Sign in

petermnorman.bsky.social

@petermnorman.bsky.social
67 followers 11 following 593 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 13h
This strikes me as a rehash of their last election manifesto promising tax cuts with no idea where the money is coming from. Badenoch says they’ll cut the welfare bill by £72bn, well they were in Government just over 2 years ago and weren’t able to find the savings then www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Kemi Badenoch says Tories would scrap inheritance tax on family homes
Kemi Badenoch also used her conference speech to brand Reform a “circus”, as she ruled out an election deal with the party.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
It would appear climate change and our need to adapt to it and try to halt rising temperatures is a myth to Tories. To abandon regulations to equip houses to our changing world, to make them cheaper is the short termism that has got us into this mess in the first place www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andrew Griffith to unveil Tory plans to cut taxes and regulations
Shadow ministers will unveil a series of policies on day two of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.
010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I am not a great fan of Natural England, in my dealings with them they were totally ineffectual in protecting ancient woodlands in the face of development, but scrapping these bodies to deregulate is going backwards not looking forward as the Tories proclaimed www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tories to pledge to scrap Environment Agency and Natural England
Shadow chancellor will also promise to scrap affordable homes regulations as part of strategy to refocus on growth
010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Great that Manchester has yet another station, but what about the South West? West Devon deserves attention, it’s connectivity to the rest of the country is v poor. Let’s get one of the two train lines that used to serve Tavistock and mid Cornwall re-opened www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Train station returning to Cheadle after more than 100 years
Cheadle in Stockport has been without a train station since its original hub closed in 1917.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Tories commitment to the triple lock pension proves they are still not equipped to return to Government, it is as irresponsible as their last election manifesto when they knew the dire straits they were leaving govt finances and the economy in www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Tories committed to pension triple lock, deputy leader says
Alex Bughart says pensioners are a 'special case' as there is nothing they can do to increase their income.
130
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Trump’s tearing up of the international order is causing fractures within the EU. Hard to see who benefits from this other than Russia and China. It’s almost as if Trump is acting as Russia’s most potent agent. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Spain and China are cosying up - to the anger of many in the EU
Amid global tumult, the two countries' alliance is not the only unlikely pairing.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Much of Burnham’s speech is to be commended given how hamstrung he is by the Election manifesto he inherited. And he has shown balls in signalling the end of the pension triple lock, which his opponents predictably seized upon. It is unsustainable as most voters know. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham pledges pension triple lock changes to fund care reforms
The PM was at times emotional during his conference speech in which he outlined his long-term plan for the UK.
201
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I watch this and while I marvel at the engineering ingenuity can’t help wondering at the environmental impact of the heat, fuel pollution and explosion on the Pacific Ocean and its marine ecosystem www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
bbc.co.uk
From launch to fiery splashdown, SpaceX's Starship completes orbit test
A thunderous lift off, rapid satellite deployments and a fiery ending. That's how SpaceX's 14th launch of its Starship rocket panned out today.
001
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It would be great if football had come so far to allow drinking at games. But the tribalism of fans that doesn’t exist in other sports makes this a wrongheaded proposal www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham brands ban on football fans drinking alcohol in stands as 'discrimination'
The prime minister opposes the law - in place since 1985 - and believes there is a case to remove it.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Surely this can’t come as a surprise. It never ceases to amaze me re the arrogance of our species to assume we are the only ones able to exploit nature’s bounty. One for Bible worshippers to ponder on Elephants use medicinal plants to treat themselves, researchers find www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Elephants treat themselves with medicinal plants, witnesses say
African elephants use dozens of different medicinal plants to treat themselves and their families when they are sick, research reveals.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
At what point do we say enough? Russia needs to be told that any further violations of NATO’s airspace and hybrid attacks on NATO members facilities will be taken as an act of war and that NATO will respond accordingly It’s the only language Putin understands www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Poland says fire at Starlink station is sabotage as Denmark warns of rising Russian threat
The satellite station is used in part to provide internet coverage to neighbouring Ukraine, the government says.
