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Neil

@oakfieldflyer.bsky.social
251 followers 223 following 91 posts
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Towns in England at risk of running out of water until 2027. Over one trillion litres of water a year lost to leaks. No new reservoirs since privatisation. Record customer bills. Polluted rivers. No national planning. No national grid. Crisis deepened by privatisation. archive.ph/0XI5H
inews.co.uk
The UK towns at risk of running out of water until 2027
Extreme dry conditions are set to stay through the winter, experts warn
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Poundland could fall into administration ‘within days’, thousands of jobs at risk. It has been owned multiple times by private equity and never recovered, over £253m debt. Misleading name. Many items priced at more than a Pound. Shoppers didn't return.
independent.co.uk
Poundland could go into administration ‘within days’ risking thousands of jobs
Around 12,000 jobs at 600 stores are said to be at risk at the group that was bought for just £1 in summer of 2025
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
UK Chancellor rejects calls to equalise capital gains and income tax rates. Could have generated £14bn a year. This perk benefits less than 1% of the people, mostly in London and South East England. Workers taxed at higher rates than the wealthy. archive.ph/cGk2B
ft.com
Healey rejects calls to equalise capital gains and income tax rates
UK proposal had been backed by senior Labour figures, triggering nervousness among entrepreneurs and investors
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Trump announces deal to import Russian diesel. Yet he imposed tariffs on China and India for importing fuel from Russia. 3 weeks ago signed law threatening 500% tariffs on India and China. Now facing midterm election defeat ... and Utter bankruptcy of Trump foreign, economic and other policies.
bbc.co.uk
Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky calls it a 'gift to Putin'
Ukraine's president sharply criticised the move, calling it an "investment in war that must be ended, not prolonged".
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Adrian Littlejohn @yorksfella59.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
If the @greenparty.org.uk can run Labour this close, under their new and currently popular Prime Minister, enjoying his temporary 'bounce', what will they be able to do once the novelty wears off? 👍
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Firing squad execution to be livestreamed, Pentagon says. Lost for words at the insanity in Trumpistan, a truly sick dictatorship. Like medieval times, executions offered as a public spectacle in a country that claims to be Christian. What next?
bbc.co.uk
Fort Hood attacker's execution by firing squad will be livestreamed, Pentagon says
Pete Hegseth says the execution will be public, but a legal expert says the "unprecedented" decision is on "uncertain legal terrain".
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💫✨🌟Mare🌟✨💫 @utexas-96.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Asking for a friend
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Previously unseen lobbying shows the oil and gas industry is misleading government on North Sea drilling. For now, it looks like Burnham is listening to them. Only a Green win tomorrow will force them to listen to us. New analysis from Influence Map 👇
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
NHS England waiting list hits 7.33m appointments for 6.21m individuals, rises for the third time in 4 months. Privatisation by stealth. NHS capacity neglected. Thousands suffer. Private sector profiteers. www.oecd.org/en/publicati... Hospital beds per 1,000 population, Comparison 2013 and 2023.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Ofwat appoints Grant Thornton to help improve South East Water performance l £6m wasted. Similar exercise at Thames Water yielded zilch. SEW has £1.7bn debt, can't raise new money, loses 100m litres of water a day to leaks, customers fleeced for decades. End the scam. Nationalise water.
news.sky.com
Ofwat lines up independent monitor for troubled South East Water
The water regulator plans to appoint Grant Thornton to a multimillion-pound contract overseeing the utility's performance and turnaround plan, Sky News learns.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Drax’s planned datacentre to burn 4.9m tonnes of wood to produce its electricity, nearly double the CO2 emissions of all flights from London Gatwick airport. Drax, a highly profitable company gets subsidies to burn wood and produce electricity How many lives will it ruin?
theguardian.com
Drax datacentre could create nearly twice the yearly emissions of all Gatwick flights
Exclusive: Campaign group’s analysis of North Yorkshire plans finds datacentre would have to burn 4.9m tonnes of wood a year
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
England's water infrastructure at breaking point. Large part of water network installed 130-150 years ago. Thames Water infrastructure has average age of 79 years; industry average 56 yrs. 40% of TW assets are 100+ yrs old. Must end privatisation, remove profit motive.
