Sarah Whitebread
@swhitebread.bsky.social
Mum, campaigner, cyclist, crafter living in Ely, Cambs. Trustee Camcycle, day job Cycling UK (currently on maternity leave). All views my own.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
This is *really* important.
Our elections regulator isn’t independent. Reform’s Arron Banks has said the Electoral Commission should be abolished
The architecture of British democracy is really weak and easily ripped out. It needs to be protected now
Our elections regulator isn’t independent. Reform’s Arron Banks has said the Electoral Commission should be abolished
The architecture of British democracy is really weak and easily ripped out. It needs to be protected now
💥 The independence of @electoralcommission.org.uk must be fully restored to safeguard the UK’s electoral integrity from a future authoritarian government, our new report warns. Covered exclusively by Rowena Mason in today’s @theguardian.com 👇
UK government urged to restore Electoral Commission’s independence to protect democracy
Oversight of watchdog could be abused by a future authoritarian government, report warns
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM
This is *really* important.
Our elections regulator isn’t independent. Reform’s Arron Banks has said the Electoral Commission should be abolished
The architecture of British democracy is really weak and easily ripped out. It needs to be protected now
Our elections regulator isn’t independent. Reform’s Arron Banks has said the Electoral Commission should be abolished
The architecture of British democracy is really weak and easily ripped out. It needs to be protected now
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
In the last week of the 1936 campaign, FDR reminded a massive crowd in Madison Square Garden that "organized money" was "unanimous in their hate for me--and I welcome their hatred!"
And then the country rewarded him with a 523-8 landslide in the electoral college.
This is, in fact, good politics.
And then the country rewarded him with a 523-8 landslide in the electoral college.
This is, in fact, good politics.
"How Are the Very Rich Feeling About New York’s Next Mayor?"
A Dramatic Reading of The Recent New York Times Dispatch from the Hamptons.
Presented by The Gilded Age's Morgan Spector.
A Dramatic Reading of The Recent New York Times Dispatch from the Hamptons.
Presented by The Gilded Age's Morgan Spector.
September 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
In the last week of the 1936 campaign, FDR reminded a massive crowd in Madison Square Garden that "organized money" was "unanimous in their hate for me--and I welcome their hatred!"
And then the country rewarded him with a 523-8 landslide in the electoral college.
This is, in fact, good politics.
And then the country rewarded him with a 523-8 landslide in the electoral college.
This is, in fact, good politics.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Fiona Harvey pulls no punches in this great podcast. Why do most of the media cover climate change so poorly?
1. Vested interests (follow the money).
2. Right wing papers can't now blame all thing bad on the EU: net zero is a convenient substitute.
3. Willful ignorance (hello BBC presenters!).
1. Vested interests (follow the money).
2. Right wing papers can't now blame all thing bad on the EU: net zero is a convenient substitute.
3. Willful ignorance (hello BBC presenters!).
🎙️ In our latest #GreenAlliancePodcast, @fionaharvey.bsky.social, environment editor for @theguardian.com, joins @hollybt.bsky.social to explore the climate narratives that resonate and how the government can avoid the pitfalls of weak communication.
Full episode 👉 buff.ly/6T4Tt2G
Full episode 👉 buff.ly/6T4Tt2G
September 4, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Fiona Harvey pulls no punches in this great podcast. Why do most of the media cover climate change so poorly?
1. Vested interests (follow the money).
2. Right wing papers can't now blame all thing bad on the EU: net zero is a convenient substitute.
3. Willful ignorance (hello BBC presenters!).
1. Vested interests (follow the money).
2. Right wing papers can't now blame all thing bad on the EU: net zero is a convenient substitute.
3. Willful ignorance (hello BBC presenters!).
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Why has the government failed to announce funding for Ely and Haughley junctions, a rail freight scheme that has a far superior value compared to the many roads funded today?!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/labour-splur...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/labour-splur...