110
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Wouldn’t it be great if the world’s press could unite around the issue of freedom of speech and boycott reporting anything put out on Truth Social until the press corp is reinstated? Trump escalates media fight after week of setbacks www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Trump ramps up feud with press after week of setbacks
An embattled Trump has injected his fight with the news media with new acrimony, writes the BBC's Anthony Zurcher.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Ratcliffe is wrong, it is not the politics of envy that is driving the call to tax the wealthiest more but the economics of common sense. If wealth is accumulated into the hands of the few who is going to spend it to drive the economy forward? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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.
020
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Trump is paving a very dangerous road that fundamentally undermines democracy and leads directly to autocracy. This move needs to be fought tooth and nail in the American courts and Republicans should stand beside their adversaries in opposing Trump’s directive www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
CNN, MS NOW and Politico say reporters denied White House access after Trump banned some media outlets
CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters' White House press badges were confiscated, the outlets reported.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Paying 3rd parties in order to report and pay my tax to HMRC has been a major irritant to me. If HMRC want us to file digitally then they should provide the software to do it or provide an alternative (eg paper filing) that is free. If you agree please sign and share this petition c.org/85T46JrLWP
c.org
Sign the Petition
Stop The Software Tax
001
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This won’t endear him any further with a certain narcissist who currently resides in the White House
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Well I guess we should see some rowing records broken in Brisbane. May be introduce some lions on the running tracks as well!! River home to 500 crocodiles chosen as Olympic rowing venue www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympi...
bbc.co.uk
River that is home to 500 crocodiles chosen to host 2032 Olympic rowing and canoe events
A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles is given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is why political donations need to be limited to a level most people can afford so that they don’t buy you access to government denied to the majority of us. #DemocracyIsVoteEquality www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Labour holds No 10 drinks party for donors amid growing calls for donations cap
Labour has also increased fundraising from members in response to Reform’s £72m donations from crypto billionaires
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Let’s face it when it comes to the Trump family only one thing matters: how do they further their interests and feather their nests. US International policy is bent towards delivering on this overriding principle www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Trump say Putin ally paid for some wedding festivities as a 'gift'
An Instagram post from the couple said two nights of their wedding festivities in the Bahamas were partially funded by Umar Kremlev.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In light of alarmist calls about AI developing beyond the confines of its creators this is a truely terrifying development. So much investment being made into blowing the hell out of each other whilst the impending disaster of climate change is largely ignored. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
US confirms for first time it has deployed space weapons
The US Air Force Secretary says the weapons are necessary to defend the country against enemy action.
010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
There is a strong argument that as long as we are dependent on gas then taking more from fields off our shores is environmentally sounder than importing liquified gas from the US and Middle East. However the argument does not hold up in the case of oil www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK could 'unlock' 100 more oil and gas projects, say North Sea bosses
The UK could supply half of its oil and gas needs without imports if the government showed more support for the sector, an OEUK report claims.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
If we are to have equality in our democracy where every vote carries equal weight, then we need to limit donations to a level every voter can afford which I would start at £100. This cap should apply whether to an individual or organisation including trade unions www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Unions to intervene on political funding as TUC chief warns ‘super-rich’ threaten democracy
UK general secretaries had been split on issue but sources say they are likely to back strong words calling for action
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The issue is not whether these mega donations are within UK law as it stands but what it says about our democracy. If I seek representation from my MP who are they going to listen to more intently me or someone who has just put £36m in their coffers? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform's £72m donations 'entirely in line with law', Jenrick says
The government is trying to change the law on donations to UK political parties from British expats.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Perhaps Reform are building up a war chest so that they can offer every voter a dividend should they win the election? Unprecedented? This is a party that parrots Trump but with a bunch of acolytes that have proven they are unfit for office to an even greater degree than Trumps cronies.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
This is grim news for our democracy, two crypto billionaires based overseas believe they can buy their way into government. They don’t expect anything in return for their £72m but just take a look at Reforms policies for crypto in our country www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record
Cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne says he has matched a donation from Ben Delo announced late on Friday.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Political parties should earn their wings by going out to the people to garner their support for their ideas. Political donations should be capped at no more than £100 from any one individual or organisation so that everyone is on the same level in buying influence. Reform is not a people’s party
