Mark in Devon
@markindevon.bsky.social
Green/socialist
"Posting is how I remove bothersome thoughts from my head and put them in other people’s"
"Posting is how I remove bothersome thoughts from my head and put them in other people’s"
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Yesterday, Southern Water admitted to losing millions of plastic beads after initially denying it.
Helena Dollimore MP now calls for them to clean up the coastline; disclose contents of the beads; fund nature restoration; and investigate how the spill happened.
@dirtywatercampaign.bsky.social
Helena Dollimore MP now calls for them to clean up the coastline; disclose contents of the beads; fund nature restoration; and investigate how the spill happened.
@dirtywatercampaign.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Yesterday, Southern Water admitted to losing millions of plastic beads after initially denying it.
Helena Dollimore MP now calls for them to clean up the coastline; disclose contents of the beads; fund nature restoration; and investigate how the spill happened.
@dirtywatercampaign.bsky.social
Helena Dollimore MP now calls for them to clean up the coastline; disclose contents of the beads; fund nature restoration; and investigate how the spill happened.
@dirtywatercampaign.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark in Devon
I think the combination of the dominance by the BBC of news, together with the levels of trust it enjoys, gives it a degree of influence which is unhealthy for it and for democracy. And it uses them to perpetuate a status quo-ism which is demonstrably failing the nation.
November 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
I think the combination of the dominance by the BBC of news, together with the levels of trust it enjoys, gives it a degree of influence which is unhealthy for it and for democracy. And it uses them to perpetuate a status quo-ism which is demonstrably failing the nation.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Personally I'd be pleased to see BBC News disappear entirely. To argue, as many do, that British politics or our news environment would be so much worse without the BBC you have to explain why British politics and news environment is so very bad with the BBC.
November 11, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Personally I'd be pleased to see BBC News disappear entirely. To argue, as many do, that British politics or our news environment would be so much worse without the BBC you have to explain why British politics and news environment is so very bad with the BBC.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Two years ago, I wrote this about how the COP climate summits are designed to fail, and how they could be designed to succeed. Sadly, nothing has changed.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Cop28 is a farce rigged to fail, but there are other ways we can try to save the planet | George Monbiot
Inaction and self-interest are built into climate summits. Instead, we need a voting system that can’t be subverted by fossil fuel producers, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Two years ago, I wrote this about how the COP climate summits are designed to fail, and how they could be designed to succeed. Sadly, nothing has changed.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Will Zarah Sultana ever lead Your Party?
She predicts “people” will place “obstacles” in the path of her candidacy
🖊️ @meganekenyon.bsky.social
She predicts “people” will place “obstacles” in the path of her candidacy
🖊️ @meganekenyon.bsky.social
Will Zarah Sultana ever lead Your Party?
She predicts "people" will place "obstacles" in the path of her candidacy
www.newstatesman.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Will Zarah Sultana ever lead Your Party?
She predicts “people” will place “obstacles” in the path of her candidacy
🖊️ @meganekenyon.bsky.social
She predicts “people” will place “obstacles” in the path of her candidacy
🖊️ @meganekenyon.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Billionaires and corporations are causing climate breakdown.
It's time to tax the rich.
www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/su...
It's time to tax the rich.
www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/su...
You can't solve a crisis with the same thinking that caused it
Billionaires and corporations are driving climate breakdown. It’s time to tax their wealth and build a fairer future.
www.newstatesman.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Billionaires and corporations are causing climate breakdown.
It's time to tax the rich.
www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/su...
It's time to tax the rich.
www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/su...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
We get the politics the few pay for.
#democracy - it would be a good idea
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
#democracy - it would be a good idea
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Billionaire Tory donor gives £200,000 to Reform UK
JCB chair Lord Bamford hands equal amount to Tories and Reform to support parties he says ‘believe in small business’
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:46 PM
We get the politics the few pay for.
#democracy - it would be a good idea
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
#democracy - it would be a good idea
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Rachel Reeves signals plan to remove two-child benefit cap in budget.
Welcome. Would lift 350,000 children out of poverty.
Why did Starmer/Reeves follow the Tory policy? Why did 7 MPs have their whip withdrawn for voting against the policy?
What was the point of making children suffer?
Welcome. Would lift 350,000 children out of poverty.
Why did Starmer/Reeves follow the Tory policy? Why did 7 MPs have their whip withdrawn for voting against the policy?
What was the point of making children suffer?
Rachel Reeves signals plan to remove two-child benefit cap in budget
Chancellor understood to be preparing to fully reverse measure, which would cost over £3bn but could lift 350,000 children out of poverty
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Rachel Reeves signals plan to remove two-child benefit cap in budget.
