Sign in

Richard Bates

@discript.com
6.5K followers 5.1K following 2.5K posts

Publisher – fiction and non-fiction. Friend to writers. Dementia carer. Cyclist. Activist. Cat parent. Liberal Democrat 🔶 politician elected to Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council.

PostsRepliesMedia
Richard Bates @discript.com · 13h
Vince said he was not supporting the Camden New Journal and its related titles “for business reasons”. “I’m motivated by the impact of local #journalism,” he said. “I’m motivated by the bias of media in our country more broadly – the rightwing bias – and trying to do something about that.”
001
Richard Bates @discript.com · 28/09/2026
“Paying a little extra in tax to make sure that other people – possibly even you – don’t have to burn through their assets seems the kind of thing any fair-minded society would do.” Cutting taxes wins votes, but it’s paid for by cutting public services, like hospitals and social care.
151
Richard Bates @discript.com · 25/09/2026
Good to hear common sense coming from @joshbabarinde.bsky.social
041
Richard Bates @discript.com · 24/09/2026
Enjoying A Midsummer Night’s Dream at @chichesterft.bsky.social tonight. Wild, wonderful show that’s like a rave, but the theatre should be filled with more people. Shakespeare, but psychedelic, energetic, erotic, exciting, electrifying. If you haven’t seen it, buy a ticket. We loved it!
Chichester Festival Theatre illuminated during the interval.
022
Richard Bates @discript.com · 24/09/2026
The #HavantThicket reservoir project adds to growing concerns that the price of UK #infrastructure is spiralling out of control. (Gift link 🎁) Blow for drought-hit England as opening of new reservoir delayed by 5 years giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Blow for drought-hit England as opening of new reservoir delayed by 5 years
Concern over water supplies likely to grow as cost of Havant Thicket project more than doubles
073
Richard Bates @discript.com · 22/09/2026
Many people may not know about #MarthasRule. It allows you to ask for a second opinion about care in hospital. It has saved hundreds of lives. More information here: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Martha’s rule to be expanded to every A&E in England
System gives patients, loved ones and health workers the right to ask for a second opinion on care
2114
Richard Bates @discript.com · 21/09/2026
Looking forward to the closing speech referring to #AI by @eddavey.libdems.org.uk at the #LibDemConference tomorrow. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Halt super-intelligent AI with non-proliferation treaty, Ed Davey to say
At Lib Dems’ conference in Brighton, leader will accuse Andy Burnham of relying on Donald Trump and ‘tech bros’ to solve problem
020
Reposted by Richard Bates
Lib Dem Friends of Cycling 🔶🚲 @libdemcycling.org.uk · 20/09/2026
We are delighted that motion F16 at #LibDemConference passed. This policy recognises that promoting walking, wheeling and cycling is not just transport policy - it's also preventive healthcare, environmental action, and economic common sense. @ollyglover.bsky.social
libdems.org.uk
Getting the Nation Walking, Wheeling and Cycling
Liberal Democrats believe active travel is not just transport policy - it is preventive healthcare, environmental action, and economic common sense.
42313
Richard Bates @discript.com · 20/09/2026
Powerful speech this morning from @libdemdaisy.bsky.social promising to Get Britain Growing Again at the #LibDemConferemce in Brighton. 🔶 📈
163
Richard Bates @discript.com · 20/09/2026
At #LibDemConference today @eddavey.libdems.org.uk says he is against the mansion tax, but in favour of maintaining the triple lock on pensions.
Ed Davey answers questions at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, 20 September.
001
Richard Bates @discript.com · 20/09/2026
Back at #LibDemConference again this morning for this important motion for #ActiveTravel.
044
Richard Bates @discript.com · 19/09/2026
#SaveOurNHS used to be the motto, until @nhsengland.bsky.social was abolished. Hard to believe the state of our hospitals – until you need one. CQC ratings show two-thirds “Need Improvement”.
011
Richard Bates @discript.com · 19/09/2026
This morning at #LibDemConference, @alpinkerton.bsky.social spoke passionately and clearly in favour of #RejoinEU. 🔶🇪🇺
0112
Richard Bates @discript.com · 18/09/2026
“Products die prematurely to make you buy more,” the Norwegian Consumer Council reminds us. It’s funny because it’s true.
050
Richard Bates @discript.com · 18/09/2026
“We believe Thames Water can be turned around, but not by giving the keys back to the people who have been joy-riding in the family car. The government should reject offers from the company’s creditors in return for relief from fines for pollution and poor service,” says @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
052
Richard Bates @discript.com · 16/09/2026
“I don’t regret caring for my mum. But financially I’m worse off, my pension will be less than it should have been. It’s lonely at times and it’s extremely hard work – harder than working in the NHS,” said midwife Jacqui Hylton, aged 58, now an #UnpaidCarer. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
About 1,500 Britons a day quitting their jobs to become unpaid carers
More than a million people have left work to look after loved ones in the past two years, Carers UK says
3114
Richard Bates @discript.com · 11/09/2026
#CostOfLivingCrisis is no comedy. youtube.com/shorts/yIPzT...
youtube.com
Wait for it 😂😂😂
YouTube video by Xcellent Academy
020
Richard Bates @discript.com · 06/09/2026
Wouldn’t it be nice to park your car in the shade, beneath solar panels generating renewable energy? Please consider signing this petition:
1122
Richard Bates @discript.com · 06/09/2026
It must be nice to be wealthy – until you go to the USA and see what they do with their riches. Utterly insipid food served in huge portions to diners scared of ingesting toxins. Big salaries that can be exhausted by one medical emergency that insurance won’t cover. Illiteracy. Dental veneers.
