Dom Tristram's Soapbox

You might remember some of the really pretty awful things Trump has been saying about Gaza: how he was going to get all the Garzas out and redevelop it as what sounded like a resort of his own. Well… have you seen what he put out on social media just today?Here are the lyrics:Donald's come set you free,bringing delight all to seeNo more tunnels, no more fear,Trump Gaza is finally here.Trump Gaza, shining bright,golden future, a brand new light.Feast and dance the deal is done,Trump Gaza is number one.Trump Gaza shining bright,Golden future of brand new light,feast and dance the deal is done,Trump Gaza, number one. The visuals are worse than the lyrics though - they feature an enormous golden statue of Trump himself in an imaginary beach resort built (presumably) in Gaza. The video ends with Trump lazing in a pool next to Benjamin Netanyahu.Now, I'm not going to apologise for ripping off and uploading Donald Trump's content. Obviously he didn't create this. It was some… ‘fan'? I don't know. It is clearly AI generated, but he has actively chosen to put it on multiple social media platforms. That's a lot more than clicking ‘share'. Just look at the content in that video and tell me that's what you want the president of the USA to be doing. Or thinking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

Yesterday (6th January 2025) the Labour government announced of a significant increase in the use of private healthcare providers to address NHS waiting lists. While some may argue this is a pragmatic response to backlogs, the implications of this policy confirm a deeper, more troubling shift.A Pattern of PrivatisationI have long pointed to the Labour Party's pro-privatisation stance, but this warning has all too often fallen on deaf ears, both of Labour activists and some voters. I can't tell you how many times I have been at hustings or meetings about the NHS where people simply don't believe that Labour, the self-styled ‘party of the NHS' has anything but the best of intentions for it and keeping it public.However, this is not the case. Even under Corbyn (who supported the Bill as a back bencher) the Labour Party was whipped to abstain on the NHS Reinstatement Bill, which would have put removing profits from NHS service into law.Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, has consistently shown sympathy towards private healthcare, and the Labour Party has received sizeable donations from private health companies. Yesterday's announcement underscores a fundamental issue: the NHS is being incrementally handed over to private firms, under the guise of efficiency and backlog reduction.This is not a short-term solution. Once private providers become even more entrenched in NHS operations, they are unlikely to leave. NHS money—already stretched to its limit—is being funnelled into private pockets, with no new funding in sight. For those who argue that private providers will simply vanish once waiting lists are cleared, the reality is far from it. Their presence will likely expand, creating a system where profit motives increasingly dictate healthcare provision.The Staff Shortage ProblemOne of the key flaws in this approach is the misconception that private hospitals can offer additional capacity. Private healthcare providers do not conjure up new staff; they largely rely on NHS-trained consultants, many of whom divide their time between public and private work. As private workloads increase, NHS capacity inevitably suffers. The problem isn't a lack of facilities but a chronic shortage of staff—a situation exacerbated by diverting personnel to more lucrative private roles.Skimming Profits from Routine ProceduresEven if we were to assume that private healthcare provides genuine extra capacity, this policy creates another financial burden for the NHS. Private providers typically focus on straightforward, high-volume procedures like hip and knee replacements—the very services where NHS hospitals can generate a modest surplus to offset the losses from more complex and costly treatments, such as emergency care or cancer therapies.By outsourcing routine operations, the NHS loses this vital revenue stream, making it even harder to sustain essential but less ‘profitable' services. The result? NHS hospitals will struggle even more, while private firms profit.Shiny Private Facilities vs. Crumbling NHS InfrastructureIt's easy to see why patients might prefer private hospitals, with their modern facilities. But this shouldn't be a choice forced upon them due to the government's neglect of NHS infrastructure. My partner works in a typical, tired and crumbling NHS hospital where wards are sometimes closed because of plumbing disasters—a problem that could easily be resolved with proper investment in capital projects. Yet, funding for such improvements is sorely lacking.Instead of funnelling money into private hospitals, the government should be investing in NHS facilities, expanding capacity, and addressing the maintenance backlog. Shiny private hospitals might appear appealing in the short term, but they represent a long-term erosion of the NHS's ability to provide universal, equitable care.A Bold Solution: Nationalise Private HospitalsThe Labour government claims there is no alternative to private sector involvement, but history tells us otherwise. When the NHS was founded, private hospitals were brought into public ownership to ensure universal healthcare. If we truly want to expand NHS capacity, the solution is simple: nationalise private hospitals and integrate them into the public healthcare system.This approach would immediately bolster NHS capacity without diverting funds to profit-driven providers. Anything less is a tacit admission that the government prioritises private profit over public health.What Can You Do?To combat this privatisation agenda, take action now. Write to your Labour MP or local Labour Party and express your opposition to private sector outsourcing. Make it clear that their stance on this issue will influence your vote. Even if you've never voted Labour, they won't know—what matters is the pressure from constituents.Additionally, consider supporting a party that unequivocally opposes NHS privatisation. As a former Green Party candidate, I believe the Greens are the only party in England committed to removing private firms from the NHS and restoring it as a public service.Your vote is your voice—use it to demand a healthcare system that prioritises people over profit.The future of the NHS depends on our collective action. If we fail to stand against these policies now, privatisation will continue, and the core principles of our healthcare system will be eroded beyond recognition.Vote for what you believe in, and fight for a truly public NHS. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

