Ruthi Brandt
@ruthibrandt.bsky.social
Nature, community, science and social justice. Urban nature and Green politics; Israel-Palestine, as an Israeli living abroad. Just a few of my current interests. Board member for CAG Oxfordshire. She/her.
Based next to Oxford, UK.
Based next to Oxford, UK.
Pinned
Ruthi Brandt
@ruthibrandt.bsky.social
· Jun 8
In the interest of tempering my doom-scrolling and feelings of righteous indignation at the world, I'm going to try posting daily something positive, on a personal level (ie - no campaign wins or political progress, as important as they are to celebrate).
So to kick it off -
#positivity
So to kick it off -
#positivity
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
"The collision of a multiparty electorate with a voting system designed for two parties is creating new risks for Britain".
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Over 50 Academics Warn That Voting System Is Not Fit For Multi-Party Politics
Dozens of academics have written to the government to warn that the current voting system risks producing distorted results on an 'unprecedented' s...
www.politicshome.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:27 PM
"The collision of a multiparty electorate with a voting system designed for two parties is creating new risks for Britain".
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
I signed this letter. It's not about blocking Reform;it's about the danger to democracy of a system that can't cope with multiparty voting
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
The grim tragedy of inclusive communities of WI women disbanded due to the destructive power of transphobia promoted so widely and unquestioningly by broadcast and print media.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
This is a powerful story for me. Several branches of the Women's Institute are closing across the UK in protest at the new trans-exclusionary ban against trans women. It cuts through the lie by the media and GC groups about speaking on behalf of women. Solidarity.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
‘Carnage of concern and upset’: Women’s Institute groups close after transgender ban
Members warn NFWI decision has opened up toxic culture that deters younger women from joining
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:57 AM
The grim tragedy of inclusive communities of WI women disbanded due to the destructive power of transphobia promoted so widely and unquestioningly by broadcast and print media.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Organisations like the WI have been undermined and attacked under a banner of divisive hate directed at trans people.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Before replacing fences, paving or decking, think about whether gaps, edges or rough areas could be left to help animals move through your garden. 🦔 Leave space under fences (hedgehogs just need a 13cm × 13cm gap) or allow a strip of long grass to help wildlife travel, feed and shelter.
🎞️E Malone
🎞️E Malone
February 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Before replacing fences, paving or decking, think about whether gaps, edges or rough areas could be left to help animals move through your garden. 🦔 Leave space under fences (hedgehogs just need a 13cm × 13cm gap) or allow a strip of long grass to help wildlife travel, feed and shelter.
🎞️E Malone
🎞️E Malone
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Jewish Greens have come out opposing Zionism is racism.
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Jewish Greens have come out opposing Zionism is racism.
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Since 2018 I have worked with Jewish Green to keen Green members safe and ensure the party cannot to be falsely accused of antisemitism.
This jeopardises all these efforts.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?
Universities, builders and health trusts are feeling the squeeze, as thinktank says effect of zero net migration could be similar to Brexit
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Prof Rob Ford makes a point here that #NetMigration reaching zero would assuage ppl's concern about #immigration (which would allow politics to move on from talking abt it). But debate so far hasn't really been based on facts and stats, has it? I don't see how that will change just cause *net*=zero
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
For some people, shouting "we don't want no Zionists here" is like "we don't want no fascists here". I can see their argument - terrible things were done in the name of Zionism.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
February 14, 2026 at 4:18 PM
For some people, shouting "we don't want no Zionists here" is like "we don't want no fascists here". I can see their argument - terrible things were done in the name of Zionism.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
But almost all Jews would hear "we don't want no Jews here". And they have good reason to fear this is the subtext.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
For me this is very simple.
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
For me this is very simple.
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
There is widespread, longstanding practice of using "Zionists" as coded slur for Jews, or "Jews I don't like" (regardless how they define themselves).
That is sufficient reason to refrain from broad-brush language such as "Zionism=Racism" or "Zionists not welcome".
