Richard Blackman 🔶
@richardblackman.bsky.social
Lib Dem Cllr for Bassett, Southampton, Lib Dem Group Leader, Chair of Scrutiny Committee on SCC. Pluralist. European Citizen at heart. Generation X. Interests include languages and nature.
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
(1/3).Today is White Ribbon Day and the start of 16 days of action focused on ending violence against women and girls.
At lunchtime, Chief Executive, Jillian Kay, Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Winning, and Executive Director, and Robert Henderson raised the ...
At lunchtime, Chief Executive, Jillian Kay, Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Winning, and Executive Director, and Robert Henderson raised the ...
November 25, 2025 at 2:37 PM
(1/3).Today is White Ribbon Day and the start of 16 days of action focused on ending violence against women and girls.
At lunchtime, Chief Executive, Jillian Kay, Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Winning, and Executive Director, and Robert Henderson raised the ...
At lunchtime, Chief Executive, Jillian Kay, Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Winning, and Executive Director, and Robert Henderson raised the ...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
“Southampton has always been a city built on diversity and hard work — people coming together from all walks of life to make something better."
Southampton residents and organizations raise concerns over large anti-migrant demonstration planned for Sunday.
www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/24/s...
Southampton residents and organizations raise concerns over large anti-migrant demonstration planned for Sunday.
www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/24/s...
Southampton residents and organizations raise concerns over large anti-migrant demonstration - In-Common - Southampton
Southampton residents and organisations have spoken of their concern for the local community following the announcement of plans for a large anti-migrant protest, which organisers aim to be the larges...
www.in-common.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 11:53 AM
“Southampton has always been a city built on diversity and hard work — people coming together from all walks of life to make something better."
Southampton residents and organizations raise concerns over large anti-migrant demonstration planned for Sunday.
www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/24/s...
Southampton residents and organizations raise concerns over large anti-migrant demonstration planned for Sunday.
www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/24/s...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
1/3. Southampton City Council is deeply saddened by the distressing incident that took place at a synagogue in Manchester yesterday. Our thoughts are with the Jewish communities in Manchester and across the country.
Southampton stands in solidarity with all those affected. In times like these, ...
Southampton stands in solidarity with all those affected. In times like these, ...
October 3, 2025 at 12:29 PM
1/3. Southampton City Council is deeply saddened by the distressing incident that took place at a synagogue in Manchester yesterday. Our thoughts are with the Jewish communities in Manchester and across the country.
Southampton stands in solidarity with all those affected. In times like these, ...
Southampton stands in solidarity with all those affected. In times like these, ...
Very pleased that Martin Tod has been selected to run for Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent. He'll be a great candidate and an excellent Mayor.
www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/2545583...
www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/2545583...
Winchester City Council leader announced as Lib Dem candidate for Hampshire Mayor
The leader of Winchester City Council has been announced as the Lib Dem candidate for Hampshire Mayor.
www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Very pleased that Martin Tod has been selected to run for Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent. He'll be a great candidate and an excellent Mayor.
www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/2545583...
www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/2545583...
We're certainly working towards this, not least to bring positive change to Southampton. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2540592...
Lib Dems wants more councillors in 'great city' of Southampton
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey wants to see his party expand its representation in the “great city” of Southampton.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
August 21, 2025 at 9:47 PM
We're certainly working towards this, not least to bring positive change to Southampton. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2540592...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
Another Labour councillor joins Lib Dems in Southampton
Another Labour councillor joins Lib Dems in Southampton
Southampton local councillor Rebecca McCreanor (Coxford ward) has joined the Liberal Democrats from Labour.
buff.ly
August 7, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Another Labour councillor joins Lib Dems in Southampton
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
Southampton Labour councillor Matt Bunday joins the Lib Dems
Southampton Labour councillor Matt Bunday joins the Lib Dems
Matt Bunday, councillor for Swaythling ward and who was secretary of the Labour Party group on Southampton Council, has joined the Lib Dems.
buff.ly
June 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Southampton Labour councillor Matt Bunday joins the Lib Dems
While the halt to the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme is unsurprising, it is a significant setback for Southampton. The project needs to stay at the top of the Labour administration's in-tray. www.southampton.gov.uk/news/article...
