Gareth Epps
@garethepps.bsky.social
Liberal Democrat county councillor for Deddington, North Oxfordshire. He/him. Campaigner for pubs.
Pinned
Gareth Epps
@garethepps.bsky.social
· Sep 28
Recently I brought Calum Miller MP to the site of Ardley station. A developer-funded reprovided station here is essential to avoiding gridlock should Heyford Park New Town, Puy du Fou and OxSFRI go ahead.
Sign the petition at: www.oxonld.uk/ardley-station
Sign the petition at: www.oxonld.uk/ardley-station
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Of course it's not workable.
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Gay MP perfectly explains why single-sex spaces guidance is 'unworkable'
A Lib Dem MP perfectly explained in parliament why the EHRC's draft single-space guidance is "unworkable".
www.thepinknews.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Of course it's not workable.
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Budget beer located.
November 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Budget beer located.
It looks like fossil fuel shill Reeves is setting out a Budget that’s not so much an omnishambles as a multiple arson attack. Businesses left, right and centre will be destroyed - from hospitality to automation and many others besides. Truss mark 2.
November 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
It looks like fossil fuel shill Reeves is setting out a Budget that’s not so much an omnishambles as a multiple arson attack. Businesses left, right and centre will be destroyed - from hospitality to automation and many others besides. Truss mark 2.
This is the first of I wonder how many?
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Reform UK's former Wales leader Nathan Gill is being sentenced over pro-Russia bribes
Nathan Gill is being sentenced at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This is the first of I wonder how many?
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It hits particularly hard this year - a powerful reminder of why we fight, and a moment to reflect on those no longer with us.
May they rest in power.
May they rest in power.
November 20, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It hits particularly hard this year - a powerful reminder of why we fight, and a moment to reflect on those no longer with us.
May they rest in power.
May they rest in power.
Oxford Labour, summarised in a skeet.
Oxford City Council’s planning committee has rejected a plan by two colleges to build padel courts and new footpaths because, among other reasons, it “fails to preserve the openness of the Green Belt”. The City Council is currently bidding to enlarge its area so that it can build on the Green Belt.
November 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Oxford Labour, summarised in a skeet.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Because clearly you already know before the trial whether someone is guilty.
"Do you think the plebs should get a jury trial" is such a thrilling line from Labour, truly great to see this
November 20, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Because clearly you already know before the trial whether someone is guilty.
I thought OxPCF’s take was really helpful and fair. SEND is vitally important and while we should acknowledge progress and the hard work done to get things moving in the right direction, there is still a lot to be done. (And a crisis in funding and a crisis in young people’s mental health)
OxPCF said: “For some, day-to-day experiences remain extremely difficult. We want to acknowledge that honestly. Both realities can exist at once: families are facing significant challenges, and there are also people who are genuinely committed to making things better.”
November 20, 2025 at 11:47 AM
I thought OxPCF’s take was really helpful and fair. SEND is vitally important and while we should acknowledge progress and the hard work done to get things moving in the right direction, there is still a lot to be done. (And a crisis in funding and a crisis in young people’s mental health)
At the joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee today with children and adult mental health services on the agenda.
November 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
At the joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee today with children and adult mental health services on the agenda.
Good to watch Cabinet adopt Oxfordshire’s visionary Plan for Rail. Good, too, to speak to Government advisor Neale Coleman of the necessity and benefit of Ardley station should significant development proceed.
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Good to watch Cabinet adopt Oxfordshire’s visionary Plan for Rail. Good, too, to speak to Government advisor Neale Coleman of the necessity and benefit of Ardley station should significant development proceed.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
These are the voters that Labour strategists have made very clear over a long period of time that they don't want any more, and it's a message that has now been heard
I've been out canvassing quite a lot in London lately. Labour's vote has absolutely evaporated.... it is quite extraordinary to go to places where Labour were on 50-60% of the vote at the last locals and find nobody, or virtually nobody, supporting them.
The phrase 'I voted Labour last time, but...
The phrase 'I voted Labour last time, but...
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 PM
These are the voters that Labour strategists have made very clear over a long period of time that they don't want any more, and it's a message that has now been heard
Reposted by Gareth Epps
I join Calum in his calls for urgent action. The Secretary of State should step in and issue an immediate directive to the Environment Agency to clear up the illegal dump as has been done in similar previous cases. The National Crime Agency should also be brought in to investigate this vile crime.
The contaminated waste piled high in a field near Kidlington is now washing into River Cherwell. In the last 48 hours, the water level has risen 4+ feet and is lapping against the illegal dump.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
November 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I join Calum in his calls for urgent action. The Secretary of State should step in and issue an immediate directive to the Environment Agency to clear up the illegal dump as has been done in similar previous cases. The National Crime Agency should also be brought in to investigate this vile crime.
Discussion of Heyford Park New Town proposals on You And Yours today - starting from around 24 minutes in.
You and Yours - AI Christmas Shopping, Porch Piracy, Tourist Scams - BBC Sounds
Is AI fast becoming Santa's newest little helper?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Discussion of Heyford Park New Town proposals on You And Yours today - starting from around 24 minutes in.
Mahmood’s blend of performative cruelty peculiarly also contains heroic levels of faith in the efficiency and competence of the Home Office and Border Force. It’s a sign of the mess Labour are in that nobody seems to have told her the likely outcome.
November 17, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Mahmood’s blend of performative cruelty peculiarly also contains heroic levels of faith in the efficiency and competence of the Home Office and Border Force. It’s a sign of the mess Labour are in that nobody seems to have told her the likely outcome.
Great to see the work of our opposition on West Northamptonshire recognised and our group there grow.
