Ruth Watson
@ruthwatson.bsky.social
Journalist. Activist. Working for a better tomorrow today.
Political perspectives. Sustainability. Resilience. Food security. Social justice.
Scottish. Irish. Algerian. Kabyl.
There is no Planet B.
Political perspectives. Sustainability. Resilience. Food security. Social justice.
Scottish. Irish. Algerian. Kabyl.
There is no Planet B.
National Socialist policies...
Reform’s Suella Braverman on GB News: “I am happy with Nigel Farage pursuing socialist policies.”
February 13, 2026 at 9:56 PM
National Socialist policies...
I have cancelled my #AmazonPrime subscription.
Amazon's smart doorbell maker Ring scraps partnership with police surveillance tech company Flock Safety after Super Bowl ad backlash
abc7.com/post/ring-fl...
abc7.com/post/ring-fl...
Amazon's smart doorbell maker Ring scraps partnership with company after Super Bowl ad backlash
Ring is ending its planned tie-up with police surveillance company Flock Safety after critics raised fresh worries about neighborhood camera networks.
abc7.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:55 PM
I have cancelled my #AmazonPrime subscription.
When you have lost someone as vile as Nick Fuentes...
Great news for Democrats, especially in tight races — where 1,000 to 2,000 votes can make the difference — and where someone like Nick, with his very loyal and growing following, can have a real impact.
February 13, 2026 at 6:33 PM
When you have lost someone as vile as Nick Fuentes...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Many good points caught here by the estimable @jamesrball.com
The judgment was an impressive win for the claimant, but the court was certainly *not* impressed by Palestine Action.
The judgment was an impressive win for the claimant, but the court was certainly *not* impressed by Palestine Action.
Significant that the High Court ruling is still, in places, quite damning of Palestine Action. It emphatically rejects that the group is engaged in "civil disobediance", for example.
It just finds (compellingly) that proscription was still wrong, despite that.
It just finds (compellingly) that proscription was still wrong, despite that.
February 13, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Many good points caught here by the estimable @jamesrball.com
The judgment was an impressive win for the claimant, but the court was certainly *not* impressed by Palestine Action.
The judgment was an impressive win for the claimant, but the court was certainly *not* impressed by Palestine Action.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
One can make the case for requiring either a UK passport or some further documentation for dual British nationals to enter the country (this is true for eg the US). But making this change rapidly and getting a certificate so expensive is yet another Home Office cockup. Why always so draconian?
Gabrielle was all set for a routine trip from Australia to the UK. Then the rules for dual citizens suddenly changed
From 25 February all dual citizens visiting the UK must use their British passport, leaving many scrambling to get their documents in order
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:17 PM
One can make the case for requiring either a UK passport or some further documentation for dual British nationals to enter the country (this is true for eg the US). But making this change rapidly and getting a certificate so expensive is yet another Home Office cockup. Why always so draconian?
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Antonio Guterres, secrétaire général de l'ONU, à @rfi.fr :
« Il faut cesser les ingérences » au Soudan
rfi.my/CRQh.BS
« Il faut cesser les ingérences » au Soudan
rfi.my/CRQh.BS
Le grand invité international - Antonio Guterres, secrétaire général de l'ONU: «Il faut cesser les ingérences extérieures» au Soudan
Antonio Guterres est à Addis Abeba, en Éthiopie, où s’ouvre ce samedi 14 février le 39e sommet de l’Union africaine. Comme chaque année, le secrétaire général des Nations unies est invité à prendre la...
rfi.my
February 13, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Antonio Guterres, secrétaire général de l'ONU, à @rfi.fr :
« Il faut cesser les ingérences » au Soudan
rfi.my/CRQh.BS
« Il faut cesser les ingérences » au Soudan
rfi.my/CRQh.BS
Reposted by Ruth Watson
When did humans start using drills? “A new study reveals that Egyptians were using a mechanically sophisticated drilling tool far earlier than previously suggested” (about 3250 BCE). It’s the oldest known rotary drill 🔩 you guys!
www.austriaca.at?arp=0x0041300e
www.austriaca.at?arp=0x0041300e
February 13, 2026 at 12:43 PM
When did humans start using drills? “A new study reveals that Egyptians were using a mechanically sophisticated drilling tool far earlier than previously suggested” (about 3250 BCE). It’s the oldest known rotary drill 🔩 you guys!
www.austriaca.at?arp=0x0041300e
www.austriaca.at?arp=0x0041300e
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Advocate General's opinion in this case set for March 5th
CJEU, asylum law
New case on the extent of Member States obligations to facilitate family reunion for Gaza refugee - will be fast tracked
www.linkedin.com/posts/riccar...
