Ben Crystall
@bencrystall.bsky.social
💚Green cllr & leader of East Herts District Council, and cllr at Hertford Town and Hertfordshire County Council. Former New Scientist journo. Promoted by Alex Daar for Ben Crystall, both at East Herts Green Party c/o 55 Ware High St Ware SG12 9BA 🇵🇸 RLS
Reposted by Ben Crystall
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
#ITVYouthTracker leader favourability among 16-25 year olds 🗳️
Net Favourability:
🟢Polanski: 1%
🔶Davey: -4%
🌳Badenoch: -10%
➡️Farage: -26%
🌹Starmer: -29%
Savanta for ITV Youth Tracker, Sample Size: 1,040 UK based 16-25 year-olds, Fieldwork 4-9 February 2026.
#Peston
#ITVYouthTracker leader favourability among 16-25 year olds 🗳️
Net Favourability:
🟢Polanski: 1%
🔶Davey: -4%
🌳Badenoch: -10%
➡️Farage: -26%
🌹Starmer: -29%
Savanta for ITV Youth Tracker, Sample Size: 1,040 UK based 16-25 year-olds, Fieldwork 4-9 February 2026.
#Peston
February 12, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Reposted by Ben Crystall
I and millions of Americans believe exactly the same thing Kasparov does.
Too many troops, too many new prisons, too much money not under Congressional supervision.
We're not just witnessing a mass deportation scheme anymore.
This is something significantly bigger and scarier.
Too many troops, too many new prisons, too much money not under Congressional supervision.
We're not just witnessing a mass deportation scheme anymore.
This is something significantly bigger and scarier.
February 11, 2026 at 9:37 AM
I and millions of Americans believe exactly the same thing Kasparov does.
Too many troops, too many new prisons, too much money not under Congressional supervision.
We're not just witnessing a mass deportation scheme anymore.
This is something significantly bigger and scarier.
Too many troops, too many new prisons, too much money not under Congressional supervision.
We're not just witnessing a mass deportation scheme anymore.
This is something significantly bigger and scarier.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
NEW ANALYSIS: China's CO2 has now been 'flat or falling' for 21 months
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
February 12, 2026 at 7:38 AM
NEW ANALYSIS: China's CO2 has now been 'flat or falling' for 21 months
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
The Epstein files show that Brexit was never a “plucky British revolt”. In reality, Brexit was fed, and empowered, by an entire class of oligarchs and autocrats, who thrive on chaos, weak regulation and brittle institutions.
The will of the rich and powerful: Brexit and the Epstein files
The Epstein files reveal the role of Brexit in a global network which stands to gain from undermining democracy itself
eastangliabylines.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The Epstein files show that Brexit was never a “plucky British revolt”. In reality, Brexit was fed, and empowered, by an entire class of oligarchs and autocrats, who thrive on chaos, weak regulation and brittle institutions.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week.
Feeling part of something, in school, in friendships and in our communities, plays a huge role in children’s mental health. When children feel listened to and supported, it can make a lasting difference to their wellbeing.
Feeling part of something, in school, in friendships and in our communities, plays a huge role in children’s mental health. When children feel listened to and supported, it can make a lasting difference to their wellbeing.
February 11, 2026 at 9:16 AM
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week.
Feeling part of something, in school, in friendships and in our communities, plays a huge role in children’s mental health. When children feel listened to and supported, it can make a lasting difference to their wellbeing.
Feeling part of something, in school, in friendships and in our communities, plays a huge role in children’s mental health. When children feel listened to and supported, it can make a lasting difference to their wellbeing.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
A #sneakpeek at fabulous art being prepared for the first six benches on the #RiverLeaArtTrail from #Hertford to #Ware
Sponsored by easthertscouncil using #UKSFP funds, 2 benches art sponsored by Lea Valley Park Mgmnt with repairs to benches by the incredible #WareMensShed. A real community effort
Sponsored by easthertscouncil using #UKSFP funds, 2 benches art sponsored by Lea Valley Park Mgmnt with repairs to benches by the incredible #WareMensShed. A real community effort
February 9, 2026 at 2:51 PM
A #sneakpeek at fabulous art being prepared for the first six benches on the #RiverLeaArtTrail from #Hertford to #Ware
Sponsored by easthertscouncil using #UKSFP funds, 2 benches art sponsored by Lea Valley Park Mgmnt with repairs to benches by the incredible #WareMensShed. A real community effort
Sponsored by easthertscouncil using #UKSFP funds, 2 benches art sponsored by Lea Valley Park Mgmnt with repairs to benches by the incredible #WareMensShed. A real community effort
Thank you to Broxbourne Green Party for the invitation to attend your monthly meeting at The Vine 💚 Lots of new members and a fascinating discussion on LGR - a buzzing group of lovely folk! New members welcome!