191
Reposted by Richard Bates
Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We have challenges with e-bikes in Chichester, yes. We have much greater challenges accommodating motor vehicles.
043
Richard Bates @discript.com · 03/09/2026
Starmer was overcome by indecision and advised to be cautious. Feel the fear and do it anyway, as they say. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Unlike Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham promises us that things will get better. And we must believe they can | Polly Toynbee
The PM’s warmth and feelgood policies, such as scrapping VAT on energy bills and a taskforce looking at political donations, offer something rare: hope, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
031
Richard Bates @discript.com · 03/09/2026
The Environment Agency is utterly useless. I know this because I’ve asked Chichester District Council officers to write to them about stopping the #SewageScandal. The EA is completely ineffective.
041
Richard Bates @discript.com · 03/09/2026
“Either I am invisible, or someone I identify with is invisible, and it makes me so angry.” Any #UnpaidCarer, male or female, knows this invisibility.
052
Richard Bates @discript.com · 03/09/2026
It’s a shame @calebstein.net is not more active on Bluesky, because he has an article in the Guardian today and an exhibition coming up in New York. #Photography #Exhibitions #Swimming www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Down by the Hudson – ode to a New York swimming creek – in pictures
For more than a decade Caleb Stein has been photographing a communal swimming creek in Poughkeepsie, New York. Returning every summer, he documented the community at a timeless spot. He talks about th...
010
Richard Bates @discript.com · 01/09/2026
Refreshing recognition from the PM today of the challenges of funding #SocialCare and of the economic inequality faced by so many people in Britain today. His determination is grounds for optimism.
142
Richard Bates @discript.com · 01/09/2026
If you’ve ever wished that the UK, where it rains so much for half the year, managed its water resources better so we didn’t have hosepipe bans every summer, please add your signature to this petition: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/77...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Fund new reservoirs to increase future water supplies
England faces growing pressure on its water supplies due to factors like population growth, climate change and rising demand. The Government estimates 5 billion litres more water per day will be neede...
1108
Richard Bates @discript.com · 01/09/2026
#SewageScandal (cont’d): Liberal Democrat county councillor in north Devon, Ed Tyldesley @chulmleighed.bsky.social, said “They are using a storm system when there are no storms. It is unbelievable. The worrying thing is that this all seems to be getting worse.”
021
Richard Bates @discript.com · 01/09/2026
#SewageScandal: “according to freedom of information requests submitted by Environment Agency whistleblower Robert Forrester, the pollution is getting worse, not better, despite the regulator’s promise of tougher action.” www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Dry weather sewage discharges soar as water companies face scrutiny
Exclusive: 7,280 suspected illegal spills in rivers and sea recorded in first five months of 2026
040
Richard Bates @discript.com · 31/08/2026
#SewageScandal: “The prime minister has said taking water companies such as Thames Water into public control is crucial to his vision for the country,” says the photo caption. Let’s see tomorrow. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
More public control is the way to grow UK economy, Burnham to tell MPs
Exclusive: Prime minister wants to ‘bring back hope’ by tackling cost of living as MPs call for electoral reform
031
Reposted by Richard Bates
JWexTheSpa @jwsidders.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Despite a bone dry summer, we have had 485mm of rain in Sidmouth this year so far. That is more than enough supply. The problem is capture, storage and use. In other words, it's an entirely manmade problem, grounded in greed, complacency and relentless short-termism.
1215
Richard Bates @discript.com · 30/08/2026
#SewageScandal: When it comes to the safety of the water, checking for sewage spills has become as important as checking the weather and tidal patterns. “I would love to be able to swim anywhere, rather than thinking about trying to avoid pollution,” says Hildi Mitchell.
021
Richard Bates @discript.com · 29/08/2026
Who studied geography?
081
Richard Bates @discript.com · 29/08/2026
#SociaMedia is unaccountable. That’s the issue. “It is the thing you do for the person you love. If you love someone – and I loved my dad from my heart – then he needs justice. He needs a public apology. There has to be accountability.” www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
What could Meta’s US settlement mean around the world – and what now for other claims against firm?
Other governments could seek similar concessions, while separate legal action is pending in places ranging from Kenya to the Netherlands
021
Richard Bates @discript.com · 29/08/2026
Our Bengal gives a toothy yawn for #Caturday. Beware those sharp incisors and molars.
1102
Richard Bates @discript.com · 28/08/2026
#SocialMedia: “this week’s settlement addresses only the safety of children, despite the copious evidence of danger to adults, whether in the form of addiction or exposure to toxic misinformation.” Thankfully we can use other platforms, like Bluesky, that do not sell targeted advertising.
131
Reposted by Richard Bates
Cycling UK Official @cyclinguk.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
