Sign in

BelfastCitizen

@belfastcitizen.bsky.social
417 followers 666 following 2K posts

AOMO, West Belfast resident, middle-aged, squeezed middle, worried by the alarming lack of action on the global environmental polycrisis that will destroy my kid’s future. Intrigued by but not always agreeing with John “Straw Dogs” Gray.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Time and time again when I'm knocking on doors people tell me they've still got their kids living at home with them. The extreme cost of housing is putting lives on hold across this country. We need an emergency brake on rents. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Zack Polanski to call for three-year cap on private rent rises
In his speech to his party's conference, the Green leader will frame housing as a key issue of generational fairness.
39814235
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
They really don’t give a f**k about any of us or even themselves. I hope legal action is possible…
000
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
May heatwaves, deaths, ruined harvests: study of Europe’s summer paints grim picture for the future
EU Copernicus report shows surface air temperatures from June to August were 2.5C above decadal average
000
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Drumcree policing operation has cost £3m so far, says Boutcher www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... in what other country would this amount of taxpayers money be wasted on policing a cultural event?! Send the bill to the Orange Order. They already have a route to parade down.
bbc.co.uk
Drumcree and Garvaghy Road policing operation has cost £3m
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warns of the consequences and cost "if they get it wrong".
172
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/environment/... A frustrating article to read if you live in Belfast because we can’t get any grants for retrofitting our homes as described here. We are in the middle of retrofitting our 1930s semi and just getting all the kit installed has cost more than £30k. NI is left behind
theguardian.com
The zero-bills home: how one family is beating the energy price hikes
The Naylors’ four-bedroom home in Milton Keynes acts like a mini-power station after retrofitting solar panels, a battery and a heat pump
010
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Louth For Ever 🦋 @louthforever.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
On the 5th day, the positions have reversed. This afternoon, Breandán Mac Cionnaith said the residents would accept the document the Secretary of State has presented to them, provided the Orange Order accepts it as well. But tonight, Portadown District says there is no document.
1189
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 30/09/2026
🚨 We’re calling on Ofcom to open a formal investigation into Nigel Farage presenting GB News shows and whether his programme on 15 September 2026 was within the rules on impartiality ⚠️ Broadcasters are required to present news in an impartial manner, without political bias.
bestforbritain.org
Farage on GB News: Demand that Ofcom takes immediate action - Best for Britain
341029436
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Andy Burnham is coming for your pension! By... er... increasing it by slightly less. Whereas Reform will scrap it completely.
26974366
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
There is so much at stake at this election. Real hope looks like action. Rent controls, nationalising Thames Water and no to fossil fuels. Here's an update on how it's going! youtu.be/hPmtOL6obLw
youtu.be
Campaigning With Zack Polanski In Holborn & St Pancras - Episode 2
YouTube video by Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
12391139
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
So let’s see practical steps to rejoin asap. As global insecurity grows, anything less simply won’t do
14353107
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Beth Stratford @bethstratford.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Well, I for one am an economist who supports rent controls! Here’s why 🧵: Markets only work well if: -buyers & sellers have roughly equal power -producers respond to price signals & expand supply in response to scarcity -buyers can walk away if prices get too high
11414198
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Green Party Northern Ireland @greenpartyni.org · 29/09/2026
Garvaghy Road residents have called for independent international mediation in the Drumcree dispute. We agree: this can't be fixed by the same institutions that caused it. 1/4
Green Party graphic reading 'Time to mediate,' over a photo of a large crowd gathered outside Drumcree Parish Church, with its stone tower and spire visible above a graveyard, and a police vehicle in the foreground. Green Party logo, NI publisher's imprint, and photo credit to Peter Morrison/PA below.
1167
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle... Looks like an interesting book…
theguardian.com
‘Online sex workers literally have to bare it all’: why Patricia Nilsson is exposing the world’s biggest porn bosses
As a business journalist, Nilsson began rigorously reporting on the power players of the adult industry, who prefer to remain in the shadows. Along the way, she uncovered how porn has shaped the inter...
001
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Ingratiating the locals already: 'Generous' Zuckerberg gifts GAA clubs €150k after castle purchase www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Please don’t burn our castle down!
bbc.co.uk
Mark Zuckerberg to donate €150,000 to GAA clubs
The Facebook founder will clubs €50,000 (£42,000) with donations to be paid over a two-year period.
001
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Paddy Joe. @paddyjoe73.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
But your own MP Carla lockhart didn't?
052
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
RTÉ News: Why the controversial Orange Order parade was approved www.rte.ie/news/ireland...
rte.ie
Why the controversial Orange Order parade was approved
The Parades Commission's Drumcree decision shocked many. Its written ruling reveals how it was reached.
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Here is how politics, in most cases, works: Rich and powerful interests, whether in fossil fuels, finance, big tech, media, meat, pharma or foreign governments, make a demand, and use their sophisticated tools to persuade a government to adopt it. The government adopts it. Please read whole🧵
31913399
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@sluggerotoolepols.bsky.social Don’t forget about us over on BlueSky Slugger!
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
alt-DUP @duponline.eurosky.social · 28/09/2026
And right on cue...
3308
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
paulusthewoodgnome @paulusthewoodgnome.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Turns out, running a local council isn't child's play. At least, not if you're Reform UK. 'Parents have said South Tyneside Council's decision to close 10 publicly-run nurseries is "devastating". Shouts of "shame" were heard from the public gallery.' #bbclaurak www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
178741
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Labour already have a huge majority. Another Labour MP putting Thames Water "on notice" isn't going to lower our water bills or protect our rivers. Nationalise Thames Water. Vote Green on October 8th. 💚
15979299
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 26/09/2026
480141483627
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Anyone who believes this bunch of con artists represents their interests is either a billionaire or seriously misinformed. leftfootforward.org/2026/09/outr...
leftfootforward.org
Outrage as Reform-run council votes to shut 10 nurseries
Members of the public shouted “you should be ashamed” as Reform councillors approved the plans
40774300
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Irritated Llama @irritatedllama.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A more surprising headline would be Reform councillor DOESN'T resign. What a waste of money this lot.
61721237
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Pope Innocent III,who died in 1216, spoke of a certain kind of older man, who is "easily provoked", "will believe anything and question nothing", is "stingy and greedy" and "praises the good old days and hates the present." Reform UK's voter base has been knocking around for a very long time.
752932754
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Labour are planning to extract more oil and gas from the North Sea despite the thousands of deaths from excess heat this summer. We cannot allow them to win in Holborn & St Pancras and think that they can get away with this. Vote Green. For our communities and our planet.
Labour are planning to extract more oil and gas from the North Sea despite the thousands of deaths from excess heat this summer.