Southampton City Council remains committed to delivering the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme despite challenges
The River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme is navigating through a period of financial constraint as a significant element of the funding required is no longer available.
www.southampton.gov.uk
May 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
While the halt to the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme is unsurprising, it is a significant setback for Southampton. The project needs to stay at the top of the Labour administration's in-tray. www.southampton.gov.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
🚨🚨Excellent thread by Peter Foster on #Labour's #immigration announcement and the absence of #honest debate in this area which as mentioned can be transposed other important areas as the EU-UK #reset where the party refuses to engage with the necessary #tradeoffs involved in all decision-making.
Labour's immigration announcement today is a reflection of the paucity of honest debate by BOTH political parties over the last decade on this issue.
Labour has never made a counter-argument, or been honest about economic cost of immigration curbs, so it's stuck making Tory/Reform arguments 1/n
Labour has never made a counter-argument, or been honest about economic cost of immigration curbs, so it's stuck making Tory/Reform arguments 1/n
May 13, 2025 at 8:34 AM
🚨🚨Excellent thread by Peter Foster on #Labour's #immigration announcement and the absence of #honest debate in this area which as mentioned can be transposed other important areas as the EU-UK #reset where the party refuses to engage with the necessary #tradeoffs involved in all decision-making.
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
HUGE win for grassroots #Feminism –
@forwomenscotland.bsky.social #SupremeCourt victory 💥
A clear ruling that Women are a distinct group under the Equality Act.
Now the #EHRC & national gov'ts must step up for women, update guidance & align policy & practice with the law
#WeKnowWhatAWomanIs
@forwomenscotland.bsky.social #SupremeCourt victory 💥
A clear ruling that Women are a distinct group under the Equality Act.
Now the #EHRC & national gov'ts must step up for women, update guidance & align policy & practice with the law
#WeKnowWhatAWomanIs
April 16, 2025 at 9:22 AM
HUGE win for grassroots #Feminism –
@forwomenscotland.bsky.social #SupremeCourt victory 💥
A clear ruling that Women are a distinct group under the Equality Act.
Now the #EHRC & national gov'ts must step up for women, update guidance & align policy & practice with the law
#WeKnowWhatAWomanIs
@forwomenscotland.bsky.social #SupremeCourt victory 💥
A clear ruling that Women are a distinct group under the Equality Act.
Now the #EHRC & national gov'ts must step up for women, update guidance & align policy & practice with the law
#WeKnowWhatAWomanIs
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
Hope springs eternal.
April 15, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Hope springs eternal.
Out talking to residents on Dale Valley Road this afternoon there was very strong support for a 20mph zone. Well done to my colleague Cllr Thomas Gravatt for pressing this issue at full Council. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2507883...
Councillor makes plea for 20mph zone on 'every residential street in the city'
A plea has been made for the roll out of 20mph zones across Southampton to be accelerated.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
April 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Out talking to residents on Dale Valley Road this afternoon there was very strong support for a 20mph zone. Well done to my colleague Cllr Thomas Gravatt for pressing this issue at full Council. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2507883...
A sunny day on the Thames Path walking from Richmond to Kingston, revisiting old haunts.
April 8, 2025 at 1:37 PM
A sunny day on the Thames Path walking from Richmond to Kingston, revisiting old haunts.
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
In Aylesbury West, Reform have stood 3 candidates in a 2 member ward...
April 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
In Aylesbury West, Reform have stood 3 candidates in a 2 member ward...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
A Lithuanian equivalent to “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” is nemokamas sūris tik pelėkautuose. It means “the only free cheese is in a mousetrap”
* read on for more international cheese phrases (this thread may not turn out grate, but hopefully it will be gouda ‘nuff)…
* read on for more international cheese phrases (this thread may not turn out grate, but hopefully it will be gouda ‘nuff)…
March 27, 2025 at 11:56 AM
A Lithuanian equivalent to “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” is nemokamas sūris tik pelėkautuose. It means “the only free cheese is in a mousetrap”
* read on for more international cheese phrases (this thread may not turn out grate, but hopefully it will be gouda ‘nuff)…
* read on for more international cheese phrases (this thread may not turn out grate, but hopefully it will be gouda ‘nuff)…
Hurrah! Schrodinger's street light is working!
The saga of the non-functioning street light on Arnheim Road continues. According to the Council, or at least the company that looks after street lighting, it doesn't exist. It's very much still there - as the photo shows.
March 27, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Hurrah! Schrodinger's street light is working!
