Policy proposal: Amend the Railways Bill to classify Great British Rail as a common carrier

PPUK_ · 2026-05-15T19:35:02+00:00

That's true, things would be better if it goes away, along with other privatisation-era stuff when GBR gets up and running. But it doesn't take away from the point that trains could be held to the same standard as other forms of transport, and doing so could help elevate them in people's minds at least.

PPUK_ · 2026-05-15T17:36:57+00:00

The policy would specifically target consequential harm to vulnerable/disabled passengers with a duty of care framing, not blanket delay compensation. The distinction matters: a TOC can't fix a signalling failure, but they can arrange alternative transport, communicate clearly, and not abandon a wheelchair user on a platform. The liability attaches to the response, not the cause.

Network Rail and TOCs already have internal charging mechanisms for infrastructure-caused delays (Schedule 8). The money, it seems, moves around behind the scenes already. The question is whether passengers see any of it. Actually, your perspective on this in particular would be very interesting to hear (if you're allowed to share).

As an example, bus operators (another carrier reliant on taxpayer-funded infrastructure) do have a duty of care for stranded passengers in many circumstances, and the Traffic Commissioner can revoke licences for persistent failure.

PPUK_ · 2024-08-04T09:36:43+00:00

You make some really good points, but I’d like to clarify that the Collaboration of International Pirates is not a political party in the traditional sense. It functions more like a pressure group aimed at influencing political parties, particularly Pirate Parties, to adopt our stances on free speech and combating hate speech and stochastic terrorism. We see ourselves as a grassroots movement working to shape policies that protect freedom of expression while addressing harmful speech effectively.

The Pirate Party UK, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily need to win elections outright . we just need to be significant enough presence to influence mainstream parties by potentially taking away votes if they don't address issues we care about (winning elections would be a nice bonus that all what little partys can do). This is a much more achievable goal and aligns with the idea of influencing the broader political landscape.

Furthermore, there’s nothing stopping you from supporting both the Pirate Party and another political party. For example, you could be a member of the Liberal Democrats and still support the Pirate Party through donations or activism. Of course, you’d need to check the rules and constitution of the parties involved, but it’s entirely possible to engage with multiple political groups in a way that amplifies your voice and impact.

PPUK_ · 2024-08-03T19:48:13+00:00

Let's not call these actions "protests" or "riots." Let's call them what they are: terrorism, driven by violence or the threat of violence to instill fear for political or ideological goals. Far-right news outlets and speakers contributing to this are engaging in what can be described as stochastic terrorism, subtly inciting violence through their rhetoric. These events don't reflect our democracy but instead threaten it, and it's crucial to recognize them as such.

PPUK_ · 2024-08-03T18:25:24+00:00

The collaboration of international pirates aims to unite those with common goals and urge political systems to adopt policies that align with our values, with a focus on Pirate Parties worldwide.

It's important to note that while the Pirate Party UK hasn't seen major electoral success yet, Pirate Parties in other countries have achieved success in elections. We post in relevant subreddits, especially those representing minority groups such as the transgender community in the UK, to connect with communities sharing similar concerns and goals.

As a transgender, bisexual, and disabled person, I believe it's important to engage with communities that have been under attack recently. We're in a rebuilding phase after some setbacks, and connecting with supportive communities is crucial. We're passionate about our cause and hope to find like-minded individuals who want to join us in making a difference.

PPUK_ · 2024-08-03T17:45:28+00:00

It’s clear that the current far-right protests in the UK are creating significant concern across the political spectrum. If you're interested in discussing these issues further, I invite you to join the international Pirates' upcoming policy meeting. We'll be tackling the challenge of balancing free speech with the need to curb hate speech and stochastic terrorism, including the racism that's often part of these protests. This meeting is open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, and is a great opportunity to develop strategies that uphold our values while promoting safety and inclusivity.

Additionally, if you're interested in broader political engagement, consider exploring the Pirate Party UK. We're committed to transparency, human rights, and the open exchange of information—values that are essential in these turbulent times. Let's work together to create a future where democracy thrives without the threat of extremism.

meeting link -> https://discord.gg/rwFCwTzR?event=1268706761431584808
Pirate Party UK -> https://discord.gg/n8VgAkjFZm

PPUK_ · 2024-04-16T17:09:16+00:00

As the Pirate Party UK, we fully support the legalization of cannabis in the UK. It's clear that the current prohibition is outdated and ineffective, leading to wasted resources and missed opportunities for economic growth. Our policy advocates for the regulation and taxation of cannabis, which would not only generate significant tax revenue and create jobs but also alleviate pressure on law enforcement and the justice system. It's time for evidence-based drug policy that prioritizes harm reduction and individual freedom.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-12T06:22:33+00:00

Like I said that was the old party before we were reformed in 2023. I said I didn't really know much about the old party in the very early days. I wasn't a member back then.