February 10, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Thank you to Broxbourne Green Party for the invitation to attend your monthly meeting at The Vine 💚 Lots of new members and a fascinating discussion on LGR - a buzzing group of lovely folk! New members welcome!
Reposted by Ben Crystall
"When we destroy a forest, we are creating GDP. When we overfish, we are creating GDP"
Head of the UN says the way we measure economic activity needs to change
He's not wrong. The vested interests in keeping things the same are considerable, however
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Head of the UN says the way we measure economic activity needs to change
He's not wrong. The vested interests in keeping things the same are considerable, however
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Global economy must move past GDP to avoid planetary disaster, warns UN chief
Exclusive: António Guterres says world’s accounting systems should place true value on the environment
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:29 AM
"When we destroy a forest, we are creating GDP. When we overfish, we are creating GDP"
Head of the UN says the way we measure economic activity needs to change
He's not wrong. The vested interests in keeping things the same are considerable, however
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Head of the UN says the way we measure economic activity needs to change
He's not wrong. The vested interests in keeping things the same are considerable, however
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
Two thirds of all freshwater species are supported by ponds, but the number of ponds in the UK plummeted in the 20th century. So garden ponds are vital for biodiversity - and creating one could help frogs, toads, dragonflies, bats, hedgehogs, swifts…
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/cre...
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/cre...
February 8, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Two thirds of all freshwater species are supported by ponds, but the number of ponds in the UK plummeted in the 20th century. So garden ponds are vital for biodiversity - and creating one could help frogs, toads, dragonflies, bats, hedgehogs, swifts…
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/cre...
littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/cre...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
I'd rather call it #PostGrowth, but whatever you call it, the public has no problem understanding that the economy should work for people and planet, rather than us all working ourselves and trashing the environment for "the economy"
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Assessing public support for degrowth: survey-based experimental and predictive studies
Contrary to concerns from politicians and commentators that degrowth is broadly unpopular,
the core degrowth proposal received substantial support from UK and US participants
in this study, regardless...
www.thelancet.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:19 PM
I'd rather call it #PostGrowth, but whatever you call it, the public has no problem understanding that the economy should work for people and planet, rather than us all working ourselves and trashing the environment for "the economy"
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
The dude whose company, thanks to Labour, will run our military analytics and to whom Wes Streeting is giving our personal healthcare data.
Peter Thiel warns the Antichrist and apocalypse are linked to the ‘end of modernity’ currently happening—and cites Greta Thunberg as a driving example
fortune.com/2026/02/04/p...
*Not satire.
fortune.com/2026/02/04/p...
*Not satire.
Peter Thiel warns the Antichrist and apocalypse are linked to the ‘end of modernity’ currently happening—and cites Greta Thunberg as a driving example | Fortune
The Gen Z Swedish climate activist is a legionnaire of the Antichrist, Thiel claims, a “Luddite” who wants to halt technological progress in its tracks.
fortune.com
February 8, 2026 at 7:27 AM
The dude whose company, thanks to Labour, will run our military analytics and to whom Wes Streeting is giving our personal healthcare data.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
I've just released a short video showing the journey to Orkney, by Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, the scenic Far North Line to Thurso (Britain's most northerly station) and Northlink Ferries from Scrabster to Stromness on the excellent m/v Hamnavoe. Take a peek!
youtu.be/8TpQJS-a4EM?...
youtu.be/8TpQJS-a4EM?...
To Orkney by sleeper, Far North Line & ferry
YouTube video by The Man in Seat 61
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 8:39 AM
I've just released a short video showing the journey to Orkney, by Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, the scenic Far North Line to Thurso (Britain's most northerly station) and Northlink Ferries from Scrabster to Stromness on the excellent m/v Hamnavoe. Take a peek!
youtu.be/8TpQJS-a4EM?...
youtu.be/8TpQJS-a4EM?...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
STUDY: “The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of an outdoor cycling intervention on cognitive function and mental health and well-being in older adults.”
