The best of European mobility will be shared by an @esn.org team at the Festival’s free drop-in Connecting Europe Fair on Saturday, May 9th in #Edinburgh.

The U.K. is back in #ErasmusPlus 🎉🎉🎉 and we’ll be celebrating this long waited news at this year’s Festival. We are not back in #DiscoverEU but on both of our two big Saturdays, May 9th & 16th, some lucky person will go away with a pair of #InterRail passes 🚝🚂🚞🚆

Major conference in #Edinburgh hear the experts, join the discussion. 🗓️ May 9th www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...

NATO already has its own messenger - The European Commission plans to switch by end of year - Belgium recently launched "BEAM" for government use.

England left with ‘toilet deserts’ as public facilities decline by 14% in a decade Report says lack of provision is harmful to health and damaging for high streets

Another visible indicator of the decline of the public realm. Public toilets are expensive to maintain and this is yet another consequence of successive governments squeezing local government finance. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

Start of spokes article #Holyrood2026 : Travelling Backwards The Holyrood election on 7 May is critical to active travel and wider transport policies and budgets for the next 5 years. Is there a local project being planned that you’re looking forward to? – in Edinburgh, say Meadows to George Street, or Portobello to Musselburgh? When and if such projects will happen depends largely on the existence and size of the Scottish Government active travel budget. Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis this year’s manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. This article includes an analysis of the various party manifestos, and lots of other relevant info. We will add more as it becomes available.

Table comparing AT investment promises in 2021 and 2026 manifestos. Sorry, tables don't come out well in ALT text! Key to tables below++Very good and/or best+good=mixed, unclear, or less good than other parties-poor (or unrealistic) - -very disappointing NNot in manifesto [N is generally disappointing, but depends on the issue, so think!] Page numbers shown are to pages of each party’s 2026 manifesto 2026 v 2021 comparison of AT Investment manifesto commitments Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis the 2026 manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. Only the Greens, and to a lesser extent the Lib Dems, retain positive approaches. Whilst this applies to many policies and promises, the astonishing contrast is seen clearly in this comparative table on the top issue, active travel investment AT Investment Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP 2021 manifestos [AT funding then was approx £116m, roughly 3.5% of total transport] + 10% by 2026 ++ £320m immediately [approx 10%] rising further + 10% [unclear if soon or by 2026] = “aim” to double existing [this would be approx 7%] N/A = 10% of “capital” bgt by 2026 [BUT this is less of the total transport bgt] 2026 manifestos [AT funding is now approx £163m, roughly 3.9% of total transport] - - p35; p75 cut the AT budget; end ring-fenced cash to councils ++ p26 at least 10%; multi-year funding N = p66 “Invest in active travel for the first and last mile” - - p11 End ring-fenced cash to councils = p64 £2.5m for bike repair; new fund for outdoor recreation paths

Table of party manifesto comparisons (page 1) 2026 manifesto overall comparisons Note that the manifestos include more transport policies/promises than are shown here, particularly on walk, bus and rail. We hope this table includes most of the items directly relevant to cycling, as well as some relevant wider transport issues. Also, note that if something is not in a manifesto, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though it is less likely to. Issue Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP AT Investment [from above table] - - ++ N = - - = Extent of cycle/AT routes/networks ambition - - p36 “End the obsession with cycle lanes” Cycle lanes only ok if not using road or pavement space ++ p26 “national blueprint of walking, cycle and wheeling networks“; faster Council AT project delivery N + p66 “Investing in active travel for the first and last mile” = p23 Rural Scotland: “support outdoor recreation ... cycling … with accessible paths” = p64 outdoor recreation paths fund; no Roseburn tram; support Powderhall AT path [see note 3 below] Is AT recognised and supported as a public health measure - p57 Only considers leisure centres & sport + p163 “space to walk, run, play, wheel and cycle is a right not a privilege” N ++ p33 & p61 “Supporting wellbeing by making it easier for people to use active travel” N N Neighbourhoods / Car-free lifestyles N + p118 “Support local living and 20-minute nbd approaches” N + p52 New towns “prioritising features such as rail links.. and 20-minute nbds” N N Disincentivise car use/ Demand management - - p35 “End the war on drivers”; No targets; stop any Workplace Parking levies or congestion charging ++ p22 Seek road-user taxation powers for Scotland ++ p33 Levy on out-oftown retail, to support towns + p89 Business rates replaced by a new levy favouring town centre retail & hospitality = p73 “Moving all forms of transport away from fossil fuels” – But carrotsonly approach - - p21 “End the war on the car“ N 20mph - p36 20mph only ok where locals…

