Rachael Unsworth
@leedstours.bsky.social
Urban geographer & walking tour guide in Leeds 🌍 - local, in a global setting
https://www.leedscitywalkingtours.co.uk/
Researcher, writer ('Leeds: Cradle of Innovation'), presenter, Leeds Phil & Lit, musician 🎻 European
Professional chat posts only
https://www.leedscitywalkingtours.co.uk/
Researcher, writer ('Leeds: Cradle of Innovation'), presenter, Leeds Phil & Lit, musician 🎻 European
Professional chat posts only
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
This petition will be mentioned in Parliament now that it has reached over 10,000 signatures.
Please keep signing and sharing it, the more people who sign, the more attention it will garner for possible debate.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Please keep signing and sharing it, the more people who sign, the more attention it will garner for possible debate.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
November 7, 2025 at 11:39 AM
This petition will be mentioned in Parliament now that it has reached over 10,000 signatures.
Please keep signing and sharing it, the more people who sign, the more attention it will garner for possible debate.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Please keep signing and sharing it, the more people who sign, the more attention it will garner for possible debate.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
The autumn budget will mop up some damage, but the true source of the economic crisis is clear. The government should now fix it – tragically, it won’t, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Trade folk (including myself) are unconvinced there is much of a growth dividend for Rachel Reeves from agreements with India, EU, and US. Just as there's no evidence of positive impact from independent UK trade policy since 2021. www.politico.eu/article/rach...
Rachel Reeves hopes trade deals can save Britain’s budget. Economists aren’t convinced.
With a difficult budget looming, the chancellor has increasingly turned her gaze overseas.
www.politico.eu
November 24, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Trade folk (including myself) are unconvinced there is much of a growth dividend for Rachel Reeves from agreements with India, EU, and US. Just as there's no evidence of positive impact from independent UK trade policy since 2021. www.politico.eu/article/rach...
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
The petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian interference has really picked up stream and is now over 15k. Well done everyone for your good work.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 24, 2025 at 12:17 AM
The petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian interference has really picked up stream and is now over 15k. Well done everyone for your good work.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
On the US poverty line:
What does that tell you about the $31,200 line we still use?
It tells you we are measuring starvation.
What does that tell you about the $31,200 line we still use?
It tells you we are measuring starvation.
Mike Green is writing some amazing stuff at the moment. It's not in the delta, it's in the level and the cost structure. Read this and you will understand Angrynomics on a new level: www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
How a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke America
www.yesigiveafig.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:03 AM
On the US poverty line:
What does that tell you about the $31,200 line we still use?
It tells you we are measuring starvation.
What does that tell you about the $31,200 line we still use?
It tells you we are measuring starvation.
Powerful stuff - very clear explanation of how 'The Poverty Line' (below which households are in crisis, not sufficiency) is way out of date & why so many Americans struggle even to be solvent.
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
How a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke America
www.yesigiveafig.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Powerful stuff - very clear explanation of how 'The Poverty Line' (below which households are in crisis, not sufficiency) is way out of date & why so many Americans struggle even to be solvent.
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
" ... adopting far-right positions leads neither to electoral success for centrist parties nor to electoral defeat for far-right parties".
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
This week’s local elections are the latest reminder that when social democrats move rightwards, they’re making a mistake, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:47 PM
" ... adopting far-right positions leads neither to electoral success for centrist parties nor to electoral defeat for far-right parties".
Small, non-costly veggie pleasure on a drab day in a troubled world:
half a bargain tortilla (25p), a slice of squash, a mushroom, a helping of red cabbage* and a little tuft of rocket salad.
*Cooked slowly with apple (a gift), caraway seeds, red vinegar, brown sugar, ground clove, celery seeds.
half a bargain tortilla (25p), a slice of squash, a mushroom, a helping of red cabbage* and a little tuft of rocket salad.
*Cooked slowly with apple (a gift), caraway seeds, red vinegar, brown sugar, ground clove, celery seeds.
November 23, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Small, non-costly veggie pleasure on a drab day in a troubled world:
half a bargain tortilla (25p), a slice of squash, a mushroom, a helping of red cabbage* and a little tuft of rocket salad.
*Cooked slowly with apple (a gift), caraway seeds, red vinegar, brown sugar, ground clove, celery seeds.
half a bargain tortilla (25p), a slice of squash, a mushroom, a helping of red cabbage* and a little tuft of rocket salad.
*Cooked slowly with apple (a gift), caraway seeds, red vinegar, brown sugar, ground clove, celery seeds.
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
A few weekends ago my husband & I were away, trying to relax and spend time together after the death of our son. Whilst there an accident happened at the factory he runs, he spent ages on his phone & laptop helping to sort out the response. But this bastard took holiday during our biggest crisis!!
