Traditional media is in crisis. A shrinking number of corporations control more and more of our media, as they try to survive the Digital Revolution destroying the advertising-based business model they relied on. Journalists are laid off and titles closed, as the media corporations protect their bottom line and shareholder pay-outs. This relentless attrition of […]
Big Oil stains greenwashed away with science festival funding
The Manchester Science Festival 2018 began yesterday with the ‘Electricity: The spark of life’ exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), and met with a growing current of fury and opposition to the oil industry funding behind it. Amidst the admirable educational aims of the exhibition, which focuses on the ‘powerful force’ of […]
Labour’s Plan for Change: what does it mean?
The prime minister launched a new government plan with six milestones in a speech at Pinewood Studios earlier this month. But what’s the detail on these ‘plans for mission-led government’? And will they all be forgotten by the time Keir Starmer announces a new set of pledges?
The Fête of Britain in Manchester’s hands
“Cancel your sodding Netflix account and start doing things together”, says Brian Eno
This is real Manchester
The Meteor asked photographer Gary Roberts to take some photos of ‘Real Manchester’ – the unique face of the city caught in glimpses by those who live it every day. Here’s what he came back with. If you attended our listening event on 16 and 17 November, you’ll have seen these pictures already. This is the story behind them.
Enough Is Enough: have we had enough of Prime Minister Liz Truss?
The new PM has only been in charge for one month, yet already there are rumours of a Westminster coup. Not only that, but the nation is in crisis. How long before her MPs and/or the public say ‘enough’?
Graphic novel illuminates Thomas Paine’s revolutionary life and legacy
The British born Thomas Paine played a fundamental part in the American Revolution, which led to the formation of the world’s most powerful democracy.
The radical free thinker’s life is depicted in Paul Fitzgerald’s new graphic novel PAINE. The author answers The Meteor’s questions on Paine’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how he fell foul of the French Revolution, and what the arch anti-royalist would have made of the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Urban gardeners – seizing the means of food production and loving it
With the cost-of-living crisis driving up food prices and concerns rising about the negative affects of modern agriculture on the climate and environment, more people are considering growing their own food.
Gary Roberts talks to urban gardeners in Manchester about the benefits growing your own food can bring.
Cities must cut their ‘consumption emissions’ – here’s how
University of Manchester researchers say we ‘can’t ignore inequality’ when it comes to combatting climate change and recommend increasing taxes on the super-rich and introducing universal basic income.
Guest article from The Conversation, first published March 2021.
Can a GM Land Commission create a more equitable and sustainable development agenda?
Andy Burnham promised a Greater Manchester Land Commission in his manifesto. We talk to Neil McInroy, chair of the Liverpool Land Commission, to see what the process can offer GM, and report the latest developments on Burnham’s promise.