iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Ben Parker

Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

@scottishgreens.org CAN win Southside/Newington's council by-election today, but only if people turn out to vote! ➡️ Use your first preference for the Scottish Green Party by 10pm.

Scottish Greens Southside/Newington campaign graphic: a group of volunteers holding party leaflets beneath the headline "Every vote matters!", with an inset showing a Ballot Box Scotland prediction labeled "Likely Green".

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Merchiston Districts Community Council @merchistoncc.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

🧵 Road Safety Update: Major schemes developing in Polwarth & Merchiston! • Polwarth Junction redesign • Merchiston Ave/Rochester Terrace improvements • New Merchiston Ave/Colinton Rd project Your input shapes these plans! 👇 #Merchiston #RoadSafety

A double rainbow stretches over the tenement buildings on Polwarth Gardens in Edinburgh, looking towards the problematic, car-centric roundabout.

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Bat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

🦇 Our Scottish Bat Officer, Claudia, took @katenevens.bsky.social MSP on a bat walk last night through Hollyrood Park in Edinburgh. Kate is the Nature Champion for the soprano pipistrelle! Soprano pipistrelles were spotted! As well as common pipistrelle and Daubenton's bat. Photo (c) Ali Leetham

Four smiling people standing on a dimly lit historic street in Edinburgh at dusk, with stone buildings, a hanging banner and a flower-covered shopfront behind them. They are each holding a small handheld bat detector.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The Tour de France 2026 has begun and we are 1 year away from Edinburgh hosting the grand départ 🚴 After pushing the Council to introduce a ban on fossil fuel advertising, I’m aware that next year’s tour is a big moment as oil-backed sponsors will descend on the city 🌎 Read more about it below ⤵️

playthegame.org

The petroculture peloton: part one

In this first article of a two-part investigation into cycling’s association with fossil fuel advertising, will the Tour de France’s arrival in the Scottish capital be the beginning of the end for Big...

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

An excellent and informative set of posts on my favourite topic .. trees! This is well worth a read, if you have 5 mins 🌳

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

My latest blog post is now live 📢 Give it a read to find out more about my work on AI, social heating tariffs, the Quiet Route, tree watering and more (!) 🤖🏠🚲🌳📝 Find the blog here: cllrbenparker.substack.com/p/what-did-i...

Screenshot of latest blog post with title "What did I get up to in February, March and April?"

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Excited to be elected as the new Green group Co-Convenor alongside Alys today 👫 💚 Thank you @chasbooth.bsky.social and Kayleigh for all their work in the role for the last year 🫶 The clock is ticking towards next year’s election and I’m excited to Co-Convene the group through this busy period 🕰️ 🗳️

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Steve Burgess @steveamburgess.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

How many Green MSPs in Edinburgh & East Lothian ?

For newly elected Green MSP's in Edinburgh and East Lothian surrounded by Party activists

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

An amazing result for Edinburgh and Lothians East! Not only Edinburgh's first constituency win but also the first time we've had 4 MSPs in the region. This is a massive tribute to our remarkable volunteers. A huge thanks to everyone who voted Green- now is the time to join! greens.scot/join

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Scottish Greens @scottishgreens.org · 14/04/2026

Today we launched our 2026 manifesto! 🟢 Want free bus travel for everyone? 🟢 Want accessible and affordable childcare? 🟢 Want to tackle the climate emergency? 🟢 Want to tax the rich? We've got you covered. Read the manifesto at: www.greens.scot/LetsDemandBetter

Scottish Green candidates, including co-leaders Ross Greer and GIllian Mackay, hold up the manifesto on stage.

A pile of 2026 Scottihs Green manifestos. The front page says Let's Demand Better.

Scottish Green co-leaders Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer hold the manifesto. The front page says Let's Demand Better.

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay speaking on stage in front of an audience. Several TV cameras are pointed at her.

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Patrick Harvie @patrickharvie.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

I know passionate supporters of LGBTQ+ equality in Labour who have felt increasingly marginalised in the party and unable to support the leadership's view. But to see the manifesto include anti-trans policies rejected by their own party conference must surely be the last straw for many.

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Kate Nevens (she/her) @katenevens.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Excited about the prospect of electing more socialist, feminist and climate-conscious voices to Scottish Parliament next month?! There are loads of ways to help... @edinburghgreens.bsky.social @qmanivannan.bsky.social @lornaslater.bsky.social

Image outlining four ways to help
- Ask your friends and family to register to vote
- Put up a 'Vote Green' poster in your window
- Join us for doorknocking sessions
- Talk, write, post about the Greens!

Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Ed, EH6 5QN

Text on a green background that says

"And mostly vote Scottish Greens on 7th May"

Together with an image of how the Scottish Green Party will appear on the peach ballot papers

Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Ed, EH6 5QN

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

"Prisons are not safe, they're violent, they're poor for people's health and wellbeing, particularly if you're a woman. And they fail to support rehabilitation. "So actually they do not make those of us who are not breaking the law safer either." Scotland's prison system should be abolished.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Today, the transport committee made a big decision about the future of the Quiet Route I’m pleased that we are finally (!) seeing progress which will (hopefully) see the retention of the route with all active travel measures intact 🚲🌳🚶 Read more on my blog 📝: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...

Quiet Route infrastructure in the sunshine outside James Gillespie’s school. There is a cyclist cycling through the filter in the distance and the sun is shining against the blue sky and through the green leaves of the trees.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

I’ve had lots of contact about the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route 🚲 recently following the Standards Commission decision to censure two Cllrs over their participation in previous decision-making about the route 🙅‍♂️🗺️📍 At Thursday’s Transport committee I will be presenting proposals for next steps ⤵️

A picture of the Quiet Route with the sun shining and a blue sky

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Budget Day in Edinburgh and it seems - as in past years - Labour will be teaming up with the Tories to get their budget passed😒 It's depressing when other parties put their own interests above those of the city, but Green Cllrs will continue to fight for public money to be spent for public good ✊

"We crafted an amendment to the administration budget which would have stopped the slum lords, provided more accessible housing and better supported asylum seekers and refugees.

It looks unlikely that any of these will be accepted today. Perhaps for Labour that doesn’t matter, I don’t expect them to be here next term either, but for the rest of us and for the city they have chosen to set us up for failure" Cllr Alex Staniforth, Finance Spokesperson

"I think we need to remember the folks drinking lead water, choosing between heating and eating, juggling childcare and work, kids who are developing asthma and life limiting conditions because of the ignorant obsession with cars over active and safe travel. Think of the people on the housing waiting lists, students with additional support needs.

I started being happy to second our budget proposal but now end despondent at the state of this administration and chamber." Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, Co-convener

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

On Thursday, Edinburgh City Council will be setting its budget - find out what the Green Councillors have proposed in their budget for climate, equality and housing justice: edinburgh.greens.scot/blog/a-budge...

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

My latest blog to capture some of my work at the end of last year and January is now published 📝 Lots of speaking engagements and work on public debt, sustainable drainage and Ramadan provisions in temporary accommodation, plus more! 💬💷🌳🏠 cllrbenparker.substack.com/p/what-did-i...

open.substack.com

What did I get up to at the end of 2025 and in January 2026?

It’s not always easy to find time to shout about all the work we are involved in as Councillors, and sometimes the job can be quite opaque to members of the public.

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Reposted by Ben Parker

Scottish Greens @scottishgreens.org · 28/01/2026

🚨 It's official! Swift nesting bricks have passed the Scottish Parliament and will now become law. Swifts are in serious decline across the UK. This will help reverse that trend and make our communities more liveable for birds. @markruskell.bsky.social and @writerhannah.bsky.social explain 👇

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Several people have contacted me about the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route given the news this morning of a hearing scheduled around alleged conflicts of interest in the decision making process by some Cllrs ❌ I've written a short update on my blog here: cllrbenparker.substack.com/p/update-4-g...

Blue sky and sunshine above a modal filter on the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route

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Edinburgh Tenants Federation @edinburghtenants.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

What a great AGM for Edinburgh Tenants Federation 👏 We heard an excellent speech from @cllrbenparker.bsky.social about the work of ETF & @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social this year. We also honoured our Convenor Betty Stone with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing commitment to tenants 💐

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Reposted by Ben Parker

Merchiston Districts Community Council @merchistoncc.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Merchiston Avenue junction improvements - share your views by 10 Jan. Do you walk, cycle, drive or wheel through Merchiston Ave at Merchiston Pl/ Rochester Terr? We want to propose changes to @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social Survey at: merchistoncc.org.uk/merchiston-a...

A view of of a four-way residential junction with two vehicles crossing towards each other as two pedestrians pushing buggies wait at a corner to cross.

View of a four way residential junction with people crossing on foot and a vehicle approaching a stop sign.

