Rafe Smyth
@rafe-s.bsky.social
Climate, infrastructure(s), nature, interdisciplinary, radical pragmatism, solutions
Based in London, UK. Don't see DMs.
Based in London, UK. Don't see DMs.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
I've tried to argue why I think the cut to affordable housing targets in London is a really terrible idea in a considered, rather than shouty, way here.
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken system: Khan and Reed cut London's affordable housing targets
PLUS: leaked audio reveals a Clarion manager encouraging colleagues to produce fake evidence of displaying fire safety notices
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I've tried to argue why I think the cut to affordable housing targets in London is a really terrible idea in a considered, rather than shouty, way here.
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
A clumsy patching up of a broken status quo:
open.substack.com/pub/peteapps...
Residential cycle parking standards in London are being slashed, as Labour's war on blockers to new housing takes an unexpected turn.
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
October 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Residential cycle parking standards in London are being slashed, as Labour's war on blockers to new housing takes an unexpected turn.
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This deregulation was justified by the rise in e-scooters & dockless bikes. But planning rules don't yet require making space for them.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
First offsetting was found wanting, now CCS. What will they come up with next to avoid cleaning up emissions?
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon capture set to be less useful in tackling climate change, scientists warn
CO₂ stored underground will be at risk of leaking back into the atmosphere, study finds
on.ft.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
First offsetting was found wanting, now CCS. What will they come up with next to avoid cleaning up emissions?
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Carbon Capture & Storage has less than 4% of the potential previously assumed says new study. on.ft.com/4nigq4Z
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
This is a real photograph of Washington, DC this week, where the United States president has ordered military occupation in peacetime, and ordered the display of colossal portraits of himself.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
August 28, 2025 at 10:24 AM
This is a real photograph of Washington, DC this week, where the United States president has ordered military occupation in peacetime, and ordered the display of colossal portraits of himself.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Insightful & important reporting by @carltonreid.com
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Big news for dashcam/helmetcam users:
Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
www.forbes.com/sites/carlto...
UK Judge Affirms Legality Of Public-Submitted Road Crime Footage In Landmark Ruling
A judge has ruled that motorists and cyclists can legally share videos with police, dismissing a lawsuit from a retired solicitor.
www.forbes.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Insightful & important reporting by @carltonreid.com
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Surely begs another question: whether sharing footage of what are now decriminalised traffic & parking contraventions is lawful? These are now enforced by councils rathern than the police.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
A number of politicians, "news" outlets and social media influencers have been actively trying to promote violent protest and an assault on law and order.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
Calls for a "huge nationwide wave" of protests in last 48 hours saw about 300 people attend one locally-organised protest in Nuneaton (serious charges in local case) + 19 protests range from 6 peoole (Wolverhampton) with about four more reaching 100-200 people (Altrincham,Canary Wharf)
Total < 2000
Total < 2000
August 11, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A number of politicians, "news" outlets and social media influencers have been actively trying to promote violent protest and an assault on law and order.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
We shouldn't be complacent - they'll keep pouring petrol & lighting matches - but so far they have singularly failed.
That's a good news story.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
It is very hard to see how the UK government can sign this statement, which makes it absolutely clear that it recognises that Israel is committing - as a matter of state policy - deliberate and systematic war crimes, without at a minimum cutting all military cooperation with Israel.
July 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
It is very hard to see how the UK government can sign this statement, which makes it absolutely clear that it recognises that Israel is committing - as a matter of state policy - deliberate and systematic war crimes, without at a minimum cutting all military cooperation with Israel.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Good statement that makes clear Israel is deliberately massacring starving civilians.
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025
The UK and 25 international partners gave a joint statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
www.gov.uk
July 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Good statement that makes clear Israel is deliberately massacring starving civilians.
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. "
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
July 20, 2025 at 3:07 PM
“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
RIP, Joanna R. Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025)
Another 1990s revival! In the depths of today's Devolution Bill, Mayors in England are to be given a duty to consider setting traffic reduction targets for key routes.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
July 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Another 1990s revival! In the depths of today's Devolution Bill, Mayors in England are to be given a duty to consider setting traffic reduction targets for key routes.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
This is resuscitates the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997: its congestion & climate aims are surely more relevant than ever.
