Democracy doesn't work when people don't know Upgrade to paid
COMMENT
Less is more
Martin Redfern
The University of Exeter published its long-awaited “Strategy 2030” on Monday. It’s a remarkable document, not least because of the Nobel-sized aspirations it expresses.
Apparently the university plans to “lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis” while making “key breakthroughs” which will “transform human health and well-being”. It also hopes to “lead the progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society”.
The scope and scale of its vision is commendable, but the document seems a little light on the detail of how it might achieve these Herculean tasks. Despite record high scores in the game of buzzword bingo, it clocks in at only just over 2,000 words.
Democracy doesn't work when people don't know
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Democracy doesn't work when people don't know who is deciding what on whose behalf and what the costs and consequences of those decisions will be.
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Exeter City Council is about to seize the helm of Exe estuary maritime life: will it steer it onto the rocks?
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.
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On Our Radar
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025 TO SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2026
The Wintertime Hotel
An immersive family-friendly production by Theatre Alibi and Angel Exit Theatre.
EMMANUEL HALL
SUNDAY 14 TO SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025
Ernie and the Sea of Ice
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure set in the snowy South Pole.
EXETER PHOENIX
WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2025
New Year’s Eve party
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Spotlight
Labour and Conservative councillors join forces to block Exeter city centre antisocial behaviour initiative
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