Martin Rathfelder
@rathfelder.bsky.social
Retired Mancunian agitator. Patient representative/ public contributor in Manchester University. Unpaid advocate for disabled people. Wikipedian. Whalley Range Labour Party.
Perfection is the enemy of improvement!
Perfection is the enemy of improvement!
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Why is this important?
Police can’t be everywhere 24/7, but the public can. If reckless drivers know any driver or cyclist could submit footage leading to enforcement, deterrence rises = safer roads.
We will never know who or how many but for certain lives will be saved.
Thank you for submitting!
Police can’t be everywhere 24/7, but the public can. If reckless drivers know any driver or cyclist could submit footage leading to enforcement, deterrence rises = safer roads.
We will never know who or how many but for certain lives will be saved.
Thank you for submitting!
Pleased @northantspolice.bsky.social are adopting the public road crime reporting best practice — crucially, updating everyone who reports.
In 2025:
➖ 2,930 public reports
➖ 1,533 enforcement outcomes including;
• 45 court summons
• 229 penalty points
• 1,063 courses
What is your local experience?
In 2025:
➖ 2,930 public reports
➖ 1,533 enforcement outcomes including;
• 45 court summons
• 229 penalty points
• 1,063 courses
What is your local experience?
February 18, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Why is this important?
Police can’t be everywhere 24/7, but the public can. If reckless drivers know any driver or cyclist could submit footage leading to enforcement, deterrence rises = safer roads.
We will never know who or how many but for certain lives will be saved.
Thank you for submitting!
Police can’t be everywhere 24/7, but the public can. If reckless drivers know any driver or cyclist could submit footage leading to enforcement, deterrence rises = safer roads.
We will never know who or how many but for certain lives will be saved.
Thank you for submitting!
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
The Wall St Journal now further to the left than any mainstream media in New Zealand.
notorious radical left communist rag says tax the rich
February 18, 2026 at 6:39 PM
The Wall St Journal now further to the left than any mainstream media in New Zealand.
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Paul Golding of Britain First has endorsed Restore Britain, due to it combining ethnic nationalism (rejecting a civic idea of British identity) with mass deportation calls
bsky.app/profile/sund...
bsky.app/profile/sund...
Paul Golding of Britain First has endorsed Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain
"We wish them all the best. We won't stand against them in elections. They have got a clear run now. We wish them every success. We don't see them as rivals. We see them as complementary, all pushing in same direction"
"We wish them all the best. We won't stand against them in elections. They have got a clear run now. We wish them every success. We don't see them as rivals. We see them as complementary, all pushing in same direction"
February 18, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Paul Golding of Britain First has endorsed Restore Britain, due to it combining ethnic nationalism (rejecting a civic idea of British identity) with mass deportation calls
bsky.app/profile/sund...
bsky.app/profile/sund...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Living Streets members come from all walks of life. But we all share a love for walking and wheeling and a passion to make our streets safer and more accessible for all 🌟
Find out more: livingstreets.org.uk/become-a-member
Find out more: livingstreets.org.uk/become-a-member
February 18, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Living Streets members come from all walks of life. But we all share a love for walking and wheeling and a passion to make our streets safer and more accessible for all 🌟
Find out more: livingstreets.org.uk/become-a-member
Find out more: livingstreets.org.uk/become-a-member
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
There is little evidence that centre-left parties can neutralise populist challengers by adopting their language or parts of their policy agenda on immigration, writes Jonathan Portes
Labour’s migration doom loop
The Starmer government risks trapping the United Kingdom in a spiral of discontent and decline
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 18, 2026 at 5:12 PM
There is little evidence that centre-left parties can neutralise populist challengers by adopting their language or parts of their policy agenda on immigration, writes Jonathan Portes
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
The profits of business in the UK are so high that they could employ every single one of the 2.1m unemployed people in the UK.
And pay them £300,000 each.
But still they tell you there is 'no money' to employ people.
And pay them £300,000 each.
But still they tell you there is 'no money' to employ people.
February 18, 2026 at 7:27 PM
The profits of business in the UK are so high that they could employ every single one of the 2.1m unemployed people in the UK.
And pay them £300,000 each.
But still they tell you there is 'no money' to employ people.
And pay them £300,000 each.
But still they tell you there is 'no money' to employ people.