Nigel Farage and Reform UK have previously criticised the influence of billionaires (and ‘foreigners' such as President Obama) on British politics. On donations from billionaires - I agree! It's not ideal for a democracy to have its political landscape shaped by the whims of the ultra-rich. But, as is so often the case, there's a twist when it comes to Farage and his ‘principles'.While he has spoken against the influence of billionaires in politics, it seems this moral stance doesn't extend to all billionaires. Reform UK, under Farage's guidance, is reportedly open to receiving funding from none other than Elon Musk—the richest man on the planet. Musk is no ordinary billionaire either; he's the textbook definition of excessive wealth, with enough money to fund political movements on a scale no one else could match.So what's going on here? Reform UK's supposed principles about money in politics seem to evaporate when the cheque comes from someone they like… or is it more to do with a bias of the hard Right in general about the ‘right sort' of people being involved in politics?Soros vs Musk: What's the Difference?This brings us to the apparent inconsistency. Reform UK and Farage have no issue with Musk potentially funnelling millions into their coffers. Yet, when it comes to Jewish-born philanthropist George Soros, the mood changes dramatically. For years, Soros has been a lightning rod for criticism from the hard right, accused of everything from funding liberal causes to orchestrating shadowy global conspiracies—a favourite target of far-right conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, Musk, a Christian-born billionaire, has emerged as something of a darling for the libertarian and conservative crowd, despite his increasing advocacy of fringe conspiracy theories and blatant disinformation when it comes to UK politics. More worryingly, he controls a social media platform that many use for ‘news' and controls what they get to see.Reform UK proudly declares its commitment to “free speech” and insists that all political opinions deserve airtime, yet they seem comfortable with this glaring double standard.A Question of Bias?So what's the difference? Could it be that Soros, who supports liberal and progressive causes, doesn't align with Reform UK's hard-right agenda? Is it simply a case of accepting support only from those who share their views? Or is there something more troubling at play?The contrast between Soros and Musk raises uncomfortable questions. Why is one billionaire demonised while the other is courted? Why is it acceptable for Musk to spend eye-watering sums on influencing politics, but not Soros?And let's not ignore the broader context. Anti-Semitic undertones have long haunted the far-right's obsession with George Soros. The vilification of Soros, often laced with conspiracy theories, has roots that go beyond political disagreement. It's worth asking: does Reform UK's stance on Soros versus Musk reflect a deeper bias?Food for ThoughtIf Reform UK genuinely believes that billionaires should not have undue influence on UK politics, they ought to reject donations from both Musk and Soros—or any other ultra-wealthy individual. Otherwise, their claims of principle look more like a convenient smokescreen.As voters, we should be asking these questions, especially when hypocrisy rears its head. Because at the heart of this issue isn't just Reform UK or Nigel Farage—it's the integrity of our political system and how easily it can be bought.What do you think? Why does Soros spark so much ire in the hard right that Musk seems to escape? And what does this double standard say about Reform UK's commitment to free speech and democracy? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