standard.co.uk
MP says London water network is 'at breaking point' with two incidents in a week
London MP Paul Kohler said the two incidents highlighted the poor state of the region's water infrastructure
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Neil @oakfieldflyer.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I just signed to stop killer robots: weapons that attack people with no human in control. No law stops them yet, but we can change that. In November, governments decide whether to start writing one. Public pressure can tip the balance. Sign too: action.wemove.eu/sign/2026-10...
action.wemove.eu
Stop Killer Robots
Share the petition and you'll help multiply the impact of this campaign: Stop Killer Robots
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Burnham scraps Starmer-era plans to curb jury trials. A victory for common sense. The Bill would have been defeated in the Lords. Due to Tory cuts, there is a backlog of over 81,000 Crown Court cases in England & Wales. Govt must invest in public services.
bbc.co.uk
Burnham scraps controversial plans to curb jury trials
The key policy idea announced by David Lammy when he was justice secretary will no longer go ahead.
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Tori Foote @toriatheisttori.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We've won big this year - and our wins have forced the Labour government to change course. But we need far more and urgently. From climate action to an emergency brake on rents - we'll keep the pressure on to bring about the change this country needs. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Greens can move Labour in the right direction, says Zack Polanski
The Green leader tells his autumn conference that a vote for his party can force changes from Andy Burnham.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
US private equity owner of Boots to sell it to a Canadian private equity firm for $9bn (£7bn). NHS prescriptions are a major money makers. Otherwise its prices are high. No UK tax levied on dividends paid by Boots to its foreign owners.
theguardian.com
Boots owner ‘closing in on sale to Canada’s Weston family for $9bn’
Deal would mark return of Canadian family to UK after it sold Selfridges department store for £4bn in 2022
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Andy Burnham announces end of triple-lock on the state pension from 2030. It will be replaced by double-lock, slower growth in state pension. Full state pension is already less than 50%of the minimum wage. Poverty awaits future retirees. £500bn of taxes not collected by HMRC since 2010.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Thames Water: Andy Burnham should nationalise this failed monopoly. The entire water industry has failed. Must be nationalised. It is similar story in the energy sector. Profiteering, low investment. Privatisation has deepened cost of living crisis.
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on Thames Water: Andy Burnham should nationalise this failed monopoly | Editorial
Editorial: Bill payers should not fund another rescue for financiers of the water industry. Public ownership can end the cycle of extraction and failure
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This is in response to several "what the hell are you on about?" replies to a post today. But these are just the latest examples of a widespread determination not to know.
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Sustained economic growth can’t be achieved without a major boost to the purchasing power of the bottom 50% of the UK population. The govt can do so immediately by increasing income tax-free personal allowance by £3,000. All it needs to do is to end subsidies to commercial banks.
leftfootforward.org
This is how the Chancellor can increase the personal allowance and lift millions out of hardship
Sustained economic growth can’t be achieved without a major boost to the purchasing power of the bottom 50% of the population
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Adrian Littlejohn @yorksfella59.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is important. Zack will do a good, conscientious job for the people of Holborn & St Pancras. But equally important, he will have the platform to be a powerful voice for the Green movement, and for genuine socialism. He is the *only* realistic alternative to Labour. @greenparty.org.uk
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Neil @oakfieldflyer.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Worried abiut this country’sdebt crisis? Richard murphy offers a brilliant analysis of whats actually happening with debt and how the rich keep getting richer as a consequence!Britain’s real interest crisis www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/09...
taxresearch.org.uk
Britain’s real interest crisis
Is the UK facing a government debt interest crisis? More than £100 billion a year is now being spent on debt interest, and this is frequently presented as a threat to the government’s finances. In thi...