Table of party manifestos (page 2) Potholes - - p33 Fund pothole filling by cutting (scrapping?) the AT budget N + (or - -) p49 £350m fund [see note 1 below] + p64 “fair funding” for councils; use of new technology + p21 “Fix potholes” + p72 “up to £350m” for potholes & resurfacing Air pollution including Low Emission Zones - - p36 Halt more LEZs and reduce fines in existing ++ p118 expand LEZs, plus stronger monitoring N - - p21 Abolish LEZs N Transport integration, with respect to active travel = p38 Rail, bus & tram integration; no mention of walk/ bike + p22, p26 Better AT links to public transport; All new rail, bus, tram to carry bikes N N N N Road building - - p34 New law to fasttrack trunk road upgrades; dual A9 by 2031; many other trunk projects + p22 Future-proof roads like A83 vulnerable to climate change; no mention of expansion - - p49 Dual A9 by 2035, look into dualling A77 and A75, & create National Roads Plan - - p64 Dual A9 & A96; - - p21 “plan to upgrade major trunk roads” [see note 2 below] - - p71 Dual A9 by 2035, also parts of A96; and consider A75, A77 Air travel taxation ADT= Air departure tax - - p39 oppose any new taxes; reduce long-haul tax ++ p34 frequent flyer levy; private jet tax; more.. N + p66 Higher tax for private jet passengers N + p27 private jet tax; including for ‘ghost’ flights USP – unique selling points (good and bad!) picked out by Spokes - - p33 1. AT schemes are “ideological projects” 2. ban bikes in all pedestrian areas + p16, p156 Universal rail card; £2 max bus fares + p122 Council powers to enforce traffic contraventions + p55 “Crush illegal e-bikes, using drones to track & trace unlicensed bikes” + p64 ”Dangerous Roads Programme“ - - p21 “End the war on the car“ + p38 £2 bus fare cap [1] Labour £350m pothole fund. The manifesto does not say where the money would come from. In early campaign speeches Anas Sarwar had said it would be from cutting Active Travel funding. On our estimate this would mean a 40% cut on curre…

#Holyrood2026 #SP26

Our #manifesto analysis
--> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/holy...

We looked at #activetravel, mainly 🚲, and some related transport/environment, but not at 🚌🚆

1 Greens, excellent
2 LibDem, positive in a fairly modest way
3= Labour & SNP, poor
5 Reform, bad
6 Conservative, terrible

☝️see above

#Holyrood2026 Spokes manifesto analysis

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @alastairdalton.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @lauralaker.bsky.social @carltonreid.com @smcarthurreports.bsky.social @holyroodmag.bsky.social @severincarrell.bsky.social

Edinburgh Science Festival – fun at the museum continues Edinburgh Science Festival has more fun for young minds at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.  The Science Festival Favourites is a series of children's workshops and shows, an exciting selection of activities which would normally feature at City Art Centre where the lift is out of action at present. Children can Dig Up a Dino! (ages 5+) in a special dig site and discover all about the creatures which ruled the Earth millions of years ago, become a forensic scientist in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (8+), help solve a crime and catch the perpetrator or get their goo on in Splat-tastic! 

Edinburgh Science Festival – fun at the museum continues

Edinburgh Science Festival has more fun for young minds at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.  The Science Festival Favourites is a series of children's workshops and shows, an exciting selection of activities which would…

The Strategic Defence Review, which Robertson spearheaded, came out in September 2025, as I was writing the last chapter of my book, which is focused on foreign policy and strategy. I read that entire document and interviewed a number of experts about it. A few thoughts. 🧵

What happens in the Arctic region is a focus of major international interest. On #EuropeDay join
@scga.bsky.social
to hear a panel of leading international speakers explore these issue. Find out more, and book your place here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-high-n... Interviewer: Susannah Lee

Wonderful news. Several events at this year’s #FestivalofEuropeScotland will feature #ErasmusPlus. Including this free event 👇Aimed at educators, it will provide guidance around how to participate. Find out more, and sign up via link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reconnecti...

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival – Roméria At Edinburgh Filmhouse on 7 May the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival shows a special series of three films in Roméria. Romería is the third feature film from Spanish director Carla Simón. The story follows Marina, an 18-year-old girl who travels to Vigo, Galicia, to meet her biological father’s family for the first time. Marina was orphaned at a very young age after both of her parents died from AIDS-related complications. This is part of the Festival of Europe Scotland programme and is supported by the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh. Book tickets at this link.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival – Roméria

At Edinburgh Filmhouse on 7 May the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival shows a special series of three films in Roméria. Romería is the third feature film from Spanish director Carla Simón. The story follows Marina, an 18-year-old girl who travels to Vigo,…

Polish opposition PiS party threatens disciplinary action against internal group led by former PM

The national-conservative opposition PiS party has threatened disciplinary measures, including exclusion from electoral lists, against dozens of its MPs who have joined a new internal group led by former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki with the intention of appealing to more moderate voters.

