Sign in

Richard Baker

@bakerrb.bsky.social
137 followers 83 following 64 posts

"The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear."

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Richard Baker
Mark Watson @watsoncomedian.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It's been happening forever, and will happen forever, that rich people fuck off to lower-tax areas and frame it as political defiance of some law they personally don't like. 'Seatbelts in cars make it impossible for me to deliver wealth.' 'Without smoking in pubs, how am I meant to...'
831664
Reposted by Richard Baker
Dr Ellie Chowns MP @elliechowns.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Months after the govt announced they were looking into decoupling the price of electricity from gas, we still have no further details or timelines on these plans - all while families across the UK face down surging energy bills. I've written to the SoS for Energy Security and Net Zero for answers.
I am writing to you regarding the urgent need to address the high and inflated cost of electricity, 
particularly in light of this week’s announcement that, from October, households already 
struggling with the cost of living will face the highest energy costs in three years. 
As you are aware, billpayers across the country remain at the mercy of volatile global fossil fuel 
markets due to the UK’s marginal pricing system. Under this system gas-fired power stations set 
the wholesale price of electricity the majority of the time, even though cheaper renewables 
generate a significant and growing share of our energy. 
This flawed system has repeatedly resulted in huge spikes to household energy bills and cost the 
UK economy billions. Since 2021, £90 billion extra has been spent on gas, with £40 billion in 
public money used to cushion soaring household bills (Greenpeace, 2025). 
Considering this, the government’s announcement earlier this year that it would look into breaking 
the link between gas prices and electricity prices marked a welcome acknowledgment that this 
system is broken and needs to change.  
However, months have now passed seemingly without any published updates, detailed plans, or 
clear timelines on how exactly this is being delivered, let alone when billpayers will feel the 
benefits. While the public waits for action, volatile global gas prices are once again pushing bills 
up just in time for winter.  
I also have concerns that the model of decoupling announced, which relies on electricity 
generators voluntarily leaving the market, will not properly break the link and deliver substantially 
lower bills. By pursuing a more ambitious model of market decoupling, such as the approach set 
out in Greenpeace’s Power Shift proposal or Common Wealth’s fixed price model proposals, the 
government would cut average bills by hundreds of pounds, while simultaneously taking real 
control over our energy system and accelerating the transition to clean, affo…plans, timelines, and progress to implement the decoupling policy, and whether you are 
considering adopting a more thorough model of price decoupling.  
I look forward to hearing your response and to seeing swift, decisive action on this critical issue.
5225105
Reposted by Richard Baker
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Two-thirds of UK news articles about wildfires this summer haven’t mentioned climate change - but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, it just makes averting the worst of it even harder @eciu.net
uk.themedialeader.com
Two-thirds of UK news articles about wildfires this summer haven't mentioned climate change
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit adds to concerns that national newspapers are failing to link this summer's extreme weather to climate change and the net-zero policies necessary to mitigate its drastic effects.
14700248
Reposted by Richard Baker
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I can’t believe we’re still having a debate about whether there’s a trade off between job creation and measures to green the economy. There isn’t. The evidence was clear years ago - a green economy creates far more jobs than the fossil fuel economy it replaces. Come on Labour, catch up …
theguardian.com
Government contracts to require job creation instead of green targets under new rules
Louise Haigh says taxpayer money must benefit local communities amid backlash from environmental groups
481143388
Reposted by Richard Baker
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
As the UN Secretary General says, every new fossil fuel project approved today makes tomorrow’s heatwaves more dangerous & our world less secure. I hope Andy Burnham is listening. Caving in to the fossil fuel lobby as the planet burns would be unforgivable
theguardian.com
Burnham risks first revolt as PM over apparent support for North Sea drilling
Labour MPs fear No 10 team lack up-to-date energy insight and don’t fully recognise voters’ climate concerns
44863332
Reposted by Richard Baker
Ross Greer (he/him) @ross-greer.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Immensely disappointing head-in-sand stuff from Unite's leadership. Instead of using their political clout to push for the creation of high quality, lasting jobs in green industries, they're doubling down on fossil fuel jobs which will disappear as a result of geological reality & climate breakdown
14713
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"Public control isn't public ownership" Yep & as Kevin also points out, public ownership is actually popular If Burnham planned to nationalise something he'd be shouting it from the rooftops. But as his choice of language demonstrates, he isn't going to nationalise anything
48130
Reposted by Richard Baker
Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
A reminder of what Nigel Farage said following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer.
