Mark Burton
@marhburton.bsky.social
Mostly at
Mastodon: @markhburton.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy
I use this a/c to repost from #Mastodon / #Fediverse
Scholar-activist.
#degrowth eco-socialist. Various topics, chiefly orientated to the pancrisis we are all in. Anti-imperialist.
Manchester
Mastodon: @markhburton.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy
I use this a/c to repost from #Mastodon / #Fediverse
Scholar-activist.
#degrowth eco-socialist. Various topics, chiefly orientated to the pancrisis we are all in. Anti-imperialist.
Manchester
Reposted by Mark Burton
We've now posted our submitted response to Manchester’s Local Plan – consultation | Steady State Manchester https://steadystatemanchester.net/2025/10/27/manchesters-local-plan-responding-to-the-consultation/
#manchester #localplan #planning #landuse
#manchester #localplan #planning #landuse
Manchester’s Local Plan – responding to the consultation
Local Plans are what guide the pattern of a land use and and building across a council area. In the case of Greater Manchester (excluding Stockport), the Joint Strategic Plan, Places for Everyone sets the scene, as does the government’s National Planning Policy Framework. That means that there are some very real constraints on what can be put into a so-called Local Plan (not very local – in the case of Manchester it covers the whole city).
Manchester’s Draft Local Plan has been published and is out for consultation until 17 November. This page on the council website has all the links you need to read the plan, comment on it, and (much further down the page) check the supporting documents: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200074/planning/6572/local_plan/2 (opens in a new tab).
We have written **our draft response** – it might change somewhat before submission but we think it worth sharing it as you might find it helpful in making your own submission.
You can respond to the consultation using the online form or by sending a response by email – all the information you need is on that council page.
**Our draft response** notes some glaring problems. They include the underlying model of continued economic growth and the continuing building frenzy; unsubstantiated housing targets (handed down by central government), although we do support the emphasis on social housing for those homes that do need to be provided; an acceptance that aviation will continue to grow and the wager of economic prosperity on the back of this poisoned chalice – and !! no consultation question on this; an overemphasis on functional zoning instead of a more locality focus such as the 20 minute neighbourhood model; flawed assumptions on compensating for damage to nature and biodiversity…. and more. Do take a look at our thoughts. We don’t answer every question, and you don’t need to either. And then do put your own response in (links above) however brief.
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### _Related_
steadystatemanchester.net
November 11, 2025 at 11:25 AM
We've now posted our submitted response to Manchester’s Local Plan – consultation | Steady State Manchester https://steadystatemanchester.net/2025/10/27/manchesters-local-plan-responding-to-the-consultation/
#manchester #localplan #planning #landuse
#manchester #localplan #planning #landuse
Reposted by Mark Burton
10 years on, believe it or not, the Paris Agreement was signed.
This was our very short reaction at the time. Prescient, you might think.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
Paris Climate Change Agreement, 2015: the good, the bad and the ugly. | Steady State Manchester […]
This was our very short reaction at the time. Prescient, you might think.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
Paris Climate Change Agreement, 2015: the good, the bad and the ugly. | Steady State Manchester […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 11, 2025 at 11:15 AM
10 years on, believe it or not, the Paris Agreement was signed.
This was our very short reaction at the time. Prescient, you might think.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
Paris Climate Change Agreement, 2015: the good, the bad and the ugly. | Steady State Manchester […]
This was our very short reaction at the time. Prescient, you might think.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
Paris Climate Change Agreement, 2015: the good, the bad and the ugly. | Steady State Manchester […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
The government's reticence over the BBC is coherent with its refusal to confront Reform narratives due to fears of losing 'trust' with voters. Obvious parallels between the unfolding result of BBC's attempts to gain 'trust' with Reform voters, and the likely result for Labour of the same tactics.
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
BBC faces ‘existential’ threat after exit of top executives
Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British society
on.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The government's reticence over the BBC is coherent with its refusal to confront Reform narratives due to fears of losing 'trust' with voters. Obvious parallels between the unfolding result of BBC's attempts to gain 'trust' with Reform voters, and the likely result for Labour of the same tactics.