Boris Johnson took four days off as NHS warned Covid could ‘overwhelm’ system
Files show then PM was walking dog, riding motorbike and hosting guests as pandemic planning stalled in ‘lost month’
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:14 AM
A few weekends ago my husband & I were away, trying to relax and spend time together after the death of our son. Whilst there an accident happened at the factory he runs, he spent ages on his phone & laptop helping to sort out the response. But this bastard took holiday during our biggest crisis!!
Parkinson Building, University of Leeds, in winter sun.
Designed in 1920s and eventually properly opened in 1951.
Funded by a gift from alumnus Frank Parkinson, successful electrical engineer. He liked the idea of the indoor courtyard for students of a northern university.
Designed in 1920s and eventually properly opened in 1951.
Funded by a gift from alumnus Frank Parkinson, successful electrical engineer. He liked the idea of the indoor courtyard for students of a northern university.
November 23, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Parkinson Building, University of Leeds, in winter sun.
Designed in 1920s and eventually properly opened in 1951.
Funded by a gift from alumnus Frank Parkinson, successful electrical engineer. He liked the idea of the indoor courtyard for students of a northern university.
Designed in 1920s and eventually properly opened in 1951.
Funded by a gift from alumnus Frank Parkinson, successful electrical engineer. He liked the idea of the indoor courtyard for students of a northern university.
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Winter sun on Leeds bricks
L: Leeds Bridge House, former temperance hotel, completed 1881.
R: 'Tuscan' tower of the Hardings' Tower Works, developed from 1860s to make metal components for textile machinery.
L: Leeds Bridge House, former temperance hotel, completed 1881.
R: 'Tuscan' tower of the Hardings' Tower Works, developed from 1860s to make metal components for textile machinery.
November 23, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Winter sun on Leeds bricks
L: Leeds Bridge House, former temperance hotel, completed 1881.
R: 'Tuscan' tower of the Hardings' Tower Works, developed from 1860s to make metal components for textile machinery.
L: Leeds Bridge House, former temperance hotel, completed 1881.
R: 'Tuscan' tower of the Hardings' Tower Works, developed from 1860s to make metal components for textile machinery.
A favourite pic near midday 5 Nov 2022 when the new windows of Leeds Town Hall had just been revealed.
Such a clever, sleek design. I think architect Cuthbert Brodrick (1821-1905) would have approved.
Part of the extensive refurbishment overseen by Page\Park.
Such a clever, sleek design. I think architect Cuthbert Brodrick (1821-1905) would have approved.
Part of the extensive refurbishment overseen by Page\Park.
November 23, 2025 at 8:15 AM
A favourite pic near midday 5 Nov 2022 when the new windows of Leeds Town Hall had just been revealed.
Such a clever, sleek design. I think architect Cuthbert Brodrick (1821-1905) would have approved.
Part of the extensive refurbishment overseen by Page\Park.
Such a clever, sleek design. I think architect Cuthbert Brodrick (1821-1905) would have approved.
Part of the extensive refurbishment overseen by Page\Park.
Looking back at some sunnier winter days:
south-facing main steps of Leeds Town Hall with the globes of 'A World Reimagined' city centre open air exhibition. (Arranged here ahead of King's visit. And in the nick of time, wraps were removed to reveal stylish new windows).
5 Nov 2022
south-facing main steps of Leeds Town Hall with the globes of 'A World Reimagined' city centre open air exhibition. (Arranged here ahead of King's visit. And in the nick of time, wraps were removed to reveal stylish new windows).
5 Nov 2022
November 23, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Looking back at some sunnier winter days:
south-facing main steps of Leeds Town Hall with the globes of 'A World Reimagined' city centre open air exhibition. (Arranged here ahead of King's visit. And in the nick of time, wraps were removed to reveal stylish new windows).
5 Nov 2022
south-facing main steps of Leeds Town Hall with the globes of 'A World Reimagined' city centre open air exhibition. (Arranged here ahead of King's visit. And in the nick of time, wraps were removed to reveal stylish new windows).
5 Nov 2022
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Reuters has confirmed that President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy Steve Witkoff held a private meeting in Miami with a sanctioned Kremlin proxy to help shape the new "peace plan" for Ukraine. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Reuters has confirmed that President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy Steve Witkoff held a private meeting in Miami with a sanctioned Kremlin proxy to help shape the new "peace plan" for Ukraine. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
The president is waging war against America's cities, but Boston will not be silent. We stand together against tyranny and injustice just like we have for 250 years. #NoKings
October 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The president is waging war against America's cities, but Boston will not be silent. We stand together against tyranny and injustice just like we have for 250 years. #NoKings
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Here’s what’s on our Budget bucket list…
November 22, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Here’s what’s on our Budget bucket list…
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
You must read @carolecadwalla.bsky.social on the latest “too big to fail” stock market shattering statements of the Tech Bros.
Alex Karp and Sam Altman in full head wagging denial mode should tell you all you need to know about the reckoning to come
broligarchy.substack.com/p/peter-thie...
Alex Karp and Sam Altman in full head wagging denial mode should tell you all you need to know about the reckoning to come
broligarchy.substack.com/p/peter-thie...