We cannot allow them to win in Holborn & St Pancras and think that they can get away with this.

Vote Green. For our communities and our planet.
21769258
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Two pics of homelessness 10 minutes walk from where I’m sitting in Belfast now. What’s Jamie Bryson, Lockhart, Alister and big Gav going to do about these people? Absolutely fuck all. They can’t solve any real problems this country has, they can only add to them.
Homeless person Belfast nowHomeless person Botanic Garden, Belfast now
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Stephen Baker @stephenbaker.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Jon Burrows, UUP leader "We need to bring out those who stay at home, earn back those who have moved elsewhere and give young people a reason to vote unionist for the first time." Is any of this possible while unionism's de facto leader is Jamie Bryson? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UUP conference: Unionism 'stands at a crossroads', Burrows to tell party
Jon Burrows will make his first conference speech as Ulster Unionist leader on Saturday.
041
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
This is the price all of us will now pay for the Parades Commission’s decision on #Drumcree, this is the bitter fruit of Bryson & Lockharts labours. Ordinary life for thousands disrupted because they need to pick at the scabs of the Troubles. But it won’t be them doing the bleeding will it.
020
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Just my thoughts 🇨🇦 @bc60.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
@mark-carney.bsky.social anti-Zionist is not antisemitism…
10738111221
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Jan Rosenow @janrosenow.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Electricity is 23% of global final energy but delivers 37% of useful energy and powers 46% of the global economy. We don't need to replace every fossil joule. We need to replace the services. A much smaller task. Great to see the @iea.org’s new Electrification report finally measure this.
5377164
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Hey! I just called on the UK government to scrap anti-protest laws which attack our hard won democratic freedoms. Please can you defend the right to protest too by signing the petition? act.gp/3pIM9ns
act.gp
If you agree the govt should not strip away our right to protest, add your name
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Green Party Northern Ireland @greenpartyni.org · 25/09/2026
“Today, the Parades Commission allowed a restricted parade down the Garvaghy Road, first time in almost 30 years. This is not a moment for triumphalism, but responsibility. We owe the next generation a broken cycle, not a repeated one.” 1/2
Aerial photograph of a rural road in Drumcree, Portadown, lined with hedgerows and green fields, leading past a cluster of houses toward a stone church with a tall spire and adjoining graveyard. Overlaid text reads “This road doesn’t have to lead us back.” A “Swipe” arrow icon and the Green Party logo appear in the bottom corner, with the imprint “Published & Promoted by Green Party NI, PO Box 369, Bangor, BT20 9FJ.”Green background graphic with white and yellow text of a statement from Brian Smyth, Green Party Group Leader, Belfast City Council, responding to the Parades Commission’s decision to allow a restricted parade down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years. Key highlighted lines read “This is not a moment for triumphalism or provocation, but for responsibility” and “Cultural expression should never come at the cost of community cohesion.” The Green Party logo appears at the bottom with the imprint “Published & Promoted by Green Party NI, PO Box 369, Bangor, BT20 9FJ.”
13916
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
So 35 Orangemen, no bands, all over by 09:30 AM. Lockhart & Bryson waiting in the wings to welcome them “home”. Given the last time Lockhart attended a demo like this, stones were hurled at a peaceful pro-Palestine march at Scarva, what could possibly go wrong?
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Aidan O’Brien @aidanobrien.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Honestly, one of the most upsetting and tragic crimes in the history of The Troubles. I'd forgotten that Rosemary Nelson was the GRRC's legal advisor, and her death has been linked to the violence.
1121
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
PAT FINUCANE CENTRE @finucanecentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Court hearing re proposed Orange parade at 6.30 Belfast High Court
065
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c6... This is a really bad decision, the residents of the Garvaghy Rd are overwhelmingly opposed to any Orange march in their area. To surrender to the OO like this due to a procedural cock up is a disgrace. This will reignite sectarian tensions across NI.
bbc.co.uk
Drumcree: Parades Commission says Orange Order parade can go ahead
Drumcree parade: Decision made over Portadown march
043