We must not allow the tragic murder of a
young woman turn into attacks on men
and attacks on the police
12828371251
Reposted by Richard Baker
Sian Berry MP @sianberry.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Climate-wrecking airports, intrusive digital ID and more social security cuts. This is Labour’s unshifting agenda. Our Green amendment to the King’s Speech demands strong climate and nature action, rent controls, water nationalisation, and wealth taxes. We are listening to what people really need.
Image is a screenshot showing the first amendment to the King's Speech, put forward by all five Green Party MPs. 

It reads: Amendment (a)
Hannah Spencer
Dr Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
Carla Denyer
Adrian Ramsay
At end add ‘but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech does not deliver an urgent,
transformative, progressive programme to redistribute wealth, tackle the nature and climate
crisis and reduce the cost of living; call on the Government to stop energy prices rising in
July; further call for action to cut energy bills for good, including a properly funded national
home insulation scheme and scaled up investment in renewable energy; also call for urgent
action to address unaffordable housing costs, including new powers to control rents; call for
funding for councils to both build new homes and buy existing homes; further call for water
utilities to be returned to public ownership to lower bills and restore nature; also call for
affordable public transport, including free bus passes for under 22s; urge the Government to
introduce universal free school meals and scrap the household benefit cap, to ensure no child
goes hungry; and request that the Government introduce further measures to tax fossil fuel
companies, billionaires and multimillionaires to address inequality and release funds to invest
in urgent climate and nature action.’
215352
Reposted by Richard Baker
🔞 Evelyn - a puppy goat but spooky and such 🔞 🏳️‍⚧️ @jumbojorts.northsky.social · 10/05/2026
Singling out the only Jewish party leader in a question about people being untrustworthy. I see we are far beyond subtlety
9357125
Reposted by Richard Baker
Peter Walker @peterwalker99.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
One of the many curiosities of this decision is that Nigel Farage is the only serving UK political leader (to my knowledge) to have been criticised by the Board of Deputies for personally using rhetoric linked to antisemitic conspiracy theories, for which he has never apologised.
30471162
Reposted by Richard Baker
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Brilliant list by @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social of all the amazing wins that just happened in the past few days! Amazing new Green Councillors who will work hard in their communities to make life easier for everyone. nataliebennett.org/2026/05/10/g...
nataliebennett.org
Green highlights from the May 2026 Elections - Natalie Bennett Green Party Peer #NatalieGreenPeer
The timing (most of our utterly amazing quantity and quality of victories coming late on a Friday and then during Saturday) means the media’s unlikely to do a job good of explaining, so I’ve pulled to...
12622150
Reposted by Richard Baker
BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Hilarious video that shows none of the Reform voters know any of Reform's policies.
62445228
Reposted by Richard Baker
Peter Walker @peterwalker99.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
At times Reform do feel absolutely committed to staying on about 23% support for ever. I’m just not sure vindictiveness plays that well beyond the already-convinced hardcore.
2508
Reposted by Richard Baker
petertatchell.bsky.social @petertatchell.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Community Security Trust does great work protecting the Jewish community but it's wrong about Palestine marchers We do not support Hamas or hate Jews I've never heard any marcher express antisemitism; only opposition to Israel's mass killing of civilians - a view shared by half the Jews in Israel
071
Reposted by Richard Baker
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
The system is rigged. An illegal war hikes bills for stuggling families - meanwhile energy giants rake in profits. We don't have to live like this any more. Vote Green on May 7th.
