@sophievanicat.bsky.social
Mum, tennis player, occasionally runner/cyclist/French. Learning about modelling/mapping/rivers. For an economy where people and the environment matter.
Pinned
Bradford City of Climate Culture - Calm in the Wild
YouTube video by Bradford 2025 City of Climate Culture
m.youtube.com
Check out the latest video from Bradford City of Climate Culture bd25climatefacts.net/events-calen... with the lovely Candice from Calm in the Wild. m.youtube.com/watch?v=cP4j...
Reposted
Another beautiful atlas saved from recycling. This one appears to be a guide for boating down a river in Belgium? Love the bridge illustrations.
November 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Another beautiful atlas saved from recycling. This one appears to be a guide for boating down a river in Belgium? Love the bridge illustrations.
Reposted
Today I voted for protecting nature.
The Lords added sensible, evidence-based amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to strengthen nature protection. But the govt rejected them.
Ministers need to listen - to experts, to trusted organisations, and to the public.
The Lords added sensible, evidence-based amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to strengthen nature protection. But the govt rejected them.
Ministers need to listen - to experts, to trusted organisations, and to the public.
November 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Today I voted for protecting nature.
The Lords added sensible, evidence-based amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to strengthen nature protection. But the govt rejected them.
Ministers need to listen - to experts, to trusted organisations, and to the public.
The Lords added sensible, evidence-based amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to strengthen nature protection. But the govt rejected them.
Ministers need to listen - to experts, to trusted organisations, and to the public.
Reposted
BY ME at #HouseMagazine at #PoliticsHome
The #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill #PiB is a microcosm of where #Labour is getting it wrong...
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
The #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill #PiB is a microcosm of where #Labour is getting it wrong...
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Don't blame the bats, Labour – you're not just damaging nature but your own poll rating too
It wasn't meant to be this way. Sixteen months on from winning a massive majority, off the back of a manifesto that promised 'to restore and protec...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
BY ME at #HouseMagazine at #PoliticsHome
The #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill #PiB is a microcosm of where #Labour is getting it wrong...
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
The #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill #PiB is a microcosm of where #Labour is getting it wrong...
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted
Full council - Leeds Greens Punching 👊
We heard from the children's lord mayor, who ran on a manifesto to end bullying and build social cohesion.
To use her analogy, a crayon box of one colour would be boring, a crayon box of all colours, creeds, cultures is a wonderful idea.
We heard from the children's lord mayor, who ran on a manifesto to end bullying and build social cohesion.
To use her analogy, a crayon box of one colour would be boring, a crayon box of all colours, creeds, cultures is a wonderful idea.
November 12, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Full council - Leeds Greens Punching 👊
We heard from the children's lord mayor, who ran on a manifesto to end bullying and build social cohesion.
To use her analogy, a crayon box of one colour would be boring, a crayon box of all colours, creeds, cultures is a wonderful idea.
We heard from the children's lord mayor, who ran on a manifesto to end bullying and build social cohesion.
To use her analogy, a crayon box of one colour would be boring, a crayon box of all colours, creeds, cultures is a wonderful idea.
Only a few more days left (until Sunday) to respond to West #Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wynature
www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wynature
Local Nature Recovery Strategy
West Yorkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy statutory consultation is now open until Sunday 16 November. We want to know your views on the strategy.You can read the full draft strategy here and yo...
www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
November 12, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Only a few more days left (until Sunday) to respond to West #Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wynature
www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wynature
Reposted
I’ve just announced I’ll be leading a National Emergency Briefing on 27 November . At a time when climate is in free fall on the political agenda , it’s vital our leaders realise what is at stake if we do not accelerate a just , green transition for all .
@nebriefing.bsky.social 🇬🇧
@nebriefing.bsky.social 🇬🇧
November 9, 2025 at 12:46 PM
I’ve just announced I’ll be leading a National Emergency Briefing on 27 November . At a time when climate is in free fall on the political agenda , it’s vital our leaders realise what is at stake if we do not accelerate a just , green transition for all .
@nebriefing.bsky.social 🇬🇧
@nebriefing.bsky.social 🇬🇧
Reposted
Low pressure is dominating our weather this week.
We have multiple warnings in force and more unsettled weather is to come. Some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours 🌧️
Find out more ⤵️
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/new...
