Mark Fraser
@mark37m.bsky.social
Building http://middleton.coop @MiddCooperating
Working with visionary people and organisations to transform our local community/economy in Middleton. Personal views here. Previously @MarkMark37m on the twitter.
Working with visionary people and organisations to transform our local community/economy in Middleton. Personal views here. Previously @MarkMark37m on the twitter.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
You can’t defeat the far right by giving them what they claim to want, bc that isn’t what they really want. What they really want- as they occasionally make clear- is racial purity. That’s why measures aimed at reducing migration are not only cruel & self-harming but pointless on their own terms
February 15, 2026 at 10:04 AM
You can’t defeat the far right by giving them what they claim to want, bc that isn’t what they really want. What they really want- as they occasionally make clear- is racial purity. That’s why measures aimed at reducing migration are not only cruel & self-harming but pointless on their own terms
Reposted by Mark Fraser
There's far more that needs to be done to ensure the benefits of economic wealth are felt by everyone. There's also a limit to what can be achieved on that score at present without further devolution - in particular around fiscal powers.
February 15, 2026 at 8:49 AM
There's far more that needs to be done to ensure the benefits of economic wealth are felt by everyone. There's also a limit to what can be achieved on that score at present without further devolution - in particular around fiscal powers.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Greater Manchester is doing some things right, especially on transport and green investment, but we shouldn't kid ourselves by looking at a shiny city centre that that wealth trickles down to the 2.5m who live in the area.
fairerhealthacademy.gmtableau.nhs.uk/file/gmca-imd
fairerhealthacademy.gmtableau.nhs.uk/file/gmca-imd
February 15, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Greater Manchester is doing some things right, especially on transport and green investment, but we shouldn't kid ourselves by looking at a shiny city centre that that wealth trickles down to the 2.5m who live in the area.
fairerhealthacademy.gmtableau.nhs.uk/file/gmca-imd
fairerhealthacademy.gmtableau.nhs.uk/file/gmca-imd
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Concerns about wealth inequality warrant one sentence in the BBC's coverage of Greater Manchester's 'economic miracle' yet deprivation has worsened in Manchester in the last 6 years and near 1/4 of GM residents live in the 10% of most deprived wards. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
February 15, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Concerns about wealth inequality warrant one sentence in the BBC's coverage of Greater Manchester's 'economic miracle' yet deprivation has worsened in Manchester in the last 6 years and near 1/4 of GM residents live in the 10% of most deprived wards. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Remember when Keir Starmer thought trapping people for two decades in poverty was "a denial of human dignity"?
It's common sense, and our leaders know it. Let people work, make decisions quickly and let people settle.
It's common sense, and our leaders know it. Let people work, make decisions quickly and let people settle.
February 14, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Remember when Keir Starmer thought trapping people for two decades in poverty was "a denial of human dignity"?
It's common sense, and our leaders know it. Let people work, make decisions quickly and let people settle.
It's common sense, and our leaders know it. Let people work, make decisions quickly and let people settle.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Yvette Cooper must have fully understood that her unlawful proscription of Palestine Action was an attack on the fundamental freedoms of a democratic society. She did it anyway.
After today’s High Court ruling, she should no longer remain as a minister.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/the-re...
After today’s High Court ruling, she should no longer remain as a minister.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/the-re...
On the Responsibility of Citizens
Ordinary resistance and ordinary responsibility falls on all of us, whatever our jobs, positions, or roles in society.
www.bostonreview.net
February 13, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Yvette Cooper must have fully understood that her unlawful proscription of Palestine Action was an attack on the fundamental freedoms of a democratic society. She did it anyway.
After today’s High Court ruling, she should no longer remain as a minister.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/the-re...
After today’s High Court ruling, she should no longer remain as a minister.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/the-re...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
I asked the Defence minister today to examine whether the £4 million donation to Labour in 2024 by Quadrature. a hedge fund with sizeable investments in Palentir, a client of Mandelson’s company, had any influence on the award of contracts to Palentir, some without competition.
February 10, 2026 at 3:55 PM
I asked the Defence minister today to examine whether the £4 million donation to Labour in 2024 by Quadrature. a hedge fund with sizeable investments in Palentir, a client of Mandelson’s company, had any influence on the award of contracts to Palentir, some without competition.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The Times calls Keir Starmer's decision to hire Peter Mandelson an "egregious error" which deserves an "inquiry into the appointment process."
Not included is any demand for an inquiry into their own appointment of him, long after his post-conviction relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was exposed
Not included is any demand for an inquiry into their own appointment of him, long after his post-conviction relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was exposed
February 8, 2026 at 7:29 PM
The Times calls Keir Starmer's decision to hire Peter Mandelson an "egregious error" which deserves an "inquiry into the appointment process."
Not included is any demand for an inquiry into their own appointment of him, long after his post-conviction relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was exposed
Not included is any demand for an inquiry into their own appointment of him, long after his post-conviction relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was exposed
Reposted by Mark Fraser
I appreciate the response. You characterized UBI as “being paid to sit around and do nothing.”