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Can someone remind me who is the majority party? WaPo seems to need help here.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
Note the framing here:
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
It’s “Democrats have refused to fund” DHS and not “Republicans refused to prohibit face masks” or “the two parties could not agree on how to reform the agency.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Can someone remind me who is the majority party? WaPo seems to need help here.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
I thought it was the GOP, who despite what the WaPo wants you to think, actually have some agency. Lots, really, tho you’d never get that idea from the media.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Only 37% of American Jews say they identify as Zionists. Seven percent call themselves anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist and 18% aren’t sure. Another 30% say none of the labels offered describe them.
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
It’s not just the kids: Only a third of US Jews 75+ call themselves ‘Zionists’ - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A new JFNA survey finds strong support for Israel but widespread discomfort with the “Zionist” label among the youngest and oldest Jews.
www.jta.org
February 14, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Only 37% of American Jews say they identify as Zionists. Seven percent call themselves anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist and 18% aren’t sure. Another 30% say none of the labels offered describe them.
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
www.jta.org/2026/02/11/i...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
While we strongly believe this is not the intention of the proposers, this motion would cause disciplinary action to be taken by the party against Jews because they are Jewish. It can't become party policy.
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
While we strongly believe this is not the intention of the proposers, this motion would cause disciplinary action to be taken by the party against Jews because they are Jewish. It can't become party policy.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
They all talk like this now. Like villains from some 1960s live action Saturday morning TV show where the bad guys are all comedic Nazi figures
US won’t be ‘caretakers’ of West’s ‘managed decline’, Rubio warns in Munich speech - latest
US won’t be ‘caretakers’ of West’s ‘managed decline’, Rubio warns in Munich: Live
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told security summit that the US wants ‘allies who can defend themselves’
www.independent.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM
They all talk like this now. Like villains from some 1960s live action Saturday morning TV show where the bad guys are all comedic Nazi figures
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
AOC: "Extreme level of wealth inequality leads to social instability and drives authoritarianism, right-wing populism, and really dangerous domestic internal politics. That is a direct outcome of the failure of democracies over decades to deliver."
February 13, 2026 at 5:50 PM
AOC: "Extreme level of wealth inequality leads to social instability and drives authoritarianism, right-wing populism, and really dangerous domestic internal politics. That is a direct outcome of the failure of democracies over decades to deliver."
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Why Jewish Greens are urging party members to vote against MOTION A105: ZIONISM IS RACISM - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens oppose motion at party conference unintentionally antisemitic
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Here is an explanation on why Jewish Greens (who obviously don't speak for every single Jewish person in the party, etc) are so opposed to the Zionism is Racism motion brought to the #GreenParty's spring conference.
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/12/w...
Always a good read, but the pictures (and their captions) are especially delightful in this issue ☺️
Friday 13th or Valentine’s Day? We choose love for the Clarion Weekend newsletter. Featuring:
❤️ Oxford loves Swindon
🌟 Michelin-starred restaurants
💰 Budget Day for Oxfordshire
🧀 Say it with cheese
💃 No, it's not a “big organised party”
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
❤️ Oxford loves Swindon
🌟 Michelin-starred restaurants
💰 Budget Day for Oxfordshire
🧀 Say it with cheese
💃 No, it's not a “big organised party”
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
Clarion Weekend, 13 February 2026
It might be Friday 13th today, but tomorrow is Valentine's Day. We could have gone with horror or love; we choose love. So here’s our roundup of Valentine’s events complete with heart-shaped cheese – ...
oxfordclarion.uk
February 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Always a good read, but the pictures (and their captions) are especially delightful in this issue ☺️
This is such a positive, and encouraging move!
#Regenaration
#Regenaration
A farmer-led initiative has been launched to restore the landscape of the Evenlode valley, which runs through West Oxfordshire from Kingham to Charlbury and Eynsham. Participating farms are committing up to 15% of their less productive land to the project, to restore and improve riverside habitats.
February 13, 2026 at 5:13 PM
This is such a positive, and encouraging move!
#Regenaration
#Regenaration
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
So the court rules on trans rights, and the Labour government claims they are powerless, but the court rules on Palestine Action, and the government wants to fight it?
February 13, 2026 at 10:58 AM
So the court rules on trans rights, and the Labour government claims they are powerless, but the court rules on Palestine Action, and the government wants to fight it?