We have multiple warnings in force and more unsettled weather is to come. Some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours 🌧️
Find out more ⤵️
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/new...
New warning issued for heavy rain on Friday into Saturday morning
Some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
November 12, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Low pressure is dominating our weather this week.
We have multiple warnings in force and more unsettled weather is to come. Some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours 🌧️
Find out more ⤵️
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/new...
We have multiple warnings in force and more unsettled weather is to come. Some areas could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours 🌧️
Find out more ⤵️
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/new...
Reposted
Today the UN COP climate summit kicked off in Brazil, and @london.gov.uk has been in Rio to promote action on climate change by cities. Back here in London, my @badvertising.bsky.social team mates launched a campaign to ask the Mayor to stop promoting pollution on London’s public transport network
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Today the UN COP climate summit kicked off in Brazil, and @london.gov.uk has been in Rio to promote action on climate change by cities. Back here in London, my @badvertising.bsky.social team mates launched a campaign to ask the Mayor to stop promoting pollution on London’s public transport network
Reposted
This is very clear, sensible and balanced.
What I would add is that they also need a much more convincing explanation of how government will use money to make people's lives better. Just saying we will spend eleventy-squillion on the NHS is not enough...
What I would add is that they also need a much more convincing explanation of how government will use money to make people's lives better. Just saying we will spend eleventy-squillion on the NHS is not enough...
Breaking the tax pledge is the right call...and politically sulphurous. Reeves must argue, far more forcefully, that taxes are *the* essential downpayment we all pay for a fairer society.
Patrick Diamond and I wrote for @renewaljournal.bsky.social. Key points in 🧵 👇
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
Patrick Diamond and I wrote for @renewaljournal.bsky.social. Key points in 🧵 👇
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
If Labour want a fairer society, they must argue for it
Labour must make the political argument: taxes are the critical downpayment we all pay to live in a fairer society.
It now seems all but certain that direct taxes will rise in the forthcoming Budget...
renewal.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:38 AM
This is very clear, sensible and balanced.
What I would add is that they also need a much more convincing explanation of how government will use money to make people's lives better. Just saying we will spend eleventy-squillion on the NHS is not enough...
What I would add is that they also need a much more convincing explanation of how government will use money to make people's lives better. Just saying we will spend eleventy-squillion on the NHS is not enough...
Reposted
New briefing | With the deficit anywhere between £30-£50bn, tax rises look inevitable in the Autumn Budget.
But the chancellor doesn't have to choose between fiscal responsibility and growth.
We outline how fair tax reforms, clean growth investment and energy bill support can deliver both ⤵️
But the chancellor doesn't have to choose between fiscal responsibility and growth.
We outline how fair tax reforms, clean growth investment and energy bill support can deliver both ⤵️
Budget 2025: focus on fairness and growth, not tax rises >> Green Alliance briefing
In this briefing, we outline how the chancellor can navigate tight public finances in the autumn budget by focusing on fair tax reforms that remove harmful subsidies, accelerating clean growth investment and providing targeted help with high energy bills.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
New briefing | With the deficit anywhere between £30-£50bn, tax rises look inevitable in the Autumn Budget.
But the chancellor doesn't have to choose between fiscal responsibility and growth.
We outline how fair tax reforms, clean growth investment and energy bill support can deliver both ⤵️
But the chancellor doesn't have to choose between fiscal responsibility and growth.
We outline how fair tax reforms, clean growth investment and energy bill support can deliver both ⤵️
Reposted
The government should instead look at alternative tax changes first.
⛽Frozen fuel duty which has cost £133 billion since 2011.
✈️Higher taxes on premium aviation such as private jets and first and business class flights.
🚗A large vehicle levy.
(5/5)
⛽Frozen fuel duty which has cost £133 billion since 2011.
✈️Higher taxes on premium aviation such as private jets and first and business class flights.
🚗A large vehicle levy.
(5/5)
November 7, 2025 at 12:01 PM
The government should instead look at alternative tax changes first.
⛽Frozen fuel duty which has cost £133 billion since 2011.
✈️Higher taxes on premium aviation such as private jets and first and business class flights.
🚗A large vehicle levy.
(5/5)
⛽Frozen fuel duty which has cost £133 billion since 2011.