Reposted by Mark Burton
When was the last time anyone at the BBC had to resign for misrepresenting a leftwinger?
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
When was the last time anyone at the BBC had to resign for misrepresenting a leftwinger?
Reposted by Mark Burton
As I was saying. Monbiot making v similar
points. The #BBC bias is rightwing not leftwing. It's been statistically documented.
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:codfx2epdduamfycuyi5fjpb/post/3m5aw5dhwok2h
points. The #BBC bias is rightwing not leftwing. It's been statistically documented.
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:codfx2epdduamfycuyi5fjpb/post/3m5aw5dhwok2h
George Monbiot (@georgemonbiot.bsky.social)
Once every 20 years or so, the director-general of the BBC is forced to resign for being insufficiently rightwing. Alastair Milne in 1987. Greg Dyke in 2004. Tim Davie in 2025. The great irony is that the BBC was in all cases profoundly biased towards established power. But just not biased enough …
bsky.app
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 AM
As I was saying. Monbiot making v similar
points. The #BBC bias is rightwing not leftwing. It's been statistically documented.
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:codfx2epdduamfycuyi5fjpb/post/3m5aw5dhwok2h
points. The #BBC bias is rightwing not leftwing. It's been statistically documented.
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:codfx2epdduamfycuyi5fjpb/post/3m5aw5dhwok2h
Reposted by Mark Burton
The Irony of the right complaining about the left wing bias of the BBC and getting the senior management fired. Who were put in by the right and were directly responsible for the right wing bias of the BBC.
With an unhealthy dose of Zionism in the mix. Complaining about the Antisemitic […]
With an unhealthy dose of Zionism in the mix. Complaining about the Antisemitic […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 AM
The Irony of the right complaining about the left wing bias of the BBC and getting the senior management fired. Who were put in by the right and were directly responsible for the right wing bias of the BBC.
With an unhealthy dose of Zionism in the mix. Complaining about the Antisemitic […]
With an unhealthy dose of Zionism in the mix. Complaining about the Antisemitic […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
Once every 20 years or so, the director-general of the BBC is forced to resign for being insufficiently rightwing. Alastair Milne in 1987. Greg Dyke in 2004. Tim Davie in 2025. The great irony is that the BBC was in all cases profoundly biased towards established power. But just not biased enough …
November 10, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Once every 20 years or so, the director-general of the BBC is forced to resign for being insufficiently rightwing. Alastair Milne in 1987. Greg Dyke in 2004. Tim Davie in 2025. The great irony is that the BBC was in all cases profoundly biased towards established power. But just not biased enough …
Reposted by Mark Burton
I could not agree more. BBC News has a huge problem as it routinely platforms Farage & Reform for example, largely uncritically & now we see that what semblance of balance it had managed to maintain as it criticised Trump or gave some Palestinians & trans people a voice, is to be dumped. Shame.
November 10, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I could not agree more. BBC News has a huge problem as it routinely platforms Farage & Reform for example, largely uncritically & now we see that what semblance of balance it had managed to maintain as it criticised Trump or gave some Palestinians & trans people a voice, is to be dumped. Shame.
Reposted by Mark Burton
It seems to me that the pressure on the #BBC is, at leastin part from the Israel lobby. The clumsy edit (not doctoring) of the Trump incitement to violence speech was just the catalyst for a right wing faction to nobble the DG.
The bias of BBC news has actually been the other way. Who appointed […]
The bias of BBC news has actually been the other way. Who appointed […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
It seems to me that the pressure on the #BBC is, at leastin part from the Israel lobby. The clumsy edit (not doctoring) of the Trump incitement to violence speech was just the catalyst for a right wing faction to nobble the DG.
The bias of BBC news has actually been the other way. Who appointed […]
The bias of BBC news has actually been the other way. Who appointed […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
Manchester’s Local Plan is available in draft.
You've til 17 Nov to respond.
