Peter Beal
@peterpaddler.bsky.social
Usually found with a coffee cup in hand
Landscape Photographer
My opinions are my own but I'm not afraid of hearing those of others & I'm willing to change all be it after a struggle
Landscape Photographer
My opinions are my own but I'm not afraid of hearing those of others & I'm willing to change all be it after a struggle
Reposted by Peter Beal
UK Govt plan to reduce child poverty is welcome but that requires reduction in parental poverty.
That can't be done without equitable distribution of income and wealth, stronger trade unions, progressive taxation, decent housing, education, healthcare, jobs and sound economy.
Who will do that?
That can't be done without equitable distribution of income and wealth, stronger trade unions, progressive taxation, decent housing, education, healthcare, jobs and sound economy.
Who will do that?
To tackle child poverty the government must deal with parental poverty
Labour's child poverty strategy offers some welcome measures, but it won't address the factors keeping families trapped in poverty
leftfootforward.org
December 13, 2025 at 7:53 AM
UK Govt plan to reduce child poverty is welcome but that requires reduction in parental poverty.
That can't be done without equitable distribution of income and wealth, stronger trade unions, progressive taxation, decent housing, education, healthcare, jobs and sound economy.
Who will do that?
That can't be done without equitable distribution of income and wealth, stronger trade unions, progressive taxation, decent housing, education, healthcare, jobs and sound economy.
Who will do that?
😡
Private equity curse.
Company on Burnley bought by PE to cut staff by 90%. Loyalty counts for nothing.
Typical PE business model - cut staff/wages, high debt, asset stripping, price hikes, sweat assets, profit shifting, tax abuse, extract high returns, move on to the next victim.
Company on Burnley bought by PE to cut staff by 90%. Loyalty counts for nothing.
Typical PE business model - cut staff/wages, high debt, asset stripping, price hikes, sweat assets, profit shifting, tax abuse, extract high returns, move on to the next victim.
Exertis UK 'to cut 90% of its staff' in distribution business | AV Magazine
The move comes amid reports of issues with maintaining credit insurance just a month after the completion of a sale to private equity buyer Aurelius.
www.avinteractive.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:57 PM
😡
Reposted by Peter Beal
US seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Trump says.
Prelude to a full scale invasion.
When dictators become unpopular they divert attention by starting wars.
What will he seize next?
Prelude to a full scale invasion.
When dictators become unpopular they divert attention by starting wars.
What will he seize next?
US seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Trump says
Venezuela condemns the operation as an act of
www.bbc.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 7:19 AM
US seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Trump says.
Prelude to a full scale invasion.
When dictators become unpopular they divert attention by starting wars.
What will he seize next?
Prelude to a full scale invasion.
When dictators become unpopular they divert attention by starting wars.
What will he seize next?
Reposted by Peter Beal
Elon Musk's X bans European Commission ads after €120m fine.
An example of how corporations flaunt power to discipline govts.
X was fined because it's blue tick system was deceptive. It was not "meaningfully verifying users". X lacked transparency, exposed users to scams, impersonation frauds.
An example of how corporations flaunt power to discipline govts.
X was fined because it's blue tick system was deceptive. It was not "meaningfully verifying users". X lacked transparency, exposed users to scams, impersonation frauds.
Elon Musk's X bans European Commission from making ads after €120m fine
The EU regulator had fined the social media platform over its
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Elon Musk's X bans European Commission ads after €120m fine.
An example of how corporations flaunt power to discipline govts.
X was fined because it's blue tick system was deceptive. It was not "meaningfully verifying users". X lacked transparency, exposed users to scams, impersonation frauds.
An example of how corporations flaunt power to discipline govts.
X was fined because it's blue tick system was deceptive. It was not "meaningfully verifying users". X lacked transparency, exposed users to scams, impersonation frauds.
I caught the football Peace prize award on the tele last night.
The lunatics have truly taken over the asylum!!!
The lunatics have truly taken over the asylum!!!
Unhinged.
US National Park Service removes free entry on Martin Luther King and Juneteenth (celebrates end of slavery) Day. Replaces with free entry on Trump's birthday.
King Donald removes MLK & Juneteenth public holiday, replaces with flag day which is Trump's birthday.
US Congress asleep.
