Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
@mikecookson.bsky.social
Husband, Father, Son and Local Liberal Democrat Councillor for, Ouseburn Ward in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Imprint, promoted by the Liberal Democrats, 1 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PN.
Imprint, promoted by the Liberal Democrats, 1 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PN.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The man behind donations of £200,000 to Reform is a church warden from Potters Bar, who just happens to work for a billionaire from Kazakhstan. But it's definitely not money laundering or interference in UK politics by a foreign national.
February 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM
The man behind donations of £200,000 to Reform is a church warden from Potters Bar, who just happens to work for a billionaire from Kazakhstan. But it's definitely not money laundering or interference in UK politics by a foreign national.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
People have to do jail time. Powerful people, who thought they were untouchable. They have to be arrested, tried, stripped of assets relating to their crimes, and sent to jail.
Because if it doesn't happen, it will prove to voters that democracy is a sham.
And then we're seriously fucked.
Because if it doesn't happen, it will prove to voters that democracy is a sham.
And then we're seriously fucked.
February 2, 2026 at 4:34 PM
People have to do jail time. Powerful people, who thought they were untouchable. They have to be arrested, tried, stripped of assets relating to their crimes, and sent to jail.
Because if it doesn't happen, it will prove to voters that democracy is a sham.
And then we're seriously fucked.
Because if it doesn't happen, it will prove to voters that democracy is a sham.
And then we're seriously fucked.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
City transportation official opts for white line and signage instead of gate to keep their baby off the stairs.
February 2, 2026 at 4:15 PM
City transportation official opts for white line and signage instead of gate to keep their baby off the stairs.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Trump gave a foreign power access to America's highly advanced and protected AI chips in exchange his personal enrichment of half a billion dollars.
This makes Watergate look as if Nixon had driven three miles over the speed limit once.
This makes Watergate look as if Nixon had driven three miles over the speed limit once.
February 1, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Trump gave a foreign power access to America's highly advanced and protected AI chips in exchange his personal enrichment of half a billion dollars.
This makes Watergate look as if Nixon had driven three miles over the speed limit once.
This makes Watergate look as if Nixon had driven three miles over the speed limit once.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
In the week that the Labour administration announced the closure of the cafés at Paddy Freeman’s and Exhibition Park, our 60 second survey of the week is all about our local environment.
Let us know what's most important to you: www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/60-second-su...
Let us know what's most important to you: www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/60-second-su...
60 Second Survey - Local Environment - Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats
www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk
January 30, 2026 at 9:43 PM
In the week that the Labour administration announced the closure of the cafés at Paddy Freeman’s and Exhibition Park, our 60 second survey of the week is all about our local environment.
Let us know what's most important to you: www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/60-second-su...
Let us know what's most important to you: www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/60-second-su...
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Here's the time it takes to get utility scale electricity production up and running.
Wind: 6-12 months
Solar: 3-12 months
Natural Gas: 2-3 years
Coal: 4-6 years
Nuclear: 5-12+ years
Wind: 6-12 months
Solar: 3-12 months
Natural Gas: 2-3 years
Coal: 4-6 years
Nuclear: 5-12+ years
January 31, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Here's the time it takes to get utility scale electricity production up and running.
Wind: 6-12 months
Solar: 3-12 months
Natural Gas: 2-3 years
Coal: 4-6 years
Nuclear: 5-12+ years
Wind: 6-12 months
Solar: 3-12 months
Natural Gas: 2-3 years
Coal: 4-6 years
Nuclear: 5-12+ years
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Today is the first day of LGBT History Month
LGBT+ people have always been part of our societies, but often their stories are hidden and go untold.
This month is an opportunity to celebrate those stories and continue to campaign for progress.
LGBT+ people have always been part of our societies, but often their stories are hidden and go untold.
This month is an opportunity to celebrate those stories and continue to campaign for progress.
February 1, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Today is the first day of LGBT History Month
LGBT+ people have always been part of our societies, but often their stories are hidden and go untold.
This month is an opportunity to celebrate those stories and continue to campaign for progress.
LGBT+ people have always been part of our societies, but often their stories are hidden and go untold.
This month is an opportunity to celebrate those stories and continue to campaign for progress.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
NEW: Previously unreported Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson discussing a Panama-linked tax avoidance structure for a £750k Rio apartment - with Epstein as his "chief life adviser".
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
February 1, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
An excellent thread.
And worthwhile remembering that the conspiracy theorists never promote the #SixteenMinuteCity.
Want to get some bread from the corner shop ❌ you'll have to drive to a supermarket 16 minutes away 🤣
Want a pint in your local ❌ you'd have to drive to a pub in another suburb 😉
And worthwhile remembering that the conspiracy theorists never promote the #SixteenMinuteCity.
