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Ian

@ianbspencer.bsky.social
398 followers 416 following 143 posts

Nerdy, lefty, woke pensioner. Into walking and Linux, and becoming less pedantic with age. Likes the Oxford comma. No DMs please unless you know me or have good reason to contact me. Crypto traders get blocked - don't waste my time.

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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Not quite what I expected to see on a stroll through the industrial backstreets of East Sheffield. Two goats at the back of the Emmaus charity shop on Blast Lane, near the canal basin. emmaus.org.uk/sheffield/ tinyurl.com/BlastLane
Pygmy goat in a small blue hut with straw bedding and a ramp leading down from the roof.
A nameplate on the hut says "Rodney"Pygmy goat in a small blue hut with straw bedding and a ramp leading down from the roof.
A nameplate on the hut says "Ralph"
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
'The area of the National Trust’s Holnicote estate where rivers have been returned to their natural courses and wetlands have been restored have remained green and lush during the five heatwaves across the summer.'
theguardian.com
Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show
National Trust’s Holnicote estate says restored wetlands and rivers offer proof of resilience to drought, wildfires and flooding
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
This is an excellent analogy that can be extended to all public services. #Renationalise
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Climate News @climatenews.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
France is on fire. Spain is on fire. Norway is on fire. Sicily is on fire. Ontario is on fire. Scotland is on fire. Bolivia is on fire. Algeria is on fire. England is on fire. Greta wasn't wrong when she said our house was on fire. We are in a climate emergency. - Greenpeace UK
France is on fire.
Spain is on fire.
Norway is on fire.
Sicily is on fire.
Ontario is on fire.
Scotland is on fire.
Bolivia is on fire.
Algeria is on fire.
England is on fire.
Greta wasn't wrong when she said our house was on fire.
We are in a
climate emergency.
Greenpeace UK

@greenpeaceuk.bsky.social
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Margarete Rosalind Weidenhammer @margareterosali.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
@volcaholic1.bsky.social 😨 #Climatechange is coming for us all last night it reached the heart of #Scotland 's capital A #wildfire broke out in Holyrood Park #Edinburgh as strong winds & tinder-dry vegetation helped the flames spread This is not the Amazon.This is not Australia.This is Scotland.
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I expect Nigel Farage will be all over this in his support of The Canary? Didn't he position himself as the people's champion against debanking?
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BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
So last night there was a fire in my street. I thought, oh that's a bit hot. So I turned my AC on, problem solved. Unfortunately the whole street and my house burned down. Because the solution was to put out the fire.
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
😄
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paulusthewoodgnome @paulusthewoodgnome.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
'The EU saved $60bn in 2025 by lowering fossil fuel imports, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). 2026 is also proving to be a bumper year for renewables. Wind and solar generated more electricity than gas globally for the first month ever in April.' www.euronews.com/2026/05/30/c...
euronews.com
EU saved over €50 billion in 2025 by lowering fossil fuel imports
Investing in renewables has also ensured greater energy security at a moment when the war on Iran is destabilising supplies and forcing up costs.
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
“Would you trust a party that wants to repeal the Equality Act, strip back workers’ rights, legalise zero-hours exploitation and fire and rehire, with the creation of your replacement human rights framework?” thedailybritain.co.uk/peter-stefan...
thedailybritain.co.uk
Peter Stefanovic: if the media explained Reform's policies, nobody would vote for them
Lawyer Peter Stefanovic breaks down Reform's Great Repeal Act: scrapping sick pay rights, legalising fire and rehire, repealing the Equality Act and leaving the ECHR.
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Matt @itsmattagain.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
That wasn't a protest. It was a race riot, organised by extreme right agitators. Why are we giving this linguistic cover.
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Plenty of lightning on the moors between Manchester and Sheffield 07:03 28 May 2026.
Map showing location of live lightning strikes hitting Peak District between 0600 and 0700 on 28 May 2026.  From  Blitzortung.org
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Looks as though "TrumpSpeak" is seeping into the Grauniad newsroom.
Guardian headline reading "UK borrowed bigger than forecast £24.3bn in April as inflation adds to benefits bill" next to picture of Rachel Reeves.
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Normal Island News @normalisland.co.uk · 18/05/2026
People are upset that Andy Burnham won't back electoral reform, but on the plus side, at least he is keeping Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules. That's what you all want, isn't it? ♥️
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
"It would be the ultimate political paradox: Burnham blocked from the leadership not by Starmer’s strength, but by a brand so tarnished under Starmer's watch that even 'safe' seats become unwinnable."
