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Cath Martin 59

@cathmartin59.bsky.social
2.7K followers 1.6K following 1.3K posts

Books, walking, dog owner,climate, renewables, community energy, Green Party, Humanist, traditional music, NHS, Byline Times supporter. Views my own.

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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The Empty City @davidallengreen.bsky.social · 8h
Of course, one would think it unlikely that the British state would prosecute a famous Irish author and an even more famous publishing house. But little about the terrorism law of the UK makes sense at the moment, since the ludicrous decision of then home secretary Yvette Cooper and the Home Office to proscribe what is essentially a direct-action protest group as a terrorist organisation.

Last week the Home Office published the statistics for terrorism-related offences. In its own words, “there were 3,867 arrests for terrorism-related activity in the year ending June 2026, 3,633 more than in the year ending June 2025 (234), a rise of 1,553%; and 1,525% higher than the historical 10-year median of 238 arrests”.

The “terrorism-related activity” is, of course, mainly people holding placards stating they support Palestine Action.

These are extraordinary and discrediting figures. Terrorism law should be taken seriously.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
On the train back from London after the best evening ever! Still pinching myself… and beaming from ear to ear about my beautiful medal. Thank you SO much @btobirds.bsky.social for this most unexpected and wonderful award. And thank you again for all the amazing things you do…
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
HOPE not hate @hopenothate.org.uk · 4h
The destruction of homes, whether HMOs or family houses, simply because of the race of its inhabitants, is a dystopian and terrifying vision of where racist rhetoric leads. A very strong response is required.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
fife4europe #FBPE #RejoinEU @fife4europe.bsky.social · 5h
The London Economic reporting Goldman Sachs estimates that rejoining the EU Single Market could boost the UK economy by up to £150 billion confirms the massive cost of Brexit. Ending self-imposed trade friction is essential to restore growth.
thelondoneconomic.com
Rejoining EU could boost UK economy by £150bn - Goldman Sachs
In a note to clients, Goldman Sachs has said rejoining the European Union could boost the UK economy by as much as £150 billion.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social · 3h
When I stood for election, I promised to work with the Labour govt on areas we agree, and push them to be bolder when they don't go far enough. So far I've had to do a lot of the latter! But this Social Care plan looks good to me, I welcome it. Ellie makes some sensible points, though 👇
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Yorkshire Bylines @yorkshirebylines.co.uk · 14/10/2026
Burnham has opened the door on Europe – now let the public in A citizens-led national conversation could help Britain decide what it wants from its future relationship with Europe By Dr Mike Galsworthy
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Burnham has opened the door on Europe – now let the public in
A citizens-led national conversation could help Britain decide what it wants from its future relationship with Europe
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 14h
I wrote a thing - please read it. This is how Burnham could craft a wholesome, structured conversation on our relationship with Europe, in a manner which gets us well away from the divisiveness of 2016.
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Burnham has opened the door on Europe – now let the public in
A citizens-led national conversation could help Britain decide what it wants from its future relationship with Europe
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 9h
A fellow member of the #HouseofLords expressed astonishment that I don't use so-called AI for research or speeches. I am astonished anyone does www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
Five AI chatbots were tested on accuracy. The results weren’t good
Responses from leading AI models were prone to being ‘incomplete, lacking context, or poorly sourced’, report finds after testing of Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, and Grok
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Congratulations to @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social our winner of the Dilys Breese Medal 🎉We’re pleased to award Brigit this medal for using her online platforms to encourage nature interaction and conservation in an accessible manner, and her enthusiasm in participation and promotion of BTO surveys!
An image of Brigit Strawbridge features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Dilys Breese Medal. Brigit Strawbridge. The BTO logo features top right of the image.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
BirdLife Europe & Central Asia @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
WE WON. Lead in gunshot will finally be banned across the EU! Just now, the European Parliament approved in plenary the Commission's proposal to restrict lead in gunshot. This decision ends years of debate on one of Europe's most persistent forms of lead pollution.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Tom Cox @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social · 13h
I recently found out that my latest novel has been chosen by The Bookseller magazine as paperback of the year for 2026. To say it had an inauspicious start in life would be putting things mildly… tomcox.substack.com/p/how-a-nove...
tomcox.substack.com
How A Novel Came Back From The Dead
A Story In 20 Photographs
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) @msf.ca · 7h
A global shortage of #cholera vaccines has forced a reduction from two doses to one for people in need. This weakens protection and leaves health authorities with a difficult choice: prevent outbreaks or respond to them. Learn more about the disease:
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Greenpeace International 🌍 @greenpeace.org · 7h
A lovely story out of Tanzania following Husna Aminu's efforts to protect coral reefs and train a new generation of nature defenders. 💚🌍💪 www.dw.com/en/the-women... #ProtectTheOceans
dw.com
The women helping Tanzania's coral reefs recover
Off Tanzania's coast, Husna Aminu trains female divers and grows coral fragments in underwater nurseries. Her team works with local fishers to restore coral reefs that support marine life and liveliho...
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 8h
It's not enough to hope that people choose trains over cars. We need to make rail the best option available, for the planet and for passengers' pockets. It's also essential that we add a binding modal shift duty to this bill to ensure true legal accountability.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
The BBC has been blasted after unveiling a debate panel 'stacked' in favour of the fossil fuel industry 👇 👉 www.thenational.scot/news/2...
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Mothin Ali @mothinali.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Labour bans books, we make space for debate. Join join.greenparty.org.uk www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
join.greenparty.org.uk
Join the Green Party
Join the Green Party from just £6 a year. Become a member today - join the only party standing up for people and planet.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Irish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Sally Rooney: To publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence. After a process of consultation and deliberation, and with my full agreement, my publisher Faber has therefore determined that it can no longer supply my work within the UK. www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
irishtimes.com
Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be available in UK over her support for Palestine Action
Faber blames UK antiterrorism legislation for decision to stop distributing bestselling author’s works
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
elia ayoub @ayoub.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Labour has so far done nothing to undo this embarrassment. Sally Rooney "says she can no longer receive royalties from British sales and she cancelled UK trip due to fear of arrest" www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Sally Rooney says she can no longer sell books in UK due to Palestine Action support
Irish writer of Normal People says she can no longer receive royalties from British sales and she cancelled UK trip due to fear of arrest
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Chaucer Doth Tweet @levostregc.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
What a weeke, huh?
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Leigh Jones @leighsus.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
For some reason I was reading up on the UK's fossil fuel reserves the other day. We've already extracted around 90% of our oil and gas. More extraction just kicks the can down the road for, what, another 5-10 years? What happens after that? What does new drilling buy time for?
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Would you look at that! A Dipper has bobbed straight into your feed! 📷️ @lesjwc.bsky.social
A Dipper stands in a shallow, gently flowing river, surrounded by warm golden reflections that give the scene a cosy autumn feel. The bird's crisp white throat and rich chestnut belly stand out against the rippling water as it appears to quietly enjoy the peaceful stream.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Women for Refugee Women @4refugeewomen.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Last night our researcher Olivia joined brilliant speakers to discuss the right to work for people seeking asylum. Olivia shared shocking findings from our report, #SafetyAndSurvival, about how the work ban fuels violence against women seeking asylum here. 1/2
refugeewomen.co.uk
Women for Refugee Women - Safety and Survival: How the Work Ban Fuels Violence Against Women Seeking Asylum
New research uncovers how the work ban harms women seeking safety in the UK, placing them at risk of abuse and exploitation.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Does this beggar belief? No. It is no surprise whatsoever The fossil fuel sector has been suppressing the truth for 3/4 of a century www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
IPCC is under pressure to delay publication of key global climate report
AR7 report was scheduled for 2028 in time for Cop33 summit but some petro-states and major developing countries want to postpone it
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
bylinepodcast.bsky.social @bylinepodcast.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
🟢 PODCAST It's not that Russian interference necessarily swayed the Brexit vote - more that there's an ongoing project to undermine our democracy. @peterjukes.bsky.social @goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social Listen: pod.fo/e/6ab1ad Watch: youtu.be/M8hVq-skssI?...
youtu.be
Russia's Brexit Meddling Proven
YouTube video by Byline Times TV
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
DrNaturegirl @drnaturegirl.debbiemross.co.uk · 14/10/2026
Watching Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, I was shocked to see the damage the chicken industry is doing to rivers, communities and animals. And now I’ve learned the Government wants to expand Big Chicken. I've signed the petition to stop it 👉 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop Big Chicken Choking our Rivers
Watching Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, I was shocked to see the damage the chicken industry is doing to rivers, communities and animals. And now I’ve learned the Government wants to expand Big ...
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 13/10/2026
🚨 GREEN WIN VS REFORM 🚨 Congratulations to Amber Valley Green Party on electing new councillor Bess Saunders in Kilburn, Denby, Holbrook & Horsley ward in Derbyshire 💚
Amber Valley Borough Council
BY-ELECTION WIN
GREENS WIN VS REFORM

