Sign in

Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group

@uresg76.bsky.social
262 followers 140 following 482 posts

Emeritus Professor, regional economist who reads a lot of history. Frustated Architect who likes visiting places. Art, culture, and cat lover. Lifelong Gooner.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Edwin Heathcote @edwinheathcote.bsky.social · 19h
Very good, this, on why does nobody care about the disaster at the BL, from @hetanshah.bsky.social www.cityam.com/the-british-...
cityam.com
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
43517
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 16h
Restore is such a weird mix of fascism and random mad boomer Facebook shit.
81672114
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 16h
The Tories are not ready for the battle of ideas, unless you count a reheated, fantasy version of Thatcherism as the answer to the problems of 2029 rather than 1979. And I would suggest that's quite a brave assumption given the situation in housing, transport and energy substack.com/@capx/note/p...
substack.com
Andrew Griffith: we’re ready for the battle of ideas
The Shadow Chancellor talks to Liam Halligan about stalled growth, the fiscal cliff edge and the coming battle of ideas
3175
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Jo Michell @jomichell.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Everyone knows that imports subtract from GDP, you can read it straight off the national accounts identity. I’m pretty sure they teach it in business schools.
4121
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Hey Japan! @hey-japan.com · 17h
Marking 250 years since its main house was rebuilt, the Former Suzuki Family Residence in Asuke (Toyota, Aichi) opens three reception rooms for the first time on 24–25 October, alongside a folding screen attributed to painter Hanabusa Itcho.
A six-panel folding screen depicting seasonal customs, attributed to Hanabusa Itcho and painted on a gold ground. Scenes flow across hills, rice fields, and pine trees, with villagers planting rice, travellers on horseback beneath blossoming cherry trees, and figures in elegant dress inside a residence, all framed by drifting golden clouds. Provided by Toyota CityThe main reception room of the Former Suzuki Family Residence, with tatami floors, a wooden ceiling, and a recessed display alcove beside staggered shelves. Carved pine-tree panels run above the sliding doors leading to the next room. Provided by Toyota City.A bright tatami room in the Former Suzuki Family Residence, with a display alcove, small cabinets decorated with ink-painted pines, a hanging lamp, and paper screens and glass doors opening onto a sunlit garden. Provided by Toyota City.The family altar room in the Former Suzuki Family Residence, with tatami floors, dark wooden panelling and ceiling, a large built-in wooden cabinet with latticed doors and drawers, and paper screens along one wall letting in soft light. Provided by Toyota City.
0477
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 20h
Your periodic reminder that John Redwood was a Fellow of All Souls.
9233
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
FPL Hippie @fplhippie.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Erling Haaland has left the Norway camp in a private jet #fpl
3899779
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Ben @cinemashoebox.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
RIP Jeffrey Archer, not a day goes by when I don't think about the judge in his 1987 libel case (which Archer "won" by doing a bunch of perjury) summing up for the jury by going "would a guilty man have such a hot wife". one of the most insane legal moments of all time
1726476
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Inspired choice for the closing music to Blue Lights, right up there with the choice for Our Friends in the North. From one of Van’s most underrated albums as well.
151
Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group @uresg76.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
🤣🤣🤣
010
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Ellsworth Green @greenellsworth.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
195101831757
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Should these thoughts be in any way interesting to you, please join us for an ECIPE Webinar tomorrow discussing "Where Next for Globalisation?", featuring me, and also Deborah Elms from Hinrich and Peter Foster of the FT... us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: ECIPE Webinar: Where Next for Globalisation?. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for a discussion on the present and future of globalisation, from the political backlash to the trading reality. Governments are seeking to control globalisation, WTO rules are weakening, yet...
042
Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group @uresg76.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
My only dealing with Ofsted was evaluation of the Chartered Institute of Management degree apperticeship at the OU. We had poor retention rates because of low value added activities of the participating employers. Taking no notice sent a 100 question survey that was so banal and idiotic
010
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com · 06/10/2026
After years of waiting, TU Delft is finally on the (tram) map. Yesterday, tram 19 reached the campus, and what a multimodal scene: trams, cycling, walking and green—all sharing the same car-free corridor. This is what a well-connected university looks like: making the right choice the easy choice.
A red and white tram passes cyclists riding on a protected bike lane with green space in between along a car-free corridor on the TU Delft campus.