I generally agree with much of what you wrote: Jobs are more than a salary.
You don’t need to portray UBI as an obstacle to make that case.
I generally agree with much of what you wrote: Jobs are more than a salary.
You don’t need to portray UBI as an obstacle to make that case.
February 5, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I appreciate the response. You characterized UBI as “being paid to sit around and do nothing.”
I generally agree with much of what you wrote: Jobs are more than a salary.
You don’t need to portray UBI as an obstacle to make that case.
I generally agree with much of what you wrote: Jobs are more than a salary.
You don’t need to portray UBI as an obstacle to make that case.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
What is it about being a highly educated person working at a place like the Financial Times that makes one think Arbeit Macht Frei? What is it about the thought of work being voluntary that makes one think we all will choose not to do anything? It's so frustrating to see them think they're so wise.
February 3, 2026 at 2:23 PM
What is it about being a highly educated person working at a place like the Financial Times that makes one think Arbeit Macht Frei? What is it about the thought of work being voluntary that makes one think we all will choose not to do anything? It's so frustrating to see them think they're so wise.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Last year we spotlighted Mayday Saxonvale's inspirational story, when they secured the sale from Somerset Council after a five-year effort: www.platformplaces.com/inspiration/...
Now they've secured £1.2M and are launching a community share offer to take the next steps ✨
Find out more ⬇️
Now they've secured £1.2M and are launching a community share offer to take the next steps ✨
Find out more ⬇️
February 3, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Last year we spotlighted Mayday Saxonvale's inspirational story, when they secured the sale from Somerset Council after a five-year effort: www.platformplaces.com/inspiration/...
Now they've secured £1.2M and are launching a community share offer to take the next steps ✨
Find out more ⬇️
Now they've secured £1.2M and are launching a community share offer to take the next steps ✨
Find out more ⬇️
At some point, @johnharris1969.bsky.social 's focus will shift from the misery of Labour to the hopefulness of the Greens. Might be time to cheer up.
Latest from me: I went to Gorton & Denton, and found the national condition, raging on www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In Gorton and Denton, I found a long-festering sense of fury that Labour has no idea how to tackle | John Harris
The people I met were disconnected and angry at the same time. Even if Labour somehow wins this byelection, how does it arrest the slide into hopelessness, asks Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM
At some point, @johnharris1969.bsky.social 's focus will shift from the misery of Labour to the hopefulness of the Greens. Might be time to cheer up.
Councils urgently need to be enabled to borrow to build.
“If you invest in council homes, you save massive amounts on the housing benefit bill. You make savings on people’s health because people are living in homes that are warm, safe and dry. You provide space for children to do their homework.”
“If you invest in council homes, you save massive amounts on the housing benefit bill. You make savings on people’s health because people are living in homes that are warm, safe and dry. You provide space for children to do their homework.”
Latest from me: I went to minehead, to see - no, really - new council houses & flats. We could build them at scale, if we wanted. So why not? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In Somerset, I found glorious proof that the UK can build great council houses. So what is holding us back? | John Harris
It was life-affirming to meet the residents of Rainbow Way in Minehead. But so much still stands in the way of Labour’s vision for social housing, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Councils urgently need to be enabled to borrow to build.
“If you invest in council homes, you save massive amounts on the housing benefit bill. You make savings on people’s health because people are living in homes that are warm, safe and dry. You provide space for children to do their homework.”
“If you invest in council homes, you save massive amounts on the housing benefit bill. You make savings on people’s health because people are living in homes that are warm, safe and dry. You provide space for children to do their homework.”
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Three errors here. First, in confusing some kind of SEND classification (20%) with EHCPs (5.5%).
Secondly in assuming it gives automatic right to DLA. Though there is a strong ECHP/DLA overlap.
Third in assuming that those moving to DLA to PIP never work (it's not an out of work benefit).
Secondly in assuming it gives automatic right to DLA. Though there is a strong ECHP/DLA overlap.
Third in assuming that those moving to DLA to PIP never work (it's not an out of work benefit).
"1 in 5 pupils are getting a SEND diagnosis..the vast majority then trip into the benefit system because they get child disability allowance allowance.'
This is completely false from Milburn. He's supposed to be reviewing this issue and he's just making things up. Inexcusable.
This is completely false from Milburn. He's supposed to be reviewing this issue and he's just making things up. Inexcusable.
January 24, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Three errors here. First, in confusing some kind of SEND classification (20%) with EHCPs (5.5%).
Secondly in assuming it gives automatic right to DLA. Though there is a strong ECHP/DLA overlap.
Third in assuming that those moving to DLA to PIP never work (it's not an out of work benefit).
Secondly in assuming it gives automatic right to DLA. Though there is a strong ECHP/DLA overlap.
Third in assuming that those moving to DLA to PIP never work (it's not an out of work benefit).