Required reading on the influence of gender politics. www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/confusion-sex-gender-nhs-data-r9qrgl5zn
Confusion over sex made years of data useless
Alice Sullivan has revealed how far gender politics led both state and private sectors astray when recording statistics
www.thetimes.com
March 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Required reading on the influence of gender politics. www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/confusion-sex-gender-nhs-data-r9qrgl5zn
A favourite German language quote is from Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt: "Je planmäßiger die Menschen vorgehen, desto wirksamer vermag sie der Zufall zu treffen." Takes me back to 'A' level German lessons with my excellent teachers Christine van der Vat and Andrew Frost. #ShoutOutForGerman
March 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
A favourite German language quote is from Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt: "Je planmäßiger die Menschen vorgehen, desto wirksamer vermag sie der Zufall zu treffen." Takes me back to 'A' level German lessons with my excellent teachers Christine van der Vat and Andrew Frost. #ShoutOutForGerman
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
As John le Carré once said, “The decision to learn a foreign language is an act of friendship.”
www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/03/17/s... #ShoutOutForGerman
www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/03/17/s... #ShoutOutForGerman
#ShoutOutForGerman - A case for language learning and German at British Universities - HEPI
This HEPI blog was kindly authored by colleagues at the German Embassy in London and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). #ShoutOutForGerman – this is the title of a week-long campaign from 1...
www.hepi.ac.uk
March 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
As John le Carré once said, “The decision to learn a foreign language is an act of friendship.”
www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/03/17/s... #ShoutOutForGerman
www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/03/17/s... #ShoutOutForGerman
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
Who does Spiderman vote for? How about Darth Vader?
Read about @turnbulldugarte.com's latest study showing how people project their political views onto fictional heroes and villains.
theconversation.com/who-does-spi...
Read about @turnbulldugarte.com's latest study showing how people project their political views onto fictional heroes and villains.
theconversation.com/who-does-spi...
Who does Spiderman vote for? Study shows people project their political views onto fictional heroes and villains
Respondents thought the good guys would share their political views while the baddies would vote for the opposite party.
theconversation.com
March 17, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Who does Spiderman vote for? How about Darth Vader?
Read about @turnbulldugarte.com's latest study showing how people project their political views onto fictional heroes and villains.
theconversation.com/who-does-spi...
Read about @turnbulldugarte.com's latest study showing how people project their political views onto fictional heroes and villains.
theconversation.com/who-does-spi...
I was proud that the Lib Dem Group put forward ambitious proposals for Southampton at last week's Budget meeting of Council. Our city needs change - and ambition is necessary to bring that about. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2497072...
'Ambitious' alternative budget for council fails to impress
Southampton’s Liberal Democrat group unveiled an “ambitious” alternative city council budget that included more than £200million of capital…
www.dailyecho.co.uk
March 2, 2025 at 11:36 AM
I was proud that the Lib Dem Group put forward ambitious proposals for Southampton at last week's Budget meeting of Council. Our city needs change - and ambition is necessary to bring that about. www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2497072...
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
You are not alone, Zelenskyy, the aggressor and the victim should never be confused.
We are with you 🇺🇦🇪🇺
Now is time for Europe to act.
We are with you 🇺🇦🇪🇺
Now is time for Europe to act.
February 28, 2025 at 8:36 PM
You are not alone, Zelenskyy, the aggressor and the victim should never be confused.
We are with you 🇺🇦🇪🇺
Now is time for Europe to act.
We are with you 🇺🇦🇪🇺
Now is time for Europe to act.
Reposted by Richard Blackman 🔶
This is thuggery from Trump and Vance, plain and simple.
They are bullying the brave true patriot Zelensky into accepting a deal which effectively hands victory to Russia. Unless the UK and Europe step up, we are facing a betrayal of Ukraine.
They are bullying the brave true patriot Zelensky into accepting a deal which effectively hands victory to Russia. Unless the UK and Europe step up, we are facing a betrayal of Ukraine.
February 28, 2025 at 6:42 PM
This is thuggery from Trump and Vance, plain and simple.
They are bullying the brave true patriot Zelensky into accepting a deal which effectively hands victory to Russia. Unless the UK and Europe step up, we are facing a betrayal of Ukraine.
They are bullying the brave true patriot Zelensky into accepting a deal which effectively hands victory to Russia. Unless the UK and Europe step up, we are facing a betrayal of Ukraine.