Martin Lavelle
@martinlavelle.bsky.social
Humanist, interested in invertebrates, retired theoretical physicist owned by two cats.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Keir Starmer and David Lammy should be ashamed of how these activists have been treated, and how they have had their human rights denied.
Let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield or else they will have blood on their hands!
Let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield or else they will have blood on their hands!
If Labour don't act, they'll have blood on their hands.
David Lammy must urgently let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield before it's too late.
David Lammy must urgently let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield before it's too late.
December 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Keir Starmer and David Lammy should be ashamed of how these activists have been treated, and how they have had their human rights denied.
Let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield or else they will have blood on their hands!
Let an ambulance into HMP Bronzefield or else they will have blood on their hands!
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Enough.
Time for punitive sanctions on game shooting until and unless these people are brought to book. For pity’s sake, these are OUR birds, introduced by donations and taxes. That is, your and my taxes and your and my donations.
#birds
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Time for punitive sanctions on game shooting until and unless these people are brought to book. For pity’s sake, these are OUR birds, introduced by donations and taxes. That is, your and my taxes and your and my donations.
#birds
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Police investigate after white-tailed eagles go missing across UK
Conservationists appeal to public for help after rare birds disappear in suspicious circumstances
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Enough.
Time for punitive sanctions on game shooting until and unless these people are brought to book. For pity’s sake, these are OUR birds, introduced by donations and taxes. That is, your and my taxes and your and my donations.
#birds
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Time for punitive sanctions on game shooting until and unless these people are brought to book. For pity’s sake, these are OUR birds, introduced by donations and taxes. That is, your and my taxes and your and my donations.
#birds
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
And in response to headlines like "there is no need for masks", here is the 1 minutes from my interview where I discuss basic preventative measures (including masks!).
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
December 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
And in response to headlines like "there is no need for masks", here is the 1 minutes from my interview where I discuss basic preventative measures (including masks!).
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
Also note that NHS stats like A&E and Ambulance waits are lower than same time 3 years ago, even with earlier flu wave.
@lukepollard.bsky.social another easy win if the government wants to grab it!
It's ridiculous that the Government *still* haven't banned the sale of peat.
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Sign the petition to end peat sales!
No more delays: Let's get peat out of gardens once and for all. The time for uncertainty has ended.
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
@lukepollard.bsky.social another easy win if the government wants to grab it!
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
It's extraordinary, isn't it?
Being racist, misogynistic, xenophobic etc all perfectly acceptable, but tolerant, inclusive, progressive? Must be crushed.
Same with free speech: far right: licence to say vile things with no consequence, while criticism of said vileness is a no-no. Messed up world.
Being racist, misogynistic, xenophobic etc all perfectly acceptable, but tolerant, inclusive, progressive? Must be crushed.
Same with free speech: far right: licence to say vile things with no consequence, while criticism of said vileness is a no-no. Messed up world.
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 14, 2025 at 12:57 PM
It's extraordinary, isn't it?
Being racist, misogynistic, xenophobic etc all perfectly acceptable, but tolerant, inclusive, progressive? Must be crushed.
Same with free speech: far right: licence to say vile things with no consequence, while criticism of said vileness is a no-no. Messed up world.
Being racist, misogynistic, xenophobic etc all perfectly acceptable, but tolerant, inclusive, progressive? Must be crushed.
Same with free speech: far right: licence to say vile things with no consequence, while criticism of said vileness is a no-no. Messed up world.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Innocent people end up in our criminal courts.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
December 11, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Innocent people end up in our criminal courts.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
This Government once vowed to be “the most nature-positive [we have] ever had”.
Months of blaming wildlife and stripping back protections have already made a mockery of that promise.
And if the rumoured cuts to BNG go ahead, it will deal yet another devastating blow to nature.
Months of blaming wildlife and stripping back protections have already made a mockery of that promise.
And if the rumoured cuts to BNG go ahead, it will deal yet another devastating blow to nature.
December 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
This Government once vowed to be “the most nature-positive [we have] ever had”.
Months of blaming wildlife and stripping back protections have already made a mockery of that promise.
And if the rumoured cuts to BNG go ahead, it will deal yet another devastating blow to nature.
Months of blaming wildlife and stripping back protections have already made a mockery of that promise.