Reposted by Mark Fraser
In 1966 MLK went head to head with Chicago’s liberal mayor, speaking before thousands: “Let us be dissatisfied until every socially oppressive ghetto and rat-infested slum is plunged into the junk heaps of our nation and Negroes and whites live side by side in decent, safe, and sanitary housing.”
Socialism in One City
The ultimate test for Mamdani’s vision will be successful governance—and so far, it appears to be working.
www.bostonreview.net
January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
In 1966 MLK went head to head with Chicago’s liberal mayor, speaking before thousands: “Let us be dissatisfied until every socially oppressive ghetto and rat-infested slum is plunged into the junk heaps of our nation and Negroes and whites live side by side in decent, safe, and sanitary housing.”
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Everyone should see this. Watch it, share it - these are the voices we need to hear that are so often ignored in the poisonous debate about hotels.
'Our Side of the Story'
Created by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group and Stand & Be Counted Theatre, this short film features people with lived experience of asylum hotels. The group is supported by us, and the film presents a spoken version of a statement they shared a few months ago.
Created by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group and Stand & Be Counted Theatre, this short film features people with lived experience of asylum hotels. The group is supported by us, and the film presents a spoken version of a statement they shared a few months ago.
Our Side of the Story: Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group
YouTube video by GMIAU
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Everyone should see this. Watch it, share it - these are the voices we need to hear that are so often ignored in the poisonous debate about hotels.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
If x/twitter is a town square, why don't we who live in this online town get any say over the rules?
We could all be members and get a vote if it was a coop
I wrote this back in 2018 about facebook but it's relevant to x/bluesky and it's relevant to now
weownit.org.uk/blog/5-reaso...
We could all be members and get a vote if it was a coop
I wrote this back in 2018 about facebook but it's relevant to x/bluesky and it's relevant to now
weownit.org.uk/blog/5-reaso...
5 reasons why Facebook should be in (global, cooperative) public ownership
Just like the railway, Facebook is a private monopoly running a public service. We, the public, don't have real competition and consumer choice, but we don't have a democratic say as citizens either.
weownit.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:54 AM
If x/twitter is a town square, why don't we who live in this online town get any say over the rules?
We could all be members and get a vote if it was a coop
I wrote this back in 2018 about facebook but it's relevant to x/bluesky and it's relevant to now
weownit.org.uk/blog/5-reaso...
We could all be members and get a vote if it was a coop
I wrote this back in 2018 about facebook but it's relevant to x/bluesky and it's relevant to now
weownit.org.uk/blog/5-reaso...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
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 Mark Fraser
Refugees shouldn't have to wait 20 years to know if they are safe. New rules are leaving families separated and lives in limbo.
Join the campaign calling on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to scrap the 20-year wait. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/do...
Join the campaign calling on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to scrap the 20-year wait. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/do...
Don’t leave refugees in limbo: Scrap the 20-year wait
Imagine living in limbo for 20 years, not knowing if you’ll be allowed to stay in the only home your children have ever known.
That is the reality facing refugees under new government proposals. A gr...
you.38degrees.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Refugees shouldn't have to wait 20 years to know if they are safe. New rules are leaving families separated and lives in limbo.
Join the campaign calling on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to scrap the 20-year wait. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/do...
Join the campaign calling on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to scrap the 20-year wait. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/do...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Man who bought up 33,000 acres of farmland to avoid tax and moved his business to Singapore after the Brexit he voted for wants your sympathy.
December 28, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Man who bought up 33,000 acres of farmland to avoid tax and moved his business to Singapore after the Brexit he voted for wants your sympathy.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Disappointing to see the Home Secretary refuse to have a cuppa with constituents who wrote to remind her of the proud Brummie welcome that's conspicuously missing from her policies.
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
Brummie letter to Shabana Mahmood - the Home Secretary - Asylum Matters
On 27th October we asked people and organisations to sign an open letter to the newly elected Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, a Birmingham MP to say how we were worried...Continue reading
asylummatters.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Disappointing to see the Home Secretary refuse to have a cuppa with constituents who wrote to remind her of the proud Brummie welcome that's conspicuously missing from her policies.
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Denied bail for minor criminal damage (spraying paint on aircraft used in a genocide), 8 courageous prisoners are on hunger strike & close to death. Is the UK gvt willing to sacrifice Britain's reputation for liberalism to aid and abet Israel's genocide? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
December 21, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Denied bail for minor criminal damage (spraying paint on aircraft used in a genocide), 8 courageous prisoners are on hunger strike & close to death. Is the UK gvt willing to sacrifice Britain's reputation for liberalism to aid and abet Israel's genocide? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to show the world they are not alone. mondoweiss.net/2025/12/pale...
Palestine activists conducting a historic hunger strike in Britain need our international solidarity
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to...
mondoweiss.net
December 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to show the world they are not alone. mondoweiss.net/2025/12/pale...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
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 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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