✈️Higher taxes on premium aviation such as private jets and first and business class flights.
🚗A large vehicle levy.
(5/5)
Reposted
Reports suggest Rachel Reeves is considering a pay per mile tax on electric vehicles in the budget.
Pay per mile will be needed, but it’s crucial the government doesn't undermine growing EV sales by introducing new taxation too soon.
@johannbeckford.bsky.social explains👉 (1/5)
Pay per mile will be needed, but it’s crucial the government doesn't undermine growing EV sales by introducing new taxation too soon.
@johannbeckford.bsky.social explains👉 (1/5)
November 7, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Reports suggest Rachel Reeves is considering a pay per mile tax on electric vehicles in the budget.
Pay per mile will be needed, but it’s crucial the government doesn't undermine growing EV sales by introducing new taxation too soon.
@johannbeckford.bsky.social explains👉 (1/5)
Pay per mile will be needed, but it’s crucial the government doesn't undermine growing EV sales by introducing new taxation too soon.
@johannbeckford.bsky.social explains👉 (1/5)
Reposted
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Reposted
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 33% (+1)
GRN: 18% (+1)
CON: 16% (=)
LAB: 15% (-1)
LDM: 11% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 5-6 Nov.
Changes w/ 29 Oct.
RFM: 33% (+1)
GRN: 18% (+1)
CON: 16% (=)
LAB: 15% (-1)
LDM: 11% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 5-6 Nov.
Changes w/ 29 Oct.
November 6, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 33% (+1)
GRN: 18% (+1)
CON: 16% (=)
LAB: 15% (-1)
LDM: 11% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 5-6 Nov.
Changes w/ 29 Oct.
RFM: 33% (+1)
GRN: 18% (+1)
CON: 16% (=)
LAB: 15% (-1)
LDM: 11% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 5-6 Nov.
Changes w/ 29 Oct.
Climate Change in action. 3rd or 4th day in a row it’s been consistently 4 degrees warmer than average.
istheukhotrightnow.com
istheukhotrightnow.com
Is the UK hot right now?
See live UK temperatures vs average, with detailed stats, daily trends, and historic comparisons from official UK sites.
istheukhotrightnow.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Climate Change in action. 3rd or 4th day in a row it’s been consistently 4 degrees warmer than average.
istheukhotrightnow.com
istheukhotrightnow.com
Reposted
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reposted
Why the anger with Billie Eilish? Because it’s against the rules to say what we all know about billionaires | Zoe Williams
The singer is giving away millions – but the parameters for criticising the super-rich are very narrow, and hardly anyone qualifies
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The singer is giving away millions – but the parameters for criticising the super-rich are very narrow, and hardly anyone qualifies
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Why the anger with Billie Eilish? Because it’s against the rules to say what we all know about billionaires | Zoe Williams
The singer is giving away millions – but the parameters for criticising the super-rich are very narrow, and hardly anyone qualifies, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Why the anger with Billie Eilish? Because it’s against the rules to say what we all know about billionaires | Zoe Williams
The singer is giving away millions – but the parameters for criticising the super-rich are very narrow, and hardly anyone qualifies
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The singer is giving away millions – but the parameters for criticising the super-rich are very narrow, and hardly anyone qualifies
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted
Huge congratulations to Zohran Mamdani on his election as Mayor of New York City from all of us at the Green Party! 🎉💚
November 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Huge congratulations to Zohran Mamdani on his election as Mayor of New York City from all of us at the Green Party! 🎉💚
Reposted
New set of forest towns to be built between Oxford and Cambridge
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Well...it's ironic that when Natural England tried to protect the best wildlife areas of an Actual Forest (Bernwood) between Oxford and Cambridge, the Govt intervened and stopped them.
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Well...it's ironic that when Natural England tried to protect the best wildlife areas of an Actual Forest (Bernwood) between Oxford and Cambridge, the Govt intervened and stopped them.
New set of forest towns to be built between Oxford and Cambridge
Communities in the middle of new national forest to show how housebuilding can be delivered alongside nature
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:35 AM
New set of forest towns to be built between Oxford and Cambridge
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Well...it's ironic that when Natural England tried to protect the best wildlife areas of an Actual Forest (Bernwood) between Oxford and Cambridge, the Govt intervened and stopped them.
