leaders step up, and what better time to do it than #COP30 in Brazil.
‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns
Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:14 AM
We're putting more money into destroying forests than protecting them.
We are losing our precious ecosystems for short-term financial gains.
This needs to stop. It's time our world leaders step up, and what better time to do it than #COP30 in Brazil.
We are losing our precious ecosystems for short-term financial gains.
This needs to stop. It's time our world leaders step up, and what better time to do it than #COP30 in Brazil.
Reposted by David Walsh
ONLY migrants though, no one else is to study English because it's a rip off and a waste of time, am I getting this right.
October 14, 2025 at 2:16 PM
ONLY migrants though, no one else is to study English because it's a rip off and a waste of time, am I getting this right.
Reposted by David Walsh
This news is a tragedy for nature, and for all the people that rely on coral reefs.
But this report should also be a reminder of how much MORE we stand to lose if we don't act now. 🌳🌊🌍
We cannot afford to let the #ClimateCrisis escalate further.
But this report should also be a reminder of how much MORE we stand to lose if we don't act now. 🌳🌊🌍
We cannot afford to let the #ClimateCrisis escalate further.
Key climate tipping point is BREACHED for the first time
With global warming on track to climb past 1.5°C (2.7°F), scientists say that warm water coral reefs are now passing their thermal tipping point.
www.dailymail.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
This news is a tragedy for nature, and for all the people that rely on coral reefs.
But this report should also be a reminder of how much MORE we stand to lose if we don't act now. 🌳🌊🌍
We cannot afford to let the #ClimateCrisis escalate further.
But this report should also be a reminder of how much MORE we stand to lose if we don't act now. 🌳🌊🌍
We cannot afford to let the #ClimateCrisis escalate further.
Reposted by David Walsh
My statement on Reform losing two of its senior figures in Cornwall.
October 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
My statement on Reform losing two of its senior figures in Cornwall.
Reposted by David Walsh
The Guardian view on Labour targeting nature: the problem isn’t snails, but a broken housing model | Editorial
The Guardian view on Labour targeting nature: the problem isn’t snails, but a broken housing model | Editorial
Editorial: Rachel Reeves’s drive to speed up development is beginning to treat wildlife and the environment as expendable. Voters want homes built, but not at any cost
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The Guardian view on Labour targeting nature: the problem isn’t snails, but a broken housing model | Editorial
I dunno folks, maybe Labour should worry about losing votes to their left...
Lloyds & Corby Village (North Northamptonshire) Council By-Election Result:
➡️ RFM: 38.5% (+2.1)
🌹 LAB: 32.4% (-11.8)
🌍 GRN: 18.9% (+9.7)
🔶 LDM: 5.8% (+1.5)
🌳 CON: 4.4% (-1.5)
Reform HOLD.
Changes w/ 2025.
➡️ RFM: 38.5% (+2.1)
🌹 LAB: 32.4% (-11.8)
🌍 GRN: 18.9% (+9.7)
🔶 LDM: 5.8% (+1.5)
🌳 CON: 4.4% (-1.5)
Reform HOLD.
Changes w/ 2025.
October 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I dunno folks, maybe Labour should worry about losing votes to their left...
Reposted by David Walsh
“You can’t blame austerity on one hand, but then say it’s the immigrants. The immigrants haven’t caused austerity.”
Zack Polanski takes on Reform’s Zia Yusuf over spreading of misinformation on #BBCQT
Zack Polanski takes on Reform’s Zia Yusuf over spreading of misinformation on #BBCQT
October 9, 2025 at 8:56 PM
“You can’t blame austerity on one hand, but then say it’s the immigrants. The immigrants haven’t caused austerity.”
Zack Polanski takes on Reform’s Zia Yusuf over spreading of misinformation on #BBCQT
Zack Polanski takes on Reform’s Zia Yusuf over spreading of misinformation on #BBCQT