David Farnsworth
@farnsworth100.bsky.social
All things urban policy, environment, planning, democracy through informed choice. Background began in public + private corporates, then community empowerment.
In the confusing world of political euphemisms let's be clear: "free market" & "private provision" = autocratic control. Equally, "regulation" & "nationalisation" = democratic choice. @premnsikka.bsky.social @ceritheviking.bsky.social @michaellondonsf.bsky.social @europeanpowell.bsky.social
February 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
In the confusing world of political euphemisms let's be clear: "free market" & "private provision" = autocratic control. Equally, "regulation" & "nationalisation" = democratic choice. @premnsikka.bsky.social @ceritheviking.bsky.social @michaellondonsf.bsky.social @europeanpowell.bsky.social
Reposted by David Farnsworth
"The traffic model is the slave, not the master." Models are frequently full of faulty assumptions, and rarely understand actual human behaviour in the context of change and choices. Never let a traffic model tell you what to do. Decide what you WANT to happen, & design how to get there. #multimodal
February 8, 2025 at 10:30 PM
"The traffic model is the slave, not the master." Models are frequently full of faulty assumptions, and rarely understand actual human behaviour in the context of change and choices. Never let a traffic model tell you what to do. Decide what you WANT to happen, & design how to get there. #multimodal
Yet another (lost count) euphemism to deal with: "Freedom" For whom? To do what? Like "regulations inhibit growth" = all part of ending responsibility of Gov to care for collective welfare of the majority: i.e. democracy?
@europeanpowell.bsky.social
Nov 22, 2023
A final warning when.....1/2
@europeanpowell.bsky.social
Nov 22, 2023
A final warning when.....1/2
January 29, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Yet another (lost count) euphemism to deal with: "Freedom" For whom? To do what? Like "regulations inhibit growth" = all part of ending responsibility of Gov to care for collective welfare of the majority: i.e. democracy?
@europeanpowell.bsky.social
Nov 22, 2023
A final warning when.....1/2
@europeanpowell.bsky.social
Nov 22, 2023
A final warning when.....1/2
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Nearly two-thirds of Britons say very rich have too much influence on politics.
They fund political parties, legislators; get access to policymakers to shape laws.
Capital gains, dividends taxed at lower rates than wages
We are voting fodder in a sham democracy
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
They fund political parties, legislators; get access to policymakers to shape laws.
Capital gains, dividends taxed at lower rates than wages
We are voting fodder in a sham democracy
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
Nearly two-thirds of Britons say very rich have too much influence on politics
Opinium survey of 2,000 adults found concern about the impact of growing wealth inequality in the UK
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Nearly two-thirds of Britons say very rich have too much influence on politics.
They fund political parties, legislators; get access to policymakers to shape laws.
Capital gains, dividends taxed at lower rates than wages
We are voting fodder in a sham democracy
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
They fund political parties, legislators; get access to policymakers to shape laws.
Capital gains, dividends taxed at lower rates than wages
We are voting fodder in a sham democracy
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Pssst, want to know what public money is really being spent on while Wes Streeting cancels another Labour pledge of building more hospitals?
£11 billion 840 million of State aid (public money) is being pumped into 74 deregulated Special Economic Zones (SEZs), that's £160 million per zone.
👀💰💸💵
£11 billion 840 million of State aid (public money) is being pumped into 74 deregulated Special Economic Zones (SEZs), that's £160 million per zone.
👀💰💸💵
January 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Reposted by David Farnsworth
UK bottom of the G7 league for investment in productive assets in 24 out 30 yrs.
28th out of 31 OECD countries.
Low of public & private investment despite low interest & corp tax rates. People lack purchasing power.
Can't revive economy without redistribution
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/labo...
28th out of 31 OECD countries.
Low of public & private investment despite low interest & corp tax rates. People lack purchasing power.
Can't revive economy without redistribution
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/labo...
Labour hasn’t delivered growth or happiness. It needs an economic reset.
Successive governments have tailored economic and tax policies to impoverish the masses
leftfootforward.org
January 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
UK bottom of the G7 league for investment in productive assets in 24 out 30 yrs.
28th out of 31 OECD countries.
Low of public & private investment despite low interest & corp tax rates. People lack purchasing power.
Can't revive economy without redistribution
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/labo...
28th out of 31 OECD countries.
Low of public & private investment despite low interest & corp tax rates. People lack purchasing power.
Can't revive economy without redistribution
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/labo...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
To the crowds cheering Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement:
Do you think you live on a different planet, which climate breakdown does not affect?
Do you imagine only greens and progressives will be harmed by Earth systems collapse?
Do you believe you can win an argument with physics?
Do you think you live on a different planet, which climate breakdown does not affect?
Do you imagine only greens and progressives will be harmed by Earth systems collapse?
Do you believe you can win an argument with physics?
January 21, 2025 at 6:28 AM
To the crowds cheering Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement:
Do you think you live on a different planet, which climate breakdown does not affect?