And if the rumoured cuts to BNG go ahead, it will deal yet another devastating blow to nature.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
I wrote a Christmas gift guide! Who am I? Anyway, there’s lots of crap out there so get the best deal for the wildlife gardener in your life. Merry Christmas 🎄
open.substack.com/pub/katebrad...
open.substack.com/pub/katebrad...
Gifts for wildlife gardeners that really work
(Or, don't buy a hedgehog box that kills hedgehogs. Ok?)
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:28 PM
I wrote a Christmas gift guide! Who am I? Anyway, there’s lots of crap out there so get the best deal for the wildlife gardener in your life. Merry Christmas 🎄
open.substack.com/pub/katebrad...
open.substack.com/pub/katebrad...
December 10, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Really Sir Keir? "Watering down" protections against torture and inhumane treatment?
On #HumanRightsDay?
On #HumanRightsDay?
December 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Really Sir Keir? "Watering down" protections against torture and inhumane treatment?
On #HumanRightsDay?
On #HumanRightsDay?
So it is
Stewart Lee: "I mean the BBC has a policy on their political programming, where in the interests of balance they have, on one side, someone who knows a bit about the subject at hand, and, on the other, someone who's wrong." #politicslive
December 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
So it is
A lovely #Hawthorn #shield #bug in #Plymouth today after heavy rain and some hail. On Himalayan honeysuckle on @plymuni.bsky.social campus, Drake's Place garden.
December 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A lovely #Hawthorn #shield #bug in #Plymouth today after heavy rain and some hail. On Himalayan honeysuckle on @plymuni.bsky.social campus, Drake's Place garden.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Watch my most recent talk at your leisure here:
wsrt.org.uk/news/insect-...
wsrt.org.uk/news/insect-...
Insect Declines, Pesticides and Pet Parasiticides with Dave Goulson
wsrt.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Watch my most recent talk at your leisure here:
wsrt.org.uk/news/insect-...
wsrt.org.uk/news/insect-...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Minister defends 'pragmatic' U-turn on workers' rights.
It was a manifesto pledge
Why no 'pragmatic' U-turn' on nationalising water, energy, rail rolling stock companies and freight; ending privatisation of the NHS and social care; taxing the super rich?
It was a manifesto pledge
Why no 'pragmatic' U-turn' on nationalising water, energy, rail rolling stock companies and freight; ending privatisation of the NHS and social care; taxing the super rich?
Minister defends 'pragmatic' U-turn on workers' rights
Bridget Phillipson told the BBC the climbdown would enable wider benefits to be delivered quickly.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Minister defends 'pragmatic' U-turn on workers' rights.
It was a manifesto pledge
Why no 'pragmatic' U-turn' on nationalising water, energy, rail rolling stock companies and freight; ending privatisation of the NHS and social care; taxing the super rich?
It was a manifesto pledge
Why no 'pragmatic' U-turn' on nationalising water, energy, rail rolling stock companies and freight; ending privatisation of the NHS and social care; taxing the super rich?
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Got a spare mattress? Support Ibtissame Betty Lachgar arrested for a T-shirt photo taken in London. Sentenced to 30 months. 120+ days without medical care, mattress or humane conditions.
Arm at risk of amputation.
#16Days
#FreeBetty
freebetty.org
@HaramDoodles @ShelleySegal
Arm at risk of amputation.
#16Days
#FreeBetty
freebetty.org
@HaramDoodles @ShelleySegal
November 27, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Got a spare mattress? Support Ibtissame Betty Lachgar arrested for a T-shirt photo taken in London. Sentenced to 30 months. 120+ days without medical care, mattress or humane conditions.
Arm at risk of amputation.
#16Days
#FreeBetty
freebetty.org
@HaramDoodles @ShelleySegal
Arm at risk of amputation.
#16Days
#FreeBetty
freebetty.org
@HaramDoodles @ShelleySegal
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Sudan's hell - esp for young women/girls - never makes it to top of the agenda. Yet we're kinda complicit through relations w UAE supporting Arab supremacist RSF. *Millions* displaced. theconversation.com/i-have-to-ta...
Here's the UNHCR donation link: donate.unrefugees.org.uk/help-Sudan/~...
Here's the UNHCR donation link: donate.unrefugees.org.uk/help-Sudan/~...
