Charles Barraball
@charlesb42.bsky.social
1942 he/him husband/father/grandfather
2 × Married:
Pam 1965 - died 2008
Alix 2016
Green Party Member
Electric Mobility Cargo Biking for 2
& Jazz
2001 Stroke survivor
2 × Married:
Pam 1965 - died 2008
Alix 2016
Green Party Member
Electric Mobility Cargo Biking for 2
& Jazz
2001 Stroke survivor
Reposted by Charles Barraball
The thing is, you didn't have to be Nostradamus to see it. You just had to be independent of the ultra-rich. Unfortunately, the great majority of the media is in the plutocrats' pockets. So the people pointing it out are shunned. In 2009 I tried and tried to get the BBC to pick this up. But ...⛔🤐
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:28 AM
The thing is, you didn't have to be Nostradamus to see it. You just had to be independent of the ultra-rich. Unfortunately, the great majority of the media is in the plutocrats' pockets. So the people pointing it out are shunned. In 2009 I tried and tried to get the BBC to pick this up. But ...⛔🤐
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Why is @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social still on X?
@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @cllrconorsavage.bsky.social X is an unsuitable communication platform for a council.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @cllrconorsavage.bsky.social X is an unsuitable communication platform for a council.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
X offices raided in France as UK opens fresh investigation into Grok
Elon Musk's X and Grok platforms are facing increased scrutiny from authorities on both sides of the channel.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Why is @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social still on X?
@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @cllrconorsavage.bsky.social X is an unsuitable communication platform for a council.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @cllrconorsavage.bsky.social X is an unsuitable communication platform for a council.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
We do still need legislation to allow peers to be removed. Mandelson is not the only traitor or spy.
February 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
We do still need legislation to allow peers to be removed. Mandelson is not the only traitor or spy.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Seriously when will companies stop fucking using the taxpayers as an excuse to not make places accessible for those with disabilities. Especially social landlords & Councils when it comes to disability adaptions. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
February 3, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Seriously when will companies stop fucking using the taxpayers as an excuse to not make places accessible for those with disabilities. Especially social landlords & Councils when it comes to disability adaptions. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Reposted by Charles Barraball
WASPI women are right to keep fighting. After years of being pushed through poverty and bureaucracy, they deserve not just legal answers — but respect and recognition.
Full response 👉 hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-0...
#WASPI #SocialJustice
Full response 👉 hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-0...
#WASPI #SocialJustice
February 3, 2026 at 3:27 PM
WASPI women are right to keep fighting. After years of being pushed through poverty and bureaucracy, they deserve not just legal answers — but respect and recognition.
Full response 👉 hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-0...
#WASPI #SocialJustice
Full response 👉 hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-0...
#WASPI #SocialJustice
Reposted by Charles Barraball
February 2, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Charles Barraball
The Times interview with Peter Mandelson is a masterclass in lack of self-awareness, but this quote about what it is precisely that makes very rich people so appealing to him is especially revealing.
February 3, 2026 at 9:50 AM
The Times interview with Peter Mandelson is a masterclass in lack of self-awareness, but this quote about what it is precisely that makes very rich people so appealing to him is especially revealing.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Grace Eyre is fantastic and so highly valued by many of my constituents.
I recently visited and spoke with staff about the challenges they face, as well as the foundation’s Work-Able campaign that aims to help more adults with learning disabilities into employment.
Amazing work! 👏
I recently visited and spoke with staff about the challenges they face, as well as the foundation’s Work-Able campaign that aims to help more adults with learning disabilities into employment.
Amazing work! 👏
February 3, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Grace Eyre is fantastic and so highly valued by many of my constituents.
I recently visited and spoke with staff about the challenges they face, as well as the foundation’s Work-Able campaign that aims to help more adults with learning disabilities into employment.
Amazing work! 👏
I recently visited and spoke with staff about the challenges they face, as well as the foundation’s Work-Able campaign that aims to help more adults with learning disabilities into employment.
Amazing work! 👏
Reposted by Charles Barraball
A really excellent, clearly presented, informative webinar by @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk today, about the (bonkers!) laws around mobility devices and the upcoming consultation about them.