Our post gives you the links to the plan and consultantation, AND our draft response that you can use as a template for yours!
In summary, the council is constrained by planning regulations but they could still do much […]
You've til 17 Nov to respond.
Our post gives you the links to the plan and consultantation, AND our draft response that you can use as a template for yours!
In summary, the council is constrained by planning regulations but they could still do much […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 6, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Manchester’s Local Plan is available in draft.
You've til 17 Nov to respond.
Our post gives you the links to the plan and consultantation, AND our draft response that you can use as a template for yours!
In summary, the council is constrained by planning regulations but they could still do much […]
You've til 17 Nov to respond.
Our post gives you the links to the plan and consultantation, AND our draft response that you can use as a template for yours!
In summary, the council is constrained by planning regulations but they could still do much […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
In our State of the Climate Report, my coauthors and start by saying: We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet's vital signs are flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer future threats but are here now. Read report here doi.org/10.1093/bios...
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
In our State of the Climate Report, my coauthors and start by saying: We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet's vital signs are flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer future threats but are here now. Read report here doi.org/10.1093/bios...
Reposted by Mark Burton
Finally, you won't get such gains for industrial heat, you won't have a heat pump in your car... so by all means let's use the best techno, but not delude ourselves that electrification won't lead to a huge increase in required power production.
November 9, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Finally, you won't get such gains for industrial heat, you won't have a heat pump in your car... so by all means let's use the best techno, but not delude ourselves that electrification won't lead to a huge increase in required power production.
Reposted by Mark Burton
No surprised.
"The government published its planning and infrastructure bill in March. Before and after the bill’s publication the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and housing minister Matthew Pennycook have met dozens of developers in numerous meetings. The body representing professional ecologists […]
"The government published its planning and infrastructure bill in March. Before and after the bill’s publication the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and housing minister Matthew Pennycook have met dozens of developers in numerous meetings. The body representing professional ecologists […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 9, 2025 at 9:05 AM
No surprised.
"The government published its planning and infrastructure bill in March. Before and after the bill’s publication the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and housing minister Matthew Pennycook have met dozens of developers in numerous meetings. The body representing professional ecologists […]
"The government published its planning and infrastructure bill in March. Before and after the bill’s publication the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and housing minister Matthew Pennycook have met dozens of developers in numerous meetings. The body representing professional ecologists […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
/Cont'd.
See https://degrowthuk.org/2025/09/22/as-uk-politics-turns-both-right-and-left-how-do-we-get-degrowth-onto-the-agenda/
And on economy. Where there's a lot to do yet. Nothing approaching (even) the worked out framework of #gettingReal, for example.
https://gettingreal.org.uk/
But there's […]
See https://degrowthuk.org/2025/09/22/as-uk-politics-turns-both-right-and-left-how-do-we-get-degrowth-onto-the-agenda/
And on economy. Where there's a lot to do yet. Nothing approaching (even) the worked out framework of #gettingReal, for example.
https://gettingreal.org.uk/
But there's […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 8, 2025 at 9:36 AM
/Cont'd.
See https://degrowthuk.org/2025/09/22/as-uk-politics-turns-both-right-and-left-how-do-we-get-degrowth-onto-the-agenda/
And on economy. Where there's a lot to do yet. Nothing approaching (even) the worked out framework of #gettingReal, for example.
https://gettingreal.org.uk/
But there's […]
See https://degrowthuk.org/2025/09/22/as-uk-politics-turns-both-right-and-left-how-do-we-get-degrowth-onto-the-agenda/
And on economy. Where there's a lot to do yet. Nothing approaching (even) the worked out framework of #gettingReal, for example.
https://gettingreal.org.uk/
But there's […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
“[The Greens] are a credible player now in the five-party system that we have right now, based on polling,” he said.
“It’s their responsibility to explain to people how they would actually choose what to do if they were in government, as opposed to just promising things that are undeliverable." […]
“It’s their responsibility to explain to people how they would actually choose what to do if they were in government, as opposed to just promising things that are undeliverable." […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 8, 2025 at 9:33 AM
“[The Greens] are a credible player now in the five-party system that we have right now, based on polling,” he said.
