Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Natalie

@ottocr.at

If this is the public statement then imagine what was being said in private channels. The drafting of this is so careful, the signatures so universal, you don’t have to be a diplomat to read between the lines.

November 23, 2025 at 5:02 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Justin on eurostar

@eurostarjustin.bsky.social

This is what 300 kmh on an icy evening looks like. Lots of arcing from the pantograph (current collector) as it picks up 25,000 volts to power the train.

November 21, 2025 at 9:57 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Adam Tranter

@adamtranter.bsky.social

Compare and contrast the Government language.

£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.

Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.

And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.

New Sunderland-made Nissan LEAF qualifies for £3,750 discount under government’s EV grant in a boost for North East manufacturing Vs Rachel Reeves to curb high-end bike purchases in Cycle to Work scheme

November 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Ballot Box Scotland

@ballotbox.scot

Looks like I'll have to add two grand to my pre-election poll crowdfunder because I certainly won't be working with this rag again. Absolutely disgraceful, awarding a hate campaign that is out to destroy my community and kill my best friend like this. Shame on you.

The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 2d

For Women Scotland wins Public Campaign or Campaigner of the Year at The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2025, in association with ScottishPower

www.heraldscotland.com/news...

#politicianawards25

November 20, 2025 at 11:01 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Lee Hurley

@hleehurley.com

"Trans people could be banned from single-sex spaces based on how they look. The Times has seen the equalities watchdog’s final guidance, which Whitehall figures fear Bridget Phillipson is delaying to avoid a political backlash" [Times]

www.thetimes.com/article/82ee...

Trans people could be banned from single-sex spaces based on how they look

The Times has seen the equalities watchdog’s final guidance, which Whitehall figures fear Bridget Phillipson is delaying to avoid a political backlash

www.thetimes.com

November 19, 2025 at 9:11 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Hourly Cosmos

@hourlycosmos.bsky.social

Earth and Moon from Cassini - From Jason Major (jpmajor.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/fdqqxr

What Earth and Moon look like from Cassini, 898.4 million miles away. Captured on July 19, 2013.

RGB composite by Jason Major.

Raw images: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSI

Read more at www.universetoday.com/103611/what-the-earth-and-moon-look...

November 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Natalie

@natalieg.bsky.social

This morning the outdoor swimming was (obvs chilly) but absolutely magic

Misty lake with sun shining through mist and clouds, and swimmers in lake

November 16, 2025 at 12:25 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Jolyon Maugham KC

@goodlawproject.org

70% of trans people believe BBC News is hostile. (And anyone who has listened to Justin Webb knows they are clearly right.) goodlaw.social/kyxv

Poll shows 70% of trans people think BBC News is ‘hostile’

The right wing claims the corporation is ‘pro-trans’, but the people at the sharp end of its coverage disagree. The BBC must stop its attack on trans people.

goodlaw.social

November 14, 2025 at 10:27 AM

Reposted by Natalie

The Guardian

@theguardian.com

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all Cop30 delegations except Brazil, report says

One in every 25 participants at 2025 UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to Kick Big Polluters Out More than 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the Cop30 climate negotiations in Belém, significantly outnumbering every single country’s delegation apart from the host Brazil, new analysis has found. One in every 25 participants at this year’s UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to the analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition, raising serious questions about the corporate capture and credibility of the annual Cop negotiations. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

November 14, 2025 at 5:12 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Jolyon Maugham KC

@goodlawproject.org

A careful, and compelling analysis, of how the Equality Act operates post the awful Supreme Court decision, from the woman who guided the Act through Parliament. www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-e...

Does the Equality Act ban trans women from women's services?

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers (FWS) on 16 April this year that “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 (EA2010) means biological sex, there has been si...

www.linkedin.com

November 12, 2025 at 9:18 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Ashleeee 🌊🪭

@reactiveashley.bsky.social

I really like this.

Ashleeee 🌊🪭 @reactiveashley.bsky.social · 10d

18/ Counsel therefore submits that the old Code does not express a view on the question addressed in Scottish Ministers, so the Supreme Court judgment has no bearing on the continued correctness of the old Code.

He also referred to Lord Hodge’s interview with the press.

November 12, 2025 at 5:52 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Ashleeee 🌊🪭

@reactiveashley.bsky.social

1/🧵 Today at 10:30am, High Court in London, Court 1, before Mr Justice Swift, R (Good Law Project, on the application of) v Equality and Human Rights Commission, a rolled-up hearing for judicial review of EHRC’s “interim update” (Day 1 of 2)
 No live reporting, sorry.

