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.
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.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The Elections Act 2022 changed the law covering voting by post so it’s no longer possible to have a permanent postal vote arrangement.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 must make a new application for their postal vote by 31 January.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 must make a new application for their postal vote by 31 January.
January 28, 2026 at 8:01 AM
The Elections Act 2022 changed the law covering voting by post so it’s no longer possible to have a permanent postal vote arrangement.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 must make a new application for their postal vote by 31 January.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 must make a new application for their postal vote by 31 January.
The Americans are sending their Secret Police to Italy?
Trigger happy masked gunmen with no badges, wandering around crowds from all over the world?
F that.
Trigger happy masked gunmen with no badges, wandering around crowds from all over the world?
F that.
‘A militia that kills’: uproar in Italy over ICE security role at Winter Olympics
‘A militia that kills’: uproar in Italy over ICE security role at Winter Olympics
Milan’s mayor says agents ‘clearly not welcome’ in co-host city and that Italy can take care of security itself
A unit of US immigration and customs enforcement agents (ICE) will have a security role in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Italy, sparking uproar and petitions against the deployment.
Sources at the US embassy in Rome confirmed a statement from ICE, the agency embroiled in a brutal immigration crackdown in the US, saying that federal agents would support diplomatic security details during the Milan-Cortina games but would not run any enforcement operations. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:16 AM
The Americans are sending their Secret Police to Italy?
Trigger happy masked gunmen with no badges, wandering around crowds from all over the world?
F that.
Trigger happy masked gunmen with no badges, wandering around crowds from all over the world?
F that.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
“We’ve given it a bit of thought, and we have decided that - yes - we SHOULD have a go at doing our jobs”
Police reverse decision not to investigate theft of bikes left for more than two hours outside train stations | BikeRadar
British Transport Police backtracks on decision not to investigate the theft of bikes left for more than two hours outside a train station
www.bikeradar.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:38 PM
“We’ve given it a bit of thought, and we have decided that - yes - we SHOULD have a go at doing our jobs”
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
It is frankly a scandal that the Labour administration has announced the closure of the cafés at Paddy Freeman’s and Exhibition Park.
In their announcement today, the Council claims these venues are suffering from "falling demand." We don’t buy it, and we doubt you do either.
In their announcement today, the Council claims these venues are suffering from "falling demand." We don’t buy it, and we doubt you do either.
January 27, 2026 at 8:54 PM
It is frankly a scandal that the Labour administration has announced the closure of the cafés at Paddy Freeman’s and Exhibition Park.
In their announcement today, the Council claims these venues are suffering from "falling demand." We don’t buy it, and we doubt you do either.
In their announcement today, the Council claims these venues are suffering from "falling demand." We don’t buy it, and we doubt you do either.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Matt Goodwin says this is "a chance for the hardworking, law-abiding, tax-paying people," such as his boss, Nigel Farage, who doesn't do his job in parliament, lied about why he avoided constituency work, admitted to breaking 17 laws last week alone, and still faces questions about tax avoidance.
January 27, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Matt Goodwin says this is "a chance for the hardworking, law-abiding, tax-paying people," such as his boss, Nigel Farage, who doesn't do his job in parliament, lied about why he avoided constituency work, admitted to breaking 17 laws last week alone, and still faces questions about tax avoidance.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
That'll bring an exciting, never before seen, new dynamic to UK politics then . . . . .
January 27, 2026 at 4:05 PM
That'll bring an exciting, never before seen, new dynamic to UK politics then . . . . .
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Braverman says she's been "politically homeless" for over 2 years, which means she was reelected in 2024 as an MP for a party she didn't want to be a member of.
And she says Tories "failed Britain [on] Brexit and immigration". She was Brexit minister and Home Secretary. Twice.
But "vote for me!"
And she says Tories "failed Britain [on] Brexit and immigration". She was Brexit minister and Home Secretary. Twice.
But "vote for me!"
January 27, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Braverman says she's been "politically homeless" for over 2 years, which means she was reelected in 2024 as an MP for a party she didn't want to be a member of.
And she says Tories "failed Britain [on] Brexit and immigration". She was Brexit minister and Home Secretary. Twice.
But "vote for me!"
And she says Tories "failed Britain [on] Brexit and immigration". She was Brexit minister and Home Secretary. Twice.
But "vote for me!"
Turns out that muscle memory might be a thing.
Some 37 years since I last went skiing, I took a day, and booked a lesson.
No injuries, one fall, no submission.
Can snowplough and parallel turn (again).
Suspect walking will be interesting tomorrow.
Some 37 years since I last went skiing, I took a day, and booked a lesson.
No injuries, one fall, no submission.
Can snowplough and parallel turn (again).
Suspect walking will be interesting tomorrow.
January 26, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Turns out that muscle memory might be a thing.
Some 37 years since I last went skiing, I took a day, and booked a lesson.
No injuries, one fall, no submission.
Can snowplough and parallel turn (again).
Suspect walking will be interesting tomorrow.
Some 37 years since I last went skiing, I took a day, and booked a lesson.
No injuries, one fall, no submission.
Can snowplough and parallel turn (again).
Suspect walking will be interesting tomorrow.
Reposted by Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Seems pretty clear that all it will take to tank the World Cup and possibly the Olympics in the US is one or two countries saying they won't send players, reporters or fans. The dominoes will fall pretty quickly after that.
Italian journalists of RAI (the Italian major TV and public station) stopped and threatened by ICE. This should not be the narrative the US government wants to send abroad.
January 26, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Seems pretty clear that all it will take to tank the World Cup and possibly the Olympics in the US is one or two countries saying they won't send players, reporters or fans. The dominoes will fall pretty quickly after that.