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Reposted by Neil
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We can win this - but only with your help. linktr.ee/HSP_6thGreenMP
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Tory leader Badenoch registers gift of £8,177 for Murdoch meeting in Greece. Travelling abroad to beg favours from Murdoch. What has she promised him? I wonder how far she has travelled specifically to meet victims of Tory austerity, real wage cuts and people queuing at hospitals and food banks.
bbc.co.uk
Badenoch registers gift of £8,177 for Murdoch meeting
The Murdochs' News Corp company paid for flights and accommodation for the Conservative leader and her husband to travel to Greece.
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Thinktank linked to Reform UK calls for abolition of state pension. Means-testing even though people have paid for it. Proposes abolishing inheritance and capital gains tax; cut corporation tax. Enrich the wealthiest. No means-testing. Chaos and cruelty inevitable.
theguardian.com
Thinktank linked to Reform UK calls for abolition of state pension
‘Radical’ report likely to influence party’s platform also proposes abolishing inheritance and capital gains taxes
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Reposted by Neil
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Vet prescription fees capped at £21 under rule changes. Doesn't deal with the real problems. Control of vet services by private equity, local monopolies. Profiteering High charges for treatment PE has overlapping interest in insurance and pet medicines.
bbc.co.uk
Vet prescription fees to be capped under rule changes
Vets must also tell clients if cheaper medicine is available online as part of the rule updates which surgeries have the coming months to bring in.
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Reposted by Neil
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Labour are worried. They've had the Foreign Secretary, the Chancellor, the Mayor of London & the Prime Minister out in Holborn & St Pancras but we've got you. Hundreds of thousands of you who care & are making a difference! Donate today to help us win: donatetothe.greenparty.org.uk/london-by-el...
donatetothe.greenparty.org.uk
Let's get our sixth Green MP elected - Green Party
We have a chance to elect our 6th MP - London's first Green MP, Zack Polanski! But we raise over £200k by 8 October. Will you help us?
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Large part of the UK press has been on the wrong side of history, fuelling hatred, social divisions, supporting authoritarianism. Their support for the current Blackshirts has a history (see below) as they continue to support the far-right stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8672...
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Guardian joins the campaign to abolish the state pension triple-lock. Portrays it as a old v young, social security v defence spending issue. Silence on corporate welfare, tax perks of the rich, maldistribution of wealth, low govt spend on state pension, how future retirees will survive.
theguardian.com
Britain needs cash and everyone knows we should break the pensions triple lock. Where is the courage? | Gaby Hinsliff
The issue cannot be avoided any longer. Andy Burnham and his chancellor must face the fear of a pensioner backlash, and find a fair solution, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Footage appears to show Danny Tommo slashing an RNLI boat
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Adrian Littlejohn @yorksfella59.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Two words should be enough... Jamal Khashoggi 😢
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Thames Water has long passed its notice period. Labour can use its massive majority to nationalise it right now.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Swathes of UK economy are owned by foreign investors. No tax is deducted from billions paid to them in dividends. USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden have a dividend withholding tax for foreign investors. UK could do the same, generate billions. Why are super-rich privileged?
leftfootforward.org
Here’s how the chancellor can raise the billions needed to improve the quality of life of millions
Prem Sikka is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex and the University of Sheffield, a Labour member of the House of Lords, and Contributing Editor at Left Foot Forward. Mi...
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
HMRC is an unsecured creditor for corporation and capital gains tax. It recovers little from bankrupt businesses. Phoenixing also robs the public purse. HMRC wrote-off £12.8bn in 2025-26. Changes to law and HMRC creditor status can raise billions for the public purse.
leftfootforward.org
Here’s how the chancellor can raise the billions needed to improve the quality of life of millions
Prem Sikka is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex and the University of Sheffield, a Labour member of the House of Lords, and Contributing Editor at Left Foot Forward. Mi...
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Billionaire Brexiteeer and Man United owner says he has lost confidence in the UK. Lives in Monaco to avoid UK taxes, owns several luxury properties. Demands state subsidies, including for building a Man U stadium. Why do billionaires resent people getting decent NHS, social care, public services?
bbc.co.uk
Billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea.