214514
Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group @uresg76.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I wonder if Deform will appoint him as Shadow Secretary of State for Dickheads. It's about his level.
010
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Spelling Mistakes Cost Lives @darrencullen.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards Jeremy Clarkson spending decades denying global warming only to sink his fortune into a farm just as global warming really starts to kick in
971278241
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Devoid of ideas, Tories vow return to Thatcherite policies. They want to cut social spending, build prisons, cut taxes for the rich, free childcare for individuals earning £1m. What will they privatise, sell to foreign investors? No ideas on infrastructure investment, regulation of capitalism.
independent.co.uk
Kemi Badenoch positions herself as modern day Thatcher and vows to revive Tories
The Tory leader dismissed suggestions that her focus on cutting benefits and building more prisons signalled a return of the ‘nasty party’
77444166
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The absurd but sadly prevalent theory in Europe that China's rise means permanent supremacy and ends all known laws of economics. When EU GDP per capita is three times higher than China?
6218
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Hey Japan! @hey-japan.com · 06/10/2026
Amusement Expo returns to Tokyo Big Sight in Koto, Tokyo, with its public day on 7 November. Arcade games from claw machines to photo-sticker booths are free to play inside. A concert of rhythm game music needs a separate ticket. www.hey-japan.com/event/amusem...
Official key visual for Amusement Expo 2026: a colourful cartoon parade of smiling arcade machines, claw machines, a capsule toy machine, and a medal game pusher marching alongside cheerful characters, schoolgirls, plush bears, and arcade staff, beneath diagonal rainbow-patterned stripes. Large lettering reads "Sugeeee-Sen" with the slogan "Arcades are this amazing!", and the bottom shows the event logo with the dates: Business Day, 6 November 2026, and User Day, 7 November 2026. © Japan Amusement Industry Association
0174
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Contrast John Profumo and Jeffrey Archer. One earned his rehabilitation, the other didn't. www.theguardian.com/news/2006/ma...
theguardian.com
John Profumo
Andrew Roth, who broke the story about Britain's most sensational political sex scandal, remembers the life of John Profumo.
0284
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
For those too young to remember why Archer ended up in jail www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/apr/...
theguardian.com
Troubled life of prostitute at centre of Archer libel trial
Monica Coghlan was first trapped in the public eye on October 26 1986, when a grainy photograph of her was published in the News of the World. It had been taken two days previously on platform three a...
2209
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Archer is yet another example that there are no penalties for failure in British public life.
But his time behind bars and his political disgrace did not terminate his career at Westminster, and he returned to the red benches of the House of Lords, until he retired in 2024.
1213039
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I'd forgotten about The Woodentops which were pretty weird. Bill and Ben, the Flowerpot Men were pretty weird as well.
383
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Suella Braverman too proud for benefits... Went to university for free Studied in Europe using the heavily subsidised Erasmus program Claimed ALL her rent, energy, council tax bills for at least 5 years Millions of pounds in expenses claims She just doesn't call them benefits
40781356
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Turns out that developers would prefer building facilities that make them money (like gyms and spas) rather than space for parking bikes. And not many people want to cycle to work without changing and shower facilities, another cost to developers. www.ft.com/content/151f...
ft.com
New offices in London are full of empty bike racks, complain developers
Rise of rented e-bikes means most cycle parking spaces are unused, industry argues
4133
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Paying taxes is punishment is it? Some might say it's a contribution to the infrastructure and regulations (like the rule of law) that enables you to build a successful business and, being less transactional, your contribution to society..
2523567
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Here we go again. You do have to wonder why we have any regulations at all.
Andrew Griffith, her shadow chancellor, will on Monday promise
"the most ambitious deregulation project in a generation", vowing to cut the cost of housebuilding, scrap environmental bodies and back plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport.
168320
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
As a Jew I think what the Greens have done is appalling. As a political commentator I think Andy Burnham is a lucky man.
7486576
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Hey Japan! @hey-japan.com · 05/10/2026
Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens in Minato, Tokyo, hosts an autumn programme of traditional performing arts from 31 October to 3 November, with Edo-style juggling, top spinning, and Odawara festival music, plus volunteer-led garden tours.
Members of an Odawara festival music group in blue happi coats and white headbands play taiko drums and other percussion at last year's event, with pine trees and a pond in the garden behind them and the group's banner on the left. Provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
0306
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In case you were enjoying your afternoon..