Kilburn, Denby, Holbrook & Horsley

GRN 29.5%
REF 27%
CON 17%
LAB 16%
RES 11%

Green Party
Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of the Green Party of England and Wales, c/o PO Box Green Party, London, SE1P 6YL
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 12/10/2026
“Tom Watson has taken a job lobbying for Palantir. Revolving doors. They really are a problem in British politics.” Natalie Bennett criticises the links between politicians and powerful corporations, and Watson’s comments about “mob rule" deciding government contracts.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Dave Vetter @davidrvetter.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Feels like not enough people are aware of how fully cooked the internal combustion engine is. My mum's old diesel Honda currently costs £120 to fill up, on which it'll do just under 300 miles. My sister's EV costs £6 for a full charge which will take her 280 miles.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Radio Lento @radiolento.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Give a raise to the marketing team of the Ghosts film for this @simonhynd.bsky.social. See it. Seance. Haunted.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
DrNaturegirl @drnaturegirl.debbiemross.co.uk · 13/10/2026
facebook.com/teamtrakuk
facebook.com
Facebook
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
DrNaturegirl @drnaturegirl.debbiemross.co.uk · 13/10/2026
building his own #software platform for #lifeboats (he’s a volunteer ) #reslience teams and #workboat operators. It’s been a tough gig. See what he says in the graphic of his post. Please share widely and give his page a follow (you can turn off notifications) Thank you. #supportindiebusiness
Meet TeamTrak, a software platform I've developed to help lifeboat stations, workboat operators and resilience teams manage their day-to-day operations. Everything from crew availability and training records to equipment, maintenance, safety management and much more, all in one place. The biggest "deadline" sales-wise is the forthcoming Workboat Code 3 date of 13/12/2026, where most workboats that don't have a Safety Management System (SMS - which my system provides), will not be able to sail.
It's been a huge amount of work, with plenty of late nights/early mornings, a fair bit of head-scratching and probably an unhealthy amount of coffee.
But this isn't just a hobby or another little project. I've built a company around it, and I'm working hard to turn it into a successful business.
And here's where I'd really appreciate your help.
I'm not asking anyone to buy anything, donate anything or part with a penny. All I'm asking is that you give the TeamTrak page a follow and, more importantly, share it far and wide.
You never know who might see it. Somewhere amongst your friends, colleagues and contacts could be someone involved in maritime operations, emergency services, search and rescue or an organisation that could genuinely benefit from what I've built.
Even if none of that means anything to you, a share could make an enormous difference to me.
So please, give the page a follow, spread the word and help me get TeamTrak out into the big wide world.
Thanks, folks. I really do appreciate it!
facebook.com/teamtrakuk