Well you can't say England won't fund rail electrification. Today's DfT announcement lists the "electrification of the Midland Main Line between Kettering and Wigston".
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Power lines now live as latest section of Midland Main Line is electrified
A major milestone has been hit as Network Rail teams have successfully electrified the line between Kettering and Wigston, allowing for greener and quieter journeys along the Midland Main Line in the ...
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Well you can't say England won't fund rail electrification. Today's DfT announcement lists the "electrification of the Midland Main Line between Kettering and Wigston".
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
Except that went live a year ago ⚡🚄😳
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-l...
As bad as Tory Network North debacle?
With obesity now costing the UK £126bn a year, how ambitious is the new 10 year health plan on physical activity?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
July 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
With obesity now costing the UK £126bn a year, how ambitious is the new 10 year health plan on physical activity?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
- an annual city of physical activity competition, modelled on UK city of culture
- "identify simple changes" to boost active travel that can be shared as best practice
And that's it?
Coming same day as figures showing obesity now has £126 billion annual cost to UK economy, this statement by mayors (inc one from Reform) on physically active travel is hugely positive.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
Working together to create a national walking, wheeling and cycling network
Active Travel England and 12 mayors of England's combined local authorities' statement on creating a national walking, wheeling and cycling network.
www.gov.uk
July 2, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Coming same day as figures showing obesity now has £126 billion annual cost to UK economy, this statement by mayors (inc one from Reform) on physically active travel is hugely positive.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Hope to see more details and funding soon.
"Opposition leader Keir Starmer"
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
July 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM
"Opposition leader Keir Starmer"
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
Freudian slip in today's Standard, as time runs out for PM after welfare vote debacle?
While a great idea in theory, let's not lose sight of fact that the mayor still has no credible plan on how to deliver this in practice.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
The results are in. The vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans for Oxford Street, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
June 17, 2025 at 7:59 AM
While a great idea in theory, let's not lose sight of fact that the mayor still has no credible plan on how to deliver this in practice.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
Westminster council has elections in May 2026, so relying on its consent (rather than GLA Act 1999 powers) is at best a risky move.
The £15.6bn announced today to fund urban transport in England for five years is significant, even if more detail needed.
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
June 4, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The £15.6bn announced today to fund urban transport in England for five years is significant, even if more detail needed.
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
In particular, will the government follow its infrastructure advisors' recommendation to make funding conditional on demand management schemes?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Campaign group Transport Action Network is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes in England.
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
TAN appeal against cycling and walking funding cuts
Campaign group Transport Action Network (TAN) is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes across England.
leighdaylaw.info
April 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Campaign group Transport Action Network is appealing against the government’s decision to cut funding for cycling and walking schemes in England.
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Leigh Day's Rowan Smith will argue at the Court of Appeal that the decision 'could set a dangerous precedent'.
leighdaylaw.info/436KHw6
Court of Appeal is hearing @transportaction.bsky.social legal challenge against Department for Transport cuts to funding for walking and cycling. And you can watch it live or on catch up!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
Court of Appeal - Civil Division - Court 75
www.youtube.com
April 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Court of Appeal is hearing @transportaction.bsky.social legal challenge against Department for Transport cuts to funding for walking and cycling. And you can watch it live or on catch up!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...
It's off to court we go for biggest challenge to road-building in English legal history 🚙🛣️ ⚖️🚴🚌👨🦽➡️
Depending on connectivity in court, will try posting some updates!
Depending on connectivity in court, will try posting some updates!
Labour has decided to back a policy from the previous government that makes it even easier to bulldoze new roads through our countryside.
We go to court tomorrow!
Please donate and share with friends and colleagues
www.crowdjustice.com/case/avoid-t...
We go to court tomorrow!
Please donate and share with friends and colleagues
www.crowdjustice.com/case/avoid-t...
Avoid the road to climate breakdown!
We support local communities seeking better and more sustainable travel solutions. We also help people campaign against active travel and public transport cuts and oppose damaging road schemes
www.crowdjustice.com
April 9, 2025 at 8:33 AM
It's off to court we go for biggest challenge to road-building in English legal history 🚙🛣️ ⚖️🚴🚌👨🦽➡️
Depending on connectivity in court, will try posting some updates!