New case on the extent of Member States obligations to facilitate family reunion for Gaza refugee - will be fast tracked
www.linkedin.com/posts/riccar...
What obligations do Member States have to facilitate the exit of a family from the Gaza Strip under the Family Reunification Directive?
This new preliminary reference matters beyond the situation in…...
What obligations do Member States have to facilitate the exit of a family from the Gaza Strip under the Family Reunification Directive?
This new preliminary reference matters beyond the situation in ...
www.linkedin.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Advocate General's opinion in this case set for March 5th
Reposted by Ruth Watson
OTAN : la France préserve ses positions au sein de l’Alliance mais sans gagner en influence
OTAN : la France préserve ses positions au sein de l’Alliance mais sans gagner en influence
www.lemonde.fr
February 13, 2026 at 3:50 PM
OTAN : la France préserve ses positions au sein de l’Alliance mais sans gagner en influence
Reposted by Ruth Watson
💗 This Valentine's Day, give a gift that says more.
A donation to Amnesty International in honour of someone you love supports people facing injustice around the world - and comes with a tribute card to share why this gift matters.
𑣲 Donate today at amnesty.ca/love
A donation to Amnesty International in honour of someone you love supports people facing injustice around the world - and comes with a tribute card to share why this gift matters.
𑣲 Donate today at amnesty.ca/love
February 12, 2026 at 11:29 AM
💗 This Valentine's Day, give a gift that says more.
A donation to Amnesty International in honour of someone you love supports people facing injustice around the world - and comes with a tribute card to share why this gift matters.
𑣲 Donate today at amnesty.ca/love
A donation to Amnesty International in honour of someone you love supports people facing injustice around the world - and comes with a tribute card to share why this gift matters.
𑣲 Donate today at amnesty.ca/love
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Tir Natur, a Welsh charity, has purchased a 1,195-acre site in Cwm Doethïe in the Cambrian Mountains, with the goal of launching Wales’ largest ecological restoration project.
The charity plans to introduce Welsh mountain ponies and ancient breeds of pig.
www.countytimes.co.uk/news/2583259...
The charity plans to introduce Welsh mountain ponies and ancient breeds of pig.
www.countytimes.co.uk/news/2583259...
Site at heart of Wales to be rewilded in major nature scheme
A major new rewilding scheme is taking shape in the heart of Wales.
www.countytimes.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Tir Natur, a Welsh charity, has purchased a 1,195-acre site in Cwm Doethïe in the Cambrian Mountains, with the goal of launching Wales’ largest ecological restoration project.
The charity plans to introduce Welsh mountain ponies and ancient breeds of pig.
www.countytimes.co.uk/news/2583259...
The charity plans to introduce Welsh mountain ponies and ancient breeds of pig.
www.countytimes.co.uk/news/2583259...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
It's always most dangerous when they think you're leaving. "News4 has obtained court records that show Jeter has an extensive criminal history that includes domestic violence." www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/w...
‘An entire family is destroyed: Man kills woman, shoots 12-year-old in NW DC before fleeing with son
A 12-year-old girl who was shot is expected to survive, and the boy was found safe with relatives in Prince George’s County.
www.nbcwashington.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:46 AM
It's always most dangerous when they think you're leaving. "News4 has obtained court records that show Jeter has an extensive criminal history that includes domestic violence." www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/w...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
NEW
The High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful.
What did the judgment say and not say, and what has changed and not changed. And what happens next.
Quick explainer by me at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
The High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful.
What did the judgment say and not say, and what has changed and not changed. And what happens next.
Quick explainer by me at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
The High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful. What next?
This is a big judgment. But not everything has changed
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 12:46 PM
NEW
The High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful.
What did the judgment say and not say, and what has changed and not changed. And what happens next.
Quick explainer by me at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
The High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful.
What did the judgment say and not say, and what has changed and not changed. And what happens next.
Quick explainer by me at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
More on the High Court ruling that the proscription of Palestine Action is unlawful - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now - live updates
Three judges rule against the Home Office in a massive blow to the government, but say the ban must remain until a further hearing.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 11:11 AM
More on the High Court ruling that the proscription of Palestine Action is unlawful - www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Facebook plans to put facial recognition in its glasses and they think we’re too stupid to fight back.
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Meta Plans to Add Facial Recognition Technology to Its Smart Glasses
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Facebook plans to put facial recognition in its glasses and they think we’re too stupid to fight back.
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Party led by Tarique Rahman says it will form government by Sunday.