US National Park Service removes free entry on Martin Luther King and Juneteenth (celebrates end of slavery) Day. Replaces with free entry on Trump's birthday.
King Donald removes MLK & Juneteenth public holiday, replaces with flag day which is Trump's birthday.
US Congress asleep.
National Park Service removes free entry on Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth
The Trump administration is adding Flag Day, which is also President Trump's birthday, to its list of fee-free entry days at national parks.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 9:20 AM
I caught the football Peace prize award on the tele last night.
The lunatics have truly taken over the asylum!!!
The lunatics have truly taken over the asylum!!!
So the US is currently buying billions of $s worth of uranium, paladium and fertiliser from Russia. In doing so they’re breaking sanctions and their own law. Bloody hypocrites!!
December 5, 2025 at 6:02 PM
So the US is currently buying billions of $s worth of uranium, paladium and fertiliser from Russia. In doing so they’re breaking sanctions and their own law. Bloody hypocrites!!
Reposted by Peter Beal
Bank of England waking up?
BOE to stress test private equity and private credit industries, can't compel firms to participate.
Some will volunteer, only to impose their will on the outcomes.
Industry is estimated to have assets of £8.23 trillion.
Govt pushing for deregulation.
BOE to stress test private equity and private credit industries, can't compel firms to participate.
Some will volunteer, only to impose their will on the outcomes.
Industry is estimated to have assets of £8.23 trillion.
Govt pushing for deregulation.
Bank of England to stress test private credit firms as concerns grow
The central bank said it has launched a new exercise to stress-test the resilience of the market.
www.independent.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Bank of England waking up?
BOE to stress test private equity and private credit industries, can't compel firms to participate.
Some will volunteer, only to impose their will on the outcomes.
Industry is estimated to have assets of £8.23 trillion.
Govt pushing for deregulation.
BOE to stress test private equity and private credit industries, can't compel firms to participate.
Some will volunteer, only to impose their will on the outcomes.
Industry is estimated to have assets of £8.23 trillion.
Govt pushing for deregulation.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Nike, Superdry and Lacoste ads banned over misleading green claims.
In the era of predatory capitalism lying, misinformation and fleecing have been normalised, to boost profits and exec pay.
No exec fined. No incentive to stop.
In the era of predatory capitalism lying, misinformation and fleecing have been normalised, to boost profits and exec pay.
No exec fined. No incentive to stop.
Nike, Superdry and Lacoste ads banned over green claims
The advertising watchdog said the retailers misled shoppers with their 'sustainability' claims.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Nike, Superdry and Lacoste ads banned over misleading green claims.
In the era of predatory capitalism lying, misinformation and fleecing have been normalised, to boost profits and exec pay.
No exec fined. No incentive to stop.
In the era of predatory capitalism lying, misinformation and fleecing have been normalised, to boost profits and exec pay.
No exec fined. No incentive to stop.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Bank of England warns of AI bubble risk, "sharp correction" in the value of major tech companies.
Repetition of dotcom mania, binge funded by banks.
Govt response - deregulation and lower capital requirements for banks.
Strategy for avoiding the crash?
Repetition of dotcom mania, binge funded by banks.
Govt response - deregulation and lower capital requirements for banks.
Strategy for avoiding the crash?
Bank of England warns of AI bubble risk
The central bank says US stock price valuations are their most stretched since the dotcom bubble burst.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Bank of England warns of AI bubble risk, "sharp correction" in the value of major tech companies.
Repetition of dotcom mania, binge funded by banks.
Govt response - deregulation and lower capital requirements for banks.
Strategy for avoiding the crash?
Repetition of dotcom mania, binge funded by banks.
Govt response - deregulation and lower capital requirements for banks.
Strategy for avoiding the crash?
Reposted by Peter Beal
Greenwash
England’s water industry issued £10.5bn in ‘green bonds’ despite pollution record.
Industry dumps tons of raw sewage in rivers, lakes and seas. Destroys marine life, biodiversity; creates health hazards.
And spineless regulators call them green bonds. Travesty.
England’s water industry issued £10.5bn in ‘green bonds’ despite pollution record.
Industry dumps tons of raw sewage in rivers, lakes and seas. Destroys marine life, biodiversity; creates health hazards.
And spineless regulators call them green bonds. Travesty.