Welcome. Would lift 350,000 children out of poverty.
Why did Starmer/Reeves follow the Tory policy? Why did 7 MPs have their whip withdrawn for voting against the policy?
What was the point of making children suffer?
Welcome. Would lift 350,000 children out of poverty.
Why did Starmer/Reeves follow the Tory policy? Why did 7 MPs have their whip withdrawn for voting against the policy?
What was the point of making children suffer?
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Anything to do with recent polls showing the Greens beating Labour I wonder?
I'm not complaining, I would rather they be pushed left than continue to be Temu Reform.
Maybe they could try stopping persecuting the disabled, trans people and immigrants next.
I'm not complaining, I would rather they be pushed left than continue to be Temu Reform.
Maybe they could try stopping persecuting the disabled, trans people and immigrants next.
November 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Anything to do with recent polls showing the Greens beating Labour I wonder?
I'm not complaining, I would rather they be pushed left than continue to be Temu Reform.
Maybe they could try stopping persecuting the disabled, trans people and immigrants next.
I'm not complaining, I would rather they be pushed left than continue to be Temu Reform.
Maybe they could try stopping persecuting the disabled, trans people and immigrants next.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Eek. The Fire Brigades Union has slammed the record of Reform’s ‘flagship council’ as it emerged that Kent and Medway Fire Authority is in disarray following the removal of five councillors, including its chair and vice chair.
5 of the 9 Reform cllrs suspended since May sat on the fire authority...
5 of the 9 Reform cllrs suspended since May sat on the fire authority...
November 10, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Eek. The Fire Brigades Union has slammed the record of Reform’s ‘flagship council’ as it emerged that Kent and Medway Fire Authority is in disarray following the removal of five councillors, including its chair and vice chair.
5 of the 9 Reform cllrs suspended since May sat on the fire authority...
5 of the 9 Reform cllrs suspended since May sat on the fire authority...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
At the Independent "I was constantly blocked from mentioning the visceral opposition or complacency of the powerful UK and global billionaire-owned media to the urgent climate action that is required."
"Any time I tried to mention this in a column, it was immediately censored."
"Any time I tried to mention this in a column, it was immediately censored."
How the Not-So Independent Media Censors Criticism of Its Billionaire Owners
Former Independent columnist Donnachadh McCarthy on how the UK's billionaire-owned media silences those journalists trying to speak out against them
bylinetimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM
At the Independent "I was constantly blocked from mentioning the visceral opposition or complacency of the powerful UK and global billionaire-owned media to the urgent climate action that is required."
"Any time I tried to mention this in a column, it was immediately censored."
"Any time I tried to mention this in a column, it was immediately censored."
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Leaving the EU means the U.K.’s national broadcaster must now kowtow to the King of America.
Grotesque.
Grotesque.
November 9, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Leaving the EU means the U.K.’s national broadcaster must now kowtow to the King of America.
Grotesque.
Grotesque.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Its decision to leave the Tory appointees in post at the BBC is one of so many Labour have made that I can't begin to understand. Any guesses?
November 9, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Its decision to leave the Tory appointees in post at the BBC is one of so many Labour have made that I can't begin to understand. Any guesses?
Reposted by Mark in Devon
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
Home Office travel records used in a trial of a controversial anti-fraud crackdown that under which thousands of parents lost their child benefit were so flawed that almost half of the families initially flagged as having emigrated were still living in the UK, it has emerged.
The pilot scheme saved HMRC £17m but left 46% of families targeted incorrectly suspected of fraud, a margin of error far in excess of the 1% to 5% scientifically acceptable. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:08 PM
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Reposted by Mark in Devon
UK electricity bills up 163% since 2008. Wages haven't.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
Electricity bills increased 163 per cent since 2008 as energy price cap rises - research - Insider Media
New analysis of UK energy costs showed that the average annual household electricity bill increased by 163 per cent between 2008 and 2024, reflecting a steep rise in household energy costs…
www.insidermedia.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:54 AM
UK electricity bills up 163% since 2008. Wages haven't.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Well, well, well...
New York’s Billionaires Are Bending the Knee to Zohran Mamdani
After fighting his candidacy to the bitter end, New York City billionaires are already offering to help incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
interc.pt
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Well, well, well...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Yet more science showing that regenerative grazing is overblown as a climate solution.
A better path? Cut back on beef production altogether, and return grazing lands to nature.
iffs.earth/living-repor...