A Shoreham cycle lane saw 30,000 trips and served five schools before West Sussex County Council removed it. We challenged the decision in court with support from the Cyclists’ Defence Fund. The council admitted it acted unlawfully and agreed to pay £25,000 towards legal costs.
1288
Richard Bates @discript.com · 28/08/2026
“We need politicians to explain – and to keep explaining – why the unrestricted use of cars in urban centres is damaging to the local economy as well as to the environment, to people’s health and to the overall feel of a place,” says @christianwolmar.bsky.social Putting my hand up 👋
140
Richard Bates @discript.com · 27/08/2026
‘The idea of a “pathocracy”, a democracy of normal people taken over by psychopaths, was conceived by an obscure Polish psychologist, Andrew Lobaczewski, who had lived under both the Nazis and then Soviet-era communists.’ Such regimes are finite, as the current pathocracy/kakistocracy will be.
020
Richard Bates @discript.com · 27/08/2026
Saw this two nights ago and the writing was powerful and still going through my mind. Performances were remarkably fresh, after three weeks into the run. Kane decided life is pointless; clearly hers was not, as this revival (not the first) to full houses attests. 🎁 giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Cleansed theatre review — tenderness but no catharsis in Sarah Kane’s brutal play
This new production at London’s Almeida Theatre sheds a light on human cruelty — and is an ordeal to watch
001
Richard Bates @discript.com · 27/08/2026
Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Environmental protection and sustainable development must go hand-in-hand and water recycling projects, combined with new reservoirs, will be critical to securing future water supplies effectivity.” But will the EA enforce? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Forever chemicals’ surge during pilot of Thames Water plan to combat drought
Exclusive: utility company wants to draw off tens of millions of litres of water a day from Thames and replace it with treated effluent
121
Richard Bates @discript.com · 26/08/2026
“I see strength in all sorts of places in the LGBT community and people living normal, dull, suburban lives. It’s ordinary now being gay in Britain, which is brilliant.” Homophobia, like misogyny, xenophobia and racism, is prejudice. Prejudice never dies, it just mutates.
161
Richard Bates @discript.com · 26/08/2026
"Instead of silencing residents and handing mayors a blank cheque, the government should be empowering local councils with the resources to deliver genuinely affordable homes alongside the infrastructure to support them," said @gideonamos.bsky.social #PlanningReform www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was "essential" for helping mayors "effectively deliver new homes".
031
Richard Bates @discript.com · 26/08/2026
This is for everyone who uses any meta product, as a stark warning of its potential for harm. We must all be careful how we use social media. (Gift link) giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... Meta to pay up to $16.7bn to settle children’s social media harm case
giftarticle.ft.com
Meta to pay up to $16.7bn to settle children’s social media harm case
Case relating to alleged failures of child protection was getting under way in California
021
Richard Bates @discript.com · 25/08/2026
“The water industry has been failing people for too long. We’ve seen rising bills while the number of serious pollution incidents are off the scale. We’ve got to do more.” @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Burnham mulls insolvency law shake-up to help bring utilities under public control
Exclusive: Rules on special administration seen as potential ‘roadblock’ to reshaping how UK’s essential services are run
031
Richard Bates @discript.com · 21/08/2026
In all the trips we made to Greece and the eastern Mediterranean, I wonder if this travel writer was in the same room. Certainly we read his writing: perhaps we overheard his conversation? www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Marc Dubin obituary
Other lives: Travel writer specialising in Greece, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean
031
Richard Bates @discript.com · 18/08/2026
“Ulez has slashed air pollution and improved air quality across London, and research published by Imperial College London earlier this year showed that this is already saving lives.” Well done, Mayor @sadiqkhanlondon.bsky.social, for cleaning up London’s polluted air.
071
Richard Bates @discript.com · 17/08/2026
Privatisation gave us the #SewageScandal that keeps on polluting.
072
Richard Bates @discript.com · 16/08/2026
“For nearly two centuries, the west experienced steady generational progress. Each new cohort of children grew up, on average, healthier, happier, and better educated than the last. Until now.” Thankful our childhood pre-smartphone and tablet was playing #sport, learning #music, and reading #books.
2113
Richard Bates @discript.com · 15/08/2026
Received this #SevereAlert warning 4 times last night, the first buzzing loudly while cycling across a busy trunk road. Has our UK government finally recognised the severe #ClimateEmergency? Will it amend its policies accordingly, e.g. by refusing licenses to drill fossil fuels in the North Sea?
Image of message sent to mobile phones  in the UK on 15 August. It reads:

Severe Alert
Issued by the UK Government
Yesterday, 21:35
There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.
Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.
072
Richard Bates @discript.com · 14/08/2026
Iris Murdoch Amongst the Artists: Newly discovered works, including the self-portrait and the surrealist landscape paintings, are on display at the University of Chichester Library until 10 December – the first ever devoted to Murdoch as an artist. #BookSky www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Iris Murdoch artworks from secret room go on display – including self-portrait
Second world war paintings and sketches show novelist ‘engaging with her world in a new light’
272