Martin Wheatley
@martinhwheatley.bsky.social
Public service reform, housing, environment, active travel
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
No more steps! 🙌
We're pleased that @nationaltrust.org.uk & the county council are planning a new bridge over Burwell Lode. It will be 3-4m wide with a max. gradient of 1:20 on the 2 access ramps. Construction is due to start in July 2026.
More news soon: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambri...
We're pleased that @nationaltrust.org.uk & the county council are planning a new bridge over Burwell Lode. It will be 3-4m wide with a max. gradient of 1:20 on the 2 access ramps. Construction is due to start in July 2026.
More news soon: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambri...
November 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
No more steps! 🙌
We're pleased that @nationaltrust.org.uk & the county council are planning a new bridge over Burwell Lode. It will be 3-4m wide with a max. gradient of 1:20 on the 2 access ramps. Construction is due to start in July 2026.
More news soon: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambri...
We're pleased that @nationaltrust.org.uk & the county council are planning a new bridge over Burwell Lode. It will be 3-4m wide with a max. gradient of 1:20 on the 2 access ramps. Construction is due to start in July 2026.
More news soon: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambri...
All-pervasive myth, still being peddled round here by solar scheme opponents.
Good morning to all those people who wasted the last decade saying, "there's no point tackling climate change in the UK, because China."
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
China’s CO2 emissions have been flat or falling for past 18 months, analysis finds
World’s biggest polluter on track to hit peak emissions target early but miss goal for cutting carbon intensity
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:32 AM
All-pervasive myth, still being peddled round here by solar scheme opponents.
At least as much "old Macmillan" as "Old Labour". And would enhance public sector balance sheet.
Agree with his argument on council housing and government borrowing - but isn’t it a bit Old Labour in his terms (not a bad thing)?
November 10, 2025 at 10:19 AM
At least as much "old Macmillan" as "Old Labour". And would enhance public sector balance sheet.
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Since we’re in the mood for strict accuracy in broadcast news, worth noting that a rival channel had a pundit - unchallenged - say asylum seekers in hotels committed 44% of sexual offences in one county, seemingly because she cannot understand basic maths.
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
November 9, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Since we’re in the mood for strict accuracy in broadcast news, worth noting that a rival channel had a pundit - unchallenged - say asylum seekers in hotels committed 44% of sexual offences in one county, seemingly because she cannot understand basic maths.
Population of East Suffolk District is 1/4 million. 450 on a demo opposed to sustainable energy projects does not suggest significant local opposition. So why does BBC write it up as if it does? share.google/JEMnEXzoL9x8...
Hundreds join protest against Suffolk energy projects - BBC News
Protesters say there will be a potential cumulative impact of several energy projects across Suffolk.
share.google
November 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Population of East Suffolk District is 1/4 million. 450 on a demo opposed to sustainable energy projects does not suggest significant local opposition. So why does BBC write it up as if it does? share.google/JEMnEXzoL9x8...
I wonder when whoever is paying Restore Trust's bills will tire of throwing good money after bad.
National Trust council elections saw a defeat for the Restore Trust campaign.
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
Voting results from the AGM
Read about the National Trust's 2025 Annual General Meeting and the results from the day.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
November 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I wonder when whoever is paying Restore Trust's bills will tire of throwing good money after bad.
Rip-off Britain, privately owned car park:
1 machine supposedly accepting cash/ cards, not working, no power supply?
2 5 minutes to download *another* app, enter card details etc
3 select stay length, apparently £2
4 after completing transaction, 49p "transaction fee" and 25p "SMS fee", 32% markup 😬
1 machine supposedly accepting cash/ cards, not working, no power supply?
2 5 minutes to download *another* app, enter card details etc
3 select stay length, apparently £2
4 after completing transaction, 49p "transaction fee" and 25p "SMS fee", 32% markup 😬
November 9, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Rip-off Britain, privately owned car park:
1 machine supposedly accepting cash/ cards, not working, no power supply?
