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Ruth Speare

@ruthspeare.bsky.social
696 followers 371 following 66 posts

Public health consultant working in South Yorkshire. Interested in socio-economic & commercial determinants of health, health equity, climate & health & social justice.

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Reposted by Ruth Speare
Jo Michell @jomichell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The banks are raking it in (partly because of the direct subsidy from the tax payer resulting from interest on reserves).
The sector's case is weakened by its extraordinary profitability since the interest rate cycle turned in 2022. Higher interest rates improve banks' net interest margin (the difference between what they pay to depositors and charge borrowers). The benefits flow through to their UK ringfenced banks, businesses for which Barclays and NatWest reported high returns on equity of over 20 per cent last year.

Together with Lloyds, these three returned nearly £12bn to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks from their 2025 profits. Reducing capital returns to
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Mums for Lungs @mumsforlungs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Interesting insights here from @cyclinguk.bsky.social. Good to see that one of their YouGov polls this year revealed that 70% of people support #SchoolStreets - but think that only 49% of others do. Also interesting to see common misperceptions around the popularity of cycle routes and speed limits.
cyclinguk.org
Cycle routes more popular than people think
There’s a common misperception that creating safe space for cycling in our communities is unpopular. Cycling UK’s Policy Manager, Jim Densham, explains the phenomenon and why we have published a new…
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Abilu Tangwa. @abilutangwa.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
We don’t face a climate emergency. We face a greed emergency. Earth is not collapsing on its own. It’s being destroyed by people with names, titles, and boardrooms. #ClimateJustice #StopEcocide
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Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) @adphuk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In response to the Government's consultation on revitalising high streets, we are calling for health to be made a key consideration throughout the planning process & for DsPH & their teams to play a central role in helping shape them.💡 👀 Read our full response ➡️ www.adph.org.uk/resources/ad...
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Twlldun @twlldun.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Ok but you moved abroad for tax purposes six years ago so why are we listening to you again? 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.
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Anand Menon @anandmenon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
God I hate this 'people who create wealth' nonsense. Let's see how much wealth we have in a society without teachers, nurses etc......
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 17/09/2026
Burnham: "Punishing heatwaves left nurses collapsing on hospital wards and bus drivers working in 40C cabs." ⚠️ "Wildfires destroyed homes, leaving families with nothing. And more extreme weather is forecast in the months ahead. The climate crisis is not a distant threat."
theguardian.com
British people understand the climate crisis threat. Today I’m empowering them to tackle it | Andy Burnham
With nearly £30m of funding, I’m giving communities power over local energy. They know the gravity of global heating, an
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A macho culture of performative selfishness might start on the roads, through racing, rolling coal, ever bigger SUVs ... But it doesn't end there. If we want to live in a decent country which values human life, we need to change this culture. My column. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Driving that’s too fast, too dangerous and utterly lawless: why do we tolerate this petro-masculinity? | George Monbiot
In towns and in the countryside, I see 4x4s and pick up trucks driven without care or consicence. It’s a Magafication of transport, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 16/09/2026
NEW – CCC: Heathrow expansion could push flights to ‘80% of UK emissions by 2050’ | By @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social Read here: buff.ly/SBtfvG3
Aviation is on track to reach 80% of UK CO2 emissions by 2050 with Heathrow expansion, says CCC. Residual CO2 emissions in 2050 under the CCC balanced net-zero pathway, with the impact of a proposed Heathrow expansion, MtCO2. Horizontal bar chart showing aviation far exceeding all other sectors. Source: Climate Change Committee - (alt text generated by Google Gemini)
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Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
World’s top 20 private equity firms produce more greenhouse gases a year all but four countries, report finds - Firms manage $7.3tn in assets - Big investors in gas and coal-fired plants for datacenters #climatecrisis www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
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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James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It would also improve air quality, create hundreds of thousands of rewarding jobs, replace creaking infrastructure, and make the UK a world leader in the clean technologies that will dominate the 21st century. The insane thing here is that there is even a debate.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 16/06/2026
The era of trillionaires will be dire for democracy. Here is how we can fight back | Gabriel Zucman
theguardian.com
The era of trillionaires will be dire for democracy. Here is how we can fight back | Gabriel Zucman
There is a fundamental tension between extreme wealth and the very possibility of democracy. That’s because extreme wealth is always an extreme power
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Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The bigger question than should we stop large political donations is why do we allow individuals to obtain such obscene wealth & tolerate such extreme greed. BBC News - Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record
Christopher Harborne says he has equalled a donation from Ben Delo - the single largest gift to a UK political party.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Fair play to Ed Miliband, who has broken the political consensus, spoken sense in the Commons and acknowledged our shared humanity. Of course, the government could and should go much further, especially in condemning the continuing horrors in Gaza and stopping ALL arms sales, but this is a start.