View of a four-way residential junction with young people waiting to cross on foot as a taxi approaches a stop sign.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

A great launch for the new @banzaiedinburgh.bsky.social cargo bike library this afternoon — I’ve been pleased to do my small bit to help get this up and running, but a big thanks to the many others involved 🚲📦 If you want to try a cargo bike, get in touch and you can hire one for free 🌟

Poster on tree which reads “Banzai Bikes: Free e-cargo bike library”

A group of people with cargo bikes gathering around the new lock up facility by Bruntsfield Links toilets

Drawings by school children which fill the side of the new lock up shed

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Scottish Greens @scottishgreens.org · 10/12/2025

Swifts are in serious decline, with their UK population falling by 66% since 1995. Moments ago MSPs backed our amendment to install low cost swift nesting bricks in new buildings. This small act will make our communities more liveable for birds and help swifts recover.

Breaking. Safe homes for Swifts. MSPs have voted to back a Green amendment to install low cost swift nesting bricks in all new buildings above a certain size.

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Ross McKenzie @rosssmckenzie.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Locally and nationally, @scottishgreens.org are representing working-class interests and providing a real left-wing alternative - the very things I had hoped to do as a Labour councillor. I will continue to spend every day trying my very best to serve the people of Sighthill/Gorgie.

edinburghnews.scotsman.com

Edinburgh independent councillor Ross McKenzie joins Greens

Edinburgh independent councillor Ross McKenzie has joined the Greens nearly three years after he quit the Labour party.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Hope to see lots of folk there (and delighted to be ticking off “ribbon cutting” ✂️ from the Councillor bucket list)

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portyenergy.bsky.social @portyenergy.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

We want Edinburgh to have community heat networks that keep bills low and cut carbon. To make this happen, we need your input. 👉 Fill in the short survey: tinyurl.com/survey-heat What is your current experience of heating your home? What needs to change? You could win £50 in a prize draw!

A poster on a pale orange background. At the top it says "Have your say on local heating!" There is a graphic of houses of different shapes and sizes, and three people standing on grass. Two are holding hands and one is waving. The poster has a QR code and a link at the bottom: https://bit.ly/Heat-Survey

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

My latest blog post for October 🗓️ is now live, covering: Council culture 🎭 Supporting migrants and refugees 💚 Environmental concerns with data centres and AI 🌍 Retrofitting homes and issues with Scottish Government funding 💷🏠 and more (!)

Screenshot of blog post. There is picture of Ben smiling against a backdrop of a hedge. The text above the image reads: Cllr Ben Parker's Blog. What did I get up to in October 2025? 5 Updates from October 2025.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

My latest blog post is now live covering action and updates on: rogue landlords 🏚️, purpose built student accommodation 🧑‍🎓, artificial intelligence 🤖, BDS 🕊 (and more!) Subscribe and read my blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp... 🗒️

People gathering in a busy room for a workshop. There are posters around the room with post it notes added to them. A text overlay reads: What did I get up to in September 2025? 5 updates from September 2025.

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Scottish Greens @scottishgreens.org · 26/09/2025

This month the Scottish Parliament backed Green calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel and companies complicit in the genocide and occupation. Now it's time to put those words into action at all levels of government.

The National. Edinburgh becomes first city in Scotland to boycott Israel. Councillors voted in favour of a Green motion which moves the capital closer to implementing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

Lots of folk at the Eric Liddell Centre contributing their ideas for the Astley Ainslie as part of the local place plan development 🗺️📍 What’s on my list? More space for nature, co-operative / co-housing development, accessibility at the forefront and (of course!) protecting the trees 🌳

A busy room of people talking / wandering around. There is a map on the floor and posters on the wall with post it notes where people are sharing their ideas.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

I’m pleased to be proposing this motion today 🇵🇸 The Scottish Government took a big step forward in supporting BDS calls from Green MSPs, but now they must do the same for Councils ⚖️ New powers need to be granted to local authorities or else the government position is just warm words ❌ 💬 🤷

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

“In what appears to be pandering to the demands of a small group of CEOs, political parties – and not just Labour – are showing their true colours.” 🟥🟧🟦 Thank you to @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social for this excellent overview of a complex topic ⤵️ 📰

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A little bit later than usual, but August's blog post is now up 📝 Read on to hear about what I've been doing for tree protection in the Fringe 🌳, local traffic improvements in Marchmont 🚧 🚶‍♀️, tourist tax spending on accessibility ♿ and lots more (!) open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...