Cllr Farzana Aldridge said she left Labour after feeling the party was moving away from "community-focused and forward-looking politics".
Northampton Labour councillor joins the Liberal Democrats
A Labour member of West Northamptonshire Council has crossed to the Liberal Democrats after becoming increasingly concerned”= with the party...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Great to see the work of our opposition on West Northamptonshire recognised and our group there grow.
Avoid Barfords Bridge today please. Unless you’re on four legs. One car got stuck and several were making interesting noises after driving through.
November 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Avoid Barfords Bridge today please. Unless you’re on four legs. One car got stuck and several were making interesting noises after driving through.
It’s getting harder to distinguish Labour from Reform.
Desperate stuff from a party that is supposed to espouse tolerance and compassion.
Desperate stuff from a party that is supposed to espouse tolerance and compassion.
Wow, Labour's gone full on Reform! - But the right-wing working-class will still vote Reform no matter how Labour tries to appease them - 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 10:49 AM
It’s getting harder to distinguish Labour from Reform.
Desperate stuff from a party that is supposed to espouse tolerance and compassion.
Desperate stuff from a party that is supposed to espouse tolerance and compassion.
Just in case….
Please share with anyone who might need the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.
www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com
Please share with anyone who might need the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.
www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com
Oxfordshire County Council – Flood Toolkit
The Oxfordshire County Council Flood Toolkit - your source of flood information.
www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Just in case….
Please share with anyone who might need the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.
www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com
Please share with anyone who might need the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.
www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Once bittern, twice shy: Oxfordshire’s new Local Nature Recovery Strategy was unveiled this week at a launch with minister Mary Creagh. OCC’s Chloe Edwards described it as “a powerful framework to direct energy and resources towards habitat and species work where they could offer great benefits”.
November 14, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Once bittern, twice shy: Oxfordshire’s new Local Nature Recovery Strategy was unveiled this week at a launch with minister Mary Creagh. OCC’s Chloe Edwards described it as “a powerful framework to direct energy and resources towards habitat and species work where they could offer great benefits”.
Labour just got 8 votes in a council by election in the Vale.
Ridgeway (Vale of White Horse District Council)
🔶 LDM: 43.1% (-14.9)
🌳 CON: 24.4% (-17.6)
➡️ RFM: 19.9% (New)
🌍 GRN: 11.9% (New)
🌹 LAB: 0.8% (New)
Turnout 38%
LD HOLD
Ridgeway (Vale of White Horse District Council)
🔶 LDM: 43.1% (-14.9)
🌳 CON: 24.4% (-17.6)
➡️ RFM: 19.9% (New)
🌍 GRN: 11.9% (New)
🌹 LAB: 0.8% (New)
Turnout 38%
LD HOLD
November 13, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Labour just got 8 votes in a council by election in the Vale.
Ridgeway (Vale of White Horse District Council)
🔶 LDM: 43.1% (-14.9)
🌳 CON: 24.4% (-17.6)
➡️ RFM: 19.9% (New)
🌍 GRN: 11.9% (New)
🌹 LAB: 0.8% (New)
Turnout 38%
LD HOLD
Ridgeway (Vale of White Horse District Council)
🔶 LDM: 43.1% (-14.9)
🌳 CON: 24.4% (-17.6)
➡️ RFM: 19.9% (New)
🌍 GRN: 11.9% (New)
🌹 LAB: 0.8% (New)
Turnout 38%
LD HOLD
And we are surprised by this how, exactly?
Does Starmer know anything about pasties? (Much less the Treasury)
Does Starmer know anything about pasties? (Much less the Treasury)
The phrase of the night in my WhatsApps reacting to this is undoubtedly “fuck’s sake”.
Big scoop by my colleagues, this:
November 13, 2025 at 11:24 PM
And we are surprised by this how, exactly?
Does Starmer know anything about pasties? (Much less the Treasury)
Does Starmer know anything about pasties? (Much less the Treasury)
Reposted by Gareth Epps
We can now say that the PCC experiment has failed. It has not delivered any of what David Cameron and the Home Office promised.
A refusal to mourn the demise of police and crime commissioners
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced today that police and crime commissioners will be abolished in 2028 when their current terms expire...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:27 PM
We can now say that the PCC experiment has failed. It has not delivered any of what David Cameron and the Home Office promised.
Reflections on internal party elections and the delayed (until when?) count, earlier today.
November 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Reflections on internal party elections and the delayed (until when?) count, earlier today.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Huh. I never realised it was this pair of US-brained chancers responsible.
Will be good to see the back of P&CCs; terrible idea of politicising justice modelled on the US.
Will be good to see the back of P&CCs; terrible idea of politicising justice modelled on the US.
PCCs were originally proposed by Daniel Hannan and Douglas Carswell in 2008's The Plan which you can still buy on Amazon for £3.48 on Kindle.
November 13, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Huh. I never realised it was this pair of US-brained chancers responsible.
Will be good to see the back of P&CCs; terrible idea of politicising justice modelled on the US.
Will be good to see the back of P&CCs; terrible idea of politicising justice modelled on the US.
Important consultation. Bicester & Mid Cherwell Movement & Place Plan will steer transport infrastructure decisions and where developer money is spent. Really important people have their say.
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bicester-and...
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bicester-and...
Movement and Place Plan: Bicester and Mid Cherwell
The Movement and Place (MAP) Plan for Bicester and Mid Cherwell is Oxfordshire County Council’s plan to improve local areas and transport. It aims to make public spaces better for the community and up...
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Important consultation. Bicester & Mid Cherwell Movement & Place Plan will steer transport infrastructure decisions and where developer money is spent. Really important people have their say.
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bicester-and...
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bicester-and...