England’s water industry issued £10.5bn in ‘green bonds’ despite pollution record
River Action says use of issuance tied to environmental benefits is ‘corporate greenwash on steroids’
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Greenwash
England’s water industry issued £10.5bn in ‘green bonds’ despite pollution record.
Industry dumps tons of raw sewage in rivers, lakes and seas. Destroys marine life, biodiversity; creates health hazards.
And spineless regulators call them green bonds. Travesty.
England’s water industry issued £10.5bn in ‘green bonds’ despite pollution record.
Industry dumps tons of raw sewage in rivers, lakes and seas. Destroys marine life, biodiversity; creates health hazards.
And spineless regulators call them green bonds. Travesty.
Reposted by Peter Beal
At last the BBC push back against the household budget theory of public finances. High time, I have been pushing back against this for almost 15 years now.
Isn't it refreshing when someone actually does nuance and detail?
H/t @andyverity.bsky.social at the BBC!
H/t @andyverity.bsky.social at the BBC!
November 29, 2025 at 9:39 AM
At last the BBC push back against the household budget theory of public finances. High time, I have been pushing back against this for almost 15 years now.
Reposted by Peter Beal
The stark difference in priorities between the Green Party and Labour has never been so clear.
Vote Green Party.
If you really want to send a clear message, then join the UK Green Party. It was one of my better decisions.
Vote Green Party.
If you really want to send a clear message, then join the UK Green Party. It was one of my better decisions.
The Labour Government refused a 1% asset tax on the super rich, yet raised taxes on people already struggling.
All whilst their "black hole" turned out to be utter nonsense.
Active choices to refuse to fund our communities which they desperately need.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
All whilst their "black hole" turned out to be utter nonsense.
Active choices to refuse to fund our communities which they desperately need.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Join the Green Party
Join the Green Party from just £6 a year. Become a member today - join the only party standing up for people and planet.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
November 29, 2025 at 4:55 PM
The stark difference in priorities between the Green Party and Labour has never been so clear.
Vote Green Party.
If you really want to send a clear message, then join the UK Green Party. It was one of my better decisions.
Vote Green Party.
If you really want to send a clear message, then join the UK Green Party. It was one of my better decisions.
Reposted by Peter Beal
The UK government’s budget is simply managing decline.
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth.
Can't grow economy by hiking taxes on low/middle income families.
Whatever happened to taxing the rich?
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth.
Can't grow economy by hiking taxes on low/middle income families.
Whatever happened to taxing the rich?
The government’s budget is simply managing decline
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth
leftfootforward.org
November 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
The UK government’s budget is simply managing decline.
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth.
Can't grow economy by hiking taxes on low/middle income families.
Whatever happened to taxing the rich?
The budget does little to improve living standards or facilitate sustained economic growth.
Can't grow economy by hiking taxes on low/middle income families.
Whatever happened to taxing the rich?
Typical response of the government. Dicking around with energy prices by cutting insulation subsidy.
A bold government would have restructured the market to stop energy from being priced at hi gas prices.
Failing that use the Rising block approach
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
A bold government would have restructured the market to stop energy from being priced at hi gas prices.
Failing that use the Rising block approach
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Energy affordability: how to reduce bills for majority of households
The Government needs a new approach to tackling energy affordability, a rising block tariff could be the answer.
www.jrf.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Typical response of the government. Dicking around with energy prices by cutting insulation subsidy.
A bold government would have restructured the market to stop energy from being priced at hi gas prices.
Failing that use the Rising block approach
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
A bold government would have restructured the market to stop energy from being priced at hi gas prices.
Failing that use the Rising block approach
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Reposted by Peter Beal
UK govt wants jury trials scrapped except for rape, murder, manslaughter or cases passing a public interest test.
What would toff judges do to protesters against bad laws, environmental and other issues.
Bad choice by a govt led by a human rights lawyer.
What would toff judges do to protesters against bad laws, environmental and other issues.
Bad choice by a govt led by a human rights lawyer.
Justice secretary wants most jury trials scrapped
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 7:46 AM
UK govt wants jury trials scrapped except for rape, murder, manslaughter or cases passing a public interest test.
What would toff judges do to protesters against bad laws, environmental and other issues.
Bad choice by a govt led by a human rights lawyer.
What would toff judges do to protesters against bad laws, environmental and other issues.
Bad choice by a govt led by a human rights lawyer.