This is the best explainer I’ve seen on Ratcliffe’s motives for his racist outburst. We shouldn’t enter into any ‘debate’ on immigration on these terms. It’s a deeply dishonest and dangerous call to arms by cynical people who prioritise profit over everything else
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
February 13, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Oof, so close!
Fletton & Woodston (Peterborough) Council By-Election Result:
➡️ RFM: 29.4% (New)
🌍 GRN: 27.6% (+16.2)
🌳 CON: 21.8% (-11.8)
🌹 LAB: 16.8% (-31.2)
🔶 LDM: 4.4% (-0.7)
No TUSC (-1.9) as previous.
Reform GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2024.
➡️ RFM: 29.4% (New)
🌍 GRN: 27.6% (+16.2)
🌳 CON: 21.8% (-11.8)
🌹 LAB: 16.8% (-31.2)
🔶 LDM: 4.4% (-0.7)
No TUSC (-1.9) as previous.
Reform GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2024.
February 13, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Oof, so close!
This thing in some US states where convicted felons are barred from voting for life is wild.
Are there any other countries (who claim to be democratic) who do that?
Are there any other countries (who claim to be democratic) who do that?
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger endorsed a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to people with felony convictions when they leave prison. State lawmakers passed the amendment and it will now appear on the state ballot.
“It’s Time”: Virginia Lawmakers Ask Voters to Repeal Jim Crow-Era Lifetime Ban on Voting
Voters will decide this year whether to end Virginia’s uniquely harsh felony disenfranchisement rules. They
boltsmag.org
February 13, 2026 at 8:20 AM
This thing in some US states where convicted felons are barred from voting for life is wild.
Are there any other countries (who claim to be democratic) who do that?
Are there any other countries (who claim to be democratic) who do that?
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Anyone who had genuine concerns about youth gender medicine would staunchly and wholeheartedly support social transition. Let kids explore their identities to see what works for them!
The fact that this movement opposes even pronouns and haircuts shows that it's just bigotry all the way down.
The fact that this movement opposes even pronouns and haircuts shows that it's just bigotry all the way down.
This draft guidance reproduces Cass insisting that clinicians must be involved in decisions about *social transition* which actually should be none of their damn business
They take the line that this "non-directive" intervention should force things to be "keeping options open and flexible"...
They take the line that this "non-directive" intervention should force things to be "keeping options open and flexible"...
February 12, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Anyone who had genuine concerns about youth gender medicine would staunchly and wholeheartedly support social transition. Let kids explore their identities to see what works for them!
The fact that this movement opposes even pronouns and haircuts shows that it's just bigotry all the way down.
The fact that this movement opposes even pronouns and haircuts shows that it's just bigotry all the way down.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
⏰ Don't miss @EllieChowns on BBC Question Time tonight.
💻 BBC News Channel at 9pm
📺 BBC One at 10.40pm
💻 BBC News Channel at 9pm
📺 BBC One at 10.40pm
February 12, 2026 at 2:14 PM
⏰ Don't miss @EllieChowns on BBC Question Time tonight.
💻 BBC News Channel at 9pm
📺 BBC One at 10.40pm
💻 BBC News Channel at 9pm
📺 BBC One at 10.40pm
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Corruption. Nothing less can describe the scale of this influence. I asked ministers this week if they would cap donations at the same time as asking about openness on lobbying meetings, and this was the part of the question they refused to answer.
🔴 Exclusive: Corporate donations British parties tripled over last three elections
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
Revealed: Corporate donations to British politics have tripled
Influential Labour committee chairs call on government to clean up politics as our new analysis finds record £42 million in company donations ahead of last election
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Corruption. Nothing less can describe the scale of this influence. I asked ministers this week if they would cap donations at the same time as asking about openness on lobbying meetings, and this was the part of the question they refused to answer.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
No one asked Gallup to display special courage in this moment. Just to continue doing what they'd always done.
And that was too much for them.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/u...
And that was too much for them.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/u...
Gallup Will No Longer Track Presidential Approval Ratings
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
No one asked Gallup to display special courage in this moment. Just to continue doing what they'd always done.
And that was too much for them.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/u...
And that was too much for them.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/u...