001
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Make no mistake, Reform will shake things up if they ever get to govern but not in the way their supporters may hope. Self interests will be at the top of the agenda not least for their donors. This level of buying a party has to end if our democracy is to survive www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Ben Delo: Reform receives record £36m donation from cryptocurrency billionaire
Ben Delo's donation, the biggest single sum ever given to a political party in the UK, comes amid scrutiny of Reform's finances.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Do any of the world governing bodies think about the environmental costs in their proposals? A World Cup requiring flights across a continent is bad enough, but taking the six nations across the pond? www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
bbc.co.uk
Six Nations: World Rugby offers to help switch fixture to USA
World Rugby would help any nation which wants to switch a Six Nations match to the United States as it continues its drive to spread the game stateside.
120
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Farage claims the existing two party system operates against the “new kids on the block”. Reinventing yourself every four years to remain relevant does not make you a new kid. Farage has been around far far longer than any of the current main party leaders www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform up against 'complainants' society', Nigel Farage tells BBC
The Reform UK leader said a "whole ecosystem" didn't want "new kids on the block succeeding".
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
We should all send a message to Google, Apple and any other map app that if they rename Lake Ontario or the Gulf of Mexico we’ll simply stop using them. Don’t let them pander to Trump’s nationalistic narcissism www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Apple Maps renames Lake Ontario as Lake America after Trump order
The iPhone maker follows rival technology giant Google in relabelling the Great Lake.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
If we don’t respond with sanctions but instead give way to threats then our standing in the international community will be even more compromised. Israel cannot be allowed to continue as a religious extremist state Israel warns it will retaliate if UK imposes sanctions www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Israel warns it will retaliate if UK imposes sanctions
The UK's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pledged on Tuesday to introduce a "comprehensive reset" of policy on Israel.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Not one word on the need to cut carbon emissions in this latest Trump colonisation Trump hails 'historic' deal for US to control 65bn barrels of Venezuela's oil www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Trump hails 'historic' deal for US to control 65bn barrels of Venezuela's oil
Venezuelan interim president says the unusual agreement will help revive her country's economy.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
This just adds to Zach Polanski’s argument for a temporary halt to the roll out of data centres. We cannot blindly continue to allow these to be built when we don’t know where the water’s coming from to cool them www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The race to stop England running out of water
Who is to blame for the summer drought, and can England future-proof its water supplies?
177
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Zach Polanski is absolutely right: there needs to be a moratorium on the building of these vast datacentres. Where they are being used for research and national security I have no problem, but dealing with trivia, manipulating images? The bulk of us have no need www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Greens call for temporary ban on new data centres
Zack Polanski wants stricter rules to limit the use of water and energy by data centres for AI.
142
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
What will Trump’s legacy be? It’s hard to believe that his renaming bodies of water or plastering his name over national monuments will last beyond his presidency, and I pity his successor who will have to contend with his gawdy taste in gold bling www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America
Canada has rejected the new name of the lake, which straddles both countries, as their row deepens.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Did anyone understand Marina Hyde’s opinion piece in @theguardian.com this weekend? It was either being vitriolic about the Sussexes or about the media obsession with the latter in which case she is a contributor. Left me confused.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Maybe I’m atypical of the British public but what is it with this media obsession? A couple fly into Britain, why is that a story? Just let them get on with their lives Prince Harry and Meghan land in UK days after announcing move www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Prince Harry and Meghan land in UK days after announcing move
Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children are believed to have flown into the country privately from California.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Condemnation of Israel’s continued settlement of the West Bank is simply not enough. The countries need to take meaningful measures or accept Israel will continue to give world opinion the finger. Barring commercial contracts to Israelis firms would be a start www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada condemn Israel's West Bank settlement project
European countries and Canada pile on pressure over Israel's plans to expand settlements in a strategically vital part of the occupied West Bank.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Raiding big companies profits doesn’t solve the underlying issues facing many small businesses. Exorbitant business rates need to be scrapped and replaced with a tiered sales tax so that everyone whether on the high street or online can compete on an equal footing. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Greens call for windfall tax on big banks' profits to support small business
Zack Polanski says profits over £800m should be taxed to cut tax bills for a million smaller companies.