“It’s their responsibility to explain to people how they would actually choose what to do if they were in government, as opposed to just promising things that are undeliverable." […]
“It’s their responsibility to explain to people how they would actually choose what to do if they were in government, as opposed to just promising things that are undeliverable." […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
@jasonhickel @Liegey
The version of our "Minority influence: how can degrowth step up? A contribution to the ecosocialism vs horizontalism debate." At Resilience reads a bit better on some devices (wordprocessor->wordpress format problems with the tables). The content is the same as at the above […]
The version of our "Minority influence: how can degrowth step up? A contribution to the ecosocialism vs horizontalism debate." At Resilience reads a bit better on some devices (wordprocessor->wordpress format problems with the tables). The content is the same as at the above […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 7, 2025 at 8:57 AM
@jasonhickel @Liegey
The version of our "Minority influence: how can degrowth step up? A contribution to the ecosocialism vs horizontalism debate." At Resilience reads a bit better on some devices (wordprocessor->wordpress format problems with the tables). The content is the same as at the above […]
The version of our "Minority influence: how can degrowth step up? A contribution to the ecosocialism vs horizontalism debate." At Resilience reads a bit better on some devices (wordprocessor->wordpress format problems with the tables). The content is the same as at the above […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
The claim that “emissions have come down” in this @nytimes.com @sominisengupta.bsky.social article on where we are ten years post-Paris is FALSE.
Global emissions were at an all-time high in 2024.
As it stands this claim is misinformation. They need to issue a correction!
Global emissions were at an all-time high in 2024.
As it stands this claim is misinformation. They need to issue a correction!
November 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The claim that “emissions have come down” in this @nytimes.com @sominisengupta.bsky.social article on where we are ten years post-Paris is FALSE.
Global emissions were at an all-time high in 2024.
As it stands this claim is misinformation. They need to issue a correction!
Global emissions were at an all-time high in 2024.
As it stands this claim is misinformation. They need to issue a correction!
Reposted by Mark Burton
Short interview on the BBC Today programme with Amol Rajan, discussing the upcoming Brazil COP and how the so-called “cost of living crisis” is being (mis)used by leaders and high emitters to avoid taking meaningful action on climate change.
Starts at 2.36.30. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Starts at 2.36.30. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Today - 07/11/2025 - BBC Sounds
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Short interview on the BBC Today programme with Amol Rajan, discussing the upcoming Brazil COP and how the so-called “cost of living crisis” is being (mis)used by leaders and high emitters to avoid taking meaningful action on climate change.
Starts at 2.36.30. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Starts at 2.36.30. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Mark Burton
Keir Starmer has just told COP30 in the Amazon:
"The Amazon rainforest helps to regulate the climate for every person on earth"
So why has the UK Govt refused to invest in Brazil's fund to save tropical rainforests?
& why no mention of Britain's temperate rainforests?
www.gov.uk/government/s...
"The Amazon rainforest helps to regulate the climate for every person on earth"
So why has the UK Govt refused to invest in Brazil's fund to save tropical rainforests?
& why no mention of Britain's temperate rainforests?
www.gov.uk/government/s...
November 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Keir Starmer has just told COP30 in the Amazon:
"The Amazon rainforest helps to regulate the climate for every person on earth"
So why has the UK Govt refused to invest in Brazil's fund to save tropical rainforests?
& why no mention of Britain's temperate rainforests?
www.gov.uk/government/s...
"The Amazon rainforest helps to regulate the climate for every person on earth"
So why has the UK Govt refused to invest in Brazil's fund to save tropical rainforests?
& why no mention of Britain's temperate rainforests?
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by Mark Burton
Absolutely fantastic contribution by @kevinclimate.bsky.social on Radio4's Today program this morning.
Pointing out that tackling the climate challenge without tackling social and economic inequity -both on a national and international level- is an illusion.
Expensive, futile window dressing.