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Thank you to @arthurdowning.bsky.social for his illuminating piece in the LRB on the dysfunction built-in to the British energy market. It’s a Gordian knot any Green politician worth their salt will need to confront. @greenparty.org.uk
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Go Greens! #GetGreensElected - #VoteGreen, around the world
07713
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
alt-DUP @duponline.eurosky.social · 23/09/2026
Why do the LCC have a say in anything beyond Loyalist paramilitary decommissioning? Why is the Parades Commission granting them this privilege?
0135
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“Universities are supposed to be places that question power and hold corporations to account." Yes - really @newcastleuni.bsky.social?! www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
Backlash as Indian oil heir made professor of sustainability by Newcastle University
Role for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest person, who also runs a controversial mega-zoo, met with incredulity
47321
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Celebrating 40 years of Pesticide Action Network (PAN) UK. Hearing from Vicki Hird about how much still needs to be achieved on #pesticides. Many issues identified in her book from 2000 are continuing #OneHealth www.brownsbfs.co.uk/Product/Hird...
05214
BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
RTÉ News: Growers paid over the odds to water crops in July, August - Teagasc report www.rte.ie/news/busines... - more evidence of the climate-driven food crisis to come in Ireland. If it becomes unprofitable to grow food due to costs and risks, then who will do it? Market forces cannot handle it.
rte.ie
Growers paid over the odds to water crops in July, August
Some vegetable growers had to pay nine times the normal amount to water their crops during this summer's drought conditions, a new report by Teagasc has found.
000
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
The Daily Britain @thedailybritain.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Farage says Burnham’s National Centre for Information Defence will “clamp down on free speech”. The government says it will target hostile foreign information attacks. Farage’s Brexit Party voted against stronger action on Russian propaganda in 2019.
90683264
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Channel 4 News @channel4news.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
‘We’ve got to change direction’ says UK’s climate representative
channel4.com
‘We’ve got to change direction’ says UK’s climate representative
Ahead of the UN’s scheduled climate discussion, we spoke to the UK's special representative for climate Rachel Kyte.
12512
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
paulusthewoodgnome @paulusthewoodgnome.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Stewart Jackson accuses @georgemonbiot.bsky.social of being self-serving in his virtue. In other news. 'Shadow minister, Stewart Jackson, claimed £66,000 for his family home, including hundreds of pounds on refurbishing his swimming pool.' (2009) #politicslive www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop...
1221877
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Dr. Aaron Thierry @thierryaaron.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
1/ People keep saying AI is inevitable. History disagrees. Plenty of technologies were called unstoppable, and societies stopped them or shrank them down to a niche. A thread 🧵
evitable
adjective
uk  /ˈev.ɪ.tə.bəl/ us  /ˈev.ə.t̬ə.bəl/

able to be avoided or prevented:
He believes that world war is evitable.
Inevitable suffering due to persecution is to be distinguished from evitable sickness.
3312153
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
With big thanks to @doctorofmusic.bsky.social, here's my discussion today with Lord Jackson about North Sea oil and gas. Tape your jaw to your face before watching. Really.
77714252
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
‘What is emerging is not simply a relationship between [Reform and Farage] and a wealthy Gulf state, but a channel through which an authoritarian government can cultivate political influence here, and abroad.’ Would really recommend a read of this democracyforsale.substack.com/p/reform-and...
democracyforsale.substack.com
Reform and the UAE – a threat to British politics
Nigel Farage's embrace of the UAE is part of a wider effort by the Gulf petrostate to build alliances with the far right across the West, says Alex Carlen.
10351222
Reposted by BelfastCitizen
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Good to see Foreign Secretary presenting the findings of the suppressed Joint Intelligence Report on ecosystem collapse to other governments. But when is it going to be shared with the rest of us? We can’t prepare for what we don’t know - it should be published in full
theguardian.com
UK shares findings of damning climate crisis national security report suppressed under Starmer
El Niño poses critical threat to nations’ defences, says Ed Miliband in presentation to global foreign ministers
8567233