Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 2hBe scam aware: www.wmnow.co.uk/Alerts/A/510...wmnow.co.ukReport Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbersReport Fraud, run by the City of London Police, is urging the public to be sure of who they are talk... 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 5hSee: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukHandsworth residents react to Robert Jenrick's criticismResidents of Handsworth respond to shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick's scathing review. 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 5hJenrick’s views are not really impartial quote re Handsworth "one of the worst-integrated places", slum-like, and had no visible white faces. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comJenrick claims Farage has done more to stand against racism than ‘almost anybody’Reform MP defends leader after ITV footage shows official warning Farage he is ‘protecting’ candidate over racist David Lammy comments 100
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 8hwww.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comJust as Saint Nige thought it was safe to reappear, along comes pesky ITV | John CraceHow dare the channel reveal more racism and bigotry within Reform just as he was planning a press conference? 010
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Good advice for motorcyclists: www.wmnow.co.uk/Alerts/A/505...wmnow.co.ukMotorcycle and scooter owners!Dear Resident, We know at this time of the year we often see a rise in motorcycle theft across the... 010
Reposted by Martin KnowlesJane @localnotail.bsky.social · 26/09/2026This artwork was created over the past year by a local Birmingham artist collective who wanted to bring unty from discord by repurposing the divisive Nationalist flags into a massive Brummie Reunion Jack. Suffice it to say, the inspiration for Goldship's magnificent work has not taken it well. 55378110
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 25/09/2026More good advice from WM now: www.wmnow.co.uk/Alerts/A/500...wmnow.co.ukProtecting Students from Cyber Crime and Fraud: The University Student GuideAs thousands of students prepare to start or return to university this autumn, fraudsters and cyber ... 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLiberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 21/09/2026Robert Jenrick, what a plonker. As easy as he is to mock, the ideas him and Reform are pushing are dangerous. While the Conservatives weakly follow their lead, Liberal Democrats will stand up to them. 33118
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 18/09/2026I’ve been driving for many years, but I’m staggered by the standard of driving at the moment. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...theguardian.comDrivers ignoring roadwork closures to skip queues ‘wilfully putting lives at risk’Hundreds of cars driven through cones or barriers in England this year, says National Highways 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesAnne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026Your regular reminder: If the Russians stop fighting, the war ends. If the Ukrainians stop fighting, their land will be occupied, their leaders will be killed, their history and language will be erased, their children will be kidnapped to serve Russia. 5943728713399
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 31/08/2026Really good advice from @westmidlandspolice.bsky.social www.wmnow.co.uk/Alerts/A/484...wmnow.co.uk#Safer Towns Summer - Protect your mobile phoneHello Resident Thieves may steal your phone to get access to your bank accounts and personal data as... 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 29/08/2026Well done our BBC, really enjoying the Bond theme Proms. 👍 030
Reposted by Martin KnowlesDigital Brain @yourdigitalbrain.bsky.social · 28/08/2026A Japanese referee's last match got an unforgettable send-off: a player yanked off his shirt just to earn one final yellow card from him. 655173625
Reposted by Martin KnowlesMatt Steinglass @mattsteinglass.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Mostly optimistic about the future, apart from the fascism, killer drones and evil sentient computers 3302
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 27/08/2026This will give you an earworm for today : youtu.be/lyZ_fQFwb4s?...youtu.beIt's Not Because of Brexit! | Spitting ImageYouTube video by Spitting Image 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 21/08/2026Reform voters must try reading sometimes: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comReform’s new economic adviser has called for end of pensioners’ triple lockExclusive: Mitchell Palmer has also argued for privatising the NHS and immigration as way of cutting poverty 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLiberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/08/2026Conservatives and Reform promised more control over our borders after Brexit. Instead, we’re seeing increasing disorder. Only a proper deal with the EU can deliver real control, safety, and effective returns. @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social 34114
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 19/08/2026This so true: www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...theguardian.comWednesday briefing: Why do people think crime is going up when it isn’t?In today’s newsletter: For the most part, Britain is a far safer country than it was in the past – but its inhabitants think almost every measure of crime is increasing 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 14/08/2026Its quite staggering, driving home this evening after receiving the alert message, watching the car in front throw a cigarette out of the drivers window 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLiberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 05/08/2026Resetting our relationship with Europe is the fastest way to boost growth. It's time to cut red tape, back small businesses, and join the Single Market and Customs Union. @libdemdaisy.bsky.social 311449
Reposted by Martin KnowlesSen. Catherine Cortez Masto @cortezmasto.senate.gov · 05/08/2026I’m glad the President has his priorities straight. 68765353142
Reposted by Martin KnowlesJane @localnotail.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Bulgaria's interior minister: Russian government is working with people smugglers to flood Europe with migrants. "Illegal migration inflows are an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilise the European Union + the UK...They are aiming to destabilise the welfare systems [in European countries]"lbc.co.ukRussia ‘helping people smugglers flood Europe and UK with migrants’ | LBCA Bulgarian minister has said his government has evidence of direct links between Russia's foreign intelligence agency and the criminal gangs helping illegal migrants to enter Europe. 32716
Reposted by Martin KnowlesOxfordshire County Council @oxfordshirecc.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Low Traffic Neighbourhoods don't just reduce the amount of traffic using residential streets as shortcuts – they can also help slow traffic down, making roads feel safer and more welcoming for local people. Find out more www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-an... 154313
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Good example of how a committed group can stand up to an authoritarian. www.theguardian.com/football/202...theguardian.comUefa agrees to boycott Fifa competitions if World Cup sell-off plans proceedUefa nations have agreed to boycott all Fifa tournaments if the global governing body continues with its plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup 021