2 5 minutes to download *another* app, enter card details etc
3 select stay length, apparently £2
4 after completing transaction, 49p "transaction fee" and 25p "SMS fee", 32% markup 😬
1 machine supposedly accepting cash/ cards, not working, no power supply?
2 5 minutes to download *another* app, enter card details etc
3 select stay length, apparently £2
4 after completing transaction, 49p "transaction fee" and 25p "SMS fee", 32% markup 😬
Fascinating looking @cam.ac.uk research on the link between neighbourhood deprivation and dementia risk.
bit.ly/4osWEVo
bit.ly/4osWEVo
Neighbourhood deprivation linked to brain vessel damage and higher dementia risk
Cambridge researchers have discovered why living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood may be linked to an increase in an individual’s risk of dementia.
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Beauty at any time of year at @nationaltrust.org.uk Wicken Fen.
November 6, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Beauty at any time of year at @nationaltrust.org.uk Wicken Fen.
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Very good politically-aware discussion of pay-per-mile road taxes. 👇👇
The battle over pay-per-mile road tax could destroy Keir Starmer's government – here's how Labour can avoid disaster (FREE TO READ!)
takes.jamesomalley.co.uk/p/pay-per-mi...
takes.jamesomalley.co.uk/p/pay-per-mi...
The battle over pay-per-mile road tax could destroy Keir Starmer's government – here's how Labour can avoid disaster
The new culture war to end all culture wars?
takes.jamesomalley.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Very good politically-aware discussion of pay-per-mile road taxes. 👇👇
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Lots of UK coverage of the NYC mayoral race.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
November 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Lots of UK coverage of the NYC mayoral race.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Two thoughts related to Dhara's good points
1) ECO is not a sacred cow. It has cost more and performed worse with each iteration and does not serve our poorest households well. It needs a complete redesign
2) Funding for poor households is non-negotiable. Any retrenchment would be a major failure
1) ECO is not a sacred cow. It has cost more and performed worse with each iteration and does not serve our poorest households well. It needs a complete redesign
2) Funding for poor households is non-negotiable. Any retrenchment would be a major failure
Rare for trade bodies to be this publicly furious. The Treasury could make some relatively modest savings by cutting energy efficiency schemes, but it would do a lot of long term damage.
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521385...
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521385...
November 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Two thoughts related to Dhara's good points
1) ECO is not a sacred cow. It has cost more and performed worse with each iteration and does not serve our poorest households well. It needs a complete redesign
2) Funding for poor households is non-negotiable. Any retrenchment would be a major failure
1) ECO is not a sacred cow. It has cost more and performed worse with each iteration and does not serve our poorest households well. It needs a complete redesign
2) Funding for poor households is non-negotiable. Any retrenchment would be a major failure
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
New post just out:
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
How to make government work
Lessons from a rare British success story
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
New post just out:
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
Indeed, the real issues here are (1) asylum applicants being locked out of legit work (2) resourcing of trading standards after 15 years of #localgov austerity (3) feebleness of Companies House.
The BBC headline with "migrants" is already terrible and plays into the far-right narrative. And the solution to asylum-seekers being exploited by criminals is to allow them to contribute by working legally rather than making them survive on a pittance.
Crime network behind UK mini-marts is enabling migrants to work illegally
Undercover reporters were told how easy it was to make big profits selling illegal vapes and cigarettes.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Indeed, the real issues here are (1) asylum applicants being locked out of legit work (2) resourcing of trading standards after 15 years of #localgov austerity (3) feebleness of Companies House.
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Next time someone tells you that train drivers "just push buttons" show them this from the BBC
November 2, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Next time someone tells you that train drivers "just push buttons" show them this from the BBC
Good thing they weren't around in the 1980s when Whitehall offices had blast curtains. In 1991 IRA were firing mortars at No10 and in nearby office I was on the floor under my desk. Just caught the train home later as per.
The screeching handbrake turn from Everyone Left Of Norman Tebbit Is A Fragile Snowflake to Don’t Go Outside, It’s Full Of Blacks And Crime has to be seen to be fully believed
November 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Good thing they weren't around in the 1980s when Whitehall offices had blast curtains. In 1991 IRA were firing mortars at No10 and in nearby office I was on the floor under my desk. Just caught the train home later as per.