November 12, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Chris Kendall 👊🇪🇺🧶

@ottocr.at

Brexit reduced the UK’s GDP by between 6% and 8%. That is MASSIVE. #ProjectFear #wetoldyouso

www.nber.org/papers/w3445...

extract from the paper reads: “This paper examines the impact of the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) in 2016. Using almost a decade of data since the referendum, we combine simulations based on macro data with estimates derived from micro data collected through our Decision Maker Panel survey. These estimates suggest that by 2025, Brexit had reduced UK GDP by 6% to 8%, with the impact accumulating gradually over time. We estimate that investment was reduced by between 12% and 18%, employment by 3% to 4% and productivity by 3% to 4%. …“

November 10, 2025 at 8:11 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Robin Ince

@robinince.bsky.social

I imagine @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social will be getting the usual abuse for speaking out - solidarity with her and all those fighting against hate manipulated by the wealthy right gleefully creating a distracting wedge issue

Mirror
EXCLUSIVE: JK Rowling
'funding transphobia' as equality in Britain goes backwards, MP says
Nadia Whittome, who has just joined Westminster's Women and Equalities
Committee, called for the Government fight back against toxic narratives and show solidarity with the trans community

She said: "It's increasingly difficult when what we're up against is a machine funded by billionaires in this country and the US, with political support from countries like Russia as well.

"You just need to follow where the transphobia is coming from, it's not coming from working class people, it's trickling down from the top.
"These concerns are not being raised by a cleaner on the minimum wage, somebody stuck in an abusive relationship. Trans people aren't a threat to them, the threat to them comes from violent men and the structures
that keep them trapped, whether that's low pay, low benefits, not having access to the public services they need.

She said: "We see negative headlines about trans people in the media every day, the Tories and Reform continue to use them as a political football, often most damagingly in reference to protecting women from women who aren't trans, which misdiagnoses the problem of male violence, which is something...done to women both trans and not trans by violent and abusive men.
"The only way we can stop trans people being used as a political football is to stand up for their rights unequivocally, by not giving an inch.

November 9, 2025 at 6:36 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Aida

@aidap.bsky.social

This is how transphobia's right wing fuckery blew open basic respect in the UK, there is absolutely no reason to expect now that being "women critical" is not also a protected belief, if you truly do not believe that women should just be reproductive slaves for cis men.

This will be used to abuse.

A screenshot of a news article discussing a UK judge’s ruling that Islam-critical beliefs are protected under the Equality Act 2010. The article reports that Patrick Lee, a 61-year-old actuary, was previously found guilty of misconduct and banned from his professional body for posting critical comments about Islam on X (formerly Twitter). The tribunal later ruled that his belief that Islam is problematic and should be criticised is legally protected. The piece notes that this is the first time a court has confirmed protection for “Islam-critical” beliefs, and compares the case to the 2021 ruling that gender-critical beliefs held by Maya Forstater are also protected under the same law.

November 9, 2025 at 6:50 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Cllr Emily Kerr 💚

@emilykerr36.bsky.social

I am a little late to this, but I have also requested my name and face to be removed from @cyclinguk.bsky.social publicity due to the decision to remove trans women from their awards.

Trans women are women, gender is on a spectrum (and I did a genetics degree), and cycling is for everyone. 🏳️‍⚧️🚲❤️

Saskia Heijltjes @saskiaheijltjes.bsky.social · 18d

Like many others, I am disappointed and angry about the decision by @cyclinguk.bsky.social to change the eligibility criteria for Women in Cycling 2025 to exclude trans women.

Trans women are women 🏳️‍⚧️

I have requested for my name and face to be removed.

www.cyclingweekly.com/news/do-we-n...

'Do we need to exclude people even more?' – Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling criticised for not accepting nominations for trans women

Cycling charity say that only biological women can be on list

www.cyclingweekly.com

November 7, 2025 at 1:42 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Saskia Heijltjes

@saskiaheijltjes.bsky.social

Like many others, I am disappointed and angry about the decision by @cyclinguk.bsky.social to change the eligibility criteria for Women in Cycling 2025 to exclude trans women.

Trans women are women 🏳️‍⚧️

I have requested for my name and face to be removed.

www.cyclingweekly.com/news/do-we-n...

'Do we need to exclude people even more?' – Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling criticised for not accepting nominations for trans women

Cycling charity say that only biological women can be on list

www.cyclingweekly.com

November 5, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Brynley Heaven

@brynleyheaven.bsky.social

Govt scraps all electrification investment. Midland Main Line to stay forever diesel Leicester Nottingham Derby Sheffield. Hugely embarrassing and inexplicable
www.ft.com/content/5ecd...

UK transport secretary says full electrification of railways ‘not affordable right now’

Heidi Alexander says focus will be on other projects such as HS2

www.ft.com

November 8, 2025 at 9:24 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Steve Carter

@shieldaig.bsky.social

I've put together a page of photos, all taken from exactly the same spot, and all taken this year (whilst dog walking!)

Link:
stevecarter.com/wfhu/SamePla...

