Izzy Knowles 🔶
@izzyknowles.bsky.social
Councillor in Moseley, Birmingham. Pro EU. Lib Dem. Mostly get around on a bike.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Yesterday, 242 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 118 headed into the city, 124 headed towards Moseley.
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Yesterday, 242 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 118 headed into the city, 124 headed towards Moseley.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
The catastrophic illegal waste dumping in Oxfordshire (see next post) is a direct result of the deregulation-by-stealth I wrote about in 2021, when my dead goldfish became a registered waste disposer. I warned it would let the mafia in. And here we are.🧵
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Britain through the looking glass: my dead goldfish is now a registered waste disposer | George Monbiot
Algernon Goldfish is long gone, but I was able to sign him up. No wonder so many crooks are illegally dumping and ruining our environment, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The catastrophic illegal waste dumping in Oxfordshire (see next post) is a direct result of the deregulation-by-stealth I wrote about in 2021, when my dead goldfish became a registered waste disposer. I warned it would let the mafia in. And here we are.🧵
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
John Major, "Our links to Europe and America may be loser now than once they were and that is a loss"
"The loss of trade with Europe alone costs us £100 billion of lost trade every year"
"That's a tax yield of £40 billion"
"How useful would that have been in recent months to the Chancellor?"
"The loss of trade with Europe alone costs us £100 billion of lost trade every year"
"That's a tax yield of £40 billion"
"How useful would that have been in recent months to the Chancellor?"
November 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
John Major, "Our links to Europe and America may be loser now than once they were and that is a loss"
"The loss of trade with Europe alone costs us £100 billion of lost trade every year"
"That's a tax yield of £40 billion"
"How useful would that have been in recent months to the Chancellor?"
"The loss of trade with Europe alone costs us £100 billion of lost trade every year"
"That's a tax yield of £40 billion"
"How useful would that have been in recent months to the Chancellor?"
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Birmingham you can alert the outreach team via StreetLink.
thestreetlink.org.uk
For accommodation out of hours, Birmingham City Council's duty team are available on 0121 303 2296.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Birmingham you can alert the outreach team via StreetLink.
thestreetlink.org.uk
For accommodation out of hours, Birmingham City Council's duty team are available on 0121 303 2296.
thestreetlink.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:56 PM
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Birmingham you can alert the outreach team via StreetLink.
thestreetlink.org.uk
For accommodation out of hours, Birmingham City Council's duty team are available on 0121 303 2296.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Birmingham you can alert the outreach team via StreetLink.
thestreetlink.org.uk
For accommodation out of hours, Birmingham City Council's duty team are available on 0121 303 2296.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Ridership on Paris region transit systems is now generally at or higher than pre-pandemic levels. Bike use is much higher than pre-pandemic.
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
November 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Ridership on Paris region transit systems is now generally at or higher than pre-pandemic levels. Bike use is much higher than pre-pandemic.
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
At the same time, car traffic in Paris and on its ring highway is substantially lower than it was pre-pandemic. www.institutparisregion.fr/mobilite-et-...
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Asked about Tommy Robinson supporting her asylum plans Shabana Mahmood replies that "Tommy Robinson doesn't even think I'm actually English, so he will certainly not be supporting anything I've got to say."
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
November 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Asked about Tommy Robinson supporting her asylum plans Shabana Mahmood replies that "Tommy Robinson doesn't even think I'm actually English, so he will certainly not be supporting anything I've got to say."
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
All the Labour members, councillors etc who have worked with refugee charities over the years: are you going to stand for this?
November 16, 2025 at 11:48 AM
All the Labour members, councillors etc who have worked with refugee charities over the years: are you going to stand for this?
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
"The policy and rhetoric is as cruel as anything announced by Nigel Farage. Yet the Home Secretary is planning to sell it to Labour MPs by suggesting that it is the only way to prevent a Reform Government.There is only one way to describe this. It is the politics of the protection racket."