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Council Estate Media @councilestatemedia.uk · 11/05/2026
If a Green candidate called for Jews to be melted down and used to fill pot holes, Keir Starmer would call a Cobra meeting and proscribe the Green Party, but a Reform candidate can say that about Nigerians and silence. This is what we mean when we say there is a racism hierarchy.
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CorrinaLeeB 🇨🇦 @corrina.sheshed.rocks · 01/05/2026
Jimmy Kimmel has outdone himself this time! This pharmaceutical ad about Felon47 is hilarious! 👏👏👏👏👏😂👏👏👏👏👏 #ReZyne #JimmyKimmel
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
I’ve signed this calling for the full Mandelson files, including vetting documents, to be published. Parliament and the public need the full facts, not partial disclosure. Sign here: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/pu...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Publish the Peter Mandelson files
Revelations about the disgraced Lord Peter Mandelson’s relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have rocked Britain. Recent reporting has revealed that Mandelson did not receive approva...
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
A bucolic cartoon image of Snoopy dog, fishing in a stream with bees and flowers behind, and trees and mountains in the background.
Speech bubble reads:-
"I don't want a city on Mars.
I don't want Al in every app. 
I don't want data centers in space. 
I want clean water. 
I want affordable healthcare. 
And I want bees to survive."
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Brilliant insight from Michael Palin. BBC Small Prophets, Episode 3.
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Michael E. Mann @michaelemann.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Whoah. This hits hard: unreplug.com/blog/dear-mi...
unreplug.com
Dr. Mann, We Read Science Under Siege. This Website Is What You're Warning About.
An open letter to Michael Mann. You identified five forces threatening science. AI is the force multiplier. This website is the proof of concept.
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
First Past the Post can no longer deliver real mandates - only chaos. 60% of Brits want it scrapped. Yet the Representation of the People Bill won’t even touch our voting system, which leaves millions unrepresented. Tell Keir Starmer to change this. actionnetwork.org/petitions/th...
actionnetwork.org
The Representation of the People Bill MUST scrap First Past the Post
First Past the Post can no longer deliver real mandates - only chaos. 60% of Brits want it scrapped. Yet the new Representation of the People Bill won’t even touch our rotten voting system, which lea...
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Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
The Trump administration is literally going to kill its supporters, and still they cheer the circus.
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
This is why the UK should also #SayNoToPalantir!
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Dinsdale Piranha @heptaglemious.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Fun fact: Ukraine surrendered its nuclear weapons in return for security guarantees. Since then, Putin has invaded twice and annexed a significant chunk of the country. Even before Trump, American “guarantees” were a debased currency. Now? Worthless. theconversation.com/trump-wants-...
theconversation.com
Trump wants Ukraine to give up the Donbas in return for security guarantees. It could be suicide for Kyiv
Kyiv is being told to give up territory which forms its main barrier preventing Russia from sweeping across Ukraine.
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Richard Murphy @richardjmurphy.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
What to think now of Burnham? www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/01...
taxresearch.org.uk
What to think now of Burnham?
There is talk again that Andy Burnham might return to Westminster. A byelection in Manchester opens the possibility, and if he does, there will be plenty of cynical commentary. Some will say he is si...
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
A collection of important posts on Europe's response to Trump introducing tariffs to scare off any defence of him invading Greenland #TrumpTariffsGreenland 1/
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
A real shame if this photo went viral again today.
Trump and Farage
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Melissa Nadia Viviana 🐸 @resistrebelrevolt.net · 17/01/2026
My other friend from Minnesota just said it makes no sense for ICE to invade Minnesota in winter. Did they not learn about the Battle of Stalingrad? I said: well Trump always wants to copy Hitler and that was Hitler's same fatal mistake. 🤣😂
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Bluesky @bsky.app · 28/06/2023
The post composer now explains the benefit of alt text, which we hope will encourage folks to write alt text. The alt text editor now also shows the image along side the alt text input field.
A screenshot of the post compose screen. There are two thumbnails of natural scenery, and a text field that explains the benefits of alt text: “Alt text describes images for blind and low-vision users, and helps give context to everyone.”A screenshot of the screen to add alt text. An image of a lake with mountains in the background fills the top half of the screen. On the bottom half, there is a text field that prompts users: “Add alt text.”
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psbaker10.bsky.social @psbaker10.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Another fine mess ... bsky.app/profile/just...
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Rudbeckia @rudbeckia.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
uh holy SHIT?