Reposted by Peter Beal
FCA makes inquiries into WH Smith accounting error that wiped £600m off value.
Company accounts are opaque and unfit for purpose, audited by firms hired/paid by companies.
Financial Reporting Council, funded and dominated by big business makes the rules.
Company accounts are opaque and unfit for purpose, audited by firms hired/paid by companies.
Financial Reporting Council, funded and dominated by big business makes the rules.
FCA makes inquiries into WH Smith accounting error that wiped almost £600m off value
Regulator assessing whether firm breached UK disclosure rules for listed companies, but is yet to launch formal investigation
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:06 AM
FCA makes inquiries into WH Smith accounting error that wiped £600m off value.
Company accounts are opaque and unfit for purpose, audited by firms hired/paid by companies.
Financial Reporting Council, funded and dominated by big business makes the rules.
Company accounts are opaque and unfit for purpose, audited by firms hired/paid by companies.
Financial Reporting Council, funded and dominated by big business makes the rules.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Budget 2025
One lesso: organise, inform, campaign, protest.
UK Govt wasted 18 months, condemned millions of children to poverty. Today govt announced end of the two child benefit cap.
7 MPs had Labour whip withdrawn for opposing the cap. For 18 months Ministers defended the stupid policy.
One lesso: organise, inform, campaign, protest.
UK Govt wasted 18 months, condemned millions of children to poverty. Today govt announced end of the two child benefit cap.
7 MPs had Labour whip withdrawn for opposing the cap. For 18 months Ministers defended the stupid policy.
November 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Budget 2025
One lesso: organise, inform, campaign, protest.
UK Govt wasted 18 months, condemned millions of children to poverty. Today govt announced end of the two child benefit cap.
7 MPs had Labour whip withdrawn for opposing the cap. For 18 months Ministers defended the stupid policy.
One lesso: organise, inform, campaign, protest.
UK Govt wasted 18 months, condemned millions of children to poverty. Today govt announced end of the two child benefit cap.
7 MPs had Labour whip withdrawn for opposing the cap. For 18 months Ministers defended the stupid policy.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Dividends are taxed at marginal rates of 8.75%, 33.75%, and 39.35%, no national insurance is levied.
Wages taxed at 20%-45% +NIC.
Aligning taxation of dividends with wages could raise £6bn a year. Even higher if national insurance is also charged.
Wages taxed at 20%-45% +NIC.
Aligning taxation of dividends with wages could raise £6bn a year. Even higher if national insurance is also charged.
This is how Rachel Reeves could deliver a progressive budget
The chancellor has an opportunity to boost the public purpose and deliver redistribution
leftfootforward.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Dividends are taxed at marginal rates of 8.75%, 33.75%, and 39.35%, no national insurance is levied.
Wages taxed at 20%-45% +NIC.
Aligning taxation of dividends with wages could raise £6bn a year. Even higher if national insurance is also charged.
Wages taxed at 20%-45% +NIC.
Aligning taxation of dividends with wages could raise £6bn a year. Even higher if national insurance is also charged.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Chancellor Rachel Reeves hints at welfare cuts.
Why do govts not cut corporate welfare?
Subsidies for auto, steel, oil, gas, biomass, internet, shipbuilding and others, without any equity stake.
Profiteering by energy, water, phone, house builders, care home, dental care companies.
Why do govts not cut corporate welfare?
Subsidies for auto, steel, oil, gas, biomass, internet, shipbuilding and others, without any equity stake.
Profiteering by energy, water, phone, house builders, care home, dental care companies.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves hints at more welfare cuts after previous rebellion - but authority on shaky ground
The government's earlier efforts to reform welfare and save £5bn ended in an inglorious failure.
news.sky.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Chancellor Rachel Reeves hints at welfare cuts.
Why do govts not cut corporate welfare?
Subsidies for auto, steel, oil, gas, biomass, internet, shipbuilding and others, without any equity stake.
Profiteering by energy, water, phone, house builders, care home, dental care companies.
Why do govts not cut corporate welfare?
Subsidies for auto, steel, oil, gas, biomass, internet, shipbuilding and others, without any equity stake.
Profiteering by energy, water, phone, house builders, care home, dental care companies.
Reposted by Peter Beal
Curse of Private Equity.