Ben smiling next to a black noticeboard for the Braid Hills. The words "Welcome to the Braid Hills" are visible at the top of the noticeboard in white text. A text overlay on the image reads: What did I get up to in August 2025? 6 updates from August 2025.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Please do submit your views on this excellent project! And for what it’s worth, I support the option advocated by the Community Council ✅

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Absolutely delighted that, at the 3rd time of asking, we have successfully banned arms companies from commercial activity (including testing) in Council parks and greenspace 🌳🚫 Thank you to everyone who wrote into the consultation earlier this year to make your views known .. we did it! 💬📝

Image of park with text overlay which reads: Green win! Arms dealers out our parks! Greens successfully ban arms companies from testing in council parks and greenspace.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

This issue is back at committee tomorrow where the new park management rules are being decided 🌳 After the Council's own consultation saw lots of write-in objections to the use of parks by arms companies, we are once again calling for a ban 🚫 Fingers crossed for a better result tomorrow ✅

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

I remain very concerned about this and will be raising this further - watch this space! 🌳

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

The Tour de France is coming to Edinburgh in 2027, but sponsors include fossil fuel giants the city should not be advertising. 🚫 ⛽✈️🛢️ 🚫 @cllrbenparker.bsky.social was asked if council rules mean that logos of climate-destroying brands should be removed from the picture when the Tour passes through.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

As your Councillor, I hold a monthly drop-in surgery at Morningside Library from 4-5pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month 💬📅📚 There is no need to book — just call in! The library is wheelchair accessible and I'm happy to accommodate any access needs you might have, just let me know how 👨‍🦯🧏

Surgery poster. In the top half of the image, Ben is smiling against a background of tenement buildings set against the blue sky. Text overlay in "bubble" style writing reads: Surgery with Councillor Ben Parker. A banner is in the middle of the image with contact details: cllr.ben.parker@edinburgh.gov.uk; @CllrBenParker; 0131 529 4055 x 34055. The bottom half of the image reads: "at Morningside Library, every 2nd Thursday of the month from 4-5pm. At my surgery I am happy to: Help with any issues you are experiencing; Discuss any ideas you have about the city or local area; Sign documents and take declarations. Please note that surgeries will only be held during school term time."

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Kate Nevens (she/her) @katenevens.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Had a lovely morning doorknocking with Cllr Ben Parker in Marchmont yesterday. Lots of great conversations; gathered some council casework to take forward; and got a few folk registered to vote 💚 @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @edinburghgreens.bsky.social

Kate and Ben sitting in the sun on a wall in Marchmont, holding up a Vote Green clipboard and a copy of Green News

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

What did I get up to in June 2025? 🌳🙋‍♂️ Read my latest blog post now and subscribe for future updates: cllrbenparker.substack.com 🖥️📝

open.substack.com

What did I get up to in June 2025?

5 updates from June 2025

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Edinburgh Greens @edinburghgreens.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Polls are open in Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart! A Green [1] vote can stop a second Tory councillor for the ward, deliver fresh ideas and new energy to Edinburgh council.

Campaign poster for Q Manivannan, Scottish Greens candidate for Fountainbridge-Craiglockhart, encouraging people to vote in today's by-election

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

I’m so excited for Thursday — fingers crossed we can get @qmanivannan.bsky.social elected! I’d be so excited to work with them in the City Chambers #VoteQ1 🗳️🌱

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Cllr Claire Miller (she/her) @cllrcmiller.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Edinburgh Council has agreed to evaluate a four day week for our workers after my motion was passed yesterday at our full council meeting “Council to look into giving workers four-day week” www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

Edinburgh council to look into giving workers four-day week

One councillor argued that it could help tackling staffing and morale problems at the council.

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Merchiston Districts Community Council @merchistoncc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

📐🚗🚶‍♀️🚴🏾‍♀️👩🏼‍🦼We have seen draft plans for the new Polwarth junction design, and they look good! We believe these improvements address our community's safety concerns. 🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer. 🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!

merchistoncc.org.uk

New Polwarth junction designs are coming soon – Merchiston Community Council

Get the latest updates on how we are representing community interests and views in Merchiston.

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

It's that time of the month again where I share my latest blog post 📝📅 Read on to find out more about work I'm doing on the Tour de France, supporting BANZAI's cargo bike library, Council retrofitting and more! ⤵️ 🚲 🏡 open.substack.com/pub/cllrbenp...

open.substack.com

What did I get up to in May 2025?

5 updates from May 2025

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Iris Duane MSP 🇵🇸🇺🇦 @irisduane.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Fantastic evening out in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart for our great candidate Q‼️ So many people excited on the doors to #VoteGreen1 on the 26th of June💚 I’ve certainly got a good feeling about this one 👀

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

This was incredibly disappointing 🙅‍♂️ In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊ How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀

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Ben Parker @cllrbenparker.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

I'm proud to be bringing forward this motion to the Council's Culture and Communities committee today. Fingers crossed other Councillors support my calls.

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