David De Smet
@daviddesmet.bsky.social
Eco-socialist, bibliophile, ferroequinologist and ailurophile. 🌎
Voters in Gorton and Denton take note!
Reform UK will scrap high-speed rail for the North
Does Reform UK want a "second-class railway" for northern England
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/transpo...
Does Reform UK want a "second-class railway" for northern England
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/transpo...
Reform UK will scrap high-speed rail for the North
Does Reform UK want a "second-class railway" for northern England.
northeastbylines.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Voters in Gorton and Denton take note!
Reposted by David De Smet
We hope the good people of #SanFrancisco will forgive us for adapting a song about their city in 1967 to address the shocking and tragic events in #Minnesota in recent weeks. This is dedicated to Renée Good and Alex Pretti, and in solidarity. Our version is called "Minnesota" ❤️
youtu.be/BRHxXHZmVAM
youtu.be/BRHxXHZmVAM
"Minnesota" - Marsh Family adaptation of "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)"
YouTube video by Marsh Family
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 12:21 AM
We hope the good people of #SanFrancisco will forgive us for adapting a song about their city in 1967 to address the shocking and tragic events in #Minnesota in recent weeks. This is dedicated to Renée Good and Alex Pretti, and in solidarity. Our version is called "Minnesota" ❤️
youtu.be/BRHxXHZmVAM
youtu.be/BRHxXHZmVAM
Reposted by David De Smet
Please spread this far and wide, as stories don't get much bigger than this. When the government blocks even the intelligence services from telling us we're heading for environmental catastrophe, you know we have a problem. A very big problem.
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK government didn't want you to see this report on ecosystem collapse. I'm not surprised | George Monbiot
It took an FOI request to bring this national security assessment to light. For ‘doomsayers’ like us, it is the ultimate vindication, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:18 AM
Please spread this far and wide, as stories don't get much bigger than this. When the government blocks even the intelligence services from telling us we're heading for environmental catastrophe, you know we have a problem. A very big problem.
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by David De Smet
Poverty is deepening.
🔎 Our #UKPoverty2026 report was launched this morning.
People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.
This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.
🔎 Our #UKPoverty2026 report was launched this morning.
People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.
This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.
January 27, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Poverty is deepening.
🔎 Our #UKPoverty2026 report was launched this morning.
People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.
This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.
🔎 Our #UKPoverty2026 report was launched this morning.
People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.
This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.
Reposted by David De Smet
Help us make hope normal again.
Join the Green Party now.
Join the Green Party now.
January 22, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Help us make hope normal again.
Join the Green Party now.
Join the Green Party now.
Reposted by David De Smet
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
January 20, 2026 at 6:05 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:
“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
Reposted by David De Smet
Reposted by David De Smet
Free bus travel for under-22s.
Investing in young people and public transport to build a fairer, greener country! 🚌 💚
Investing in young people and public transport to build a fairer, greener country! 🚌 💚
January 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Free bus travel for under-22s.
Investing in young people and public transport to build a fairer, greener country! 🚌 💚
Investing in young people and public transport to build a fairer, greener country! 🚌 💚
Reposted by David De Smet
'the company funded a research project that led to the creation of the Science Museum Group academy – its teacher and educator training programme – which BP sponsors and which has run more than 500 courses, for more than 5,000 teachers.' 1/2
BP accused of ‘insidious’ influence on UK education through Science Museum links
Campaigners claim firm has bought sway over the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:51 AM
'the company funded a research project that led to the creation of the Science Museum Group academy – its teacher and educator training programme – which BP sponsors and which has run more than 500 courses, for more than 5,000 teachers.' 1/2
Reposted by David De Smet
If the Palestine Action hunger strikers die - which they could do at any moment, as they are now very close to the end - it will be the government that killed them. Today’s column explains why. Please share, and write urgently to your MP.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Let’s be clear: if the Palestine Action hunger strikers die, the government will bear moral responsibility | George Monbiot
The three remaining hunger strikers have been convicted of nothing. Yet with astonishing cruelty, ministers refuse to listen to their reasonable demands, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:07 AM
If the Palestine Action hunger strikers die - which they could do at any moment, as they are now very close to the end - it will be the government that killed them. Today’s column explains why. Please share, and write urgently to your MP.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by David De Smet
We can’t go on like this.
In just two days, the average FTSE 100 CEO has made a median workers full time annual salary.