Bangladesh's BNP claims landslide win in first election since 2024 uprising
Party led by Tarique Rahman says it will form government by Sunday.
www.aljazeera.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Party led by Tarique Rahman says it will form government by Sunday.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
In advance of the 10am handing down of the judgment in the Palestine Action proscription case, here are my two posts on what is at stake.
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Follow-on post at Substack: emptycity.substack.com/p/the-proscr...
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Follow-on post at Substack: emptycity.substack.com/p/the-proscr...
Should the government have used terrorism law against Palestine Action?
A disclosed MI5 document indicates that the basis for proscription may be weak
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM
In advance of the 10am handing down of the judgment in the Palestine Action proscription case, here are my two posts on what is at stake.
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Follow-on post at Substack: emptycity.substack.com/p/the-proscr...
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Follow-on post at Substack: emptycity.substack.com/p/the-proscr...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Ellie Chowns, "Reform UK, before it was the Brexit Party, before when it was UKIP, has been busy for many years fermenting this idea that immigration is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
February 12, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Ellie Chowns, "Reform UK, before it was the Brexit Party, before when it was UKIP, has been busy for many years fermenting this idea that immigration is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
"It's completely untrue"
"Inequality is the problem in this country"
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Palestine Action wins court challenge over UK government’s terror ban
Palestine Action wins court challenge over UK government’s terror ban
Campaigners hail a ‘monumental victory’ but group remains proscribed for now
www.irishtimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Palestine Action wins court challenge over UK government’s terror ban
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Some gey guid news
#RobertBurns
#Scotland
#Scots
#SpikTheLeid
#Culture
#Heritage
#keepScotlandtheBrand
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#RobertBurns
#Scotland
#Scots
#SpikTheLeid
#Culture
#Heritage
#keepScotlandtheBrand
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Robert Burns' family home to be recreated in Ellisland Farm restoration
Burns designed and built Ellisland Farm near Dumfries in 1788 and it is largely unchanged.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
María Orosa, Filipina food technologist, chemist, war heroine. Experimented w' foods native to Philippines #WWII developed Soyalac from soybeans & Darak preventing beriberi disease, saved 1000s lives. Invented banana ketchup d #OTD 13 Feb 1945 from US "friendly fire" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%...
February 13, 2026 at 8:49 AM
María Orosa, Filipina food technologist, chemist, war heroine. Experimented w' foods native to Philippines #WWII developed Soyalac from soybeans & Darak preventing beriberi disease, saved 1000s lives. Invented banana ketchup d #OTD 13 Feb 1945 from US "friendly fire" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
ISIS has attempted to assassinate Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa five times in the last year, AP reports.
February 12, 2026 at 9:01 PM
ISIS has attempted to assassinate Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa five times in the last year, AP reports.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
The EU's Ursula von der Leyen: “One Europe, one market, we want to be there at the end of 2027.
“The pressure and the sense of urgency is enormous. And that can move mountains.”
“The pressure and the sense of urgency is enormous. And that can move mountains.”
February 12, 2026 at 7:26 PM
The EU's Ursula von der Leyen: “One Europe, one market, we want to be there at the end of 2027.
“The pressure and the sense of urgency is enormous. And that can move mountains.”
“The pressure and the sense of urgency is enormous. And that can move mountains.”
Quite rightly, Scotland's NHS has not given Palantir access to our records.
England's Wes Streeting, however, has said he will 'hold the door open' to privatising England's NHS.
Palantir's access to England's NHS records is a very slippery slope.
England's Wes Streeting, however, has said he will 'hold the door open' to privatising England's NHS.
Palantir's access to England's NHS records is a very slippery slope.
Palantir, a US spy-tech firm, has been given access to millions of NHS patient records.
Its founder has said the NHS should be 'ripped up'.
Join me in calling on the government to end the dangerous Palantir contract.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Its founder has said the NHS should be 'ripped up'.
Join me in calling on the government to end the dangerous Palantir contract.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Stop Palantir taking over our public services!
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir.
you.38degrees.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Quite rightly, Scotland's NHS has not given Palantir access to our records.
England's Wes Streeting, however, has said he will 'hold the door open' to privatising England's NHS.
Palantir's access to England's NHS records is a very slippery slope.
England's Wes Streeting, however, has said he will 'hold the door open' to privatising England's NHS.
Palantir's access to England's NHS records is a very slippery slope.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
We welcome the court’s finding that the proscription of Palestine Action was UNLAWFUL.
This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred.
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/libert...
This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred.
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/libert...
Liberty responds to court's finding proscription of Palestine Action unlawful - Liberty
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 11:29 AM
We welcome the court’s finding that the proscription of Palestine Action was UNLAWFUL.
This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred.
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/libert...
This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred.
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/libert...