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
63-77% of current Labour voters would tactically vote Lib Dem or Green to prevent the Conservatives or Reform UK winning in their seat
If their seat was a contest between the two right-wing parties, 30% are prepared to back the Tories, while 35% would stick with Labour and 17% would not vote
If their seat was a contest between the two right-wing parties, 30% are prepared to back the Tories, while 35% would stick with Labour and 17% would not vote
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
63-77% of current Labour voters would tactically vote Lib Dem or Green to prevent the Conservatives or Reform UK winning in their seat
If their seat was a contest between the two right-wing parties, 30% are prepared to back the Tories, while 35% would stick with Labour and 17% would not vote
If their seat was a contest between the two right-wing parties, 30% are prepared to back the Tories, while 35% would stick with Labour and 17% would not vote
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
In the event only Labour and the Greens stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Grn: 42%
Lab: 29%
Stick with LD: 16%
Current Con voters
Grn: 22%
Lab: 12%
Stick with Con: 41%
Current Ref voters
Grn: 16%
Lab: 7%
Stick with Ref: 54%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Grn: 42%
Lab: 29%
Stick with LD: 16%
Current Con voters
Grn: 22%
Lab: 12%
Stick with Con: 41%
Current Ref voters
Grn: 16%
Lab: 7%
Stick with Ref: 54%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In the event only Labour and the Greens stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Grn: 42%
Lab: 29%
Stick with LD: 16%
Current Con voters
Grn: 22%
Lab: 12%
Stick with Con: 41%
Current Ref voters
Grn: 16%
Lab: 7%
Stick with Ref: 54%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Grn: 42%
Lab: 29%
Stick with LD: 16%
Current Con voters
Grn: 22%
Lab: 12%
Stick with Con: 41%
Current Ref voters
Grn: 16%
Lab: 7%
Stick with Ref: 54%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
In the event only the Conservatives and Labour stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current Grn voters
Lab: 44%
Con: 5%
Stick with Grn: 46%
Current LD voters
Lab: 43%
Con: 19%
Stick with LD: 28%
Current Ref voters:
Con: 44%
Lab: 3%
Stick with Ref: 41%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current Grn voters
Lab: 44%
Con: 5%
Stick with Grn: 46%
Current LD voters
Lab: 43%
Con: 19%
Stick with LD: 28%
Current Ref voters:
Con: 44%
Lab: 3%
Stick with Ref: 41%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In the event only the Conservatives and Labour stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current Grn voters
Lab: 44%
Con: 5%
Stick with Grn: 46%
Current LD voters
Lab: 43%
Con: 19%
Stick with LD: 28%
Current Ref voters:
Con: 44%
Lab: 3%
Stick with Ref: 41%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current Grn voters
Lab: 44%
Con: 5%
Stick with Grn: 46%
Current LD voters
Lab: 43%
Con: 19%
Stick with LD: 28%
Current Ref voters:
Con: 44%
Lab: 3%
Stick with Ref: 41%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
In the event only Reform UK and the Conservatives stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Con: 45%
Ref: 4%
Stick with LD: 29%
Current Lab voters
Con: 30%
Ref: 4%
Stick with Lab: 35%
Current Grn voters
Con: 25%
Ref: 2%
Stick with Grn: 55%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Con: 45%
Ref: 4%
Stick with LD: 29%
Current Lab voters
Con: 30%
Ref: 4%
Stick with Lab: 35%
Current Grn voters
Con: 25%
Ref: 2%
Stick with Grn: 55%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In the event only Reform UK and the Conservatives stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Con: 45%
Ref: 4%
Stick with LD: 29%
Current Lab voters
Con: 30%
Ref: 4%
Stick with Lab: 35%
Current Grn voters
Con: 25%
Ref: 2%
Stick with Grn: 55%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Con: 45%
Ref: 4%
Stick with LD: 29%
Current Lab voters
Con: 30%
Ref: 4%
Stick with Lab: 35%
Current Grn voters
Con: 25%
Ref: 2%
Stick with Grn: 55%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
In the event only Reform UK and Labour stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Lab: 58%
Ref: 10%
Stick with LD: 22%
Current Grn voters
Lab: 57%
Ref: 3%
Stick with Green: 35%
Current Con voters
Ref: 41%
Lab: 9%
Stick with Con: 36%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Lab: 58%
Ref: 10%
Stick with LD: 22%
Current Grn voters
Lab: 57%
Ref: 3%
Stick with Green: 35%
Current Con voters
Ref: 41%
Lab: 9%
Stick with Con: 36%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In the event only Reform UK and Labour stood a chance of winning in a seat...