February 3, 2026 at 12:56 PM
A really excellent, clearly presented, informative webinar by @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk today, about the (bonkers!) laws around mobility devices and the upcoming consultation about them.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
PS. Not too late to tell the government what you think about their proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain - the public consultation is open until 12th Feb.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
February 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
PS. Not too late to tell the government what you think about their proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain - the public consultation is open until 12th Feb.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Like George Galloway, I like to wear a hat from time to time. That doesn't mean I agree in any way with his politics.
#BSkyPolitics
#BSkyPolitics
February 3, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Like George Galloway, I like to wear a hat from time to time. That doesn't mean I agree in any way with his politics.
#BSkyPolitics
#BSkyPolitics
Reposted by Charles Barraball
February 3, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Lights, brakes, bells, riding two abreast… what’s actually legal on your bike, and what’s just a myth?
We’ve broken down what the law really says, so you can ride with confidence and shut down the pub-chat misinformation.
👉 Know your rights and responsibilities at cyclinguk.org/cycling-myths
We’ve broken down what the law really says, so you can ride with confidence and shut down the pub-chat misinformation.
👉 Know your rights and responsibilities at cyclinguk.org/cycling-myths
February 3, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Lights, brakes, bells, riding two abreast… what’s actually legal on your bike, and what’s just a myth?
We’ve broken down what the law really says, so you can ride with confidence and shut down the pub-chat misinformation.
👉 Know your rights and responsibilities at cyclinguk.org/cycling-myths
We’ve broken down what the law really says, so you can ride with confidence and shut down the pub-chat misinformation.
👉 Know your rights and responsibilities at cyclinguk.org/cycling-myths
Reposted by Charles Barraball
More than 16 years since Eilidh Cairns was tragically run over and killed while cycling along Notting Hill Gate, Westminster Council has come up with a good plan to keep people safe while crossing the road or riding their bikes along Bayswater Rd.
www.standard.co.uk/news/transpo...
www.standard.co.uk/news/transpo...
Floating bus stops: critics try to halt 'safer' Hyde Park cycle lanes scheme
Concerns have grown that ‘bus stop bypasses’, which improve safety for cyclists, put pedestrians at risk of being run over by reckless e-bike riders
www.standard.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 12:27 PM
More than 16 years since Eilidh Cairns was tragically run over and killed while cycling along Notting Hill Gate, Westminster Council has come up with a good plan to keep people safe while crossing the road or riding their bikes along Bayswater Rd.
www.standard.co.uk/news/transpo...
www.standard.co.uk/news/transpo...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Only in the UK can we have documentary evidence of documents being leaked, no denial of the leak, but journalists still have to put "alleged" in the headline.
Libel law is broken.
Libel law is broken.
February 3, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Only in the UK can we have documentary evidence of documents being leaked, no denial of the leak, but journalists still have to put "alleged" in the headline.
Libel law is broken.
Libel law is broken.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Starmer has serious questions to answer about what his government knew, and when, about Mandelson's Epstein ties. Shocking that this man was made ambassador - he should have no role in public life. And we absolutely need a police enquiry into leaks.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Mandelson could face police inquiry over alleged leak to Epstein
Met police assessing reports of alleged misconduct in public office after government information apparently shared
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Starmer has serious questions to answer about what his government knew, and when, about Mandelson's Epstein ties. Shocking that this man was made ambassador - he should have no role in public life. And we absolutely need a police enquiry into leaks.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
“cycling links that would run parallel to, rather than along, the high street itself”
Cycle routes that bypass a shopping street are about as useful as a holed bucket.
I don't use Gosforth High Street often, but it's a horrid traffic sewer. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Cycle routes that bypass a shopping street are about as useful as a holed bucket.
I don't use Gosforth High Street often, but it's a horrid traffic sewer. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Busy high street's redesign will 'endanger children's lives', cyclists warn
Newcastle City Council's latest plans for Gosforth High Street include the removal of cycle routes and the addition of three new stretches of bus lane
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 1:44 PM
“cycling links that would run parallel to, rather than along, the high street itself”
Cycle routes that bypass a shopping street are about as useful as a holed bucket.