020
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
With everything that is going on in the world is this really the BBC’s lead story? Harry and Meghan's security arrangements a private matter, PM says www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Prince Harry and Meghan's UK security a private matter, Burnham says
The prime minister also wishes the Duke and Duchess well after it emerged they are returning to the UK.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Something wrong with this story, Leeds United don’t feature once. Save this post for the end of the season when we’ll see if someone who’s indifferent to football outperforms the pundits who aren’t www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Premier League predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four
We ask 26 BBC Sport football pundits to predict who will win the 2026-27 Premier League title, and which clubs will finish in the top four.
010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
You put a man who has overseen a number of bankruptcies in his businesses and uses the Office as a personal enrichment facility for him and his family, then what do you expect? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The man’s clearly deranged and needs to be impeached Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it 'gets in the way' over Iran deal www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it 'gets in the way' over Iran deal
Trump's threat on Oman, which has been holding its own talks with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, comes as a 60-day window for peace negotiations expires.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
If more evidence is needed that Trump is unfit to govern his preposterous stance over the Koreas takes some beating. He is in a humph with S Korea for not supporting his illegal war against Iran, whilst cozying up to N Korea who are also not supporting his war in Iran but are supporting Russia.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Disappointing that the people of Clacton did not take the opportunity to prick the hubris of this man and that more people voted for him than in the GE. But it remains farcical and Farage is at least consistent in not turning up to Clacton for the result www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Farage wins Clacton by-election but avoids result declaration
The Reform UK leader wins with 63% of the vote in a contest boycotted by the other major parties.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Israel needs to do far more to crack down on extreme settlers who are making West Bank Palestinians lives a living hell. If they continue to turn a blind eye then they are operating as a rogue nation state and should be sanctioned accordingly. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
More troops to be sent to West Bank village besieged by Israeli settlers
Two Palestinian families in the village of Qusra say they have been trapped in their homes, with water and power cut off, since Sunday.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Come on people of Clacton, you can do better than 1 in 5 supporting Count Binface. This by-election could be as seismic as Makerfield. Get out and vote and let Farage emigrate to America where Trump welcomes losers with open arms. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Clacton by-election polls: Could Count Binface deliver a huge upset to Nigel Farage?
Two thirds of people in Clacton said they would vote for Nigel Farage if the by-election was held tomorrow
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
My concern is not Trump’s continued attempts to undermine the democratic process when it turns against him, but rather he is trailblazing a path for someone who has brains and competence to become an autocrat in America. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
usatoday.com
Trump doesn't dismiss declaring national emergency to restrict voting
"Stranger things have happened," Trump said when an interviewer suggested he declare a national emergency to take executive action on voting.
000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I am not against the shooting of birds for the table, but where they are bred specifically for shooting it is a problem. Devastating for biodiversity where birds are bred and released, devastating on peatlands drained to enable shooting and devastating on raptors such as hen harriers that are 1/2
100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Glad to see Burnham rising to the challenge of treating the current heatwave as an emergency. Presumably after consideration the ban will come into effect sometime in September!! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham says disposable BBQ ban under consideration
The PM said the public should not be using single-use grills "at this moment in time" amid wildfire risks.
000