petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 1hbut to argue that there should not be a state of Israel is wrong and The Greens need to urgently address this 2/2 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 1hTo condemn the actions of the Israelis govt in Gaza and the West Bank is one thing and there is nothing wrong in calling for a Palestinian state in a unified territory with access to the sea 1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukGreens investigate party member behind Zionism motionIt has emerged Lubna Speitan was listed in court documents as a "close friend" of a man later jailed for supporting al-Qaeda. 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 1hto separate rainwater from sewage so that there are no excuses for our waterways to be continually polluted. If the water companies can’t make that level of investment then the government should step in. 2/2 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 1hReporting sewage spills is all very well but what really needs to happen is to stop them altogether. SWW reported 1380 dry spills lasting 12,567 hours in spite of only being permitted to discharge during extreme wet weather. It needs to stop and investment made 1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukSouth West Water sewage spills not recorded on time, report saysCampaign group claims South West Water failed to report more than 3,000 sewage discharges on time. 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20hThis 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.ukKemi Badenoch says Tories would scrap inheritance tax on family homesKemi 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 · 05/10/2026Could be theyyjust not v good at maths! 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Ed Sheeran had his feet put to the coals for trying to be apolitical when his support act went political. If he is being held to account surely as a member of the Green Party you can’t simply shrug your shoulders and say it ain’t me gov? 210
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026It 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.ukAndrew Griffith to unveil Tory plans to cut taxes and regulationsShadow ministers will unveil a series of policies on day two of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026I 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.comTories to pledge to scrap Environment Agency and Natural EnglandShadow chancellor will also promise to scrap affordable homes regulations as part of strategy to refocus on growth 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Great 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.ukTrain station returning to Cheadle after more than 100 yearsCheadle in Stockport has been without a train station since its original hub closed in 1917. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 03/10/2026I think Burnham has got this right, floating the idea as a potential policy option to see how it plays out. I agree that rejoining would be a great prize but I think we are probably another lost decade away before it can be seriously considered with Reform seen as the busted flush that they are. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Too many new developments are being put up without the requisite infrastructure. A major development outside Plymouth is now plaguing areas of the City with foul odours because the sewage plant can’t cope. 5,000 homes with no new treatment works just an “upgrade” to the existing plants. 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 03/10/2026I’m with you on Airbnb, although at least the owners are making their properties work rather than lying empty as is the case with too many second home owners. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 03/10/2026There is a shortage of properties to rent in our area, what are people who are not in a position to buy supposed to do? On the continent renting properties is the norm it’s only here we have this obsession with owning a property, kick started by Thatcher - another of her fine legacies. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Much harder if you tear up the manifesto on which your party was reputedly elected on!! 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Indeed as can property as anyone who lived through the 90s can tell you. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Or indeed for not calling on the taxpayer to subsidise my private pension? 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Whose being a saint? I simply chose not to invest in a pension where I have no control over how my money is used, to instead invest in property which is mutually beneficial to me and my tenants. What’s the problem with that and why should I be penalised for not investing in the arms industry or AI? 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Do you mean living off the capital you’ve built up? I think that is the road to destitution if you live a long life. And young people need to be able to rent, I did when I first started working life 101
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026The 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.ukTories committed to pension triple lock, deputy leader saysAlex 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 · 02/10/2026I think you’ll find the bad eggs are a small minority and they can be weeded out by having a licensing scheme for landlords. Rent controls in the 1970s just meant properties were not kept up to scratch. It’s not a sensible way to go 030
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Polanski needs to learn that Private Landlords are not the devil incarnate. Many like myself have chosen to invest their retirement savings in providing homes for young people as opposed to holding them in pension funds that happily invest in firms that arm tyrants around the world 440
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026At least he has a vision and direction of travel. Like it or not he is the first PM to offer us this in many many years 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026If he tears up Labour’s foolish manifesto then he would find it hard to resist calls to hold a general election now. Can’t see that being in anyone’s interests other than Reform 100
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Trump’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.ukSpain and China are cosying up - to the anger of many in the EUAmid global tumult, the two countries' alliance is not the only unlikely pairing. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Much 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.ukAndy Burnham pledges pension triple lock changes to fund care reformsThe 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 · 28/09/2026Are you saying that the individuals that Trump has been watching for some time can’t be terrorists because they’ve been released on bail? Are you saying the President is a fool? 030
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026I 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.ukFrom launch to fiery splashdown, SpaceX's Starship completes orbit testA 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 · 24/09/2026It 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.ukBurnham 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 · 24/09/2026Surely 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.ukElephants treat themselves with medicinal plants, witnesses sayAfrican 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 · 24/09/2026At 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.ukPoland says fire at Starlink station is sabotage as Denmark warns of rising Russian threatThe satellite station is used in part to provide internet coverage to neighbouring Ukraine, the government says. 110
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Without seeing the full chart I find this a little surprising. Not that the UK is more corrupt than 20 years ago, it undoubtedly is, but that the US under Trump hasn’t seen a far greater percentage drop in the corruption index. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Wouldn’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.ukTrump ramps up feud with press after week of setbacksAn 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 · 19/09/2026Ratcliffe 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.ukBillionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UKIneos 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 · 19/09/2026Trump 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.ukCNN, MS NOW and Politico say reporters denied White House access after Trump banned some media outletsCNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters' White House press badges were confiscated, the outlets reported. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Paying 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/85T46JrLWPc.orgSign the PetitionStop The Software Tax 001
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026This won’t endear him any further with a certain narcissist who currently resides in the White House 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The Guardian is just as bad with Marina Hyde unable to get enough of the tittle tattle. It use to be a refuge from the endless focus on royal doings. As you say there are far more important things in the world that should be grabbing our attention 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Well 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.ukRiver that is home to 500 crocodiles chosen to host 2032 Olympic rowing and canoe eventsA 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 · 16/09/2026These donations were made in clear knowledge that the Government has already introduced legislation that would kick off from 25th March. As such can this really be classified as retrospective legislation? It makes it a potential PR coup for Reform but they did this with their eyes wide open. 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Bizarre that Canada is being offered this whilst we continue to shun closer ties with the EU despite repeated polls showing that the majority of Britains view Brexit as a mistake. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026This 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.comLabour holds No 10 drinks party for donors amid growing calls for donations capLabour has also increased fundraising from members in response to Reform’s £72m donations from crypto billionaires 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Let’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.ukDonald 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 · 15/09/2026In 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.ukUS confirms for first time it has deployed space weaponsThe US Air Force Secretary says the weapons are necessary to defend the country against enemy action. 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026There 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.ukUK could 'unlock' 100 more oil and gas projects, say North Sea bossesThe 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 · 14/09/2026If 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.comUnions to intervene on political funding as TUC chief warns ‘super-rich’ threaten democracyUK 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 · 14/09/2026The depressing thing is in spite of all the publicity about Reform funding and Farage’s “gifts” how little opinion has changed over the last two years. He is truly a marmite character 010
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 13/09/2026The 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.ukReform's £72m donations 'entirely in line with law', Jenrick saysThe government is trying to change the law on donations to UK political parties from British expats. 000
petermnorman.bsky.social @petermnorman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026The biggest threat to democracy in the UK are the huge donations pouring in from individuals with stated interests in the policies of the parties they support. To enable true equality in the ballot box political donations should be limited to no more than £100 per individual or organisation 021