Labour splurges taxpayers’ cash on poor value road schemes
Transport Action Network is dismayed at today’s announcement by the UK Government to fund a raft of poor value and expensive road schemes. Most of these are legacy schemes from the Conservative govern...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
July 8, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Why has the government failed to announce funding for Ely and Haughley junctions, a rail freight scheme that has a far superior value compared to the many roads funded today?!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/labour-splur...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/labour-splur...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
In the five years leading up to the replacement of blue paint with segregated cycle tracks and floating bus stops 5 people were killed on CS2. In the ten years since they were constructed no cyclists had died and there have been no significant collisions between cycles and pedestrians at bus stops
July 2, 2025 at 11:16 AM
In the five years leading up to the replacement of blue paint with segregated cycle tracks and floating bus stops 5 people were killed on CS2. In the ten years since they were constructed no cyclists had died and there have been no significant collisions between cycles and pedestrians at bus stops
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Improving living standards, particularly for those on the lowest incomes, should be seen as a precondition for a healthy and prosperous country, not an eventual reward for growth. 3/3
July 2, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Improving living standards, particularly for those on the lowest incomes, should be seen as a precondition for a healthy and prosperous country, not an eventual reward for growth. 3/3
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
New Statesman cover this week. Online tomorrow. On newsstands Thursday.
July 1, 2025 at 8:17 PM
New Statesman cover this week. Online tomorrow. On newsstands Thursday.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Not a lot of love for the press at the tipping points conference
Rockström says the media is “getting it very wrong, seriously wrong”
Dr Carlos Nobre points to a lack of coverage of the impacts of the degradation of topical forests, noting the "tremendous risk of epidemics and pandemics”
Rockström says the media is “getting it very wrong, seriously wrong”
Dr Carlos Nobre points to a lack of coverage of the impacts of the degradation of topical forests, noting the "tremendous risk of epidemics and pandemics”
June 30, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Not a lot of love for the press at the tipping points conference
Rockström says the media is “getting it very wrong, seriously wrong”
Dr Carlos Nobre points to a lack of coverage of the impacts of the degradation of topical forests, noting the "tremendous risk of epidemics and pandemics”
Rockström says the media is “getting it very wrong, seriously wrong”
Dr Carlos Nobre points to a lack of coverage of the impacts of the degradation of topical forests, noting the "tremendous risk of epidemics and pandemics”
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Really interesting and I think very insightful thread on Mumsnet about just how entirely different the intergenerational financial experience has been:
June 9, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Really interesting and I think very insightful thread on Mumsnet about just how entirely different the intergenerational financial experience has been:
Interesting to ponder whether the govt would have been better to leave winter fuel alone and raise fuel duty a small amount instead. They would have been hammered for either decision...but maybe easier to move on from the fuel duty one as they could freeze in subsequent years& still get the benefit.
This government is willing to do unpopular things to save a few hundred million
Yet restoring fuel duty to pre-2022 levels would save billions. Ministers have not been thanked for keeping petrol prices low — they may as well be brave and raise them again
www.thetimes.com/article/18cd...
Yet restoring fuel duty to pre-2022 levels would save billions. Ministers have not been thanked for keeping petrol prices low — they may as well be brave and raise them again
www.thetimes.com/article/18cd...
Petrol is cheaper than you might think, so will a duty rise follow?
The average price of a litre of petrol is a mere 131.35p, according to the latest weekly government figures
www.thetimes.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Interesting to ponder whether the govt would have been better to leave winter fuel alone and raise fuel duty a small amount instead. They would have been hammered for either decision...but maybe easier to move on from the fuel duty one as they could freeze in subsequent years& still get the benefit.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Thoroughly depressing statement.
From this open access article: ‘Effects of city design on transport mode choice and exposure to health risks during and after a crisis: a retrospective observational analysis’
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
From this open access article: ‘Effects of city design on transport mode choice and exposure to health risks during and after a crisis: a retrospective observational analysis’
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
June 14, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Thoroughly depressing statement.
