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Josh Matthews 🔶

@josh-matthews.bsky.social
208 followers 272 following 207 posts

Liberal Democrat in Lewisham 🔶 Founder of Critical Mass for Sustainability 🌍 Ex City Councillor, Parliamentary candidate, and chemical engineer (he/him)

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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 13h
Interesting outline of the balance between 1. numbers, reason, categories, and trying to establish a “collective" good vs 2. keeping sight of the individual and creating a platform for everyone to flourish and live their own version of best lives www.economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com
Effective altruism is this century’s biggest idea
The movement is admirable, but dangerous
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
An internally conflicting analysis and argument. Even if the numbers stack up - which a light factcheck suggests they might well do - how do we balance the overlapping spheres of influence here? 1/2 worksinprogress.co/issue/just-b...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I'm glad to see this case for a forward-looking justice system. That doesn't mean ignoring the past. It doesn't de-prioritise victims. It doesn't excuse. It does mean a system that understands and asks what is best moving forward. Not revenge. theconversation.com/why-criminal...
theconversation.com
Why criminal justice shouldn’t just be about what punishment people ‘deserve’
Attempts to understand why people offend can clash with deeply-held ideas about responsibility and what punishment someone deserves.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
If the Jackdaw gas field is going to be approved, we should sound frustrated. Not enthusiastic My second speech to the Liberal Democrat conference urged anyone with a platform to be careful with their credibility and trust when communicating decisions like these
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Great to see clarity building around the positive tipping points that the climate and sustainability emergency need us to hit theconversation.com/earthshot-an...
theconversation.com
Earthshot and the science of positive tipping points: how environmental progress can become unstoppable
Change happens rapidly when we know where to look: these solutions could tip the world towards a better future.
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Reposted by Josh Matthews 🔶
Grimond Society @grimondsociety.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A massive thank you to Josh for flying the flag for the Grimond Society at Conference! He articulated the need for a new economic vision based on empowering individuals to be apart of the services they use and help shape. #coops #economicdemocracy
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🇪🇺 EmpCo (the EU's empowering consumers for the green transition directive) is creating a swirling set of stories, data, and activity Personally I'm looking forward to hopefully not needing a PhD to make an informed but quick judgement over the most sustainable choice... 1/4 @greenlibdems.org.uk
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If we want to be the “party of business” we have to be the party of all kinds of businesses. And their people My speech to the @libdems.org.uk conference on coops, social enterprises, and worker representation @grimondsociety.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Publicly funding parties might be too much for our current political climate But properly resourcing MPs and Councillors to hire teams that allow them TO DO THEIR JOB of scrutinizing policy and helping residents with their issues... surely? www.economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com
There is too little money in British politics, not too much
Parties come to office hopelessly unprepared
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A good step. But we still need transition planning embedded in law for the largest companies and financial institutions that govern how industries and systems function. www.esgtoday.com/germany-laun...
esgtoday.com
Germany Releases Roadmap to End Use of Fossil Fuels by 2045 - ESG Today
The government of Germany announced the release of its “Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels,” setting out the country’s strategy to end the use of coal, oil and natural gas by 2045 at the...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The first photo I took at conference summed it up in the end @pippaheylings.bsky.social and David Howarth capturing the mix of excitement, energy, but also deep problem solving that still needs to happen if we’re to have a chance at fixing politics for everyone @socialliberalforum.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Full article and link to Project Slingshot here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/britis... projectslingshot.com
linkedin.com
Are British pigs killed in gas chambers?
What the industry really means when it talks about humane slaughter. Currently around 90% of pigs in the UK are slaughtered in gas chambers filled with carbon dioxide (CO2).
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
All I could imagine while reading this was our puppy, Honey, in the same situation. It's a distressing but important read If you want to help us bang the door down in campaigns and policy leading up to the next election and possible coalition... let me know Article below
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Always great to make a contribution to the British political debate. Thank you @politicshome.bsky.social For the avoidance of confusion "it" would be the state of politics, our economic system, and natural world There really is no need for it to be this sh*t. www.politicshome.com/news/article...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Chasing a pro fossil fuel vote is ludicrous. What we're seeing is a natural reaction from an old system that sees positive tipping points cementing its own transition. We can't afford to feed that reaction with a transition that hurts the least advantaged www.e3g.org/news/new-bus...
e3g.org
New polling shows overwhelming global business support for clean electrification amid fossil fuel volatility
A landmark global survey of business executives across 18 countries shows overwhelming support for a rapid transition to electrified economies run predominantly on renewables-based electricity.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
What seems like the politically easy option is usually masking a risk to your entire credibility and trust on the environment. For little or zero gain. Please if you have the platform… do not play fast and loose with that reputation.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We have to hold our ground as THE climate and environmental party of the UK in the face of a deafening lack of leadership and ambition to go after REAL systems change @greenlibdems.org.uk