In case you missed it, the government has just approved the sale of a majority stake in Royal Mail to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group. This means that one of the UK's most historic institutions will now be predominantly owned by a foreign national. Many were surprised by this news, with some mistakenly believing this marks the start of Royal Mail's privatisation. However, the truth is that this process began years ago.A Brief History of PrivatisationRoyal Mail was privatised in stages between 2013 and 2015, spearheaded by Vince Cable and the Liberal Democrats during the coalition government. It's worth noting that the Lib Dems, often perceived as a moderate or progressive party, lean quite heavily towards free-market economics, similar to the Conservatives. This sale was a continuation of their economic philosophy, and now we're seeing the consequences of that decision unfold.The recent government deliberations weren't about whether Royal Mail should be privatised—they consider that ship as long since sailed—but whether foreign companies or individuals should be allowed to own what remains a vital part of the UK's infrastructure.The Problem with Privatising a Natural MonopolyRoyal Mail is what economists refer to as a “natural monopoly.” Simply put, it's nearly impossible for another company to replicate its reach and infrastructure, especially when it comes to letters. While parcels are a more competitive market, the universal postal service—a commitment to deliver letters anywhere in the UK for the same price—is a unique obligation.The government has ensured that this universal service requirement will remain for at least five years under the new ownership. But after that? Who knows?I want to be very clear about what I believe about this and similar sell-offs: vital infrastructure like Royal Mail, healthcare, and public transport should not be privately owned. The argument that privatisation makes services more efficient simply doesn't hold up. Has Royal Mail become better since it was privatised in 2013? Has it become cheaper? The answer to both questions is a resounding “no.” By every objective measure, the service has deteriorated.Infrastructure Shouldn't Be About ProfitNatural monopolies like Royal Mail should exist to serve the public, not to generate profit. Expecting services that are essential to daily life to turn a profit is nonsensical. Do we expect pavements in our towns or schools to be profitable? No, because they're fundamental to a functioning society. I say ‘we' because I think this is what the vast majority of the public believe, but unfortunately we are seeing this push form all the big parties for schools to be ‘profitable' via ‘academisation'. It shows how dangerous this thinking is - it can lead to real problems, where everything is about money rather than public good.Royal Mail plays a critical role in the economy, enabling businesses to send letters and parcels at a consistent cost, regardless of the recipient's location. Without this universal pricing, businesses would face chaos—imagine having to get a bespoke quote for every letter you wanted to send!This consistency is something a private company, driven by the need for profit, struggles to maintain. It's not commercially viable to offer uniform pricing for deliveries to both central London and remote parts of Scotland, but it is vital for the country as a whole.Labour's Missed OpportunityYou might think that a Labour government, theoretically more sympathetic to public ownership, would have stepped in to address this. But today's Labour isn't the party of the 1970s; it's not committed to left-wing policies in the way many assume and hope for. In fact, the decision to allow this sale reflects a broader ideological consensus across most of the political spectrum: an embrace of privatisation and market forces, even for services that should remain public.This isn't a problem exclusive to the Conservatives or Reform. The Liberal Democrats initiated the privatisation, and Labour, despite being nominally on the left, hasn't challenged the broader trend.A Green Party PerspectiveThe Green Party remains one of the few political voices advocating for public ownership of vital services. Whether it's water, transport, or the postal service, the Greens argue that these essential elements of our infrastructure should be run for the public, not for profit.As a Green, I've been saying this for years: the UK needs to rethink its approach to public services. Universal services like Royal Mail aren't just businesses—they're the backbone of our society. Allowing them to be sold off to the highest bidder, whether they're British or foreign, erodes that foundation.The Future of Royal MailSo, where does this leave us? For the next five years, the universal service obligation will remain. But after that, there are no guarantees. Will we still be able to post a letter for the same price to anywhere in the UK? It seems unlikely.Royal Mail's infrastructure is unmatched, and no competitor is likely to replicate it, particularly for letters. The further we drift towards a fully privatised, profit-driven model, the more we risk losing the basic, dependable service we've taken for granted.What Can Be Done?If you're frustrated by this, the solution is simple: stop voting tactically. Vote for what you believe in. Vote for what this country truly needs. Poll after poll shows that a large majority of the public believe that public services should be publicly owned and yet they often fail to connect that with how they vote.The Greens are one of the few parties standing firm on the principle that public services should be run by the public, for the public.The sale of Royal Mail is just one example of how we're chipping away at the fabric of our society. Bit by bit, vital services are being handed over to private interests, often to the detriment of the public. This ideology isn't about efficiency—it's about profit. And it's an ideology shared by parties across the political spectrum.If we want to see real change, we need to demand it—from all parties, not just one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