Current LD voters
Lab: 58%
Ref: 10%
Stick with LD: 22%
Current Grn voters
Lab: 57%
Ref: 3%
Stick with Green: 35%
Current Con voters
Ref: 41%
Lab: 9%
Stick with Con: 36%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Current LD voters
Lab: 58%
Ref: 10%
Stick with LD: 22%
Current Grn voters
Lab: 57%
Ref: 3%
Stick with Green: 35%
Current Con voters
Ref: 41%
Lab: 9%
Stick with Con: 36%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
🧵/ With tactical voting ever more common, who do voters back when only two parties have a chance in their seat?
Con 31% v Ref 24%
Lab 35% v Ref 31%
Lab 29% v Con 28%
LD 41% v Ref 29%
LD 34% v Con 26%
LD 29% v Lab 21%
LD 26% v Grn 25%
Grn 42% v Ref 27%
Grn 37% v Con 29%
Grn 30% v Lab 20%
Con 31% v Ref 24%
Lab 35% v Ref 31%
Lab 29% v Con 28%
LD 41% v Ref 29%
LD 34% v Con 26%
LD 29% v Lab 21%
LD 26% v Grn 25%
Grn 42% v Ref 27%
Grn 37% v Con 29%
Grn 30% v Lab 20%
February 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM
🧵/ With tactical voting ever more common, who do voters back when only two parties have a chance in their seat?
Con 31% v Ref 24%
Lab 35% v Ref 31%
Lab 29% v Con 28%
LD 41% v Ref 29%
LD 34% v Con 26%
LD 29% v Lab 21%
LD 26% v Grn 25%
Grn 42% v Ref 27%
Grn 37% v Con 29%
Grn 30% v Lab 20%
Con 31% v Ref 24%
Lab 35% v Ref 31%
Lab 29% v Con 28%
LD 41% v Ref 29%
LD 34% v Con 26%
LD 29% v Lab 21%
LD 26% v Grn 25%
Grn 42% v Ref 27%
Grn 37% v Con 29%
Grn 30% v Lab 20%
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
I would like to understand why an Act of Parliament has been made which allows TfL to regulate pedicabs in London, but doesn't provide for anywhere else in the country to do the same if/when the problem arises.
Why can't Transport for Greater Manchester do it if they want?
Why can't Transport for Greater Manchester do it if they want?
February 18, 2026 at 10:55 AM
I would like to understand why an Act of Parliament has been made which allows TfL to regulate pedicabs in London, but doesn't provide for anywhere else in the country to do the same if/when the problem arises.
Why can't Transport for Greater Manchester do it if they want?
Why can't Transport for Greater Manchester do it if they want?
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Restore hate Reform so much their no1 policy is to deport most of the Reform leadership as illegal immigrates
February 18, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Restore hate Reform so much their no1 policy is to deport most of the Reform leadership as illegal immigrates
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Last week, former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe announced the official launch of his new party, Restore Britain. Many on the far right, who see Reform as too moderate, celebrated.
Here’s all you need to know: hopenothate.org.uk/2026/02/17/r...
Here’s all you need to know: hopenothate.org.uk/2026/02/17/r...
Rupert Lowe and Restore Britain: What You Need To Know – HOPE not hate
Last week, Rupert Lowe MP, formerly of Reform UK, announced that his Restore Britain pressure group would change from a “political movement” to a “national...
hopenothate.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Last week, former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe announced the official launch of his new party, Restore Britain. Many on the far right, who see Reform as too moderate, celebrated.
Here’s all you need to know: hopenothate.org.uk/2026/02/17/r...
Here’s all you need to know: hopenothate.org.uk/2026/02/17/r...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
A short 🧵
This is a really good article & shows the challenge MPs face.
I received over 2,000 emails last month in our casework system; this covers 'campaign emails', personalised emails (often asking for my view on something) and people getting in touch who needing my team's support.
This is a really good article & shows the challenge MPs face.
I received over 2,000 emails last month in our casework system; this covers 'campaign emails', personalised emails (often asking for my view on something) and people getting in touch who needing my team's support.
The workload facing MPs and their staff is growing, in ways that aren't visible to the public: casework and the inbox.
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
Casework Crisis: Increase In Constituency Caseload Takes Its Toll
The inexorable growth in casework is stopping MPs from fulfilling their other roles. Alice Lilly sifts through the inbox looking for what might be ...
www.politicshome.com
February 18, 2026 at 9:52 AM
A short 🧵
This is a really good article & shows the challenge MPs face.
I received over 2,000 emails last month in our casework system; this covers 'campaign emails', personalised emails (often asking for my view on something) and people getting in touch who needing my team's support.
This is a really good article & shows the challenge MPs face.
I received over 2,000 emails last month in our casework system; this covers 'campaign emails', personalised emails (often asking for my view on something) and people getting in touch who needing my team's support.