The right calls this “wealth creation”.
It’s wealth extraction.
Time to tax the rich.
@highpaycentre.bsky.social
highpaycentre.org/fat-cat-day-...
In just two days, the average FTSE 100 CEO has made a median workers full time annual salary.
The right calls this “wealth creation”.
It’s wealth extraction.
Time to tax the rich.
@highpaycentre.bsky.social
highpaycentre.org/fat-cat-day-...
Fat Cat Day 2026 - High Pay Centre
Data shows the average FTSE 100 CEO will take just over two days to earn the median UK worker's full time annual salary. Median FTSE100 CEO pay amounted to £4.398 million (excluding pension), 113 time...
highpaycentre.org
January 6, 2026 at 12:55 PM
We can’t go on like this.
In just two days, the average FTSE 100 CEO has made a median workers full time annual salary.
The right calls this “wealth creation”.
It’s wealth extraction.
Time to tax the rich.
@highpaycentre.bsky.social
highpaycentre.org/fat-cat-day-...
In just two days, the average FTSE 100 CEO has made a median workers full time annual salary.
The right calls this “wealth creation”.
It’s wealth extraction.
Time to tax the rich.
@highpaycentre.bsky.social
highpaycentre.org/fat-cat-day-...
Reposted by David De Smet
The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law.
After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the “special relationship”, Trump now believes he can act with impunity.
After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the “special relationship”, Trump now believes he can act with impunity.
Trump just kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela
January 3, 2026 at 11:27 AM
The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law.
After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the “special relationship”, Trump now believes he can act with impunity.
After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the “special relationship”, Trump now believes he can act with impunity.
Reposted by David De Smet
UK govt should end rail outsourcing ‘racket’.
Passenger services brought into public ownership in name only.
Privatised security and catering suppliers, £150m profits last year.
Rolling stock privatised, public purse to pay £3bn+ to lease it.
Lucrative rail freight remains privatised.
Passenger services brought into public ownership in name only.
Privatised security and catering suppliers, £150m profits last year.
Rolling stock privatised, public purse to pay £3bn+ to lease it.
Lucrative rail freight remains privatised.
UK government should end rail outsourcing ‘racket’, says union
RMT estimates six cleaning, security and catering suppliers made £150m profits last year
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:41 AM
UK govt should end rail outsourcing ‘racket’.
Passenger services brought into public ownership in name only.
Privatised security and catering suppliers, £150m profits last year.
Rolling stock privatised, public purse to pay £3bn+ to lease it.
Lucrative rail freight remains privatised.
Passenger services brought into public ownership in name only.
Privatised security and catering suppliers, £150m profits last year.
Rolling stock privatised, public purse to pay £3bn+ to lease it.
Lucrative rail freight remains privatised.
Reposted by David De Smet
Greta Thunberg arrested for holding a sign opposing genocide.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
🚨BREAKING: GRETA THUNBERG ARRESTED UNDER TERRORISM ACT FOR SUPPORTING 'PALESTINE ACTION PRISONERS'
December 23, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Greta Thunberg arrested for holding a sign opposing genocide.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
Reposted by David De Smet
Your job as a campaigner isn’t to win over your opposition; nor beat them in the ‘marketplace of ideas’.
Your job is to change the terms of the debate.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/this-chris...
Your job is to change the terms of the debate.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/this-chris...
This Christmas, Don’t Talk about Politics
Why arguing with your family about politics won’t change their minds — and what actually will
graceblakeley.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Your job as a campaigner isn’t to win over your opposition; nor beat them in the ‘marketplace of ideas’.
Your job is to change the terms of the debate.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/this-chris...
Your job is to change the terms of the debate.
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/this-chris...
Reposted by David De Smet
UNISON members have elected Andrea Egan as the union’s next general secretary.
Full details and turnout information are available here ⬇️ unsn.uk/43AqMWf
Full details and turnout information are available here ⬇️ unsn.uk/43AqMWf
General secretary election 2025 - UNISON National
Andrea Egan has been elected UNISON general secretary in the 2025 general secretary election. Voting in the ballot was as follows: Andrea Egan 58,579 (59.82%) Christina McAnea …
unsn.uk
December 17, 2025 at 10:20 AM
UNISON members have elected Andrea Egan as the union’s next general secretary.