Peter Thiel Gets Out of Dodge
Yesterday, I published on "Great AI Bubble". Today, Silicon Valley's Dr Evil dumps his stock
broligarchy.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:19 PM
You must read @carolecadwalla.bsky.social on the latest “too big to fail” stock market shattering statements of the Tech Bros.
Alex Karp and Sam Altman in full head wagging denial mode should tell you all you need to know about the reckoning to come
broligarchy.substack.com/p/peter-thie...
Alex Karp and Sam Altman in full head wagging denial mode should tell you all you need to know about the reckoning to come
broligarchy.substack.com/p/peter-thie...
Leeds Civic Trust 60th birthday party at Left Bank Leeds - a church designed by Temple Moore on Cardigan Rd, repurposed as a community and cultural venue.
Vegetarian meal +🍷
And it’s remarkably *warm*.
Vegetarian meal +🍷
And it’s remarkably *warm*.
November 20, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Leeds Civic Trust 60th birthday party at Left Bank Leeds - a church designed by Temple Moore on Cardigan Rd, repurposed as a community and cultural venue.
Vegetarian meal +🍷
And it’s remarkably *warm*.
Vegetarian meal +🍷
And it’s remarkably *warm*.
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
MAJOR NEWS: Federal judges, including a Trump appointee, just BLOCKED Texas Republicans from using their new gerrymandered congressional map in 2026, ruling it was likely an illegal racial gerrymander. TX must revert to its 2021 map as Trump’s redistricting power grab collapses.
November 18, 2025 at 6:50 PM
MAJOR NEWS: Federal judges, including a Trump appointee, just BLOCKED Texas Republicans from using their new gerrymandered congressional map in 2026, ruling it was likely an illegal racial gerrymander. TX must revert to its 2021 map as Trump’s redistricting power grab collapses.
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
The real issue isn’t immigration, it’s the feedback loop: platforms amplify anxiety → voters feel it → politicians chase it → hollow policy follows. Until we break that cycle, we won’t get functional decisions or functional democracy.
November 16, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The real issue isn’t immigration, it’s the feedback loop: platforms amplify anxiety → voters feel it → politicians chase it → hollow policy follows. Until we break that cycle, we won’t get functional decisions or functional democracy.
Reposted by Rachael Unsworth
Paris. It was not 'built like this.'
Thanks Anne Hidalgo, a DOER, for greening Paris. Along the way, showing the world's mayors that change is doable.
Situation Modification: it’s NOT willpower, but the wisdom to shape the situations that shape you. Angela Duckworth
Thanks Anne Hidalgo, a DOER, for greening Paris. Along the way, showing the world's mayors that change is doable.
Situation Modification: it’s NOT willpower, but the wisdom to shape the situations that shape you. Angela Duckworth
November 15, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Paris. It was not 'built like this.'
Thanks Anne Hidalgo, a DOER, for greening Paris. Along the way, showing the world's mayors that change is doable.
Situation Modification: it’s NOT willpower, but the wisdom to shape the situations that shape you. Angela Duckworth
Thanks Anne Hidalgo, a DOER, for greening Paris. Along the way, showing the world's mayors that change is doable.
Situation Modification: it’s NOT willpower, but the wisdom to shape the situations that shape you. Angela Duckworth
We're all human beings.
Boundaries are wicked things.
research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publicati...
But those who manage to escape from intolerable conditions demonstrate determination & so often go on to make valuable contributions as inhabitants of wherever they find a safe haven.
Boundaries are wicked things.
research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publicati...
But those who manage to escape from intolerable conditions demonstrate determination & so often go on to make valuable contributions as inhabitants of wherever they find a safe haven.
November 15, 2025 at 7:58 PM
We're all human beings.
Boundaries are wicked things.
research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publicati...
But those who manage to escape from intolerable conditions demonstrate determination & so often go on to make valuable contributions as inhabitants of wherever they find a safe haven.
Boundaries are wicked things.
research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publicati...
But those who manage to escape from intolerable conditions demonstrate determination & so often go on to make valuable contributions as inhabitants of wherever they find a safe haven.
V good content in December @prospectmagazine.co.uk, inc the explanation of ‘bullshit’ in this moment of major dumping thereof.
Just one minor beef: my Dad, an expert on cattle, would have expected me to point out that this bovine is not a bull. I do realise that there’s no bull emoticon, but ironic.
Just one minor beef: my Dad, an expert on cattle, would have expected me to point out that this bovine is not a bull. I do realise that there’s no bull emoticon, but ironic.
November 15, 2025 at 7:25 PM
V good content in December @prospectmagazine.co.uk, inc the explanation of ‘bullshit’ in this moment of major dumping thereof.
Just one minor beef: my Dad, an expert on cattle, would have expected me to point out that this bovine is not a bull. I do realise that there’s no bull emoticon, but ironic.
Just one minor beef: my Dad, an expert on cattle, would have expected me to point out that this bovine is not a bull. I do realise that there’s no bull emoticon, but ironic.