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 26/07/2026I fail to understand why @westmidspolice allow flags to be put on lamposts and street infrastructure when it is against the law. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.comBirmingham council accused of giving ‘free rein’ to group erecting England flagsCampaigners call for injunction against Raise the Colours, which is accused of spreading anti-immigration rhetoric 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 21/07/2026Fuel theft is rife, the police do need to get a grip of it. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.com‘A guy did a runner in a Jaguar’: the petrol theft scandal – and the garage owner struggling to stop itSince the start of the Iran war in February, there has been a 23% rise in fuel theft, with more than £1.2m stolen from British forecourts each week. Why aren’t the police doing more to apprehend the c... 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 14/07/2026Why can’t BBC block non licence holders, all the video streaming services manage this…there will be loads watching the world cup without a licence. www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...theguardian.comBBC faces ‘real jeopardy’ as licence fee payments fall faster than expectedDirector general Matt Brittin says funding model ties corporation to the past as number of licences falls by 539,000 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Nothing to see here, move along please www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comMillions of pounds and many, many questions: the untold story of why Reform figures face NCA scrutinyExclusive: The details behind the financial transactions that bankers have flagged up to the National Crime Agency 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Come on BBC get the detector vans out tonight, or at least say you’re going to, stop the hypocrites from watching for free. 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 27/06/2026Do yourself a favour , watch this concert on the BBC, it’s worth getting a TV licence just for this. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...bbc.co.ukIn Concert - James TaylorA classic concert from 1970 by American singer-songwriter James Taylor. 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 27/06/2026news.comms.birmingham.gov.uk/DDC2C017A209...news.comms.birmingham.gov.ukMonthly Green Updates From Birmingham City Council 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesAlex Selby-Boothroyd @alexselbyb.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Paris is cooking 31810
Reposted by Martin KnowlesOxfordshire County Council @oxfordshirecc.bsky.social · 23/06/2026As the weather gets hotter, rivers, lakes and reservoirs can look tempting. But even on a hot day, the water can be dangerously cold, causing cold water shock in seconds. Read more: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fire-and-community-safety/community-safety/stay-safe-summer 12319
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 24/06/2026It was always going to be a total disaster #Rejoin www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.com‘A total, utter nightmare’: small businesses on Brexit, 10 years onCheesemakers, farmers, exporters and wine merchants say red tape, lack of vision and rising costs mean they have stopped trading, sold up or retired early 010
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLed By Donkeys @ledbydonkeys.org · 23/06/2026Exactly 10 years since the Brexit vote, the verdict is in. 15039241764
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Well the right wing media have succeeded in ousting an honourable man. 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 20/06/2026Absolutely, some will demand refunds or “I will post a bad review” business should be able to challenge such behaviour, a measured answer doesn’t change the rating back. 100
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 20/06/2026It is really difficult for small business owners, when the public demand full refunds alleging some sort of mistake, on the threat of leaving bad reviews. 120
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 17/06/2026f only #BBC could develop a secure firewall where you had to submit proof of your TV licence to watch World Cup games, I suspect the number of license players would sharply increase. 100
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 17/06/2026If only #BBC could develop a secure firewall where you had to submit proof of your TV licence to watch World Cup games, I suspect the number of license players would sharply increase. 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 17/06/2026A good advice site from #WMPolice, you can subscribe for useful crime prevention advice : www.wmnow.co.ukwmnow.co.ukHome Page - WMnowWMNow is a free messaging system that delivers you and your community up to date information from police and partners. From updates on crime to local news, don't miss out on information that's import... 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 17/06/2026The BBC app is superb, no doubt the BBC non licence paying haters wont be watching any of the world cup apps.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-s...apps.apple.com 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Really good advice here from WM now, on being fraud aware, in particular courier scammers: www.wmnow.co.uk/Alerts/A/456...wmnow.co.ukCourier fraud alert: Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025.City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evol... 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 11/06/2026#ITV have absolutely nailed the studio for the Worldcup 000
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 20/05/2026"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." — George Orwell, 1984 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comNothing sums up the death of accountability like the prospect of Nigel Farage in No 10 | George MonbiotYou’d expect the public face of Brexit to be punished by voters. But history shows that such leaders often profit from the chaos they sow, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLiberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/05/2026Very kind of Robert Jenrick to perfectly tee up Max WIlkinson. 😎 715269
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 24/04/2026www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comIt’s no surprise Trump has met his match in Pope Leo – the US president represents the polar opposite of Christianity | Jonathan FreedlandName the deadliest of sins – cruelty, deceit, avarice – and Trump will both exhibit them and celebrate them, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland 000
Reposted by Martin KnowlesLiberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 24/04/2026While Trump is insulting our country and threatening our sovereignty, a state visit from our King should not be on the cards. The only people cheering it on seem to be Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. 716744
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 05/04/2026Thought I should post this https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/05/uk-social-media-apps-share?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Othertheguardian.comIs the UK falling out of love with social media?Ofcom data points to more passive consumption amid changes to apps and fears about mental health and past posts 010
Martin Knowles @squirrel36.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Oh dear, how sad, nevermind. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.comUK flag-raising group leader arrested on suspicion of causing ‘alarm and distress’Exclusive: Ryan Bridge is co-founder of Raise the Colours, which has been criticised for anti-immigrant rhetoric 000