The effect of cycling on cognitive function and well-being in older adults
It has been demonstrated that, on their own, both exercise and stimulation from the environment can improve cognitive function and well-being in older adults. The combined effect of exercising in the ...
journals.plos.org
February 8, 2026 at 8:28 AM
STUDY: “The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of an outdoor cycling intervention on cognitive function and mental health and well-being in older adults.”
Reposted by Ben Crystall
"Who will protect women and children from Reform (Tory failures) and why would any decent person with morals and integrity support them"
via Phil Neate
via Phil Neate
February 8, 2026 at 8:07 AM
"Who will protect women and children from Reform (Tory failures) and why would any decent person with morals and integrity support them"
via Phil Neate
via Phil Neate
Reposted by Ben Crystall
When whatever happens at the top of the Labour Party finally happens and given the sorry mess that British politics has been for years, is it maybe time to fix a broken system? Get rid of the “two party politics” delusion? Embrace PR? It’s apparently good enough for Scotland, Wales and N Ireland.
February 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
When whatever happens at the top of the Labour Party finally happens and given the sorry mess that British politics has been for years, is it maybe time to fix a broken system? Get rid of the “two party politics” delusion? Embrace PR? It’s apparently good enough for Scotland, Wales and N Ireland.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
Paul Chamberlain, a deputy cabinet member, was quoted in the article saying: "We made some assumptions that we would come in here and find some of the craziness found in America and that was wrong, we didn't find any of that."
Anyone surprised?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7jydyg5l0o
Anyone surprised?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7jydyg5l0o
Reform UK cabinet member in Kent quits over 'lapse of judgement'
Matthew Fraser Moat says his words were a "lapse of judgement" but became "twisted".
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Paul Chamberlain, a deputy cabinet member, was quoted in the article saying: "We made some assumptions that we would come in here and find some of the craziness found in America and that was wrong, we didn't find any of that."
Anyone surprised?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7jydyg5l0o
Anyone surprised?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7jydyg5l0o
Rainy day but still smiling! Six cheery @easthertsgreens.bsky.social leafleters out around Thundridge, Wadesmill and High Cross yesterday - putting in the hard work whatever the weather! 💚
February 7, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Rainy day but still smiling! Six cheery @easthertsgreens.bsky.social leafleters out around Thundridge, Wadesmill and High Cross yesterday - putting in the hard work whatever the weather! 💚
What do you value?
Greens are just normal people who care passionately about the communities we live in, about fairness and about our environment too. And we believe politics should be hopeful for positive change, not fueled by hate.
Join us! 💚
Greens are just normal people who care passionately about the communities we live in, about fairness and about our environment too. And we believe politics should be hopeful for positive change, not fueled by hate.
Join us! 💚
We asked 'Why did you join The Green Party?'
Join us too, to help make hope normal again, here in East Herts.
join.greenparty.org.uk
Join us too, to help make hope normal again, here in East Herts.
join.greenparty.org.uk
February 7, 2026 at 10:20 AM
What do you value?
Greens are just normal people who care passionately about the communities we live in, about fairness and about our environment too. And we believe politics should be hopeful for positive change, not fueled by hate.
Join us! 💚
Greens are just normal people who care passionately about the communities we live in, about fairness and about our environment too. And we believe politics should be hopeful for positive change, not fueled by hate.
Join us! 💚
Reposted by Ben Crystall
The government is consulting Hertfordshire residents on the shape of future local government.
The basic question is whether you think 2, 3 or 4 ‘unitary’ councils in Herts is best.
We recommend 3 is best, as a balance between size and local accountability.
www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
The basic question is whether you think 2, 3 or 4 ‘unitary’ councils in Herts is best.
We recommend 3 is best, as a balance between size and local accountability.
www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
Local Government Reorganisation | Shaping Hertfordshire's Future
This website has been designed to:
Inform and educate Hertfordshire residents on what Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is, and how it impacts them.
Provide Hertfordshire residents with the oppo...
www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 10:17 AM
The government is consulting Hertfordshire residents on the shape of future local government.
The basic question is whether you think 2, 3 or 4 ‘unitary’ councils in Herts is best.