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Well...it's ironic that when Natural England tried to protect the best wildlife areas of an Actual Forest (Bernwood) between Oxford and Cambridge, the Govt intervened and stopped them.
Reposted
It’s a weird thing that in the Anglosphere the very idea of solidarity has been allowed to become a corny, solely left-wing, cliche rather than a living societal value.
In mainland Europe ordinary people and even centre-right politicians speak unironically of solidarity across & between societies.
In mainland Europe ordinary people and even centre-right politicians speak unironically of solidarity across & between societies.
For me, it's not really about hope.
It's about not feeling alone. Because I do feel that I'm in an echo chamber - not online but in RL.
A right-wing echo chamber of politicians, media, coworkers, acquaintances, flag-hangers and even family.
So, corny as it sounds, it's a feeling of solidarity.
It's about not feeling alone. Because I do feel that I'm in an echo chamber - not online but in RL.
A right-wing echo chamber of politicians, media, coworkers, acquaintances, flag-hangers and even family.
So, corny as it sounds, it's a feeling of solidarity.
November 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM
It’s a weird thing that in the Anglosphere the very idea of solidarity has been allowed to become a corny, solely left-wing, cliche rather than a living societal value.
In mainland Europe ordinary people and even centre-right politicians speak unironically of solidarity across & between societies.
In mainland Europe ordinary people and even centre-right politicians speak unironically of solidarity across & between societies.
Reposted
This is yet another example of how you beat the far right. By beating them, not trying to be them. By having your own agenda, not aping theirs. With courage and conviction - and humour - not fear and timidity.
November 5, 2025 at 6:35 AM
This is yet another example of how you beat the far right. By beating them, not trying to be them. By having your own agenda, not aping theirs. With courage and conviction - and humour - not fear and timidity.
Reposted
Can’t quite believe the Chancellor is seriously considering slashing support for home energy efficiency as a way to cut fuel bills 👀. Locking people into cold & leaky homes which will cost them more to heat & decimating the insulation industry at same time. Total madness 👇
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Can’t quite believe the Chancellor is seriously considering slashing support for home energy efficiency as a way to cut fuel bills 👀. Locking people into cold & leaky homes which will cost them more to heat & decimating the insulation industry at same time. Total madness 👇
Reposted
Cracking idea for a man with the natural charisma of a toenail clipper.
These weird nerds are still confusing the Mamdani effect with “get some slick videos and people will like you” instead of understanding it’s about being authentic _and_ having policies PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT, YOU MELT. 🤣
These weird nerds are still confusing the Mamdani effect with “get some slick videos and people will like you” instead of understanding it’s about being authentic _and_ having policies PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT, YOU MELT. 🤣
A former adviser to Keir Starmer and Tony Blair has urged the Prime Minister to reinvent himself as a 'social media star', warning that his cautious communication style is leaving voters cold
Keir Starmer told to ‘be a social media star’ in bid to win back voters
www.thenational.scot
November 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Cracking idea for a man with the natural charisma of a toenail clipper.
These weird nerds are still confusing the Mamdani effect with “get some slick videos and people will like you” instead of understanding it’s about being authentic _and_ having policies PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT, YOU MELT. 🤣
These weird nerds are still confusing the Mamdani effect with “get some slick videos and people will like you” instead of understanding it’s about being authentic _and_ having policies PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT, YOU MELT. 🤣
Reposted
Not one mention of taxing wealth
As ever with this government, the poor, the vulnerable, those struggling to get by, those forced to decide between eat and heat, those with the narrowest shoulders - will be made to pay
Despicable AND political suicide
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
As ever with this government, the poor, the vulnerable, those struggling to get by, those forced to decide between eat and heat, those with the narrowest shoulders - will be made to pay
Despicable AND political suicide
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises in Budget as she says she will make 'necessary choices' - live updates
The chancellor says in a pre-Budget speech that
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Not one mention of taxing wealth
As ever with this government, the poor, the vulnerable, those struggling to get by, those forced to decide between eat and heat, those with the narrowest shoulders - will be made to pay
Despicable AND political suicide
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
As ever with this government, the poor, the vulnerable, those struggling to get by, those forced to decide between eat and heat, those with the narrowest shoulders - will be made to pay
Despicable AND political suicide
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...