I set out today to discuss the Conservative Party leadership election here in the UK and the implications of our new Tory leader. However, as events have unfolded across the Atlantic, my initial plan feels a bit trivial in light of the bigger picture. Like many, I presumed—perhaps naively—that the American election would head in a different direction.Yet, here we are: Donald Trump has won.While the outcome of the Conservative leadership contest certainly holds significance within British politics, it pales in comparison to the potential ramifications of Trump's return to power. The issues we face with certain Tory figures, however controversial or disagreeable they may be, cannot compare to the scale of dismay surrounding Trump. Unlike Conservative leaders, Trump openly denies climate change, has a history of convictions and accusations of sexual assault, and is embroiled in controversies ranging from mishandling state secrets to even more shocking accusations. Despite any criticism one might level at Kamala Harris or the American Democrats, the contrast in leadership styles and values between the two parties is stark.Certainly, I have my qualms with the American Democrats. They aren't truly left-leaning, and their pro-Israel stance, particularly regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict, is far from something I align with. Nonetheless, whoever they put forward—whether it's Biden, who many argue is too old, or Harris, with her policy positions that I can't support—is fundamentally better for democracy than someone with Trump's record. Here is a man who openly admits to behaviour many would find repulsive, has mused about using military force against his political opponents, and has even chosen a running mate who has questioned the voting rights of childless women. It's a surreal scenario, almost like something out of a dark political satire.When Trump lost the last election, he didn't just concede quietly; he attempted a coup.The images of him hoarding classified documents in his bathroom, allegedly sharing secrets with foreign powers, paint an astonishingly grim picture. Meanwhile, figures like Elon Musk and other so-called ‘crypto bros' are aligning themselves with Trump, seeing in him an easily manipulable figure who could serve their interests. It brings to mind the oligarchs in 1990s Russia, only this time it's in America, with the ultra-wealthy vying to consolidate power.Some might try to dismiss this outcome with the assurance that it's only four years, and people will see reason in time. Yet, America's political landscape doesn't work that way.The politically appointed Supreme Court is already stacked in the Republicans' favour, and within the next four years, Trump could appoint additional justices. This would likely solidify a hard-right majority, capable of dismantling rights and protections long held dear by many Americans. Even if something were to happen to Trump, his influence would remain entrenched in the judiciary and the Senate for years, shaping policy far beyond his own tenure.What's particularly staggering is that this time, Trump might even have won the popular vote, a feat he didn't achieve in his first election. It's baffling to think that so many could support a figure who openly disregards democratic principles and exhibits disdain for so many groups within his own voter base—women, non-white citizens, and immigrants, to name a few. It's enough to make Brexit seem like a minor hiccup in comparison.While I still hold the belief that people are generally decent, albeit sometimes misled, today has sorely tested that faith. Watching the outcome of this election unfold, I find myself deeply concerned about what lies ahead. America's leadership doesn't only impact its own citizens but has a ripple effect on global issues—especially the climate crisis and conflicts in places like Ukraine.In any case, here we are on November 6th, faced with an unpredictable and turbulent path ahead. Perhaps, when the dust settles, I'll muster the energy to revisit the topic of the Tory leadership. But for now—well, let's just brace ourselves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

Earlier this week I had an appointment to go to my GP for my annual flu and Covid vaccinations. The vaccinations themselves were very well organised and I was in and out of the surgery within five minutes.On the walk home I started to think about how lucky I am, compared with so many in the UK, that I can walk from my front door to my GP in less than five minutes. It made the whole thing take less than quarter of an hour. How long would it have taken if I had been forced to drive? How many people would find attending their vaccinations difficult if they had to? This is especially important for seasonal vaccinations given that many of the people receiving them are older.The concept of a 15 minute city is very simple: all necessary services should be within 15 minutes active travel from your home. Obviously this is difficult to achieve in rural areas, but in anything larger than a small town it is absolutely possible. Not only is it possible, but it is desirable - why shouldn't everyone enjoy what I experienced with my very quick visit to my GP today? Unfortunately there is money and electoral gains to be made by making people fear that the 15 minute city concept is more something more sinister. This is a real shame, because so many of us would have our quality of life improved if the concept was applied in every town and city.If you want to read more about the ideas behind the concept, this is a good start. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit domtristram.substack.com

We need to talk about what the Tories are doing when it comes to the environment and how dangerous it is.

Should we ban #bullyxl #dogs? Yes, almost certainly. But we need to go further than that. #dangerousdogs

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has spent public money to paint over murals (designed to make the place just a bit nicer) in a detention centre for unaccompanied child asylum seekers. What sort of man decides to do this, and should such a man with these morals have a say in anything at all?

The Labour Lords have abstained (so effectively supported the Tories) on Green peer Jenny Jones' bill to stop the government using unprecedented powers to attack our right to protest. What's the point of Labour?