We recommend 3 is best, as a balance between size and local accountability.
www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
The basic question is whether you think 2, 3 or 4 ‘unitary’ councils in Herts is best.
We recommend 3 is best, as a balance between size and local accountability.
www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
Reposted by Ben Crystall
If you're not in those files... you were a bit of a loser.'
Lady Victoria Hervey, ex-girlfriend of former 'Prince Andrew', tells that not being named in the Epstein Files is an 'insult'.
Utterly vile with the most serious lack of respect for the victims. 🤬
Reform UK donor, of course.
#UKPolitics
Lady Victoria Hervey, ex-girlfriend of former 'Prince Andrew', tells that not being named in the Epstein Files is an 'insult'.
Utterly vile with the most serious lack of respect for the victims. 🤬
Reform UK donor, of course.
#UKPolitics
February 7, 2026 at 9:12 AM
If you're not in those files... you were a bit of a loser.'
Lady Victoria Hervey, ex-girlfriend of former 'Prince Andrew', tells that not being named in the Epstein Files is an 'insult'.
Utterly vile with the most serious lack of respect for the victims. 🤬
Reform UK donor, of course.
#UKPolitics
Lady Victoria Hervey, ex-girlfriend of former 'Prince Andrew', tells that not being named in the Epstein Files is an 'insult'.
Utterly vile with the most serious lack of respect for the victims. 🤬
Reform UK donor, of course.
#UKPolitics
Reposted by Ben Crystall
NEW: Mandelson just sent a memo to UK newspapers via the press watchdog demanding they stop publishing his links to Epstein.
He cited clauses in the Editors code, designed to protect grieving families.
The memo was NOT to be published.
The National just said ‘fuck that’ & published it in full 👏
He cited clauses in the Editors code, designed to protect grieving families.
The memo was NOT to be published.
The National just said ‘fuck that’ & published it in full 👏
Peter Mandelson issues secret notice demanding press leave him alone – read in full
LATE on Friday evening, this notice was circulated from representatives of Peter Mandelson, via press regulator IPSO and the Press Association news…
www.thenational.scot
February 6, 2026 at 8:20 PM
NEW: Mandelson just sent a memo to UK newspapers via the press watchdog demanding they stop publishing his links to Epstein.
He cited clauses in the Editors code, designed to protect grieving families.
The memo was NOT to be published.
The National just said ‘fuck that’ & published it in full 👏
He cited clauses in the Editors code, designed to protect grieving families.
The memo was NOT to be published.
The National just said ‘fuck that’ & published it in full 👏
Reposted by Ben Crystall
Saturday. 10am. Denton.
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
February 6, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Saturday. 10am. Denton.
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Reposted by Ben Crystall
First poll Starmer has been ahead in for quite a while.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
First poll Starmer has been ahead in for quite a while.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Starmer knew about Mandelson.
Now he must resign.
Reposted by Ben Crystall
Our Ware Winter Newsletter will be out soon.
Improvements to the Ware Lido, tackling speeding for safer streets, and helping schools with outdoor projects.
Your Green councillors have been busy!
We always need help with delivering these. Can you help? eastherts.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
Improvements to the Ware Lido, tackling speeding for safer streets, and helping schools with outdoor projects.
Your Green councillors have been busy!
We always need help with delivering these. Can you help? eastherts.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Our Ware Winter Newsletter will be out soon.
Improvements to the Ware Lido, tackling speeding for safer streets, and helping schools with outdoor projects.
Your Green councillors have been busy!
We always need help with delivering these. Can you help? eastherts.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
Improvements to the Ware Lido, tackling speeding for safer streets, and helping schools with outdoor projects.
Your Green councillors have been busy!
We always need help with delivering these. Can you help? eastherts.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
If you want to learn more about how we can save money on our bills and cut carbon by working together, come to this free event in Broxbourne.
www.eventbrite.com/e/introducti...
www.eventbrite.com/e/introducti...
Introduction to Community Energy
An event showcasing grassroots projects that empower communities to generate clean power, reduce their energy costs and be more resilient.
www.eventbrite.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:35 AM
If you want to learn more about how we can save money on our bills and cut carbon by working together, come to this free event in Broxbourne.
www.eventbrite.com/e/introducti...
www.eventbrite.com/e/introducti...