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
Paying the Oxford congestion charge? Always use our official payment site to avoid extra fees from unofficial apps. We’re not associated with any payment apps.
Pay online ➡️ www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/paycongestioncharge
Pay online ➡️ www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/paycongestioncharge
February 19, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Paying the Oxford congestion charge? Always use our official payment site to avoid extra fees from unofficial apps. We’re not associated with any payment apps.
Pay online ➡️ www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/paycongestioncharge
Pay online ➡️ www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/paycongestioncharge
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
In incredible news, the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women."
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
European Parliament Votes Overwhelmingly For "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women"
The resolution, though nonbinding, is a significant shot at those who seek to erode transgender rights on the continent.
www.erininthemorning.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:17 PM
In incredible news, the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women."
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
I'd add to that, that some of our favourite elected politicians (and by 'our' I guess I mean progressives?) have quite a few hurdles themselves to deal with to reach the desired result - challenging them in those moments, rather than being personal, can be helpful in overcoming some of those hurdles
I hope New Yorkers will challenge Mamdani about this. Too often, people feel they need to be absolutely for or against a politician — ignoring their missteps or throwing them out with the bathwater. You can like and/or believe in someone and still challenge them to deliver on their promises.
Mayor Mamdani Breaks His Promise to NYC Public Libraries
The Struggle Against Defunding Libraries Continues...
prisonculture.substack.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I'd add to that, that some of our favourite elected politicians (and by 'our' I guess I mean progressives?) have quite a few hurdles themselves to deal with to reach the desired result - challenging them in those moments, rather than being personal, can be helpful in overcoming some of those hurdles
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:33 PM
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It’s easy to think writing is mainly the transcription of ideas you already have—that is, until you try to write something worthwhile, and you find what you thought were saying transform into something far more interesting in the process. This skips that last step, and that is *not* an improvement.
“We plan to hire an AI rewrite specialist to ingest the reporting by Hannah and others and use AI to convert it into stories.”
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
The editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it will use AI to ‘write’ its articles.
www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10...
February 16, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Writing is thinking.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
It's not some marginal boring task you can skip. It's the heart of it.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
This is familiar from other implicated diasporas. My sense, however, is that the term Zionist collapses the difference between diaspora and Palestine/Israel and flattens the hugely divergent levels of complicity into a yes/no, in a manner that "pro-Israel" e.g. does not
February 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
This is familiar from other implicated diasporas. My sense, however, is that the term Zionist collapses the difference between diaspora and Palestine/Israel and flattens the hugely divergent levels of complicity into a yes/no, in a manner that "pro-Israel" e.g. does not
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
I find this article persuasive. I know from my own anti-fascist organising that many left-wing Jews - including many who have been extremely vocal against Israel's actions in Gaza, turning up at protests week after week, having many difficult conversations - have a complex relationship with Zionism.
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 16, 2026 at 12:16 PM
I find this article persuasive. I know from my own anti-fascist organising that many left-wing Jews - including many who have been extremely vocal against Israel's actions in Gaza, turning up at protests week after week, having many difficult conversations - have a complex relationship with Zionism.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
February 15, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
This first response to this tweet 🔥
🚨 PICTURED: Liz Truss meets with Donald Trump at his golf course in Palm Beach
February 15, 2026 at 5:32 PM
This first response to this tweet 🔥
... or most party members thinking it should. But the motion does seem to provide an opening - if passed - for members to demand that the party responds like that. As unthinkable or OTT as that may sound... /end
February 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
... or most party members thinking it should. But the motion does seem to provide an opening - if passed - for members to demand that the party responds like that. As unthinkable or OTT as that may sound... /end
Well, yes, that's the next 'tier', isn't it? A Jewish person is more likely to be "branded" a Zionist for expressing such a view (whereas a non-Jew will simply be thought of as a supporter of Israel). Even if passed, I think we will still be far from this automatically leading to expulsion, /1
February 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Well, yes, that's the next 'tier', isn't it? A Jewish person is more likely to be "branded" a Zionist for expressing such a view (whereas a non-Jew will simply be thought of as a supporter of Israel). Even if passed, I think we will still be far from this automatically leading to expulsion, /1
I don't think it's intention of the motion, and if it passes I don't expect it to become the 'done thing' in the party.But it wld make it easier for any member in dispute w/a Jewish member(even if unrelated to Zionism or AS)to just accuse them of being a Zionist &start a discipl. action against them
February 15, 2026 at 3:59 PM
I don't think it's intention of the motion, and if it passes I don't expect it to become the 'done thing' in the party.But it wld make it easier for any member in dispute w/a Jewish member(even if unrelated to Zionism or AS)to just accuse them of being a Zionist &start a discipl. action against them
As I was reading the piece I was thinking to myself that if I'm ever polled at around the time we reach net zero (if we ever do), I'd be tempted to say that 'yes, I am in fact worried about migration', but I don't think I'd have the option to explain that my worry is bcs we don't have enough of it!🤭
February 15, 2026 at 3:29 PM
As I was reading the piece I was thinking to myself that if I'm ever polled at around the time we reach net zero (if we ever do), I'd be tempted to say that 'yes, I am in fact worried about migration', but I don't think I'd have the option to explain that my worry is bcs we don't have enough of it!🤭
Exactly. There's no winning on their terms. And I was rather surprised to see this level of naivety from him. Maybe he was misquoted...
February 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Exactly. There's no winning on their terms. And I was rather surprised to see this level of naivety from him. Maybe he was misquoted...
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
“I’m really worried for my friends and neighbours who are immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who’ve kept our city region moving.”
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
February 15, 2026 at 1:01 PM
“I’m really worried for my friends and neighbours who are immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who’ve kept our city region moving.”
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Our candidate for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, says the threat of adopting ICE-style tactics would put hardworking communities in the firing line.
Reposted by Ruthi Brandt
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
I think at this point it is only available in internal party documents.
If you're a party member you can go to springconf2026.greenparty.org.uk/ (login required) where you can find the motion in the list of motions. You can also download there the First Agenda pdf, which includes a clean version
If you're a party member you can go to springconf2026.greenparty.org.uk/ (login required) where you can find the motion in the list of motions. You can also download there the First Agenda pdf, which includes a clean version
Login (Antragsgrün)
Antragsgrün is a content management system specifically built for political parties.
springconf2026.greenparty.org.uk
February 15, 2026 at 9:58 AM
I think at this point it is only available in internal party documents.
If you're a party member you can go to springconf2026.greenparty.org.uk/ (login required) where you can find the motion in the list of motions. You can also download there the First Agenda pdf, which includes a clean version
If you're a party member you can go to springconf2026.greenparty.org.uk/ (login required) where you can find the motion in the list of motions. You can also download there the First Agenda pdf, which includes a clean version
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
Ah, yes, we do indeed agree. Lovely ☺️
February 15, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Ah, yes, we do indeed agree. Lovely ☺️
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...
Sorry, I don't quite understand how your comments relate to the post you've responded to, but I don't think we disagree a whole lot?
February 15, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Sorry, I don't quite understand how your comments relate to the post you've responded to, but I don't think we disagree a whole lot?