692255769
Reposted by Richard Baker
Cllr Sam Easterby-Smith @samsterby.com · 24/04/2026
Caught short? Yes to public loos! And I spy a nod to the @carolinerussell.bsky.social London assembly motion 👍 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on toilets: public spaces need public conveniences | Editorial
Editorial: Architect-designed loos such as the ones in Tokyo are fantastic. But even ordinary facilities enhance cities and towns
1254
Reposted by Richard Baker
Bedford Green Party @bedfordgreenparty.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Delighted to announce that we've hit 500 members.
Graphic showing the number 500 in white on a green background.
1114
Reposted by Richard Baker
Cycling UK Official @cyclinguk.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
🚨 Not an April Fool: since Jan 2022, the Highway Code ranks road users: 🏃 Pedestrians first 🚴 Cyclists & horse riders next 🚗 Drivers have most responsibility Many missed the update, so key rules (passing distances, junction priority) are still ignored. 👉 cyclinguk.org/highwaycode
12816
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
The deputy foreign minister of Cuba: "You cannot put a question mark on the system of govt we have.. if the US, the most powerful nation in the world, has had to dedicate almost 7 decades to try to destroy the system of govt, and yet failed"🎯
09442
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
The ruling class of the United States can't stand the fact that the Cuban people have a universal healthcare system when they deny that very thing to their own people. So they are intent on destroying it.
18135
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
NBC interviewer: "President Trump says he believes Cuba will collapse on its own" The Cuban foreign minister: ".. then why does the US govt need to employ so many resources.. to try to destroy [our] economy?" 🎯
211146
Reposted by Richard Baker
Stats for Lefties 🍉🏳️‍⚧️ @leftiestats.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
‼️POLL | #GE2029 without any tactical voting* ➡️ Ref: 27% (+12) 🟢 Grn: 23% (+16) 🔵 Con: 17% (-7) 🔴 Lab: 16% (-19) 🟠 Lib: 13% (+1) Poll: @YouGov, 15-16 Mar (+/- vs GE2024) --- *Voters asked to state true first preference. Excludes respondents who said "Don't Know".
1311337
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
"There are some winners in all of this, I'm afraid to say. Oil producers in the United States are making billions from this war because of increased revenues, and so too now are Russia" And we're paying.
611265
Reposted by Richard Baker
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
With Green politics on the rise, want to understand Green #Philosophy? I've got a book for that, with @wiltonsquare.bsky.social 😏 wiltonsquarebooks.com/products/cha...
wiltonsquarebooks.com
Change Everything
A practical and hopeful guide for anyone who wants a fairer, greener future by a former Green leader
16122
Reposted by Richard Baker
Dr Ellie Chowns MP @elliechowns.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
When people #VoteGreen this May, they know they'll be voting for someone locally rooted, someone who deeply cares about the issues affecting our communities, and someone who will work their socks off to make hope normal again.
110340
Reposted by Richard Baker
Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
This summer, govt will set legally binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions for 2038-42 – critical for reaching net zero by 2050 🏭🌍 I’m part of the Environmental Audit Committee, which is urging the government to centre communities. 6 key takeaways from our report, published today 👇
515150
Reposted by Richard Baker
Turn Left Media @turnleftmedia.co.uk · 02/03/2026
"If you marched against the war in Iraq, no one could really say you supported Saddam Hussein [...] Khamenei was a right wing hardliner in Iranian politics [...] Mothin is a leftist following a gay vegan Jewish leader." @benmclaine.bsky.social defends @mothinali.bsky.social on GB News 💚✊ #Iran
97225
Reposted by Richard Baker
Catherine Read @cathread.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
This is an amazing interview. Not because of the interviewer, he was hostile, but the ability of Zack to answer so many questions, honestly, logically, with evidence and qualification is astounding. Such a brilliant leader. 💚
614118
Reposted by Richard Baker
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
As journalists working today many of us are taught to recognise disinformation when we see it and fight back against it. Unfortunately there are some who willingly seek it out and put it on their front pages. A disgrace to the profession.