Chancellor must be relieved... www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
Prince Andrew to lose 'prince' title and move out of Royal Lodge
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Chancellor must be relieved... www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
Er... Even in context of today's other "news", how is this a story? Very minor mistake by signwriter with no prospect of misunderstanding? New Oxford congestion charge signs to be amended after error - BBC News share.google/i8xA9yxZrsdm...
New Oxford congestion charge signs to be amended after error - BBC News
The signs advertising Oxford's new congestion charge say motorists can pay the fee "on line", instead of "online".
share.google
October 30, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Er... Even in context of today's other "news", how is this a story? Very minor mistake by signwriter with no prospect of misunderstanding? New Oxford congestion charge signs to be amended after error - BBC News share.google/i8xA9yxZrsdm...
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Badenoch is quite right. It is not the same. The possible criminal sentence for the website hack is much higher than that for a failure to obtain a licence for a letting.
Badenoch says hacking into Harriet Harman's website 17 years ago 'not the same' as Reeves breaking law
Badenoch says hacking into Harriet Harman's website 17 years ago 'not the same' as Reeves breaking law
Kemi Badenoch has said hacking into Harriet Harman's website when she was younger is "not the same" as Rachel Reeves failing to get a £900 rental licence for her home.
news.sky.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Badenoch is quite right. It is not the same. The possible criminal sentence for the website hack is much higher than that for a failure to obtain a licence for a letting.
We included one in our 2005 refurb of a 1960s house. If we'd been trendier I guess we would simply have removed the wall between the kitchen and dining/living room. One of our late cats, for unknown reasons, would rather jump through it than simply walk round at floor level.
Can we briefly talk about the fact that Reeves' family home has a serving hatch between the kitchen and dining room, a domestic feature usually only enjoyed these days by the over-80s? But it's a 1960s house, so presumably it would count as an original feature, and is thus maybe Tasteful.
October 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
We included one in our 2005 refurb of a 1960s house. If we'd been trendier I guess we would simply have removed the wall between the kitchen and dining/living room. One of our late cats, for unknown reasons, would rather jump through it than simply walk round at floor level.
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Another day, another standards question facing this government... while the PM shut this case down very quickly, ministers across government need to actually learn from it this time
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
Rachel Reeves’ rental mistake is another standards warning to Keir Starmer’s ministers | Institute for Government
Standards slip-ups are distracting and damaging the Starmer government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Another day, another standards question facing this government... while the PM shut this case down very quickly, ministers across government need to actually learn from it this time
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
Reposted by Martin Wheatley
In the last few days, the Times has had to delete two stories. One because someone pretended to be former Mayor Bill de Blasio to a reporter and one because they wrote up nonsense about Torsten Bell's expenses.
Needs a new editor badly.
Needs a new editor badly.
October 29, 2025 at 8:24 AM
In the last few days, the Times has had to delete two stories. One because someone pretended to be former Mayor Bill de Blasio to a reporter and one because they wrote up nonsense about Torsten Bell's expenses.
Needs a new editor badly.
Needs a new editor badly.
More sympathy with owners of £2m+ homes or families hit by the two-child limit or LHA freeze?
Pre-Budget propaganda-scaremongering-clickbait machine in full swing
www.telegraph.co.uk/money/tax/ne...
www.telegraph.co.uk/money/tax/ne...
October 28, 2025 at 9:08 AM
More sympathy with owners of £2m+ homes or families hit by the two-child limit or LHA freeze?
Interesting piece, but the last para is telling. Busy main road runs 700m through our village, just one zebra crossing, no other crossing points, not even islands, including adjacent to the two pairs of bus stops www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... No join between public health and highways planning.
One long walk beats short strolls for a healthy heart, study says
Walking for at least 15 minutes without stopping is ideal, according to new research.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Interesting piece, but the last para is telling. Busy main road runs 700m through our village, just one zebra crossing, no other crossing points, not even islands, including adjacent to the two pairs of bus stops www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... No join between public health and highways planning.