Graphic with cogs in primary colours
المم
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
drillordrop.bsky.social @drillordrop.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Rathlin Energy, the company running the West Newton oil and gas operation in East Yorkshire, has failed to file its annual accounts on time. drillordrop.com/2026/10/13/r...
drillordrop.com
Rathlin accounts delayed
The company running the West Newton oil and gas operation in East Yorkshire has failed to file its annual accounts on time.
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Cath Martin 59 @cathmartin59.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
I've just added my name to the call for the UK to join the European Union by 2036. A stronger economy, more jobs, greater security, and a louder voice in the world. Add your name: www.europeanmovement.co.uk/join_eu_by_2...
europeanmovement.co.uk
Add your name - Let's join the EU by 2036
Add your name to back the ambition for the UK to join the European Union by 2036. Join thousands calling for a confident future at the heart of Europe.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
I realize that pub crawls are all the rage, but I truly feel as though there could be an immense market for library crawls, bakery crawls, museum crawls, bookstore crawls, and greenhouse crawls.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Stupid, sickening and - frankly - deranged www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
Exclusive: Some of £2bn savings needed from energy budget expected to come from boiler upgrade scheme, sources say
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
European Movement UK @europeanmovement.co.uk · 12/10/2026
Green MP Carla Denyer calls for joining the EU.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
G. Willow Wilson @gwillow.me · 12/10/2026
A couple of years ago, an electrician tried to convince us to install a "smart" electrical panel that would balance our power usage via an app, turning off electricity to various appliances as needed. We declined. "I don't want to worry about my fridge getting hacked," I said. He laughed.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Climate Centre @climatecentreuk.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
The Chancellor should put fuel tax on the 1,000 private jets who take off from the UK each year, campaigners say. While drivers pay 53p a litre, billionaires are effectively being subsidised, campaigner Oli Frost tells @lbc.co.uk's Nick Abbot.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Gaia Vince @wanderinggaia.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Heat pumps ARE defence. We are fighting a war against fossil-fuel backed petrostates whose Achilles heel is our energy independence. Our weapons are as much heatpumps, EVs, grid upgrades, batteries, solar, wind as munitions. (I made this argument last week, speaking at @friendsofeurope.bsky.social)
theguardian.com
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
Exclusive: Some of £2bn savings needed from energy budget expected to come from boiler upgrade scheme, sources say
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
This summer: Thousands of deaths from extreme weather. This weekend in the media: What's the point of the Green Party? This morning from the Labour party 👇
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
It's time to treat the causes of inflation. That means a clean energy revolution and cutting our reliance on the fossil fuel rollercoaster. It means an emergency rent brake, and it means urgently looking at ways to cut the costs of the basics we all rely on.
Rampant inflaron could land Healey with £35bn bill, IFS warns
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Arthur Snell @snellarthur.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
I know that people that shout at the radio when it’s Justin Webb but him saying “there’s no evidence” of Russian interference in 2016 is so enraging. There were online ads. This is not in doubt. Even the Torygraph has reported it… www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2...
telegraph.co.uk
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
This would be economically illiterate & environmentally disastrous - and makes us less secure: undermining efforts to reduce energy bills by reducing dependence on gas, increasing vulnerability to global dictators, driving climate emissions & knee capping a market that’s just beginning to take off
theguardian.com
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
Exclusive: Some of £2bn savings needed from energy budget expected to come from boiler upgrade scheme, sources say
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Cllr Benali Hamdache @greenbenali.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Cutting heat pump subsidies to fund the military Digging for new oil and gas in the North Sea Labour’s greenward turn didn’t last long did it? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
Exclusive: Some of £2bn savings needed from energy budget expected to come from boiler upgrade scheme, sources say
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Nina Willburger @drnwillburger.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
We all need a timeline cleanse, so here is the most adorable #chess piece ever! A knight, made of antler. Dating 11/12th century. Found at the Burgstein, Lichtenstein-Holzelfingen. 📷️ me
A carved chess piece representing a knight, depicted in an abstract, stylized form with a triangular head, amd wide circular eyes,. The figure has a hunched, cylindrical body and is displayed on a dark surface with an other game pieces and a die nearby.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Dan Snow @thehistoryguy.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
This a million times. People of colour being dragged on to debate maniacs about imaginary labels & race science is an abomination. proper ‘how German are you’ Nazi shit Note that people like me with white migrant parentage never asked to defend our identity Englishness. Is. A. Made. Up. Thing
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Michael @therightarticle.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Yes, it’s been a tough week for the Greens: but don’t lose sight of how we’re transforming British politics | Zack Polanski www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2…
theguardian.com
Yes, it’s been a tough week for the Greens: but don’t lose sight of how we’re transforming British politics | Zack Polanski
We must now have unity and a discussion about party democracy. And let me be clear: as leader, I will never tolerate antisemitism, says Zack Polanski, leader of the Green party of England and Wales
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
The New Arab @thenewarab.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
“Keep the theatre alive. The breakthrough will come. Hold on to hope.” Palestinian playwright Ali Abu Yasin has been named English PEN’s Writer of Courage 2026, recognising his work documenting Palestinian life through theatre and writing. 🔗 Read more at The New Arab.
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Stop the A38 Expansion @stopa38expansion.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Read our full response to the Department of Transport consultation: www.a38derbychaos.org/news/weve-su...
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Reposted by Cath Martin 59
Stop the A38 Expansion @stopa38expansion.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
The economic case for a wider A38 is collapsing. Meanwhile, our case for cancelling a scheme which costs far more than it delivers has never been stronger.
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