Shabana Mahmood and the Politics of Extortion
Labour's strategy of telling its supporters to back Reform-style policies, or get a Reform Government, is the politics of the protection racket and it is not going to work
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"The policy and rhetoric is as cruel as anything announced by Nigel Farage. Yet the Home Secretary is planning to sell it to Labour MPs by suggesting that it is the only way to prevent a Reform Government.There is only one way to describe this. It is the politics of the protection racket."
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
www.gov.uk/government/c... This was the consultation
Reforming the licensing system
Seeking views and evidence to develop a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system under the Licensing Act 2003.
www.gov.uk
November 16, 2025 at 11:51 AM
www.gov.uk/government/c... This was the consultation
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
And there has just been a quick Government consultation which could result in it being easier for pubs and restaurants to use pavement space they don’t own. We just need to reduce traffic on Alcester Road and pavement parking to take full advantage of outdoor space
November 16, 2025 at 11:51 AM
And there has just been a quick Government consultation which could result in it being easier for pubs and restaurants to use pavement space they don’t own. We just need to reduce traffic on Alcester Road and pavement parking to take full advantage of outdoor space
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
With @arynbraun.bsky.social, this week we ran this big look at what ICE/CBP has become under Donald Trump and how the agencies increasingly resemble a sort of national police force he can send to whatever city he likes to intimidate people:
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
See how Donald Trump is creating his own police force
Immigration agents are operating in cities with few legal constraints
www.economist.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:29 PM
With @arynbraun.bsky.social, this week we ran this big look at what ICE/CBP has become under Donald Trump and how the agencies increasingly resemble a sort of national police force he can send to whatever city he likes to intimidate people:
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
This morning Cllr Philip, Cllr dog Mason and I checked the drains on Wake Green Road near to Lench’s Close, where it flooded yesterday. We have taken photos and will ask for them all to be flushed out. We’ve also reported some bad pot holes near to the Warwick Court bus stop.
November 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
This morning Cllr Philip, Cllr dog Mason and I checked the drains on Wake Green Road near to Lench’s Close, where it flooded yesterday. We have taken photos and will ask for them all to be flushed out. We’ve also reported some bad pot holes near to the Warwick Court bus stop.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein are in the Single Market but not the EU. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino & Turkey have customs unions with the EU for certain sectors. I'd prefer our first step toward rejoining to be more like Norway or Switzerland than Turkey. That means Freedom of Movement
November 13, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein are in the Single Market but not the EU. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino & Turkey have customs unions with the EU for certain sectors. I'd prefer our first step toward rejoining to be more like Norway or Switzerland than Turkey. That means Freedom of Movement
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Yesterday, 295 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 135 headed into the city, 160 headed towards Moseley.
November 14, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Yesterday, 295 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 135 headed into the city, 160 headed towards Moseley.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
This week I wrote about the rise of the e-bike dad - this piece was originally going to run alongside the story I did in September about the bike boom in general, and we didn't have space in print, but here it is:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Parents on e-bikes are transforming the school run
They’re smug, snug and often faster than drivers
www.economist.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This week I wrote about the rise of the e-bike dad - this piece was originally going to run alongside the story I did in September about the bike boom in general, and we didn't have space in print, but here it is:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Journalist, "Farage accused the BBC of election interference"
Ed Davey, "The interference we've seen is from Farage's friend, Putin"
"We've seen Russian interference in the most appalling way"
Ed Davey, "The interference we've seen is from Farage's friend, Putin"
"We've seen Russian interference in the most appalling way"
November 10, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Journalist, "Farage accused the BBC of election interference"
Ed Davey, "The interference we've seen is from Farage's friend, Putin"
"We've seen Russian interference in the most appalling way"
Ed Davey, "The interference we've seen is from Farage's friend, Putin"
"We've seen Russian interference in the most appalling way"
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Yesterday, 224 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 106 headed into the city, 118 headed towards Moseley.