Four of UK's biggest dental firms have raked in £1.2bn gross profit over the past two years,
Market controlled by My Dentist, PortmanDentex, Rodericks Dental, and Bupa Dental Services.
Prices 3.5 times more than NHS dentist.
No govt curbs profiteering.
Four of UK's biggest dental firms have raked in £1.2bn gross profit over the past two years,
Market controlled by My Dentist, PortmanDentex, Rodericks Dental, and Bupa Dental Services.
Prices 3.5 times more than NHS dentist.
No govt curbs profiteering.
Regulator bares teeth as dentists earn £1.2bn
The gross profit figures for private equity-owned My Dentist, PortmanDentex and Rodericks Dental, and Bupa Dental Services rose by 20 per cent year-on-year between 2023 and 2024.
www.thisismoney.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Curse of Private Equity.
Four of UK's biggest dental firms have raked in £1.2bn gross profit over the past two years,
Market controlled by My Dentist, PortmanDentex, Rodericks Dental, and Bupa Dental Services.
Prices 3.5 times more than NHS dentist.
No govt curbs profiteering.
Four of UK's biggest dental firms have raked in £1.2bn gross profit over the past two years,
Market controlled by My Dentist, PortmanDentex, Rodericks Dental, and Bupa Dental Services.
Prices 3.5 times more than NHS dentist.
No govt curbs profiteering.
School repairs left unfinished as firm behind PFI contract goes into liquidation.
Massive profiteering from PFI. After 25-30 years assets need to be in good condition before transfer to the public body. Then the company goes bust.
Govt doing more PFI deals.
Massive profiteering from PFI. After 25-30 years assets need to be in good condition before transfer to the public body. Then the company goes bust.
Govt doing more PFI deals.
Repairs left unfinished as firm behind huge schools PFI contract goes into liquidation
The news heightens concerns that 88 schools in Stoke-on-Trent could be left with unfinished work.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Peter Beal
UK Covid-19 Inquiry says govt response to the pandemic in March 2020 was "too little, too late"
Imposing lockdown a week earlier could have saved 23,000 lives in England
In 2016 govt knew the NHS couldn't cope with a flu epidemic but had no plan.
What did austerity do?
Imposing lockdown a week earlier could have saved 23,000 lives in England
In 2016 govt knew the NHS couldn't cope with a flu epidemic but had no plan.
What did austerity do?
‘Too little, too late’: damning report condemns UK’s Covid response
Report on handling of pandemic contains stinging criticism of ‘toxic and chaotic’ culture inside Boris Johnson’s No 10
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:40 PM
UK Covid-19 Inquiry says govt response to the pandemic in March 2020 was "too little, too late"
Imposing lockdown a week earlier could have saved 23,000 lives in England
In 2016 govt knew the NHS couldn't cope with a flu epidemic but had no plan.
What did austerity do?
Imposing lockdown a week earlier could have saved 23,000 lives in England
In 2016 govt knew the NHS couldn't cope with a flu epidemic but had no plan.
What did austerity do?
Reposted by Peter Beal
The UK political system is corrupt.
Political donations enable corporations/rich to buy parties, hand consultancies to legislators.
Normal people are disillusioned, increasingly don't register to vote or vote.
How will the govt cleanse the system?
Watch the Minister's reply.
Political donations enable corporations/rich to buy parties, hand consultancies to legislators.
Normal people are disillusioned, increasingly don't register to vote or vote.
How will the govt cleanse the system?
Watch the Minister's reply.
November 20, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The UK political system is corrupt.
Political donations enable corporations/rich to buy parties, hand consultancies to legislators.
Normal people are disillusioned, increasingly don't register to vote or vote.
How will the govt cleanse the system?
Watch the Minister's reply.
Political donations enable corporations/rich to buy parties, hand consultancies to legislators.
Normal people are disillusioned, increasingly don't register to vote or vote.
How will the govt cleanse the system?
Watch the Minister's reply.
Well predictably the youth vote is likely to go to the #greens. Let's just hope they get off their arses and vote
youtube.com/watch?v=80Zz...
youtube.com/watch?v=80Zz...
Asking students if they're done with Labour
YouTube video by PoliticsJOE
youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Well predictably the youth vote is likely to go to the #greens. Let's just hope they get off their arses and vote
youtube.com/watch?v=80Zz...
youtube.com/watch?v=80Zz...