From this open access article: ‘Effects of city design on transport mode choice and exposure to health risks during and after a crisis: a retrospective observational analysis’
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
From this open access article: ‘Effects of city design on transport mode choice and exposure to health risks during and after a crisis: a retrospective observational analysis’
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
No-one, NO-ONE,should be granted a “request for near-blanket immunity for serious environmental crimes”
If the potential buyers of Thames Water can’t clean up, they shouldn’t be allowed to buy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
If the potential buyers of Thames Water can’t clean up, they shouldn’t be allowed to buy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Bidders demand Thames Water granted immunity over environmental crimes
Exclusive: ‘Ransom note’ requests would leave Environment Agency unable to prosecute company or management
www.theguardian.com
June 8, 2025 at 9:50 AM
No-one, NO-ONE,should be granted a “request for near-blanket immunity for serious environmental crimes”
If the potential buyers of Thames Water can’t clean up, they shouldn’t be allowed to buy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
If the potential buyers of Thames Water can’t clean up, they shouldn’t be allowed to buy
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Great to be at the launch of Liberals and Democrats for Nature & Climate tonight. Impressive turn out from MPs, peers and environmental NGOs inc party leader & deputy leader
May 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Great to be at the launch of Liberals and Democrats for Nature & Climate tonight. Impressive turn out from MPs, peers and environmental NGOs inc party leader & deputy leader
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
We don't want:
UK Energy Security.
Long tern reductions in our energy bills.
The UK Green Economy which grew by 10.3% last year to drive UK economic growth & prosperity.
Any new jobs or investment in our area.
And lets stop investment in flood defences because we like being under water...
UK Energy Security.
Long tern reductions in our energy bills.
The UK Green Economy which grew by 10.3% last year to drive UK economic growth & prosperity.
Any new jobs or investment in our area.
And lets stop investment in flood defences because we like being under water...
May 4, 2025 at 11:11 AM
We don't want:
UK Energy Security.
Long tern reductions in our energy bills.
The UK Green Economy which grew by 10.3% last year to drive UK economic growth & prosperity.
Any new jobs or investment in our area.
And lets stop investment in flood defences because we like being under water...
UK Energy Security.
Long tern reductions in our energy bills.
The UK Green Economy which grew by 10.3% last year to drive UK economic growth & prosperity.
Any new jobs or investment in our area.
And lets stop investment in flood defences because we like being under water...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
In any other major city in Europe the streets of Soho would obviously be pedestrianised and businesses/visitors on a glorious day like today could enjoy al fresco dining. But thanks to Westminster Council and the way we give outsized power to absurd local complaints, not here!
May 1, 2025 at 9:25 AM
In any other major city in Europe the streets of Soho would obviously be pedestrianised and businesses/visitors on a glorious day like today could enjoy al fresco dining. But thanks to Westminster Council and the way we give outsized power to absurd local complaints, not here!
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
This is why mooting 'ditching net-zero' as the solution to Labour's woes is so silly. It's a policy that is popular with their core voters, critical to progressive voters they need to woo back, and Reform voters are sceptical but it's way down their priority list.
May 2, 2025 at 11:19 AM
This is why mooting 'ditching net-zero' as the solution to Labour's woes is so silly. It's a policy that is popular with their core voters, critical to progressive voters they need to woo back, and Reform voters are sceptical but it's way down their priority list.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Let's bring cars back to Carnaby Street (pedestrianised in 1973), said no-one ever.
April 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Let's bring cars back to Carnaby Street (pedestrianised in 1973), said no-one ever.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Lincoln Square Road Closure and Accompanying Comments From The Local Facebook Page (April 2025)
April 28, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Lincoln Square Road Closure and Accompanying Comments From The Local Facebook Page (April 2025)
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
This "debate" about who should use what toilet doesn’t benefit anyone. It doesn’t fix the underfunding of women's refuges, NHS waiting lists leaving women in terrible pain, mums skipping meals to feed their kids. How about we get on with tackling the real issues affecting women?
April 29, 2025 at 3:03 PM
This "debate" about who should use what toilet doesn’t benefit anyone. It doesn’t fix the underfunding of women's refuges, NHS waiting lists leaving women in terrible pain, mums skipping meals to feed their kids. How about we get on with tackling the real issues affecting women?
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer
Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer
Jack Thorne, whose Netflix series has shone a light on incel culture, calls for restrictions on teens’ social media access
Smartphones should be treated like cigarettes and banned until the age of 16 in the UK, according to the writer of Adolescence,…
www.theguardian.com
March 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
This is the critical point. Somehow net zero - a scientific term about how to halt anthropogenic climate change - has become completely detached in much political and media discourse from climate change - the phenomenon the target was adopted to tackle.