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Dr Farbod @emergencybod.medsky.social · 01/01/2026
🎵 Looks like we made it 🎵 🎶 Oh babe we made it 🎶
Screenshot of a social media post on a dark background. The account name reads “Jane Orrick, M…” with a verified checkmark and a profile photo of a woman in formal attire. The post text states: “All Covid Vaccinated will be dead by December 31, 2025.” Below, a smaller line reads: “*According to United States of America, who lead the charge to kill 95% of the World in 1994, under UN Agenda 2021.” The post is dated January 9.
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Christo @mccustard.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
The Besotted Wretch; bookshop, cafe & welfare rights advice, Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, in January 2016. When the same 2 guys came back to try to rob us a second time we knew we'd probably be better off closing down. We worked more or less for nothing, but have no regrets. It was a dream fulfilled.
Our old bookshop. Sign by street artist Coloquix.
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Christo @mccustard.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Roe deer today in Kirkcolm, North Rhins. She's keeping an eye on me even though we're on opposite sides of the burn.
A deer in a field, chewing some grass while looking in my direction.
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Christo @mccustard.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Today's walk in the December sunshine. 2025 has just 1 day left. May it be a peaceful one.
The Stena ferry leaves Cainryan on its way to Cairnryan.
Calm, smooth water in the loch made it a perfect day to make the trip. Tiny Christmas trees. The wood is full of them. A white cottage is almost hidden by wintry trees. 
There's a wee burn to the bottom right of the picture.
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Cartoon image of Erwin Schrödinger holding a festively wrapped  Christmas parcel with the name tag "Erwin".
Text reads "Christmas morning was always tense at the Schrödingers'"
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Queen of the Nightshades @rabelazy.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
The Labout Party truly is Margaret Thatcher's greatest achievement, as they happy to let hunger strikers die.
thenational.scot
MPs laugh after minister rejects meeting Palestine Action hunger strikers' families
MPs laughed as a minister rejected a request to meet with the families of imprisoned Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers.
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Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts @elliemackinroberts.net · 16/12/2025
Hey, do you all know that there are people in prison in the UK, arrested for connection to Palestine Action, who have been on hunger strike for 45 days. David Lammy refuses to even engage with MPs to discuss the issue. David Lammy has taken over £30k from pro-Israel lobby groups.
theguardian.com
Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers ‘may die without Lammy’s intervention’
Justice secretary criticised for refusing to meet lawyers who say health of their jailed clients is ‘rapidly deteriorating’
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Just Kevin @kevinleecaster.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
World’s largest battery-electric ship is now testing the limits of what megawatt-scale charging and battery storage can do. It will be used to cross the Rio de la Plata estuary, connecting the ports of Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. #EnergySky spectrum.ieee.org/electric-boa...
spectrum.ieee.org
Meet the World’s Largest Battery-Electric Ferry
Can Hull 096's massive battery system redefine maritime electrification?
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John Collins @logicallyjc.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Sounds about right.
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Laura McInerney @missmc.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
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EveryDoctor @everydoctor.org.uk · 24/11/2025
💡Did you know the NHS is about to pay £21bn+ to private companies? 💸 A staggering amount that could have gone straight into hospitals and front-line care — but instead, it’s lining the pockets of private firms. ➡️ everydoctor.org.uk/nhs-trusts-t...
Red and blue graphic that says "PFIs were 70% more expensive. EveryDoctor's new report exposes the lobbying push to bring back PFI. Chancellor Rachel Reeves could revive a financing model once branded a "catastrophic wate of taxpayers' money".
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
First 3 minutes of this video = Oil & gas lobbyists on their way to #COP30
youtu.be
MAN
YouTube video by Steve Cutts
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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
It looks like Google is being nosey and, if you don’t manually turn these setting off, your private messages may be used for AI training behind the scenes. Be warned, we need to control AI before it runs out of control and not create an even larger monster than social media is today.
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
How relevant is this right now
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Dr Steve Taylor @drstevetaylor.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
As a GP, I am not allowed to receive a pen or post-it note pad from a pharmaceutical company rep Govt banned them in case I was influenced to prescribe medications This should also be banned Influence being bought in Govt Patients should influence not the healthy & wealthy
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Marwood @andmarwood.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Blimey, it's quite symbolic. And what tacky crap is he going to replace it with?
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
By moving to the “center,” Democrats have failed to fight the forces that led us to Donald Trump: widening inequality, economic insecurity, and the unchecked political power of corporations and the rich. There is no more "center" anymore, despite what pundits say. Watch.
youtube.com
The Failures of “Centrism”
Robert Reich
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