23139891063
Reposted by Richard Baker
Peter Walker @peterwalker99.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
A seven-word headline that manages to be both misleading *and* racist.
1012123
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
@zackpolanski.bsky.social is asked, do you regret not standing in Gorton & Denton yourself? No, says Zack, because in the Greens we aren't unprincipled opportunists who parachute ourselves into seats to further our own careers (in so many words) #GMB
926060
Reposted by Richard Baker
Sian Berry MP @sianberry.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Reader, they chose Hannah! Can’t wait to see her at work on Monday 💚👏💚
1756259
Reposted by Richard Baker
Bedford Green Party @bedfordgreenparty.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Hope has won!
071
Reposted by Richard Baker
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 25/02/2026
On the eve of the Gorton & Denton by-election the Labour Party have invented a fake tactical voting organisation to put on their leaflets. Lying to voters is all they have left. All the (real) tactical voting organisations agree: only a Green vote can stop Reform on Thursday.
SCAM
LABOUR CAUGHT CREATING FAKE TACTICAL VOTING WEBSITE

Screenshot of a tweet that reads:
The Movement Forward | StopTheTories.vote @MVTFWD
A Warning: there is no tactical voting site called "Tactical Choice"
If you choose to vote tactically it's important to seek independent, impartial advice. And always check the source online, as printed leaflets could be out of date, or even intentionally misleading.
#GortonAndDenton

Promoted by Miles Thorpe on behalf of Hannah Spencer, both at 173 Mount Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7QT.
17518283
Reposted by Richard Baker
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Dear @lucympowell.bsky.social, Why did you invent a fake tactical voting company to stop the Green Party beating Reform? I'm starting to think your letters haven't always been in good faith...
Dear Lucy
On the eve of the by-election, your Labour party spokesperson has admitted to the Huffington Post that a
Labour party leaflet has been delivered through doors with your imprint recommending a vote for Labour
by a tactical voting organisation which does not exist.
This is deeply troubling, it is actually lying to voters. Did you approve this? Do you feel the Labour Party
in government should be held to different standards in terms of honesty to the British public?
In your last letter to me you mentioned your ‘very extensive data’ and ‘having spoken to over a third of
eligible voters’ which led you to an understanding that the by election ‘was a contest between labour and
Reform’. Clearly this latest development only tells voters one thing - you will employ any type of
political deception (or in Urdu “Dhoka” ) to win.
You will be very aware that all three real tactical voting organisations are recommending a vote for the
Greens as the best way to stop Reform. Lying to the voters, as you have been caught doing, raises the real
prospect that Reform will be the beneficiaries, something you have said that you don’t want.
As this is such an important issue, for the sake of your own reputation, I would strongly urge you to
apologise to the voters of Denton and Gorton before the polls open in the morning.”
Kind regards,
Zack Polanski
Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
1262168831
Reposted by Richard Baker
Election Maps UK @electionmaps.uk · 20/02/2026
Stoneygate (Leicester) Council By-Election Result: 🌍 GRN: 30.4% (+22.9) 🌹 LAB: 27.7% (-12.8) 🏘️ OL: 16.2% (New) 🙋 Ind: 11.5% (New) 🌳 CON: 8.3% (-15.3) ➡️ RFM: 2.7% (New) 🔶 LDM: 1.6% (-5.9) 🙋 Ind: 1.6% (New) No Ind (-21.0) as previous. Green GAIN from Labour. Changes w/ 2023.