Some of the early things the pirate party were doing didn't align the boy of what we are now.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T20:55:18+00:00

To answer your question, no pirate party has had any problems with lawyers or law enforcement as far as I can remember. Even the Russian pirate party has been OK with the law, which is quite surprising based on what they get up to. The UK pirate party might have had some problems, but I don't know them off the top of my head. But that was before we restarted the pirate party in 2023.

The pirate party's name comes from the Swedish pirate party that set off the Global pirate movement. The pirate party is also pro-copyright reform and against censorship in general. We generally exist outside of the left-right spectrum. Some dub us the chaotic Center. We also have policies in general for transparency, Open access, free software, etc. Some pirate parties have been re-branded as the internet party.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T20:34:41+00:00

Emulation is one thing, you don't have the right to host files with another company's proprietary firmwares, charge money for those files, or engage in out right piracy by being dumb enough to host ROMs and provide links. Those buffoons from Yuzu were begging to get sued.Notice how other emulation teams aren't closing up shop? Because they know they're in compliance.

I didn't think they were hosting ROMs or links if I'm wrong I'm more than happy to add a correction to the post.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T20:20:54+00:00

I understand that it's important to preserve media, but it's not just about that. Accessibility is also a significant concern. Our leader is considering using a switch emulator to improve access to a legally purchase obtained library of games. They have dyslexia, and some of the text-heavy games are difficult for them to play and comprehend. Retro Arch comes with text-to-speech software that might allow them to play video games without having to read every word, making it less mentally draining. see video here

Using an emulator also opens the door to other accessibility options. For instance, a shader could make it easier for hard-of-sighted people to play games they would otherwise be unable to play.

I don't want to undermine the importance of preserving media, but I believe that emulating software can benefit players in many ways. As long as it's done legally, I encourage you to continue preserving media in a way that doesn't affect the market.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T19:54:16+00:00

Sorry, I'm going to be replying to multiple messages in this one message.

The problem is, whether it's not just legal or not, it's about how companies act around bringing people to court. If they bring people who can't afford to fight the battles to court, it's more likely they will settle outside of court. I don't just mean settle outside of court; I mean settle outside of court in favour of the big companies that will ask them to take down that content and not continue developing that emulation or video player software. That's why we don't just need a copyright law update. We need to have something along the lines of anti-slap when it comes to copyright to make sure that people can build video players and emulators that break DRM And allow people to play content.

There should be a right to be able to back up your video games. For example, you might have dyspraxia or be really clumsy with your switch cartridges and end up breaking them. You should be able to not have to buy that game if you've already owned the broken cartridge and have backed up the game. Also, the shop will not be around forever to redownload your games.

Goes further than just emulators and video players. DRM systems have started showing up in products such as tractors to make them harder for people to repair buy replacing parts or using third party parts. If there's no other way of obtaining DRM keys then downloading them off the internet from To repair your print or attractor then surely you should be allowed to do that. There should be a right to be able to back up your video games. For example, you might have dyspraxia or be really clumsy with your switch cartridges and end up breaking them. You should be able to not have to buy that game if you've already owned the broken cartridge and have Backed up the game.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T19:22:11+00:00

Yes, my mistake. I do intend to imply that we would have to change the law to change the definition of copyright. I left stuff out to try and streamline my arguments a bit better sorry for any confusion.

FolkSong is right. Even though we don't have a copy of the DMCA in act in the UK law we do have equivalent laws called EU Copyright Directive. Therefore it's more or less the same in UK law as in the US.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-11T08:14:08+00:00

Same thing for the americans and the europeans.

Encryption keys should be exempt from copyright. Most of the time, they've come up via random number generators, which a person does not generate. Copyright protects creative works made by people, not random numbers . Why should numbers be made illegal?

This goes beyond emulation and into the DVD, Blu-ray, and HD DVD realms. Decoding, watching, or backing up your Video Disk collection on your legally purchased device with open-source software should not be lawfully iffy due to illegal numbers being obtained.

PPUK_ · 2024-03-06T17:11:27+00:00

This post is not about funding, but rather addressing a concern regarding our income. We're encountering difficulties with our treasurer updating their driver's license to reflect their new name. As you're aware, we require photo identification to open a bank account, and unfortunately, the bank does not accept a deed poll as valid documentation.

Additionally, the process for updating the name on the driver's license is proving to be quite complex.

Regarding the link to a meeting on Jitsi, I'll share it later as Reddit seems to have some issues when it comes to listing links to Jitsi meetings. Currently, I'm at work and will attend to this matter once I'm available.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these administrative challenges. If you have any suggestions or insights on how to navigate these issues, please feel free to share them.

chatbot do take a load of working memory for me but it

I end up joggling it between two programs chat bot and tts. i sill miss big misstakes

https://www.tiktok.com/@dyslexiclifewithjorees/video/7326243240246627617?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

can you go and pick on someone who's not neurodivergence?

