One in 23 deaths in Greater Manchester is linked to long-term exposure to air pollution, new research shows. Research from Centre for Cities has revealed that one in 23 (4.3%) deaths in Greater Manchester is linked to long-term exposure to air pollution. The only area in the North West with a higher proportion of air […]
The NHS: some facts to consider on the way to the polling booth
Political economist Richard Murphy reveals some disturbing facts about the state of our NHS. Some facts on the NHS seem to be important to inform debate. Try these: New Accident and Emergency waiting times figures are the worst since targets were introduced in 2004, with one in six patients waiting longer than four hours for […]
Campaigners vow to fight council’s approval of car park plan for former Ancoats retail park
The council’s planning committee have voted to accept the proposal for a 440 space car park on the outskirts of the city centre. A decision, campaigners say, breaks the spirit of the councils climate emergency declaration and will increase carbon emissions and other pollutants dangerous to the health of children in a nearby school Manchester […]
Disabled people’s fury at Conservative party conference
“You are responsible for mass suffering and mass deaths and we will not let you forget it”. Said a speaker at the Disabled People Against Cuts protest outside the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, with each speaker telling personal stories of suffering and neglect by the system. Also protesting this on an array of issues […]
Proposal to develop Central Retail Park into a car park represents the very worst of urban development in Manchester
Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal argue that the city council’s plans to turn the former Central Retail Park into a car park will increase traffic pollution, damage health and fail to tackle the climate crisis that the council has previously declared. The proposal by Manchester City Council to develop the site of the […]
Disabled people speak out about poor accessibility at Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride, a life affirming celebration of sexual and gender diversity for many, faces claims that it is failing in its stated aims of promoting “equality and diversity” due to poor accessibility for disabled people. Three people with disabilities tell of their disappointing and potentially dangerous experiences. A growing number of disabled people are voicing […]
Access to Pride should not be denied to disabled people
Pride in Manchester is becoming a bigger event with each passing year, reflecting the city’s reputation as a diverse and LGBT+ friendly place. But this year’s Pride celebrations were not inclusive for everyone, as some disabled attendees discovered during the weekend’s events. Concerns about event pricing, over-ticketing and poor organisation were raised by many people, […]
Lemn Sissay on his new memoir ‘My Name Is Why’
Lemn Sissay, award-winning and internationally acclaimed poet, was stolen from his birth mother and given to a foster family. He was thrown out by his foster parents at the age of 12 and sent to several children’s homes. He has written a memoir to tell his story of loss and healing, and he spoke to […]
Transgender people wait years for help in clinic system at ‘breaking point’
Imagine not feeling comfortable in your own skin for as long as you can remember. The toll on your mental and physical health of a life peppered with bullying and snide remarks due to you not fitting in to the gender stereotypes. You reach a decision to transition, and are filled with the hope of […]
Podcast review of Mark Thomas in Check Up: Our NHS @ 70
Mark Thomas is a comedian, political activist, investigative journalist and boasts of once being described as a ‘disgusting individual’ by former Lib Dem Leader David Steel. So when he came to Manchester for his latest show, ‘Check Up: Our NHS @ 70’, The Meteor jumped at the chance to check it out. Thomas is well […]