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Will Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Spot on analysis from @joemulhall.bsky.social about the need for a much more robust government response to growing vigilantism
theguardian.com
Dover and Portsmouth showed us a new kind of far right – and the authorities were caught out | Joe Mulhall
This is a new and dangerous development: a network of vigilantes who have mobilised as politicians and police have failed to act, says Joe Mulhall of Hope Not Hate
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Kevin Maguire: "If you're an elderly vicar or a grandmother.. with a sign protesting against genocide.. & you're supporting Palestine Action, you're arrested.. who's more threatening, an elderly vicar/grandmother with a sign or a load of masked men.. wreaking havoc?"
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Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 04/09/2026
The amount of oil use avoided by EVs in China in the first half of 2026 is the same as the amount of oil USED BY THE ENTIRE UK www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
a chart showing projected avoided oil use
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Grant Ennis @grantennis.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"The real war is the 'war on walking'"
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Clive Lewis MP @labourlewis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
1/3 With food prices continuing to rise, it is more important than ever to take a strategic approach to food policy.
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Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
THE most impactful thing you can do as an individual, right now, to help stop the mass nature die-off humanity is driving? Reduce or stop consumption of beef and other animal-based foods.
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This is what happens if you don’t back a £100k cap on donations: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
UK entrepreneur makes £500,000 political donation to Restore Britain
Simon Galbraith says Rupert Lowe’s party can ‘spark a British renaissance’ if it gets into power
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Across the world, what is loud and clear about the state pension is that the idea that 'UBI means people don't work' is not true. Most pensioners, even those who don't need the money, do some kind of work, whether for love of their vocation, to provide routine, to meet people, etc:
ft.com
A real-world trial for work in the age of AI
There are important lessons about universal basic income to be drawn from the behaviour of pensioners
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Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Now, in response to alerts from the UN's #Methane Alert and Response System, Turkmenistan has started plugging the leaks There's much more to do, but it's an "incredible first step" The 2nd biggest mega-leaker, the US, is doing nothing @unep.org 3/3 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Breakthrough’ as Turkmenistan starts fixing ‘mindboggling’ methane mega-leaks
Secretive state begins repairs on ageing facilities after being revealed as worst country for leaks of potent greenhouse gas
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Fionna O’Leary @fascinatorfun.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Cameron’s austerity model built on a Harvard paper “Growth in a Time of Debt” that suggested the Keynesian model (that Gov should spend in times of recession to promote growth) was erroneous and that Governments should reduce debt. But there was a problem that took some time to uncover
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James Dyke @jamesgdyke.info · 28/08/2026
About bloody time. www.theguardian.com/culture/2026...
theguardian.com
London Science Museum cuts links with BP after decades of partnership
Campaigners say ‘seismic shift’ follows years of pressure to sever ties with oil and gas firm
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Zoe Avison @zoeavison.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Very cool - switching from gas to electric induction cuts kitchen temperatures by 10 degrees, cuts hob cleaning times from 24mins to 21 seconds, cuts energy use by 2/3rds (a 9k saving in one pub) and yes - wok hei is still possible www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The chefs turning down the heat by switching from gas to electric
As well as being quieter, cheaper to run and easier to clean, induction cookers can cut kitchen temperatures by up to 10C
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Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 25/08/2026
Another very useful reminder that technology matters, but policy design matters way way way more. We get nowhere until we tackle corporate greed.
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Amy Westervelt @amywestervelt.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Fascinating new briefing from @ketanjoshi.co for Norwegian NGO KlimaKultur attributes between 34,000 and 58,000 additional deaths to Equinor's fossil fuels in 2025 alone. drilled.media/news/equinor...
drilled.media
New Data Pins a Quarter of a Million Climate-Related Deaths Since 2018 on Equinor
New attribution science finds that fossil fuels sold by Equinor in 2025 alone will bring about between 34,000 and 58,000 additional human deaths compared to a world in which they were never burned.
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Abilu Tangwa. @abilutangwa.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
We know exactly what works: • Rapid fossil fuel phase-out • Massive renewable expansion • Nature restoration • Fair climate finance Emissions are still rising, but the tools to reverse this exist. The only missing ingredient is political will. Demand better. Vote better. Act better.
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UK Health Alliance on Climate Change @ukhealthclimate.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Drought may begin in our fields, but its effects won’t stay there. For health professionals, the warning signs could increasingly appear in the health of the communities they serve — particularly those already most vulnerable. Find out more here: ukhealthalliance.org/news-item/uk...
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New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Third, tax big polluters to fund the green transition. A Frequent Flyer Levy, as well as making windfall taxes on booming oil & gas profits permanent, could raise billions for adaptation & resilience measures to protect our public services, economy and communities.