Do you imagine only greens and progressives will be harmed by Earth systems collapse?
Do you believe you can win an argument with physics?
Do you think you live on a different planet, which climate breakdown does not affect?
Do you imagine only greens and progressives will be harmed by Earth systems collapse?
Do you believe you can win an argument with physics?
Now that USA has joined China and Russia as three largest deniers of climate collapse, maybe homo sapiens will not survive on this planet and become extinct. Wonder which animal or insect will take over?
January 21, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Now that USA has joined China and Russia as three largest deniers of climate collapse, maybe homo sapiens will not survive on this planet and become extinct. Wonder which animal or insect will take over?
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Remember when Matt Hancock & Nadine Dorries (now ex MPs) chose to appear on TV realty shows for mega loot, and for weeks neglected their Parliamentary duties.
That is still permitted.
Must ban all second jobs for MPs.
Must serve people, not their bank balance.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/mps-...
That is still permitted.
Must ban all second jobs for MPs.
Must serve people, not their bank balance.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/mps-...
MPs second jobs are institutionalised bribery. They should be banned.
'Preventing MPs from selling their souls to the highest bidder is a necessary step in democratising parliament.'
leftfootforward.org
January 12, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Remember when Matt Hancock & Nadine Dorries (now ex MPs) chose to appear on TV realty shows for mega loot, and for weeks neglected their Parliamentary duties.
That is still permitted.
Must ban all second jobs for MPs.
Must serve people, not their bank balance.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/mps-...
That is still permitted.
Must ban all second jobs for MPs.
Must serve people, not their bank balance.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/mps-...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
I fear there is deep truth here.
January 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
I fear there is deep truth here.
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Reeves defends China visit, hails £600m UK investment over next 5 yrs.
What?
Can get £100bn boost by joining the EU
HMRC failed to collect £500bn tax since 2010
Can boost economy by equitable distribution of income/wealth, but not on govt agenda.
Need policy change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What?
Can get £100bn boost by joining the EU
HMRC failed to collect £500bn tax since 2010
Can boost economy by equitable distribution of income/wealth, but not on govt agenda.
Need policy change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rachel Reeves defends China visit and hails £600m boost to UK
The chancellor has been criticised for making the trip while the government is under pressure from rising borrowing costs.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 12, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Reeves defends China visit, hails £600m UK investment over next 5 yrs.
What?
Can get £100bn boost by joining the EU
HMRC failed to collect £500bn tax since 2010
Can boost economy by equitable distribution of income/wealth, but not on govt agenda.
Need policy change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What?
Can get £100bn boost by joining the EU
HMRC failed to collect £500bn tax since 2010
Can boost economy by equitable distribution of income/wealth, but not on govt agenda.
Need policy change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
This:
This problem cannot be solved by individual house builders, planning deregulation, incentives to build or any of the other supposedly politically acceptable solutions to the housing crisis. It can only be solved by public bodies actively planning sustainable new communities for our future.
January 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM
This:
Reposted by David Farnsworth
“91% of the revenue generated by these businesses came out of the wallets of customers who walked, cycled or used public transport to reach them. Customers that drive to the shops accounted for just 9 per cent of sales.”
Shoppers’ Mobility Habits: Retailers Overestimate Car Use
www.rifs-potsdam.de
December 22, 2024 at 12:23 AM
“91% of the revenue generated by these businesses came out of the wallets of customers who walked, cycled or used public transport to reach them. Customers that drive to the shops accounted for just 9 per cent of sales.”
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Paris urban biking DOUBLED in just one year.
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
Paris cycling numbers double in one year thanks to massive investment and it's not stopping
The report delves into the nuances of Parisian cycling culture, exploring the vibrant community of riders who navigate the city's streets
momentummag.com
January 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Paris urban biking DOUBLED in just one year.
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
“Cycling in Paris has transcended mere trendiness; it’s become a fundamental aspect of the city’s identity. Despite challenges like inclement weather, cyclists continue to flock to the streets, setting new records and reshaping the urban landscape.”
Reposted by David Farnsworth
UK law on political donations is weak.
It can't prevent foreign/dirty money from funding politics.
It enables the rich/corporations to hijack politics;
It can't prevent Elon Musk from funding right-wing parties.
Must ban all donations - cleanse politics.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
It can't prevent foreign/dirty money from funding politics.
It enables the rich/corporations to hijack politics;
It can't prevent Elon Musk from funding right-wing parties.
Must ban all donations - cleanse politics.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
How our democracy has been hijacked by corporations and wealthy elites
The only effective remedy is to ban all private donations, or bribes, to political parties.
leftfootforward.org
January 7, 2025 at 10:49 AM
UK law on political donations is weak.
It can't prevent foreign/dirty money from funding politics.
It enables the rich/corporations to hijack politics;
It can't prevent Elon Musk from funding right-wing parties.