This is an extraordinary saga that Sunder is pursuing indefatigably. The BBC has repeatedly tried to excuse itself from responsibility for allowing Nigel Farage to lie egregiously about immigration without challenge. It is illustrative of a much wider malaise & so very important. Thank you, Sunder.

European Traditional Dance Workshop Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where you'll learn traditional European dances from different countries!

In Glasgow, 16 May, European Traditional Dance Workshop. Learn European dances from 7 different countries. Italian, Breton, Swedish, Irish, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Polish dance groups will teach and guide you. Beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone: www.eventbrite.com/e/european-t...

On May 14, SAFE, in partnership with Centre for Study of Public Policy, at Glasgow Uni will be celebrating European cooperation, including Horizon Europe, research, youth mobility programmes, Erasmus+, cultural exchange. Register here: events.humanitix.com/european-par...

Polish Heritage Day Come and celebrate Polish Heritage Day – a fun day for families and friends to get together, chat in Polish, enjoy Polish food, play games, sing and dance.  This outdoor event is open to all, whether ...

Also on 9 May, in Kelvingrove Park, celebrate Polish Heritage Day – a fun day for families and friends to get together, chat in Polish, enjoy Polish food, play games, sing and dance. This outdoor event is open to all, Polish or not! Details here festivalofeuropescotland.org/event/polish...

European Language Day Join us on Saturday 9th May for European Language Day at the Alliance Française Glasgow & Goethe-Institut.

Our festivalofeuropescotland.org has a full programme of events in Glasgow. First up (9 May) is a European Language Day, including a language speak-dating session where you can explore: Polish, Italian, Spanish, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, German, French. Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/european-l...

Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought Scientists say finding is ‘very concerning’ as collapse would be catastrophic for Europe, Africa and the Americas

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

🙄 (Unless we missed it?) Really disappointing to see no #SNP mention of #ActiveTravel infrastructure investment, just £2.5m for bike repairs!

Currently total 🚲👩‍🦼🚶 is around £160m so the manifesto allows its recent decline to continue
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/01/scot...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social

Economists Slam Reform UK's 'Fantasy' Claims That 'Boriswave' Migrants Will Cost Households £20,000 “Reform have simply invented their own numbers..." say experts

So it turns out Nigel Farage's widely-reported claims that 'Boriswave' migrants will cost every household £20,000 are based on dodgy figures and inflated assumptions.

Reform have simply invented their own numbers…” say experts.

bylinetimes.com/2026/04/16/e...

BBC migration coverage: Review finds no consistent bias but risks to impartiality A review of the BBC's coverage of migration suggests the corporation should explore stories in greater detail.

BBC editorial staff should re-read their immigration review

The corporation struggles to cover well stuff that is not politically contested or controversial

It should cover controversial issues but it risks reinforcing major public misperceptions on key issues

www.bbc.co.uk/news/enterta...

Good news!

UK and EU finalise agreement to bring UK into Erasmus+ in 2027 Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the historic Erasmus+ programme

Uk and EU finalise UK return to Erasmus
www.gov.uk/government/n...

At Edinburgh Central Library – Bulgarian dance exhibition During Festival of Europe Scotland there is an ongoing exhibition at the Central Library on George IV Bridge displaying Kukeri Dancing. This is an ancient Bulgarian tradition using dance to ward off evil spirits and embrace spring. The free exhibition will include masks and drawings by children from the First Bulgarian School Nadejda Stancioff – Lady Muir Edinburgh. The art is inspired by Kukeri Dancing which is an integral part of Bulgarian culture.

At Edinburgh Central Library – Bulgarian dance exhibition

During Festival of Europe Scotland there is an ongoing exhibition at the Central Library on George IV Bridge displaying Kukeri Dancing. This is an ancient Bulgarian tradition using dance to ward off evil spirits and embrace spring. The free…

Speakers for this event include Aleksandra Koziol (Polish Institute for International Relations), Stefan Wolff (Professor of International Security, other panellists. This is an issue which doesn't just affect other countries: how we approach it affects all our futures @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social

A close-to-home example of Russia's hybrid war against Europe. Our event on 11 May looks at its scope and how Europe can respond. Panel includes top journalist Allan Little and experts from Poland, Germany, and more. Details and to book places here: festivalofeuropescotland.org/event/russia...

Sign the petition and call for the progressive majority to mobiliese!

actionnetwork.org/petitions/wi...

Opposition leader Péter Magyar at a rally.

Orbán's electoral crushing is a far greater achievement than most people outside Hungary realise.

He systemically consolidated power for 16 years, fixed the electoral map, abused govt power for political purposes & censored media.

The hurdles that Hungarians overcame for this moment were immense.

Trump worries about "volatile, difficult, unpredictable people" having access to nuclear weapons.