I don't use Gosforth High Street often, but it's a horrid traffic sewer. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Cycle routes that bypass a shopping street are about as useful as a holed bucket.
I don't use Gosforth High Street often, but it's a horrid traffic sewer. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
The incarceration of people for months and years without trial for offences that are in essence political has no place in a democracy like ours.
And in case it needed saying Greens oppose BOTH the increasing criminalisation of protest AND the removal of jury trials!
And in case it needed saying Greens oppose BOTH the increasing criminalisation of protest AND the removal of jury trials!
February 3, 2026 at 4:07 PM
The incarceration of people for months and years without trial for offences that are in essence political has no place in a democracy like ours.
And in case it needed saying Greens oppose BOTH the increasing criminalisation of protest AND the removal of jury trials!
And in case it needed saying Greens oppose BOTH the increasing criminalisation of protest AND the removal of jury trials!
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Labour took votes for granted.
They've blown it.
Green Party want to lower bills, protect our NHS and rebuild our public services.
Vote Green - and stop Reform.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
They've blown it.
Green Party want to lower bills, protect our NHS and rebuild our public services.
Vote Green - and stop Reform.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Starmer has little to offer voters of either right or left in Gorton and Denton. That’s why he’s facing a perfect storm | Owen Jones
The Greens are buoyant as Labour struggles. After shredding any semblance of a progressive agenda, fear of Reform is all the PM’s party has left, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Labour took votes for granted.
They've blown it.
Green Party want to lower bills, protect our NHS and rebuild our public services.
Vote Green - and stop Reform.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
They've blown it.
Green Party want to lower bills, protect our NHS and rebuild our public services.
Vote Green - and stop Reform.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
"We’re a movement for change with real answers to the struggles people across the country are facing – we have bold solutions to bring down bills, rebuild our public services and make life better for people in this country."
metro.co.uk/2026/01/28/z...
metro.co.uk/2026/01/28/z...
Reform’s choice in Gorton and Denton tells you everything you need to know
Goodwin is a dangerous extremist with views on race that the vast majority of us find absolutely abhorrent.
metro.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 5:36 PM
"We’re a movement for change with real answers to the struggles people across the country are facing – we have bold solutions to bring down bills, rebuild our public services and make life better for people in this country."
metro.co.uk/2026/01/28/z...
metro.co.uk/2026/01/28/z...
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Dark morning self-portrait.
January 28, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Dark morning self-portrait.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
“I watched him die… then I watched them maneuver his body like a rag doll— only to discover it was because they wanted to count the bullet wounds and see how many they ‘got’, like he was a deer.”
January 28, 2026 at 5:46 AM
“I watched him die… then I watched them maneuver his body like a rag doll— only to discover it was because they wanted to count the bullet wounds and see how many they ‘got’, like he was a deer.”
Reposted by Charles Barraball
Neil Young Trashes Amazon, Gives His Complete Musical Catalog to Greenland for Free - Rolling Stone
January 27, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Neil Young Trashes Amazon, Gives His Complete Musical Catalog to Greenland for Free - Rolling Stone
Reposted by Charles Barraball
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
January 28, 2026 at 2:26 AM
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
Reposted by Charles Barraball
💬 Big moment for #MyRideOurRight
Yesterday, MPs from across parties debated women’s safety while walking, wheeling, cycling and running, hearing how road design must reflect real experiences and why safety fears still deter many from cycling.
🧡 cyclinguk.org/westminster-mror
Yesterday, MPs from across parties debated women’s safety while walking, wheeling, cycling and running, hearing how road design must reflect real experiences and why safety fears still deter many from cycling.
🧡 cyclinguk.org/westminster-mror
January 28, 2026 at 6:18 PM
💬 Big moment for #MyRideOurRight
Yesterday, MPs from across parties debated women’s safety while walking, wheeling, cycling and running, hearing how road design must reflect real experiences and why safety fears still deter many from cycling.
🧡 cyclinguk.org/westminster-mror
Yesterday, MPs from across parties debated women’s safety while walking, wheeling, cycling and running, hearing how road design must reflect real experiences and why safety fears still deter many from cycling.
🧡 cyclinguk.org/westminster-mror