Must ban all donations - cleanse politics.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
It can't prevent foreign/dirty money from funding politics.
It enables the rich/corporations to hijack politics;
It can't prevent Elon Musk from funding right-wing parties.
Must ban all donations - cleanse politics.
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Inequality drives the problems the west faces. It’s rampant and has been for 40 years.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
FTSE 100 bosses make more money in 2025 by noon today than average worker in a year
Bosses to hit milestone on third working day of 2025 with median hourly pay of £1,298, says High Pay Centre
www.theguardian.com
January 6, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Inequality drives the problems the west faces. It’s rampant and has been for 40 years.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
🏗️ One of the fundamental problems with the UK #planning system is there is no connection between planning for homes and transport planning.
🚏 Yes, we desperately need new homes - but the current system traps people in car-dependency.
📃 Great to see this report from @neweconomics.bsky.social
🚏 Yes, we desperately need new homes - but the current system traps people in car-dependency.
📃 Great to see this report from @neweconomics.bsky.social
Trapped behind the wheel
How England's new builds lock us into car dependency
neweconomics.org
November 21, 2024 at 9:08 AM
🏗️ One of the fundamental problems with the UK #planning system is there is no connection between planning for homes and transport planning.
🚏 Yes, we desperately need new homes - but the current system traps people in car-dependency.
📃 Great to see this report from @neweconomics.bsky.social
🚏 Yes, we desperately need new homes - but the current system traps people in car-dependency.
📃 Great to see this report from @neweconomics.bsky.social
Reposted by David Farnsworth
What have I been saying for the last 5 years? Deregulated SEZs and Freports are the gateways to privatising the UK.
BlackRock will privatise Britain – our housing, education, health, nature and green energy – with our taxpayer money as sweetener.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
BlackRock will privatise Britain – our housing, education, health, nature and green energy – with our taxpayer money as sweetener.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour is putting its plans for Britain in the hands of private finance. It could end badly | Daniela Gabor
Handing vital infrastructure to big finance will generate windfalls for investors and leave the rest of us worse off. We need a better plan, says Daniela Gabor, a professor of economics and macrofinan...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2024 at 7:57 AM
What have I been saying for the last 5 years? Deregulated SEZs and Freports are the gateways to privatising the UK.
BlackRock will privatise Britain – our housing, education, health, nature and green energy – with our taxpayer money as sweetener.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
BlackRock will privatise Britain – our housing, education, health, nature and green energy – with our taxpayer money as sweetener.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
A typical European car spends 1/5th of its driving time looking for parking. Its 5 seats only move 1.5 people, and it’s been getting bigger & heavier. 86% of its fuel never reaches the wheels, and most of the energy that does is needed to move the car itself, not the people in it.
Sound efficient?
Sound efficient?
November 21, 2024 at 7:54 AM
A typical European car spends 1/5th of its driving time looking for parking. Its 5 seats only move 1.5 people, and it’s been getting bigger & heavier. 86% of its fuel never reaches the wheels, and most of the energy that does is needed to move the car itself, not the people in it.
Sound efficient?
Sound efficient?
Reposted by David Farnsworth
'Unlike in many other democracies, such as Canada, Germany and Scotland, voters have no right to know who is lobbying opposition politicians in Westminster'
How and why Labour is indulging the worst corporations on the planet for their growth obsession BS.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-mone...
How and why Labour is indulging the worst corporations on the planet for their growth obsession BS.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-mone...
Lovebombed by lobbyists: How Labour became party of business
An openDemocracy investigation reveals the secretive mass lobbying campaign that shaped Starmer's policies
www.opendemocracy.net
November 21, 2024 at 10:09 AM
'Unlike in many other democracies, such as Canada, Germany and Scotland, voters have no right to know who is lobbying opposition politicians in Westminster'
How and why Labour is indulging the worst corporations on the planet for their growth obsession BS.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-mone...
How and why Labour is indulging the worst corporations on the planet for their growth obsession BS.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-mone...
Reposted by David Farnsworth
Dartmoor is inside a 75km Special Economic Zone, almost all of England has been carved up into 48 SEZs. There are 16 SEZs in Cornwall alone.
Labour are continuing the Tories deregulated SEZs/Freeports experiment in corporate governance.
>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Labour are continuing the Tories deregulated SEZs/Freeports experiment in corporate governance.
>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
England’s national parks facing financial peril due to budget cuts, say CEOs
Leaders warn cost savings will lead to mass redundancies and that spaces could become ‘paper parks’
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2024 at 5:55 PM
Dartmoor is inside a 75km Special Economic Zone, almost all of England has been carved up into 48 SEZs. There are 16 SEZs in Cornwall alone.
Labour are continuing the Tories deregulated SEZs/Freeports experiment in corporate governance.
>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Labour are continuing the Tories deregulated SEZs/Freeports experiment in corporate governance.
>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...