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KimBo @zapperfan7.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
tonymurray1964 You see, Richard, your problem is that Reform is, basically, a bunch of horrible bastards doing horrible bastard things in a conspicuously horrible bastard way. In general, people don't like horrible bastards. I hope that's cleared things up for you Richard, you horrible bastard.
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Why does the BBC have as one of its lead news stories this morning another Britain-hating interview with Jim 'the UK has been colonised by immigrants' Ratcliffe? What public interest is this serving?
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Companies pay employer national insurance (ENI) on director pay. Partners in limited liability partnerships (LLPs) share profit, instead of salary. LLPs don't pay ENI on that. £150k ENI for every £1m of profit shared is avoided. Big four law firms alone avoided paying £4bn. Must end this perk.
leftfootforward.org
Here’s how the chancellor can raise the billions needed to improve the quality of life of millions
Prem Sikka is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex and the University of Sheffield, a Labour member of the House of Lords, and Contributing Editor at Left Foot Forward. Mi...
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
As former Labour minister Tom Watson joins Palantir, please read this devastating exposé by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social & @lucasamin.bsky.social of how the company, with Peter Mandelson's help, wormed its way into the UK government to sell its dire & dangerous products. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Peter Geoghegan and Lucas Amin · ‘This looks absolutely rubbish’: Palantir and the NHS
A decade ago Palantir was largely unknown in the UK. It now holds public contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds...
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
MPs call for emergency legislation for public control of Thames Water, let govt restore it and resell. Hedge funds want to takeover TW, want exemption from penalties for breaking laws. Neither will do. Profit motive is the cause of the crisis. Need public ownership.
theguardian.com
MPs urge ministers to break off Thames Water talks with US hedge funds
Efra committee calls for emergency legislation enabling government to take public control of the company
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Rich owners/editors of FT call for cut to the state pension. Silence on corporate welfare, tax perks of the rich. State pension is less than 50% of the minimum wage. 2m pensioners in poverty. 110,000 a year die in fuel poverty. Low pension today = low pension for future retirees archive.ph/UZ9rn
ft.com
Britain’s unsustainable pensions lock
It would be better to link state retirement benefits to earnings growth
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Patrick - Here for the craic❗️🤷🏼‍♂️😉 @paddyopatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Rupert Lowe-Life is spitting teeth.. ohh he’s mad.. incandescent with rage about the state marking “its own homework” on Covid.. Fun fact — During Covid Lowe’s company took £100,000 in taxpayer funded furlough despite making a massive £7.9 million profit. He wasn’t so angry about that eh❗️
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Eddie Burfi @eddieburfi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Just look at the glee on Nigel Farage’s face as he watches a Piddington resident cry about the overt racism she, her Caribbean heritage husband, and their two children have felt in the village during the referendum. Time and again he’s showing us exactly who he is.
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Zack stood wth a big sign saying green party zack
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The Liberal BoJack @thelibbojack.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
When people say, "Free Palestine," they are against indiscriminate killings of citizens and children in an attempt to exterminate them, which is called genocide. It is not saying "I hate Jewish people." Hope this helps. Post Anything Here: InteractInk.com
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Energy portfolios of 20 private equity firms produce 1.5bn tons of greenhouse gases a year, more than the annual emissions of any country except China, the US, India and Russia. Companies don't bear the social cost of profits. It is dumped on the people. Killing us and the planet.
theguardian.com
World’s top 20 private equity firms produce more greenhouse gases a year than most countries, report finds
Firms manage $7.3tn in assets and could afford to transition away from fossil fuels yet invest in natural gas and coal-fired plants to power datacenters
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BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Amount a pensioner receives in the UK is the lowest in Europe, just 2/3rds of France and barely 50% of Italy who are considered a 'poorer' country. Why is our pension 'unaffordable' when it is so low, and where is all our money actually going?
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Dcmfox @dcmfox.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I will post this again for context. The difference between a billion and a million dollars
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