Generated transcript: I just wanted to say a quick thing on, the UK net migration figures, which are a record breaking high up 20%, 606,000 people, I think, are the latest figures per year. I think it's worth just dwelling on the fact that many of the people who voted for Brexit did so because they didn't like the idea of migration and how they must be feeling now because we've gone from lower numbers of people coming in and let's face it, not liking migration is often, not always, but often due to racism, you know? People who don't come from here coming in. And so these brexiters, now these, people who voted sometimes with a racist motive against staying in EU because they didn't like migration, now have far more immigrants. But, those immigrants are now much less likely to be other white Europeans and much more likely to be people from other countries of different races. Now, how do you think they feel about that? I think if there is a silver lining from Brexit, and I don't think there is particularly, but if there was one, it might be just imagining how many extremely annoyed racists there are at the moment.

A number of peaceful protestors were arrested at the Coronation. Why should we be concerned?

On the local #election results in Bath and NE Somerset and the Tory collapse #GetGreensElected #bathneslocals23

Turnout is always low in local elections, and yet they are your best opportunity to elect people you agree with. Here's why you should always vote.

Why have the Right suddenly started attacking plans to create cities where people live close to essential services?

Today there are many unions taking industrial action, including teachers and train drivers. In fact, over 50,000 people are on strike. A number of unions got together in Bath to hold a 'Day of Action' to show solidarity with the strikers. I went along to talk to some of the people involved, and (it turns out!) to give a speech.

New medical schools are being built, such as the one in Worcester (see https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jan/14/ministers-refuse-fund-medical-school-uk-doctor-shortage), but the UK government is refusing to fund more places for UK students despite the NHS being short of nearly 11,000 doctors (not including GPs). Why?

You will have seen lots of advice about how to live an 'ethical' Christmas. I don't want to do that again here. This is about consideration when giving what you have already decided to give.

I don't want to hear false sympathy from this government - I want them to accept responsibility

The Kent refugee detention centre attack by a far-right suicide bomber on Sunday, and why nobody seems to be talking about it.

Truss has gone, as was pretty much inevitable. What's next?

Nicola Sturgeon is right to say that people who do despicable things should be called out on it.

The government has announced a ban on future solar farms built on agricultural land, but this is ideological, not logical. Here's why.

The government is going to cut public services by another £18bn just days after we, the public, had to bail-out government bonds by £65bn down to the crash caused by the 'mini budget'.

The Tories have released a 'mini budget' which has been designed to transfer yet more wealth to the rich. So why do they hate the poor? I don't think they actually do - they simply don't think about that at all.

Under 'first past the post', which they insist on supporting, it's not Labour's job to be 'radical'.

As I recorded this it had just been confirmed that the maximum temperature ever recorded in the UK had been broken as a temperature of over 40 degrees was measured at Heathrow. But this was avoidable. Why aren't we acting?

Kier Starmer has just ruled out the UK joining the single market or customs union under a Labour government. This is wrong.

Should government ministers be using the time and offices we pay for to do work, or to partake in the sort of activities that would get pretty much anyone else sacked? Is it right that triggering the only mechanism for holding them to account for doing so is, in this case, the decision of the person who would be under investigation?

The right to abortion is under attack in the US and this has been widely reported. But such rights are safe in the UK... or are they? Did you know 100 UK MPs recently voted to ban abortion here?

Number 10 pulled a story which is almost certainly true out of The Times, and other news sources. How is it acceptable for a government to have the power to spike news stories which are true but inconvenient for them?

With the legal challenges to government plans to force asylum seekers on flights to Rwanda, what does this say about the UK? What can we do?

The government is considering extending the 'right to buy' to Housing Association properties. Will this help anyone? If so, who? Content note: I mention a third of people used to live in Council housing. The actual figure was higher - 41% did by the end of the 1970's.

A no confidence vote has been called for Boris Johnson. What does that mean for us?

It's Jubilee weekend and I hope you are enjoying some time off - something we can do whether or not we are monarchists. I have nothing against the Queen personally, but I don't believe in inherited power. So what should we change, and how?

Yes, it's a 'dead cat on the table', but we need to talk about this, knock the lies on the head, and move on.

With the much delayed publication of the Sue Gray report into 'party gate', we can tell a lot about the nature of the government by how they have reacted and what they have said. Some will say that we should 'let it go' and party gate isn't important, but it is, and here's why.

We are not all equal before the law - the rich get punished less for breaking it. Why? And how do we fix it?