November 11, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Yesterday, 224 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 106 headed into the city, 118 headed towards Moseley.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Really pleased to see this for the 2nd year running - a much less polluting way to celebrate Bonfire Night - meaning better air quality for everyone. Well done Edgbaston 👏👏
Giant sea creatures,soaring birds and majestic animals created by more than 600 drones have lit up the night sky.The 40-minute show,WILD,at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday,brought the animal kingdom to life in a dazzling fusion of cutting-edge technology,artistry and music
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Animal drone light show in Edgbaston an alternative to fireworks
Animal welfare charities have called for alternative shows to loud firework displays.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Really pleased to see this for the 2nd year running - a much less polluting way to celebrate Bonfire Night - meaning better air quality for everyone. Well done Edgbaston 👏👏
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Yesterday, 252 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 126 headed into the city, 126 headed towards Moseley.
November 8, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Yesterday, 252 trips were made via Edgbaston Road on @MoseleyCycleway. 126 headed into the city, 126 headed towards Moseley.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
EU investing €546 billion for high speed rail by 2040
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
November 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
EU investing €546 billion for high speed rail by 2040
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
Very pleased the council is installing CCTV in Green Road at the ford & at the entrance to the recreation ground after numerous incidents of fly tipping, including in the river itself.
Flytipping costs £1000’s to clear up & is hugely damaging to the environment.
Let’s hope they catch someone.
Flytipping costs £1000’s to clear up & is hugely damaging to the environment.
Let’s hope they catch someone.
November 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Very pleased the council is installing CCTV in Green Road at the ford & at the entrance to the recreation ground after numerous incidents of fly tipping, including in the river itself.
Flytipping costs £1000’s to clear up & is hugely damaging to the environment.
Let’s hope they catch someone.
Flytipping costs £1000’s to clear up & is hugely damaging to the environment.
Let’s hope they catch someone.
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
If I were still a member of @uklabour.bsky.social I’d be so ashamed? Eh @labourlewis.bsky.social
This is deeply disappointing from Starmer.
The UK *helped design* this 'TFFF' fund, designed to stop deforestation, and supposedly 'continues to back the fund' (in theory). But now isn't putting any money into it 🤯
How embarrassing for the UK.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The UK *helped design* this 'TFFF' fund, designed to stop deforestation, and supposedly 'continues to back the fund' (in theory). But now isn't putting any money into it 🤯
How embarrassing for the UK.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
November 5, 2025 at 8:51 PM
If I were still a member of @uklabour.bsky.social I’d be so ashamed? Eh @labourlewis.bsky.social
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
Interesting
‘The Petitions Committee (the group of MPs who oversee the petitions system) has considered the Government’s response to this petition. They felt the response did not respond directly to the request of the petition. They have therefore asked the Government to provide a revised response’
‘The Petitions Committee (the group of MPs who oversee the petitions system) has considered the Government’s response to this petition. They felt the response did not respond directly to the request of the petition. They have therefore asked the Government to provide a revised response’
Really disappointing govt response to the fireworks petition (95,000+ sigs).
Still no action on the real issues - the sound pollution that terrifies animals and vulnerable people, and the air pollution that harms everyone.
We need more than just “guidance.”
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Still no action on the real issues - the sound pollution that terrifies animals and vulnerable people, and the air pollution that harms everyone.
We need more than just “guidance.”
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Petition: Reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels
We think each year, individuals suffer because of loud fireworks. We believe horses, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife can be terrified by noisy fireworks and many people find them intolerable.
petition.parliament.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Interesting
‘The Petitions Committee (the group of MPs who oversee the petitions system) has considered the Government’s response to this petition. They felt the response did not respond directly to the request of the petition. They have therefore asked the Government to provide a revised response’
‘The Petitions Committee (the group of MPs who oversee the petitions system) has considered the Government’s response to this petition. They felt the response did not respond directly to the request of the petition. They have therefore asked the Government to provide a revised response’
Reposted by Izzy Knowles 🔶
The BBC headline with "migrants" is already terrible and plays into the far-right narrative. And the solution to asylum-seekers being exploited by criminals is to allow them to contribute by working legally rather than making them survive on a pittance.
Crime network behind UK mini-marts is enabling migrants to work illegally
Undercover reporters were told how easy it was to make big profits selling illegal vapes and cigarettes.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 AM
The BBC headline with "migrants" is already terrible and plays into the far-right narrative. And the solution to asylum-seekers being exploited by criminals is to allow them to contribute by working legally rather than making them survive on a pittance.