A better path? Cut back on beef production altogether, and return grazing lands to nature.
iffs.earth/living-repor...
Living Report: Regenerative Agriculture vs. Rewilding
A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed evidence on regenerative grazing vs. rewilding through dietary shifts that reduce land use and restore soil, water, climate, and biodiversity
iffs.earth
November 8, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Yet more science showing that regenerative grazing is overblown as a climate solution.
A better path? Cut back on beef production altogether, and return grazing lands to nature.
iffs.earth/living-repor...
A better path? Cut back on beef production altogether, and return grazing lands to nature.
iffs.earth/living-repor...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
The government has STILL not cleared out the highly partisan decision-makers imposed on the BBC by the Tories. Starmer and co are so amazingly spineless and feeble.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Boris Johnson trying to undermine BBC leadership, insiders fear after leak
Director general under pressure after release of memo criticising reporting on Trump, trans rights and Gaza
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The government has STILL not cleared out the highly partisan decision-makers imposed on the BBC by the Tories. Starmer and co are so amazingly spineless and feeble.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Stand-off over £800,000 Your Party membership fees
Stand-off over £800,000 Your Party membership fees
Your Party officials accuse Zarah Sultana of withholding funds despite publicly agreeing to transfer the money.
www.bbc.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Stand-off over £800,000 Your Party membership fees
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Completely beyond why people try to defend Labour record on treatment of asylum seekers. They are awful.
They have done terrible things the Tories never even thought of, like denying any refugee who came here through irregular means from EVER becoming a citizen & ENDING FAMILY REUNIFICATION. demons.
They have done terrible things the Tories never even thought of, like denying any refugee who came here through irregular means from EVER becoming a citizen & ENDING FAMILY REUNIFICATION. demons.
November 7, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Completely beyond why people try to defend Labour record on treatment of asylum seekers. They are awful.
They have done terrible things the Tories never even thought of, like denying any refugee who came here through irregular means from EVER becoming a citizen & ENDING FAMILY REUNIFICATION. demons.
They have done terrible things the Tories never even thought of, like denying any refugee who came here through irregular means from EVER becoming a citizen & ENDING FAMILY REUNIFICATION. demons.
Reposted by Mark in Devon
"If the Greens overtake Labour in the polls, it will become harder for Labour to make the case that a vote for Polanski is a vote for Farage." www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
The Green surge is about to break Labour
Polanski's increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:42 AM
"If the Greens overtake Labour in the polls, it will become harder for Labour to make the case that a vote for Polanski is a vote for Farage." www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Victoria's response to kamikazi transphobe Linehan reminds us that angry men are happy to harass women in the name of (checks notes) women's rights and that if a trans woman appearing on tv sends them ballistic then this is not about women's rights, it's about the eradication of the trans community
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Victoria's response to kamikazi transphobe Linehan reminds us that angry men are happy to harass women in the name of (checks notes) women's rights and that if a trans woman appearing on tv sends them ballistic then this is not about women's rights, it's about the eradication of the trans community
Reposted by Mark in Devon
“Bill Gates Gave $3.5M to Think Tank Run by Climate Crisis Denier Bjorn Lomborg" by Rei Takver for @desmog.com:
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Bill Gates Gave $3.5M to Think Tank Run by Climate Crisis Denier Bjorn Lomborg
Tax records reveal that the billionaire’s foundation has donated for years to Lomborg’s Copenhagen Consensus Center.
www.desmog.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:35 PM
“Bill Gates Gave $3.5M to Think Tank Run by Climate Crisis Denier Bjorn Lomborg" by Rei Takver for @desmog.com:
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Reposted by Mark in Devon
Ukraine faces ‘forever war’ unless Europe steps up pressure on Russia, says ex-Nato chief
Ukraine faces ‘forever war’ unless Europe steps up pressure on Russia, says ex-Nato chief
Anders Fogh Rasmussen calls for air shield on Nato territory and deployment of European protection force for Ukraine
Ukraine is facing a “forever war” and a slow erosion of territory unless Europe dramatically increases pressure on Russia, including by deploying troops and establishing a missile and drone shield on Nato territory to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks on its infrastructure, a former Nato secretary general has said.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who held the Nato post from 2009 to 2014 and was the prime minister of Denmark from 2001 to 2009, said in an interview with the Guardian that if countries such as Poland agreed to host such air defences, Russia would understand that an attack on Ukraine would be an attack on the whole of the Nato alliance. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Ukraine faces ‘forever war’ unless Europe steps up pressure on Russia, says ex-Nato chief