Depending on connectivity in court, will try posting some updates!
Fourth rebrand lucky as it's goodbye National Highways, hello Great British Highways! 👋🛣️🇬🇧🚘
This brilliant new name has won over the fiercest detractors, with even @transportaction.bsky.social finally getting behind the roads programme!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/fourth-time-...
This brilliant new name has won over the fiercest detractors, with even @transportaction.bsky.social finally getting behind the roads programme!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/fourth-time-...
April 1, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Fourth rebrand lucky as it's goodbye National Highways, hello Great British Highways! 👋🛣️🇬🇧🚘
This brilliant new name has won over the fiercest detractors, with even @transportaction.bsky.social finally getting behind the roads programme!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/fourth-time-...
This brilliant new name has won over the fiercest detractors, with even @transportaction.bsky.social finally getting behind the roads programme!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/fourth-time-...
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Some cultures deify objects or animals.
It is an offence to insult those objects or animals.
It is a heresy or a blasphemy to even question those objects or animals.
We are now to kneel - perhaps lay even prostrate - at the altar of Tesla.
To do anything else will be unlawful, even criminal.
It is an offence to insult those objects or animals.
It is a heresy or a blasphemy to even question those objects or animals.
We are now to kneel - perhaps lay even prostrate - at the altar of Tesla.
To do anything else will be unlawful, even criminal.
President Trump says that he is going to label incidents of violence/vandalism at Tesla dealerships as “domestic terrorism.”
March 11, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Some cultures deify objects or animals.
It is an offence to insult those objects or animals.
It is a heresy or a blasphemy to even question those objects or animals.
We are now to kneel - perhaps lay even prostrate - at the altar of Tesla.
To do anything else will be unlawful, even criminal.
It is an offence to insult those objects or animals.
It is a heresy or a blasphemy to even question those objects or animals.
We are now to kneel - perhaps lay even prostrate - at the altar of Tesla.
To do anything else will be unlawful, even criminal.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
There was a lot of #AcademicFreedom, good scholarship, and independent thought in German universities before Hitler. After Hitler had risen to power, many academics fled the country. Some resisted the Nazi regime and were persecuted. Most adapted to a new situation. Here are some examples. 1/n
January 20, 2025 at 5:26 AM
There was a lot of #AcademicFreedom, good scholarship, and independent thought in German universities before Hitler. After Hitler had risen to power, many academics fled the country. Some resisted the Nazi regime and were persecuted. Most adapted to a new situation. Here are some examples. 1/n
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
🧵 This is a perfect example of what I've be describing as disordered discourse, and it's threat to democracy. Politicians are afraid to speak openly about key issues.
Why? Because disordered discourse has captured the system itself—forcing obedience, punishing dissent, and making truth irrelevant.
Why? Because disordered discourse has captured the system itself—forcing obedience, punishing dissent, and making truth irrelevant.
“Frightened for the safety of their families.”
America, 2025.
America, 2025.
March 9, 2025 at 7:43 AM
🧵 This is a perfect example of what I've be describing as disordered discourse, and it's threat to democracy. Politicians are afraid to speak openly about key issues.
Why? Because disordered discourse has captured the system itself—forcing obedience, punishing dissent, and making truth irrelevant.
Why? Because disordered discourse has captured the system itself—forcing obedience, punishing dissent, and making truth irrelevant.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
The issue of the US being able to effectively disable European weapons is an existential one, but we're all experiencing it on a small scale with books, software, cars and other goods that we've bought and paid for, but can be disabled or downgraded at the whim of the company that produced them.
March 9, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The issue of the US being able to effectively disable European weapons is an existential one, but we're all experiencing it on a small scale with books, software, cars and other goods that we've bought and paid for, but can be disabled or downgraded at the whim of the company that produced them.
Reposted by Rafe Smyth
Always remember--this is not a case of Trump appeasing Putin--its actually him joining Putin. Its not Munich 1938, its the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939.
March 8, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Always remember--this is not a case of Trump appeasing Putin--its actually him joining Putin. Its not Munich 1938, its the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939.