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
The safety net for Britons is far lower than most of their counterparts.
Many other benefits systems around the world hardwire in a specific link between typical wages and general benefit rates, or what an individual's previous earnings and the payments they are entitled to.
More➡️ buff.ly/a300OG4
Many other benefits systems around the world hardwire in a specific link between typical wages and general benefit rates, or what an individual's previous earnings and the payments they are entitled to.
More➡️ buff.ly/a300OG4
February 18, 2026 at 11:01 AM
The safety net for Britons is far lower than most of their counterparts.
Many other benefits systems around the world hardwire in a specific link between typical wages and general benefit rates, or what an individual's previous earnings and the payments they are entitled to.
More➡️ buff.ly/a300OG4
Many other benefits systems around the world hardwire in a specific link between typical wages and general benefit rates, or what an individual's previous earnings and the payments they are entitled to.
More➡️ buff.ly/a300OG4
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
The flu season started unusually early this year, with a new variant of influenza compounded by low vaccine uptake causing it to spread across the population.
While this affected our overstretched health system, it also impacted our schools, causing a sharp rise in absences 🧵 👇
While this affected our overstretched health system, it also impacted our schools, causing a sharp rise in absences 🧵 👇
February 18, 2026 at 11:01 AM
The flu season started unusually early this year, with a new variant of influenza compounded by low vaccine uptake causing it to spread across the population.
While this affected our overstretched health system, it also impacted our schools, causing a sharp rise in absences 🧵 👇
While this affected our overstretched health system, it also impacted our schools, causing a sharp rise in absences 🧵 👇
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Nus Ghani MP - the Deputy Speaker - moved to the UK as a small child. She has been elected by the voters in Wealden in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024
More outright racism from the regular GB News & Talk TV contributor Lucy White - who previously called (on GB News) for all Muslims to leave Britain
More outright racism from the regular GB News & Talk TV contributor Lucy White - who previously called (on GB News) for all Muslims to leave Britain
November 26, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Nus Ghani MP - the Deputy Speaker - moved to the UK as a small child. She has been elected by the voters in Wealden in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024
More outright racism from the regular GB News & Talk TV contributor Lucy White - who previously called (on GB News) for all Muslims to leave Britain
More outright racism from the regular GB News & Talk TV contributor Lucy White - who previously called (on GB News) for all Muslims to leave Britain
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Matt Goodwin's candidacy in Denton & Gorton "illuminates the balance of risks & rewards for Reform, presenting itself as a potential govt, in embracing the sharper edges of the online right." Our @sundersays.bsky.social for @thenewworldmag.bsky.social
www.thenewworld.co.uk/sunder-katwa...
www.thenewworld.co.uk/sunder-katwa...
The future of Reform rests on Matt Goodwin’s by-election
Lose in Gorton & Denton and the party may be driven even further right
www.thenewworld.co.uk
February 18, 2026 at 8:55 AM
Matt Goodwin's candidacy in Denton & Gorton "illuminates the balance of risks & rewards for Reform, presenting itself as a potential govt, in embracing the sharper edges of the online right." Our @sundersays.bsky.social for @thenewworldmag.bsky.social
www.thenewworld.co.uk/sunder-katwa...
www.thenewworld.co.uk/sunder-katwa...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
These @ippr.org principles make sense as tests for the consultation response. Significant changes would be needed to meet them
www.ippr.org/articles/far...
www.ippr.org/articles/far...
Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation | IPPR
While the measures have received surprisingly little attention compared to some of the government’s other eye-catching asylum reforms, their impacts will b
www.ippr.org
February 17, 2026 at 1:21 PM
These @ippr.org principles make sense as tests for the consultation response. Significant changes would be needed to meet them
www.ippr.org/articles/far...
www.ippr.org/articles/far...
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
I can't stand the guy, but it's arguable that he is responsible for Brexit, is currently gutting the tories and my party Labour has spent the best part of 18 months dancing to his tune (hopefully about to change). He's very good at politics
February 17, 2026 at 4:15 PM
I can't stand the guy, but it's arguable that he is responsible for Brexit, is currently gutting the tories and my party Labour has spent the best part of 18 months dancing to his tune (hopefully about to change). He's very good at politics
Reposted by Martin Rathfelder
Broadcast journalists should ask Downes, Blackpool & Lowe this question. Is Kemi Badenoch actually British or not?
But I am not at all convinced that Rupert Lowe would say on TV what his campaign Director will say on X - that he does not accept that Kemi Badenoch is actually British
February 17, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Broadcast journalists should ask Downes, Blackpool & Lowe this question. Is Kemi Badenoch actually British or not?