935780
Reposted by Richard Baker
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 19/02/2026
🚨 Our latest Green Party Political Broadcast drops this evening 🚨 ITV1 at 18:25 BBC One at 18:55 Youtube at 19.00
Green Party political broadcast graphic featuring Zack Polanski seated in an armchair in a living room setting, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, speaking directly to camera and gesturing with his hands. Large green graphic shapes frame the image with bold white text reading “PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST.” On the right, text states: “18:25 – ITV1” and “18:55 – BBC1 (England only).” On the left, the BBC One and ITV logos appear above the text “Thursday 19th February 2026.” The Green Party logo and name are displayed at the bottom, along with promoter details.
624066
Reposted by Richard Baker
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
A new style of the US trying to force regime change. Unlikely to end any better than the military version www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
theguardian.com
No fuel, no tourists, no cash – this was the week the Cuban crisis got real
Diplomats in Havana are preparing for an alternative Trump tactic: the country being starved until people take to the streets and the US can step in
33314
Richard Baker @bakerrb.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Extract from Marco Rubio's speech in Munich yesterday. Pure, naked imperialism and white supremacy.
000
Reposted by Richard Baker
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Huda Ammori is scathing about Yvette Cooper, & rightly so. Cooper banned Palestine Action in order to protect companies supplying arms to Israel during a genocide, and in doing so attacked the rights of every single one of us. And all of it was unlawful.
314076
Reposted by Richard Baker
Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
"Reform UK last year received £200,000 from a tiny UK firm run by a churchwarden in Potters Bar who has worked for an Iranian-Kazakh billionaire who recently bankrolled Nigel Farage’s trip to Davos...It listed tax debts totalling more than its political contributions"
open.substack.com
Revealed: Corporate donations to British politics have tripled
Influential Labour committee chairs call on government to clean up politics as our new analysis finds record £42 million in company donations ahead of last election
512167
Reposted by Richard Baker
Bold Politics @boldpolitics.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Tomorrow's episode of Bold Politics is so so rare in British politics: real people who are unafraid to just be themselves for an hour because they know they don't have to protect any vested interests. It's time for a clearout of robots in Westminster.
19415135
Reposted by Richard Baker
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Reform politicians are happy to throw insults from a distance. But when it comes to debating their ideas? No show. Richard Tice pulled out. Farage won’t face me. Now their candidate in Gorton & Denton has ducked our candidate Hannah Spencer. Vote Green.
1062650665
Reposted by Richard Baker
Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Excellent work by Reform at Kent Council, who made a £40m saving by briefly proposing to spend £40m on something then deciding not to. Using this model, every Reform council can save £billions! www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
21712265
Reposted by Richard Baker
Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Starmer has serious questions to answer about what his government knew, and when, about Mandelson's Epstein ties. Shocking that this man was made ambassador - he should have no role in public life. And we absolutely need a police enquiry into leaks. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Mandelson could face police inquiry over alleged leak to Epstein
Met police assessing reports of alleged misconduct in public office after government information apparently shared
2425277
Reposted by Richard Baker
Mothin Ali @mothinali.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
We're out campaigning in Gorton and Denton for the by-election on 26th of February. it's time for change in this community, it's time for hope, it's time to VOTE GREEN
316143
Reposted by Richard Baker
Sarah May @sarahmay1.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Excited to see Hannah Spencer selected for this important by-election. I wish I could go and join the campaign, but since I can't make the time work, I've donated the cost of my train fare. Maybe you're in the same position? Just thinking of how much of their dodgy donations Reform will use.
0287
Reposted by Richard Baker
Left Foot Forward @left-foot-forward.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
So much for being anti-establishment...
leftfootforward.org
‘Man of the people’ Nigel Farage attended Davos as adviser to Iranian billionaire
So much for Farage being an anti-establishment figure.
03323
Reposted by Richard Baker
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 30/01/2026
Say hello to Hannah Spencer—councillor, plumber, greyhound lover and your Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton 💚
INTRODUCING!
Hannah Spencer
Green Party candidate for GORTON & DENTON
Green Party
Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of the Green Party, both at PO Box 78066, London SE16 9GQ
651577452