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Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
We KNOW that rewilding massively reduces flooding and the effects of drought, not to mention reversing nature loss, boosting rural communities and the wider economy, and aiding against climate collapse. Why is the government still ignoring the obvious? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
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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Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 21/08/2026
We live in a culture obsessed with individual action. Because of that - and fossil fuel companies promoting carbon calculators - we’re convinced the most important thing we can do is to watch what we eat, how we travel, or what we use. Yes, those things do matter. But this is what matters MORE ⬇️
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Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 21/08/2026
The most important climate action you can take isn’t obsessing over your individual carbon footprint. We need to change the system so the easiest, most affordable choice for everyone is also the best choice. How do we change a system? It starts with your voice!
static.klipy.com
Meryl Streep Say It Louder
Alt: Meryl Streep Say It Louder
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Fiona Harvey @fionaharvey.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A handy guide to ten things Andy Burnham could do right now to safeguard climate, environment, people and vital national infrastructure www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
From grey water to cool spaces: 10 climate crisis policies Britain needs right now
Rejecting North Sea drilling licences and protecting nature are just some measures Andy Burnham must implement to ready country
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
We do not build the reservoirs needed to store the rain that falls here. We do not build strategic food reserves needed to maintain provision in hard times. We failed to build effective stores of PPE, to protect us in pandemics. This country has long been governed by people who do not prepare.
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On climate change I explain why Burnham hasn't been talking much about it despite the fires/weather but also why I think he's missing a trick as the nature of the debate is changing...
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Leo Murray @crisortunity.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Our media is broken. I know many journalists who baulk at terminology like ‘billionaire media’ but the proof of the pudding is in the eating
uk.themedialeader.com
Two-thirds of UK news articles about wildfires this summer haven't mentioned climate change
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit adds to concerns that national newspapers are failing to link this summer's extreme weather to climate change and the net-zero policies necessary to mitigate its drastic effects.
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Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
We need to show rightwing newspapers that actions have consequences. Add your name: goodlawproject.org/s/abb8a1
goodlawproject.org
Jason Arday: Demand a public inquiry now | Good Law Project
Commission an immediate public inquiry into how to ensure a responsible press given its contribution to Dr Arday’s tragic death.
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Dear God what a tragedy
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Burnham: "We have to face up to the changing climate. I think we need a different debate about that. There’s no point denying where we are. We need to face up to it. We need more clean energy. We need to see that transition accelerate." Climate silence broken 🧵 www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
theguardian.com
UK a ‘tinderbox’, says Burnham, as he calls in military and bans disposable barbecues – UK politics live
PM also says fire and rescue services will be given more cash
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Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
“So far, we hear a stream of seemingly disconnected stories: floods, droughts, food prices, energy bills, migration, and insurance. Rarely are we shown how they fit together in the bigger picture.” ✍️ Mike Berners-Lee
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Not the ‘New Normal’ Educating the Public on the Nature and Climate Crisis is a Step to Putting it Firmly on the Political Agenda – Byline Times Digital / Print Edition
Professor Mike Berners-Lee, chair of the National Emergency Briefing, sets out the ‘civic moment’ he is trying to create as extreme weather events show no sign of slowing
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National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 13/08/2026
Sign our petition to call for climate action here: buff.ly/IrLHG0f
A fire service vehicle stands on the charred remains of heathland, smoke blows around the area
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Green groups call for Andy Burnham to break his silence on climate change: www.theguardian.com/environment/... Pleased to be a signatory to this joint letter organised by @gndrising.bsky.social: www.gndrising.org/updates/gree...
theguardian.com
Green groups urge Andy Burnham to break silence on climate crisis
More than 50 organisations say PM urgently needs to show leadership and prepare British people for scale of change needed as UK struggles through another heatwave
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Ruth Speare @ruthspeare.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Yet another reason to bring water back into public ownership. BBC News - Water bills set to rise for many after firms permitted extra funding www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Water bills set to rise for many after firms permitted extra funding
Ofwat has given provisional approval for 13 water companies to charge customers more to pay for investments.
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National Emergency Briefing @nebriefing.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
“There is a magnificent initiative called the #NationalEmergencyBriefing - a UK initiative focused on delivering an unfiltered evidence-led expert assessment of the climate and nature crisis” Thank you @mrjamesob.bsky.social Screenings across the UK, and beyond: www.nebriefing.org/screening-map
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 11/08/2026
It's now been confirmed that this summer will be the hottest on record. For those opposing bold action on the climate crisis - you're not just putting lives and the planet at risk today, but dooming future generations.
theguardian.com
This burning summer is the proof: the voices of climate denial aren’t just delusional, they’re deadly | Sadiq Khan
Look at our blazing forests and parched cities. Green policies aren’t a ‘luxury’, and we can’t burn more oil and gas. People need the truth, says London mayor Sadiq Khan
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Ben Phillips @benphillips76.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
The *same* people that told you not to worry about climate change because it wasn’t real now tell you yeah it’s real but it’s too late so accept your fate. They were wrong then that there was nothing to worry about, and they were wrong now that there is nothing we can do.
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Fionna O’Leary @fascinatorfun.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
“So on a hot, windy, weekend afternoon in July, when factories are powered down and shops have closed, it could finally be the moment.” James is right. We should celebrate it whilst wasting no time to redouble our efforts.
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