Want to get some bread from the corner shop ❌ you'll have to drive to a supermarket 16 minutes away 🤣
Want a pint in your local ❌ you'd have to drive to a pub in another suburb 😉
Ok, let’s do this🙄
We’ll start with an explainer covering:
🕒What is a 15-minute city
🏫What on Earth is going on with Oxford
👽Where the conspiracy theories have come from
And then we’ll look at the Telegraph article
🧵
1/25
We’ll start with an explainer covering:
🕒What is a 15-minute city
🏫What on Earth is going on with Oxford
👽Where the conspiracy theories have come from
And then we’ll look at the Telegraph article
🧵
1/25
February 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM
An excellent thread.
And worthwhile remembering that the conspiracy theorists never promote the #SixteenMinuteCity.
Want to get some bread from the corner shop ❌ you'll have to drive to a supermarket 16 minutes away 🤣
Want a pint in your local ❌ you'd have to drive to a pub in another suburb 😉
And worthwhile remembering that the conspiracy theorists never promote the #SixteenMinuteCity.
Want to get some bread from the corner shop ❌ you'll have to drive to a supermarket 16 minutes away 🤣
Want a pint in your local ❌ you'd have to drive to a pub in another suburb 😉
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Our important work at Kent Council to spend £600k on a car park to provide free parking for Reform councillors while staff have to pay, is all part of our 'We don't give a shit about anyone but ourselves' policy.
February 1, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Our important work at Kent Council to spend £600k on a car park to provide free parking for Reform councillors while staff have to pay, is all part of our 'We don't give a shit about anyone but ourselves' policy.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
As a new anniversary of Brexit arrives, here's a reminder of the chillingly methodical moment when the UK flag was removed from the EU Council building in Brussels. Since then, not a single Brexit promise has come true – and the majority of us now want that flag put back again.
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺🕊
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺🕊
January 31, 2026 at 6:04 PM
As a new anniversary of Brexit arrives, here's a reminder of the chillingly methodical moment when the UK flag was removed from the EU Council building in Brussels. Since then, not a single Brexit promise has come true – and the majority of us now want that flag put back again.
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺🕊
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺🕊
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Thinking of voting for Reform U.K. , then check out their voting record.
Reform UK are certainly not the party of the working class or those less well off.
👇🏽
Reform UK are certainly not the party of the working class or those less well off.
👇🏽
January 30, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Thinking of voting for Reform U.K. , then check out their voting record.
Reform UK are certainly not the party of the working class or those less well off.
👇🏽
Reform UK are certainly not the party of the working class or those less well off.
👇🏽
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Highways Act 1980 s137(1): Wilfully obstructing free passage on a highway without lawful excuse is an offence.
Highway Code r244: Do not park partly or wholly on pavements unless permitted; it obstructs pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams. #PavementParking
Highway Code r244: Do not park partly or wholly on pavements unless permitted; it obstructs pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams. #PavementParking
January 28, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Highways Act 1980 s137(1): Wilfully obstructing free passage on a highway without lawful excuse is an offence.
Highway Code r244: Do not park partly or wholly on pavements unless permitted; it obstructs pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams. #PavementParking
Highway Code r244: Do not park partly or wholly on pavements unless permitted; it obstructs pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams. #PavementParking
I'm fuming, but not allowed to say why.
So if you're up for a bit of fun, follow these bread crumbs:
In the same week where Newcastle City Council has announced the closure of the cafes in two of its Parks.
BBC News share.google/jPiuhhnYvC6d...
Cont.
So if you're up for a bit of fun, follow these bread crumbs:
In the same week where Newcastle City Council has announced the closure of the cafes in two of its Parks.
BBC News share.google/jPiuhhnYvC6d...
Cont.
Newcastle's Paddy Freeman's and Exhibition Park cafes to shut
Council chiefs say the cafes are not
share.google
January 29, 2026 at 6:56 PM
I'm fuming, but not allowed to say why.
So if you're up for a bit of fun, follow these bread crumbs:
In the same week where Newcastle City Council has announced the closure of the cafes in two of its Parks.
BBC News share.google/jPiuhhnYvC6d...
Cont.
So if you're up for a bit of fun, follow these bread crumbs:
In the same week where Newcastle City Council has announced the closure of the cafes in two of its Parks.
BBC News share.google/jPiuhhnYvC6d...
Cont.
How are OCOM going to deal with a candidate for the by-election having their own TV show?
Suspect pretending it's not happening isn't going to cut it this time.
Suspect pretending it's not happening isn't going to cut it this time.
a group of men are sitting on a plane laughing and covering their ears with their hands .
Alt: a group of men are sitting on a plane laughing and covering their ears with their hands .
media.tenor.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:29 PM
How are OCOM going to deal with a candidate for the by-election having their own TV show?