Pointing out that tackling the climate challenge without tackling social and economic inequity -both on a national and international level- is an illusion.
Expensive, futile window dressing.
November 7, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Absolutely fantastic contribution by @kevinclimate.bsky.social on Radio4's Today program this morning.
Pointing out that tackling the climate challenge without tackling social and economic inequity -both on a national and international level- is an illusion.
Expensive, futile window dressing.
Pointing out that tackling the climate challenge without tackling social and economic inequity -both on a national and international level- is an illusion.
Expensive, futile window dressing.
Reposted by Mark Burton
When I was 13, I was making my own radios. Simple ones - maybe 10-20 parts, many salvaged. Functional. I knew how they worked. I could choose between 3 BBC radio stations (and Radio Luxembourg).
My grandson of that age has a smartphone. He can't fix it and certainly doesn't know how.it works. It […]
My grandson of that age has a smartphone. He can't fix it and certainly doesn't know how.it works. It […]
Original post on mstdn.social
mstdn.social
November 6, 2025 at 8:25 PM
When I was 13, I was making my own radios. Simple ones - maybe 10-20 parts, many salvaged. Functional. I knew how they worked. I could choose between 3 BBC radio stations (and Radio Luxembourg).
My grandson of that age has a smartphone. He can't fix it and certainly doesn't know how.it works. It […]
My grandson of that age has a smartphone. He can't fix it and certainly doesn't know how.it works. It […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
@markhburton
Exactly this. Smartphones are purpose-designed for an individualist world in which every person has their own device and every device has access to the most detailed information about their users.
The companies that build the software have managed to move well beyond the simple […]
Exactly this. Smartphones are purpose-designed for an individualist world in which every person has their own device and every device has access to the most detailed information about their users.
The companies that build the software have managed to move well beyond the simple […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
November 7, 2025 at 9:18 AM
@markhburton
Exactly this. Smartphones are purpose-designed for an individualist world in which every person has their own device and every device has access to the most detailed information about their users.
The companies that build the software have managed to move well beyond the simple […]
Exactly this. Smartphones are purpose-designed for an individualist world in which every person has their own device and every device has access to the most detailed information about their users.
The companies that build the software have managed to move well beyond the simple […]
Reposted by Mark Burton
I'm sorry but she made the sculpture 100% better
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Australian teen charged with sticking googly eyes on artwork
A local council said the repairs to the bright blue sculpture would be 'significant'.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 11:01 AM
I'm sorry but she made the sculpture 100% better
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Mark Burton
@desmog.com reviewed US tax records which show Bill Gates’ charity has donated more than $3.5 million to a think tank run by Danish academic and climate crisis denier Bjørn Lomborg www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Bill Gates Gave $3.5M to Think Tank Run by Climate Crisis Denier Bjorn Lomborg
Tax records reveal that the billionaire’s foundation has donated for years to Lomborg’s Copenhagen Consensus Center.
www.desmog.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:08 AM
@desmog.com reviewed US tax records which show Bill Gates’ charity has donated more than $3.5 million to a think tank run by Danish academic and climate crisis denier Bjørn Lomborg www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Reposted by Mark Burton
"Here is the graph, which is so wild, the climate scientist had to call a colleague & check it"
It is true actually! In the Global Carbon Budget we do not usually show the LUC like this, because of interannual variability & uncertainty. But it is what the data says!
politiken.dk/klima/art106...
It is true actually! In the Global Carbon Budget we do not usually show the LUC like this, because of interannual variability & uncertainty. But it is what the data says!
politiken.dk/klima/art106...
November 6, 2025 at 7:40 AM
"Here is the graph, which is so wild, the climate scientist had to call a colleague & check it"
It is true actually! In the Global Carbon Budget we do not usually show the LUC like this, because of interannual variability & uncertainty. But it is what the data says!
politiken.dk/klima/art106...
It is true actually! In the Global Carbon Budget we do not usually show the LUC like this, because of interannual variability & uncertainty. But it is what the data says!
politiken.dk/klima/art106...