8182
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Grumpy-ish Brian🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇪🇺🇮🇪 @brian770.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
13698132
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Jo Michell @jomichell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Lots of good stuff coming out of the Burnham administration — the first serious government in a long time. But they have to deal with the fiscal deadlock. They’ll probably get away with waiting for the spending review (and hoping the bond markets move in the right direction). But not much more.
2111
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
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.
23405119
Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group @uresg76.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
And don't forget to pop onto the Herman Beer Hall in Ginza
020
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Hey Japan! @hey-japan.com · 03/10/2026
Until 26 Oct, an immersive exhibition at the Ginza Mirai Museum in Tokyo explores "No. 6", Atsuko Asano's sci-fi novel series, later adapted as manga and anime. Visitors walk through recreated spaces from the story, including Nezumi's room, with a Japanese audio guide narrated by Yuki Kaji.
1226
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Rachel Millward calls for the re-nationalisation of water without compensation as water companies are insolvent and we ought to own our crucial water infrastructure.
751747426
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
The Wolfpack @wolfpack11720.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
14960181598
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I never thought I'd live to see the day when Dan Hodges was called a left wing activist. Dark and strange times in British politics.
1215923
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Jo Michell @jomichell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The predicted available margin on the (different) margin between an uncertain forecast and an arbitrary target five years hence is not a “fund” and is itself subject to substantial contingencies. Other than that, this seems fine.
Government figures see the fiscal buffer as a "contingency fund" against unexpected global shocks such as the Iran war, as Labour MPs warn against big tax rises now that risk choking off growth and alienating voters.
1133
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
She's everywhere these days.
391
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Still annoys me that Brexit is seen as somehow different to political trends in the EU, particularly France and Germany, when their parallel is so obvious. Similarly what is happening now, a shared politics of nostalgia, with very little vision for the future of Europe.
68416
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is all very nice on Burnham's opening the door a little on EU matters, but I've been having conversations in Brussels about the UK's choices since at least 2023 and nothing has basically changed since then. www.ft.com/content/3d43...
ft.com
Does the EU want Britain back?
Burnham has reopened the Brexit debate. That doesn’t mean the UK will be welcomed back on its own terms
1511735
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Scotland's No1 Comrade @scotlandscomrade.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
From Scotland to Northumberland, Blackpool to Leicestershire, Reform contested six by-elections yesterday. They lost all six. Six contests. Six defeats. Reform are not inevitable. Their bubble has burst😉 Have a great weekend comrades! #NoFascists #RightWingLosers #FailingFarage
1102332734
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Toby Earle 🇺🇦 @tobyontv.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
the story about the ULEZ bomber, a white bloke in his 60s, still isn’t on the front page of the BBC News when it feels like quite a big story about online radicalisation & violence
27774208
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
BigImpactTO @bigimpactto.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Half the reason I spend so much time here in San Francisco is the joy of riding my bike here in the Bay Area. Here’s tonight’s with SF Bike Party down the embarcadero (ft. bay bridge)
113211
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Arbaz Kakkar5 @arbazkakkar5.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
481736468
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Edwin Heathcote @edwinheathcote.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
CCA Tashkent. To go with my review here: www.ft.com/content/07e3... Uzbekistan aims for cultural clout with the Centre for Contemporary Arts
092
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
That's what buying Manchester City was always about and it's now being exercised.
Now Mubarak must defend both an asset that has become one of the emirate's most successful soft-power projects and his own reputation, as his stewardship of the club comes under intense scrutiny.
5235
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
A man builds an IED. He sets it off in a busy public street. Shrapnel flies about hitting cars, homes and a child's bedroom. It's a miracle nobody is injured. And Reform MP Sarah Pochin calls his imprisonment "disproportionate" and "two tier justice."
It does raise this point of two-tiered
justice..


Reform's Sarah Pochin believes the
sentence handed to the 64-year-old who
blew up a ULEZ camera was
disproportionate'.
2882547924
Reposted by Urban and Regional Economics Research Seminar Group
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Labour once more attacking the vulnerable and already marginalized. Yes, more needs to be done to help young people, along with others, find employment, but not at expense of disabled people's lives. It's irrelevant someone's age if they need disability support 1/ www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Key disability benefit for young people may be axed under major welfare changes
Exclusive: Plan under discussion involves intensive support to help young people into employment
918180