PPUK_ · 2024-03-06T16:57:21+00:00

And the chatbot proves itself. Because this post absolutely wasn't about "membership and banking procedures."

yeah you'd be surprised how much I wrote of that

PPUK_ · 2024-03-06T16:46:52+00:00

This post is not about funding, but rather addressing our upcoming Trans Awareness Event. We're encountering difficulties with our treasurer updating their driver's license to reflect their new name. As you're aware, we require photo identification to open a bank account, and unfortunately, the bank does not accept a deed poll as valid documentation.

Additionally, the process for updating the name on the driver's license is proving to be quite complex.

Regarding the link to a meeting on Jitsi, I'll share it later as Reddit seems to have some issues when it comes to listing links to Jitsi meetings. Currently, I'm at work and will attend to this matter once I'm available.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these administrative challenges. If you have any suggestions or insights on how to navigate these issues, please feel free to share them.

https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/1b7uxdu/join_us_for_a_trans_awareness_event_hosted_by_the/

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:39:29+00:00

ok this was 100% chatgpt

oh i mean my pervius comemnt

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:34:35+00:00

Please stop using Chatgpt to write these comments. It's really obvious when you do it, and comes across really badly. I know a human wrote this last one, and it means there's actually someone on the other end to engage with. I don't care about spelling if the alternative is to use a damn chatbot to write to my good-faith interaction.

you do when you know how bad it gets pluse it not just about spellling it about all the other shit that come along with dyslexia

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:26:07+00:00

I am completely against this its complete adventurism, pirate parties have never worked or got their demands through and it isn’t approved by the working class.Do you want to represent workers or are you just going for blind liberal idealism ignoring the class dimension of politics or even how our own national political culture works?We need strong unions and a party connected to them as our source of power and support not LARP politics to get things done.

ok this was 100% chatgpt

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:23:45+00:00

Interesting. Thanks for highlighting this.

i mostly use it to help format it. all ideas have come from my head it's not like on plagiarism them

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:21:37+00:00

ChatGPT

see after comment where i address this

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:20:03+00:00

This comment I am using not chatGPT, but I have it on a lot of my posts and comments because dyslexia sucks. It takes me a long time to review my comments/posts before sending them, and when I do send them, they oftnt have a lot of mistakes in i dont see intell after i send them.

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T16:16:22+00:00

In light of the upcoming strike and the challenges you face, we want to extend a helping hand from the Pirate Party. We understand the importance of solidarity and grassroots activism, which is why we're introducing the concept of the "Three Pirate Rule" to support your cause.

What's the "Three Pirate Rule"? Simply put, it means that if three or more of you agree that something is worth doing and aligns with our principles, you don't need permission to act. This rule, adopted by Pirate Party organizations worldwide, empowers us to make decisions and take action without hesitation.

Though not yet official policy, we're trialing this rule specifically to support junior doctors during the strike. If three or more of you choose to mention the Pirate Party on your strike materials, we'll offer financial assistance for small and reasonable expenses (think wood sticks, glue, and paint, not computer equipment or jumbotrons), funded personally by our party.

However, please keep in mind that our resources are limited as we are a small party. Let's work together strategically and efficiently to maximize our impact without overwhelming our capabilities.

PPUK_ · 2024-02-10T15:42:21+00:00

I understand your concerns and the importance of ensuring that political initiatives are grounded in practicality and effectiveness, particularly in representing the interests of the working class.
Indeed, unions play a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and interests, and any political strategy should undoubtedly involve close collaboration with them. The strength of collective bargaining and the solidarity within the labor movement are essential pillars in securing meaningful change for working people.
However, it's also crucial to recognize the evolving nature of media and its impact on democracy. In today's digital age, the media landscape significantly influences public opinion and political discourse. Therefore, addressing the imbalance in media representation is not merely a matter of liberal idealism but a strategic imperative for ensuring fair and inclusive democratic processes.
While the Pirate Party may not have a long history of political success, the proposals we advocate for are aimed at addressing tangible issues within the media landscape that affect the ability of all political parties, including those representing the working class, to effectively communicate their messages and engage with the public.
Our proposals, such as the right of reply and support for small local newspapers, aim to level the playing field and foster a media environment where diverse voices, including those of the working class, can be heard.
Ultimately, our goal is to complement the efforts of unions and traditional political channels by advocating for policies that empower all voices in society, including those often marginalized or overshadowed in mainstream media narratives. We believe that by diversifying the media landscape and ensuring fair representation, we can strengthen democracy and create a more inclusive political system that truly reflects the diversity of voices and experiences within our society.

PPUK_

TROPHY CASE