November 27, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Sudan's hell - esp for young women/girls - never makes it to top of the agenda. Yet we're kinda complicit through relations w UAE supporting Arab supremacist RSF. *Millions* displaced. theconversation.com/i-have-to-ta...
Here's the UNHCR donation link: donate.unrefugees.org.uk/help-Sudan/~...
Here's the UNHCR donation link: donate.unrefugees.org.uk/help-Sudan/~...
Aglais urticae, Small tortoiseshell, flew onto me last night. Escorted out. Flew back in. Escorted out. #Butterfly
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Aglais urticae, Small tortoiseshell, flew onto me last night. Escorted out. Flew back in. Escorted out. #Butterfly
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
At present the issue is how to reinforce existing infrastructure or fortify shoreline, or relocate, Indigenous villages. In future decades major coastal cities around the world will face the same dilemma. Metres of sea-level rise are committed, even if we succeed in reaching net zero.
Storms that battered Alaska’s western coast this fall have brought renewed attention to low-lying Indigenous villages left increasingly vulnerable by climate change.
Alaska Native villages have few options and little US help as climate change devours their land
Storms that battered Alaska’s western coast this fall have brought renewed attention to low-lying Indigenous villages left increasingly vulnerable by climate change.
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 8:12 AM
At present the issue is how to reinforce existing infrastructure or fortify shoreline, or relocate, Indigenous villages. In future decades major coastal cities around the world will face the same dilemma. Metres of sea-level rise are committed, even if we succeed in reaching net zero.
@lukepollard.bsky.social can't @uklabour.bsky.social ban gambling advertising?
Gambling - an industry out of control doing enormous damage to individuals and communities.
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms spent ‘astronomic’ £2bn on advertising last year
Calls for Rachel Reeves to increase taxes in budget as estimate outstrips duties collected from online casinos
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:25 AM
@lukepollard.bsky.social can't @uklabour.bsky.social ban gambling advertising?
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
The Government makes a lot of money from this grubby and miserably cancerous industry...
Gambling - an industry out of control doing enormous damage to individuals and communities.
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms spent ‘astronomic’ £2bn on advertising last year
Calls for Rachel Reeves to increase taxes in budget as estimate outstrips duties collected from online casinos
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 AM
The Government makes a lot of money from this grubby and miserably cancerous industry...
Unbelievable. But believable.
Exclusive: The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika, nooses and the Confederate flag as hate symbols.
The military service drafted a new policy that classifies them as “potentially divisive.”
The military service drafted a new policy that classifies them as “potentially divisive.”
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Am I allowed a bit more shameless self-publicity? Available for pre-order! 💚
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
The Biological Recording Handbook
Biological recording is the discipline of writing down natural history observations of a correctly identified species, in a specific location, on a specific date, by a named individual. Simple enough,...
pelagicpublishing.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Am I allowed a bit more shameless self-publicity? Available for pre-order! 💚
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Big news! The Supreme Court has ruled that RE in Northern Ireland is indoctrinatory. Alongside mandatory collective worship and a ‘stigmatising’ right of withdrawal, this is discriminatory under human rights law. All eyes on how the governments of the UK respond 👀 humanists.uk/2025/11/19/s...
Northern Ireland RE curriculum is ‘indoctrination’ – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education (RE) and collective worship in Northern Ireland are ‘indoct...
humanists.uk
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Big news! The Supreme Court has ruled that RE in Northern Ireland is indoctrinatory. Alongside mandatory collective worship and a ‘stigmatising’ right of withdrawal, this is discriminatory under human rights law. All eyes on how the governments of the UK respond 👀 humanists.uk/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Belfast-based non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education and mandatory Christian collective worship in Northern Ireland are discriminatory under human rights law.
November 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Belfast-based non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education and mandatory Christian collective worship in Northern Ireland are discriminatory under human rights law.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
We really need to act immediately. Will COP30 achieve anything substantial or be yet another cop- out thanks to the vested interests of the fossil fuel industries? I'm not optimistic, but miracles can happen, I suppose...
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm
One expert says he is ‘starting to visualise the point where all we have left of corals and reefs is memories’
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:33 AM
We really need to act immediately. Will COP30 achieve anything substantial or be yet another cop- out thanks to the vested interests of the fossil fuel industries? I'm not optimistic, but miracles can happen, I suppose...