Full details and turnout information are available here ⬇️ unsn.uk/43AqMWf
Full details and turnout information are available here ⬇️ unsn.uk/43AqMWf
Reposted by David De Smet
"What is emerging about Nigel Farage is not a single stupid comment or heated moment. Former classmates are describing a pattern of behaviour. Not just a bully, but a racist bully of the ugliest kind, directing hatred at black and Jewish pupils as a kind of sport."
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
'If Nigel Farage's Racism Is Forgotten It Will Give Him Permission for Far Worse'
When someone tells you who they are, over and over again, it is wise to listen, argues Clive Lewis MP
bylinetimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM
"What is emerging about Nigel Farage is not a single stupid comment or heated moment. Former classmates are describing a pattern of behaviour. Not just a bully, but a racist bully of the ugliest kind, directing hatred at black and Jewish pupils as a kind of sport."
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
Reposted by David De Smet
Reposted by David De Smet
"Trains will be given a union flag inspired paint job as part of the govts nationalisation plan"
Meanwhile the trains themselves are still owned by private rolling stock leasing companies which extract huge amounts of £ from the industry (& shovel it into offshore tax havens)
Meanwhile the trains themselves are still owned by private rolling stock leasing companies which extract huge amounts of £ from the industry (& shovel it into offshore tax havens)
December 9, 2025 at 6:21 AM
"Trains will be given a union flag inspired paint job as part of the govts nationalisation plan"
Meanwhile the trains themselves are still owned by private rolling stock leasing companies which extract huge amounts of £ from the industry (& shovel it into offshore tax havens)
Meanwhile the trains themselves are still owned by private rolling stock leasing companies which extract huge amounts of £ from the industry (& shovel it into offshore tax havens)
Reposted by David De Smet
Hope is here.
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
November 28, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Hope is here.
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
Reposted by David De Smet
✍️ Patriotism and prejudice in the UK’s ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign
The red-cross flag of St George has become a common sight in recent times – is it for a shared love of country or a ‘Keep Out’ sign?
By Emily Georgiadis
The red-cross flag of St George has become a common sight in recent times – is it for a shared love of country or a ‘Keep Out’ sign?
By Emily Georgiadis
Patriotism and prejudice in the UK’s ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign
The red-cross flag of St George has become a common sight in recent times – is it for a shared love of country or a ‘Keep Out’ sign?
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 6:55 PM
✍️ Patriotism and prejudice in the UK’s ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign
The red-cross flag of St George has become a common sight in recent times – is it for a shared love of country or a ‘Keep Out’ sign?
By Emily Georgiadis
The red-cross flag of St George has become a common sight in recent times – is it for a shared love of country or a ‘Keep Out’ sign?
By Emily Georgiadis
Millions of us are still struggling to access affordable NHS dental care. I’ve signed 38 Degrees’ petition demanding Keir Starmer properly funds NHS dentistry now, will you join me? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fu...
Save NHS dentistry now!
I just signed the 38 Degrees petition calling on the Government to properly fund NHS dentistry. Millions of us are still struggling to access affordable dental care, so now the Government needs to stu...
you.38degrees.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Millions of us are still struggling to access affordable NHS dental care. I’ve signed 38 Degrees’ petition demanding Keir Starmer properly funds NHS dentistry now, will you join me? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fu...
Reposted by David De Smet
This is what tolerance of anti-migrant political rhetoric leads to. A surge in racial abuse against nurses and care workers. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Racist incidents against UK nurses surge by 55%
Royal College of Nursing calls on government to stop using anti-migrant rhetoric, which it says emboldens racist behaviour
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:53 AM
This is what tolerance of anti-migrant political rhetoric leads to. A surge in racial abuse against nurses and care workers. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by David De Smet
Individual action alone won't solve the climate crisis, but it is a powerful catalyst. When we choose not to fly and voice our reasons, we send a clear signal to industry and government, demanding better low-carbon travel infrastructure.
take the #FlightFreeChallenge. flightfree.co.uk
take the #FlightFreeChallenge. flightfree.co.uk
Flight Free UK
Fight climate change: make the pledge to be flight free in 2025
flightfree.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Individual action alone won't solve the climate crisis, but it is a powerful catalyst. When we choose not to fly and voice our reasons, we send a clear signal to industry and government, demanding better low-carbon travel infrastructure.
take the #FlightFreeChallenge. flightfree.co.uk
take the #FlightFreeChallenge. flightfree.co.uk