November 8, 2025 at 5:53 AM

Reposted by Natalie

The Ranty Highwayman

@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social

That's incredibly disappointing and rather spineless.

Trans rights are human rights.

road.cc @roadcc.bsky.social · 17d

Cycling UK say the decision was made following legal advice but that the rule change "doesn't alter our commitment to transgender and non-binary people" road.cc/content/news...

Several winners of Cycling UK 100 Women in Cycling prize decline award due to exclusion of transwomen

Cycling UK say the decision was made following legal advice but that the rule change "doesn't alter our commitment to transgender and non-binary people"

road.cc

November 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM

Reposted by Natalie

2 Wheeled Wolf

@2-wheeled-wolf.bsky.social

Well I have had a reply from @cyclinguk.bsky.social & they're doubling down on their decision. Rather have damage done & hope it'll go away & we all forget by next year.

Email reply from Cycling UK saying the following: "Hi Mr W Simpson,
Thank you for your email and for sharing your concern and feedback.
I can confirm I have cancelled your membership with immediate effect and removed the associated direct debit.
With regards to your comments regarding our 100 Women in Cycling Awards, we want to explain why we've had to update the eligibility rules for the awards. This decision comes after a recent UK Supreme Court ruling clarified that 'sex' under the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex at birth. To make sure our awards can continue and be compliant with the law we must limit nominations to biological women.

We understand this might raise questions, and we want to assure you that Cycling UK's commitment to inclusivity for all cyclists remains as strong as ever. This change for the awards is a necessary legal step. It does not change our wider dedication to supporting and including transgender and non-binary individuals through our many other cycling programmes and activities. We truly believe cycling is for all, and we'll keep working towards that goal.
We plan to review the overall format of our 100 Women in Cycling Awards ahead of the tenth anniversary next year - as there may be new and better ways to champion diversity and inclusivity in cycling.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views with us.

Kind regards"

My response to their reply. "I'm sorry but I do not agree. As yet it is NOT law, it's a ruling which is being challenged & under the Equality Act trans-women ARE women. But you've chose to be anti-trans, spineless cowards & side with those who do not believe in equality for ALL women including trans-women.

Read the room! You're loosing nominees who know you are wrong! You're definitely loosing members for your behaviour! The fact you're doubling down on your actions shows you just refuse to listen to the people, especially trans-women who have worked hard to improve cycling for ALL women & you have basically said they don't count when others have nominated them for an award!

This is not a gender based competition, nor using toilets or offer gender based services for which the ruling is about.

It is about recognising ALL women incl trans-women who worked hard to improve cycling for ALL women & you have now ruined it coz you chose to listen to bigots & anti-trans advise. Damage is now done! You're going to loose a lot of support for your cowardice.

I suggest you get impartial advice, like From Good Law Project. https://goodlawproject.org/resource/trans-inclusion-after-the-supreme-court-decision-faqs/"

November 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM

Reposted by Natalie

Liam Duffy

@liamduffy.dev

Led ride around Hackney this Sunday, starting at 11am from the Rio Cinema. Taking in a good portion of the borough and its cycleways / LTNs. Weather is looking, quite frankly, ridiculously good for November!

See the link below to sign up:

Hackney Cycle Ways 20km Loop - London Cycling Campaign

Join us for a ride round the borough, taking in many of Hackney’s cycle tracks, low traffic neighbourhoods, Cycleways and parks. Dalston, Millfields, Chatsworth, Hackney Central, Well St Common, Londo...

lcc.org.uk

November 7, 2025 at 7:46 PM

Reposted by Natalie

European Commission

@ec.europa.eu

🤝75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights

A landmark treaty that reshaped Europe after the second World War, protecting millions of Europeans and supporting our shared values of human rights, democracy and rule of law.

Because human rights aren’t optional. They’re universal.

Text on a light, textured background reads: "Human rights aren't optional. They're universal." Below, in smaller blue text: "EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 75 YEARS (1950 - 2025)" next to a small image of the EU flag.

A list of fundamental human rights on a light, textured background. The text reads: "Right to life. Prohibition of torture. Prohibition of slavery and forced labour. Right to liberty and security. Right to a fair trial. No punishment without law. Right to respect for private and family life. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Freedom of expression. Freedom of assembly and association. Right to marry. Right to an effective remedy. Prohibition of discrimination. Prohibition of abuse of rights." Below, in smaller blue text: "EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 75 YEARS (1950 - 2025)" next to a small image of the EU flag.

November 4, 2025 at 8:15 AM

Reposted by Natalie

Sarah Murphy

@13sarahmurphy.bsky.social

“His main theme was that the country was fucked. Largely because of Brexit. Weirdly, he has no memory of being the main architect behind the Brexit vote. He seems to think it happened in a world in which he played no part.”

Farage - the foghorn of failure.

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...