The government is going to 'improve' public services by cutting 90,000 staff, and eliminate opportunities for those from poorer backgrounds by scrapping the award-winning Civil Service Fast Stream.

I want you to cast your mind back about a week to when MPs and porn were in the news, particularly Neil Parish. But this news won't have been a surprise to anyone who knows about very recent Parliamentary history, and the fact that the Tories removed data a few years ago that very clearly showed that this was a problem. Let's talk about it.

We've had the results from the last set of local elections and they've gone really well. But how have the media been reporting what happened, and why?

There are elections for many people all around the UK tomorrow. They are important. But what are they for? And who can win? And who should you vote for anyway?

The government's Elections Bill passes, fundamentally changing the democratic process in the UK, disenfranchising millions of voters in order to favour the Conservatives. At the same time, the 'independent' body that makes sure elections are fair, the Electoral Commission, has its independence removed. Despite the limited powers the Electoral Commission has, this move to put it under government control is deeply worrying.

Last night the Lords failed to back an amendment to ensure that the government's Nationality And Borders Bill should ensure that the UK keeps its commitment to the 1951 Refugee Treaty, agreed in the aftermath of WWII to help prevent genocide. The amendment could have been made, but Labour whipped their Lords to abstain. The 1951 Refugee Convention: https://www.unhcr.org/4ca34be29.pdf What the Nationality and Borders Bill means for those fleeing persecution: https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk/we-will-fight-on/

The government is threatening to privatise the Passport Office (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61233206). This makes no sense if efficiency or improved service is the goal. I explain why.

A recording from the 'Greens In Office' public event, held in Bath on the 18th November 2021. On the panel are: Molly Scott Cato, ex-MEP for the South West, and party external communications co-ordinator Paula O'Rourke, councillor for Clifton and leader of the Green group (the largest in England) on Bristol City Council Joanna Wright, Green councillor for Lambridge in Bath and NE Somerset Sam Ross, Chair of Farmborough parish council The event is chaired by Jonathan Oates.

In the last episode Dom went to the first ‘Solidarity for Greta’ vigil in Bath which took place in October 2018. This vigil has been repeated every week with another on Saturdays, and the number of people involved has been steadily growing. Extinction Rebellion is now quite a large and dynamic movement. The school strikes, inspired by Greta Thunberg, have spread and now take place around the world. Today, the 15th of February, was the first nationally co-ordinated ‘School Strike 4 Climate Action’ in the UK. School children around the country walked out to take part in protests and vigils, with organisers claiming more than 10,000 took part. The largest protest was in London where around 3,000 children participated, with other large gatherings in Oxford, Exeter, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol, Sheffield and Glasgow. Being close to Bristol many children from Bath opted to attend the larger demonstration there, but a good number came to the Guildhall for a lively demonstration in the city. Dom went along to take part and talk to the people there. The show finishes with a word from Bath's MP Wera Hobhouse and Lin Patterson, Green councillor promoting the petition to the council to declare a climate emergency.

At the end of November Dom went along and joined the first Extinction Rebellion ‘Solidarity with Greta’ event outside the Guildhall in Bath. Extinction Rebellion is social movement using non-violent direct action to try to avert catastrophic climate change. It is quite new, being formed at the end of October 2018, but is growing rapidly. Many areas have their own groups, and the one in Bath is active and growing quickly. ‘Greta’ is Greta Thunberg, a 16 year-old student in Sweden who has made international news for starting the first school strike for climate outside the Swedish parliament building, inspiring many other school children around the world to follow her example. As well as her school strike Greta has participated in UK extinction rebellion events and addressed the United Nations climate change summit. In December 2018 she was named one of Time Magazine’s most influential teenagers of the year. Dom spoke to some of the people attending the Bath event and asked them why they were there.

Some policies which other parties are presenting as radical today in 2018 have been Green Party policies for a long time. This is a recording of a 2013 public meeting in Bath featuring Natalie Bennett and Molly Scott Cato talking about how the Green Party is the real alternative and presenting our radical manifesto for change. The meeting was held as part of the campaign for the 2014 European elections which saw Molly elected as an MEP for the South West. All of the points and topics discussed remain just as important today.

With the developing crisis in Syria, Syrian refugee families in Bath have organised an event to draw attention to what is happening in their home country. Dom goes along and talks to the people there about what the event means to them, including Bernie Howley, chair of Bath Welcomes Refugees and Tim Warren, leader of Bath & NE Somerset Council.