Suspect pretending it's not happening isn't going to cut it this time.
Suspect pretending it's not happening isn't going to cut it this time.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
I wish we could have cycle paths like this between villages here in the UK. Often only a few miles away but only dangerous roads with no pavements between them. Villages have become islands of social isolation where teenagers can’t be independent and those that don’t drive are trapped.
The best cycle lanes are wide, beautiful and completely separate from other roads. This type of infrastructure is common here in the Netherlands. They often connect cities and offer a great alternative for driving.
January 29, 2026 at 7:48 AM
I wish we could have cycle paths like this between villages here in the UK. Often only a few miles away but only dangerous roads with no pavements between them. Villages have become islands of social isolation where teenagers can’t be independent and those that don’t drive are trapped.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
This is the BEST explanation I have seen so far.
January 28, 2026 at 3:12 AM
This is the BEST explanation I have seen so far.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Call on your MP to support @werahobhouse.org.uk’s call for safer infrastructure, and to support @cyclinguk.bsky.social’s #MyRideOurRight campaign,
60% of women limit how much they cycle due to safety concerns.🚲
Too often women must choose between busy roads with little protection or quieter routes with poor lighting. Both are unsafe.
I’m calling on the Government to build the infrastructure needed to make women feel safe on our roads.
Too often women must choose between busy roads with little protection or quieter routes with poor lighting. Both are unsafe.
I’m calling on the Government to build the infrastructure needed to make women feel safe on our roads.
January 29, 2026 at 6:51 AM
Call on your MP to support @werahobhouse.org.uk’s call for safer infrastructure, and to support @cyclinguk.bsky.social’s #MyRideOurRight campaign,
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Labour keeps talking about saving the high street without naming the real problem. Car dependency. You cannot fix town centres while planning everything around driving. The internet is permanent. Retail only survives where footfall is dense, local, frequent, and cheap to access.
Labour risks election wipeout unless it improves Britain’s high streets, study finds
Decay of town centres a top issue among voters especially Reform UK supporters and is fuelling resentment against Westminster
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:46 AM
Labour keeps talking about saving the high street without naming the real problem. Car dependency. You cannot fix town centres while planning everything around driving. The internet is permanent. Retail only survives where footfall is dense, local, frequent, and cheap to access.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
I hated my replacement wheelchair at first. But then I realised the metal rims stick out further than my old one and are great for scratching the paint off of any cars and vans parked across a pavement I'm using. Had it a month and racked up 3 cars and 4 works vans. 4.5 stars.
January 28, 2026 at 8:20 AM
I hated my replacement wheelchair at first. But then I realised the metal rims stick out further than my old one and are great for scratching the paint off of any cars and vans parked across a pavement I'm using. Had it a month and racked up 3 cars and 4 works vans. 4.5 stars.
Can anyone predict what will happen in the North East?
The Mayor is already burning through Bus Service Improvement money on subsidising fares and routes, while Councils slow walk any actual infrastructure changes to give buses genuine priority.
Cont.
The Mayor is already burning through Bus Service Improvement money on subsidising fares and routes, while Councils slow walk any actual infrastructure changes to give buses genuine priority.
Cont.
Should have done the London pay per mile scheme to reduce traffic and speed up the buses. www.standard.co.uk/news/transpo...
London buses in crisis: Sadiq Khan spends £1.2billion a year subsidising bus network
Passenger numbers down 20% since pandemic - as TfL admits defeat in making bus fleet ‘zero emission’ by 2030
www.standard.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 6:39 AM
Can anyone predict what will happen in the North East?
The Mayor is already burning through Bus Service Improvement money on subsidising fares and routes, while Councils slow walk any actual infrastructure changes to give buses genuine priority.
Cont.
The Mayor is already burning through Bus Service Improvement money on subsidising fares and routes, while Councils slow walk any actual infrastructure changes to give buses genuine priority.
Cont.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The United Kingdom is at its best when we’re true to our values: tolerance, decency, respect for individual freedom and the rule of law.
We can't let Nigel Farage throw that all away by turning Britain into Trump’s America.
Choose a brighter future with the Liberal Democrats.
We can't let Nigel Farage throw that all away by turning Britain into Trump’s America.
Choose a brighter future with the Liberal Democrats.
January 28, 2026 at 5:31 PM
The United Kingdom is at its best when we’re true to our values: tolerance, decency, respect for individual freedom and the rule of law.
We can't let Nigel Farage throw that all away by turning Britain into Trump’s America.
Choose a brighter future with the Liberal Democrats.
We can't let Nigel Farage throw that all away by turning Britain into Trump’s America.
Choose a brighter future with the Liberal Democrats.