What's remarkable about Nick Robinson's discussion with Rishi Sunak about net zero is not just Sunak's lack of knowledge but that Robinson doesn't ask at all about climate change: do you know anything about it? What would you do about it?
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson - Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2 - BBC Sounds
Part 2 of an exclusive interview with the former PM, reflecting on life in Downing Street
www.bbc.co.uk
March 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
This is the critical point. Somehow net zero - a scientific term about how to halt anthropogenic climate change - has become completely detached in much political and media discourse from climate change - the phenomenon the target was adopted to tackle.
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
Your daily reminder that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce air pollution across an entire area. Maps are nitrogen dioxide levels Waltham Forest 2007 vs 2017, after installing LTNs and protected cycle lanes.
🌱 lcc.org.uk/campaigns/lo...
🌱 lcc.org.uk/campaigns/lo...
February 28, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Your daily reminder that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce air pollution across an entire area. Maps are nitrogen dioxide levels Waltham Forest 2007 vs 2017, after installing LTNs and protected cycle lanes.
🌱 lcc.org.uk/campaigns/lo...
🌱 lcc.org.uk/campaigns/lo...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
🧵 NEW: The shift to prevention in public spending is gaining momentum, with recognition at the Autumn Budget and the NHS making it a priority in its 10-year plan.
Our briefing with @demos-uk.bsky.social explores how to support this fundamental change.
Read now ⬇️
https://buff.ly/4gAgJUN
Our briefing with @demos-uk.bsky.social explores how to support this fundamental change.
Read now ⬇️
https://buff.ly/4gAgJUN
The preventative shift: how can we embed prevention and achieve long term missions
Published in collaboration with Demos, this briefing looks at how to shift the culture of public bodies to think ‘prevention first’ and target spending at activities which are value for money and…
www.health.org.uk
February 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
🧵 NEW: The shift to prevention in public spending is gaining momentum, with recognition at the Autumn Budget and the NHS making it a priority in its 10-year plan.
Our briefing with @demos-uk.bsky.social explores how to support this fundamental change.
Read now ⬇️
https://buff.ly/4gAgJUN
Our briefing with @demos-uk.bsky.social explores how to support this fundamental change.
Read now ⬇️
https://buff.ly/4gAgJUN
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
On LBC this morning, I spoke about why we should be far more worried the power Elon Musk is accruing, especially in light of his Open AI moves.
The normalisation of his actions and activity by quite a bit of the US and even UK media is a big part of the problem. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGnt...
The normalisation of his actions and activity by quite a bit of the US and even UK media is a big part of the problem. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGnt...
Elon Musk's main aim is 'world domination' | Lewis Goodall on LBC
YouTube video by LBC
www.youtube.com
February 11, 2025 at 2:24 PM
On LBC this morning, I spoke about why we should be far more worried the power Elon Musk is accruing, especially in light of his Open AI moves.
The normalisation of his actions and activity by quite a bit of the US and even UK media is a big part of the problem. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGnt...
The normalisation of his actions and activity by quite a bit of the US and even UK media is a big part of the problem. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGnt...
Reposted by Sarah Whitebread
By the end of the week we need a list of the top 10 walking and cycling routes in Cambridgeshire that need an urgent cut back of overgrown vegetation.
Please pitch your ideas now!
📷 Trumpington Road cycleway, summer 2024 (timbo, Cyclestreets photomap)
Please pitch your ideas now!
📷 Trumpington Road cycleway, summer 2024 (timbo, Cyclestreets photomap)
February 11, 2025 at 8:18 PM
By the end of the week we need a list of the top 10 walking and cycling routes in Cambridgeshire that need an urgent cut back of overgrown vegetation.
Please pitch your ideas now!
📷 Trumpington Road cycleway, summer 2024 (timbo, Cyclestreets photomap)
Please pitch your ideas now!
📷 Trumpington Road cycleway, summer 2024 (timbo, Cyclestreets photomap)