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Worth the early start to coffee and convene with the climate and nature contingent @greenlibdems.org.uk @ldnc-uk.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Flying a flag for coops, social enterprises, the @grimondsociety.bsky.social and broader worker representation Full speech to come soon
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Somewhere in between rage bait and a strategic plug for oil and gas, there's this... www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Terrific report by @rozsavage.bsky.social and @compassoffice.bsky.social for what an unapologetically progressive liberal Britain could look like
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
As ever, holding on to the positive directions - even if they're largely happening under the surface - that different angles to the climate and sustainability emergency are still taking www.esgtoday.com/sustainable-...
esgtoday.com
Sustainable Funds Outperform, Hit Record AUM in H1 2026: Morgan Stanley - ESG Today
Sustainable investment funds outperformed their traditional fund peers in the first half of 2026, with stronger performance in every major region, according to a new report* from the Morgan Stanley In...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Incredible numbers. Only 6% and 9% of eligible water and broadband customers on social tariffs. And barely a third are aware of the potential support. A major failure of communication and proactively reaching out to the people who need the most help. committees.parliament.uk/committee/12...
committees.parliament.uk
Water, energy and broadband regulators fail to do enough for vulnerable people - Committees - UK Parliament
Water, energy and broadband regulators should do more to fulfil their critical role in supporting consumers struggling to afford their bills. In a new report, following an inquiry informed by evidence...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
At @libdems.org.uk conference this weekend there will be a lot of discussion about purpose, brand, and how to best get our values across I've written my latest @libdemvoice.org article as part of that ongoing conversation www.libdemvoice.org/the-liberali...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A double-edged reminder of 1. the momentum that the energy transition has 2. the immense amount of work still needed Full @iea.org update here www.iea.org/reports/elec... @greenlibdems.org.uk @earlrussell.bsky.social @pippaheylings.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
How about we properly resource governments (at all levels) with the support that doesn't result in these ridiculous situations that damage all of us through overwhelmed governments - and reinforcing hustle culture www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
bbc.co.uk
Could you run a country on just three hours of sleep? Japan's PM says she does
Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi says she survives on zero to three hours a night, and people are reacting.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
As Andy Burnham takes over, and attention moves closer to the next general election, it’s time for the new economy movement to get itself manifesto ready @greenlibdems.org.uk @socialliberalforum.bsky.social criticalmass-sustainability.com/2026/07/20/n...
criticalmass-sustainability.com
New economics must get “manifesto ready”
Too often, still, new economics focuses on the what rather than the how. We continue to lack clear step-by-step transition plans that can redesign economies to focus on the wellbeing of people and …
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Can we not have more than one day of optimism, seriously? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
👏 Get 👏 Ahead 👏 Of 👏 Tipping 👏 Points 👏 It's so difficult to predict when real systems change will happen. But every individual, team, or organization can get ahead. More here on past and future tipping points: criticalmass-sustainability.com/2025/07/14/b... Full Trellis article below 👇
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The encouraging trajectory of battery storage. For anyone in need of the data and illustrations that energy security through fossil fuel expansion is a losing argument... Whether on economic, stability, environmental, technology, or any other grounds. www.iea.org/commentaries...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A good summary of where we are in decarbonizing the UK and playing the broader role sustainability needs us to across the environment, society, and economy globally. @greenlibdems.org.uk @earlrussell.bsky.social @pippaheylings.bsky.social 1/4 www.theccc.org.uk/publication/...
theccc.org.uk
Progress in reducing emissions 2026 report to Parliament - Climate Change Committee
Presented to Parliament pursuant to Section 36 (1) of the Climate Change Act 2008. This report was laid…
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Good to see more focus on transition planning across climate and environmental standards. Systems are changing but often under the surface and certainly not at the speed or scale required. 1/2 @greenlibdems.org.uk trellis.net/article/isos...
trellis.net
ISO's new net-zero standard: What to know
ISO’s net-zero recommendations define governance paths for development, implementation and disclosure.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
1. We're going to end up with a universal basic income (UBI) through one of two routes 2. It's time to change the "safety net" framing 1/3 @greenlibdems.org.uk @socialliberalforum.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Will this be one of the most important reports of the century? Only if we get the roadmap right. I’ve recently outlined a possible plan to a UK wellbeing economy: www.libdemvoice.org/a-uk-wellbei... @greenlibdems.org.uk @socialliberalforum.bsky.social
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Predictive maintenance for potholes! Essential reading for all new and old councillors this morning at £4.20 saved per £1 spent 🌟 theconversation.com/why-politici...
theconversation.com
Why politicians can’t fix potholes permanently
Road condition is the top issue for many voters in local elections – but simply filling potholes does not add life to roads.
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Reposted by Josh Matthews 🔶
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 07/05/2026
Get vote ready! 🕙Polls are open until 10pm tonight - Thursday 7th May 🪪You need photo ID to vote in person - electoralcommission.org.uk/voterid 🗳️Check your polling station location: libdems.org.uk/where ✉️You can take a postal vote back to a local polling station.
Graphic with a dark blue background and turquoise border titled “HOW TO VOTE LIB DEM TODAY” in large turquoise and orange text. The graphic lists key voting information alongside icons:

• Orange clock icon: “Polls are open 7am - 10pm, Thursday 7th May”
• Red cross icon: “You do not need to bring your polling card with you to vote.”
• ID card icon: “You do need to bring valid photo ID with you to vote.”
• Orange location pin icon: “You must vote at your assigned polling station.”
• Orange envelope icon: “You can return your postal vote to a polling station.”

At the bottom is a “Vote Lib Dem by 10pm” logo.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
We keep hearing appreciation that Lewisham Lib Dems are there for Catford South all year - not just during election week 🔶 No matter who you vote for - previously or this Thursday - we’ll always knock on your door to ask “how are you? And what can we help with?” 🧡
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Five days to go 🗳️🌞 Lewisham Council may look very different next week 🔶 We’ll keep pushing as the positive, effective opposition right up until polls close on Thursday… and then beyond that 🧡
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Wonderful day to appreciate the shaded side of the street 🔶🌞 And find more and more lifelong Labour supporters putting their trust in the Lewisham @libdems.org.uk to be a positive, effective opposition for Catford South 🧡
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Great to hear @rozsavage.bsky.social championing a wellbeing economy and how deeply aligned with liberal and Lib Dem values it is. We are at our best, as Liberal Democrats, when we have radical vision, challenge the status quo, AND have the plan to match. 1/3 www.libdemvoice.org/what-is-the-...
libdemvoice.org
What is the economy for? Liberalism already knows the answer
What is the economy for? It’s a simple question. But how we answer it underpins everything else in politics. We created the economy to serve us – to make life easier, safer, better. It is a human syst...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Beautiful windy day in Forster Park as we approach the one week to go mark 🔶🗳️ Catford South and Lewisham are counting down to a better politics. A genuine, positive, and effective opposition 🧡
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
@libdems.org.uk will always be there for anyone renting - and push for systemic reforms to the whole housing market Whether it's the Act itself, licensing, abolishing leasehold, building genuinely affordable housing, making sure council tenants can access the council, or beyond...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
It's becoming harder and harder to keep media and political attention on what should be national scandals like these. Scandals that have proven solutions locally and nationally. Solutions that will hopefully come through in next week's Council, Welsh, and Scottish elections.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Sun cream on and posters up in Catford South 🔶🌞 Postal votes are being completed and the days are counting down until May 7th and the chance for a positive, effective alternative in Lewisham 🧡
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
With less than two weeks until polling day the postal votes are already building up in Catford South 🧡🌞
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
With two weeks to go until polling day, here's a reminder of the full Lewisham Lib Dem plan, survey, and information about how you can get involved 🧡 www.lewishamlibdems.org.uk/josh
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Full thoughts and @cprelondon.bsky.social debate recording on the 10 More Natural Capital Coalition pledges here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rvu...
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Fantastic day for an (iced!) coffee stop at Abbotshall Community Centre in between speaking to postal voters 🧡🌞
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Better than nothing. But too little and late. We need a complete redesign of electricity pricing to leverage the sheer economics of renewable energy. For genuine energy security, affordability, and sustainability. @greenlibdems.org.uk @earlrussell.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Electricity bills targeted in planned shakeup to energy pricing
The war in the Middle East has brought renewed attention to Britain's vulnerability to energy price shocks.
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Josh Matthews 🔶 @josh-matthews.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Thank you @hinabokharild.bsky.social for joining us in Catford South to hear from our teams and neighbours about speeding, collisions, busses, vibrations and cracks to houses… and more! 🔶 We’ll keep working across different levels of government to help City Hall deliver for everyone 🧡
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