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.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
I was on a commission with her about the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. She endorsed the suggestions of the commission, but then voted against them in Parliament.
Giving Braverman the education brief is quite a choice for Reform. I was on an education commission with her once before she went completely mad and she knew absolutely nothing at all.
February 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM
I was on a commission with her about the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. She endorsed the suggestions of the commission, but then voted against them in Parliament.
Too many folk either have forgotten, or never knew, the struggle is took to gain human rights and equalities legislation.
People like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson led the way.
Their influence was felt across the world.
We.
Cannot.
Go.
Back.
#NoMoreRacism
People like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson led the way.
Their influence was felt across the world.
We.
Cannot.
Go.
Back.
#NoMoreRacism
February 17, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Too many folk either have forgotten, or never knew, the struggle is took to gain human rights and equalities legislation.
People like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson led the way.
Their influence was felt across the world.
We.
Cannot.
Go.
Back.
#NoMoreRacism
People like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson led the way.
Their influence was felt across the world.
We.
Cannot.
Go.
Back.
#NoMoreRacism
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Jesse Jackson’s - Wattstax Music Festival Opening Speech (1972)
YouTube video by Nightloop
youtu.be
February 17, 2026 at 12:33 PM
If you have a Royal Family, you have deference.
If you have a Royal Family, you have a class system.
If you have a RF, you essentially say, "These people are better than everyone else by dint of birth & should maintain enormous influence, wealth and power."
Why would anyone want that at all?
If you have a Royal Family, you have a class system.
If you have a RF, you essentially say, "These people are better than everyone else by dint of birth & should maintain enormous influence, wealth and power."
Why would anyone want that at all?
February 17, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
We interrupt tributes to Jesse Jackson to bring you your daily dose of racism.
Thanks, Beeb. Respectfully handled.
Thanks, Beeb. Respectfully handled.
February 17, 2026 at 11:42 AM
We interrupt tributes to Jesse Jackson to bring you your daily dose of racism.
Thanks, Beeb. Respectfully handled.
Thanks, Beeb. Respectfully handled.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
I don’t know who needs to hear Jesse Jackson leading the kids on Sesame Street in this beautiful call-and-response reminding them that every child is somebody, but here it is
February 17, 2026 at 11:41 AM
I don’t know who needs to hear Jesse Jackson leading the kids on Sesame Street in this beautiful call-and-response reminding them that every child is somebody, but here it is
FYI @fao.org @faodg.fao.org @faoenespanol.bsky.social @faoenfrancais.bsky.social @faoarabic.bsky.social @thecontinent.org @bricsinfo.bsky.social @ecotimesdz.bsky.social
This looks like a fascinating conference about a most pressing issue:
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
February 17, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
'Farm bankruptcies surged 46% in 2025…
The most recent farm income forecast confirmed that the farm economy has faced extreme fin'l pressure… Significant losses are expected across crop sectors for another year, & many livestock sectors are also tightening margins'
eu.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2...
The most recent farm income forecast confirmed that the farm economy has faced extreme fin'l pressure… Significant losses are expected across crop sectors for another year, & many livestock sectors are also tightening margins'
eu.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2...
Farm bankruptcies surged 46% in 2025, signaling deepening financial crisis
Farm bankruptcies surged 46% in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of increases. Declining farm income and rising debt are pushing farmers to the brink.
eu.wisfarmer.com
February 16, 2026 at 11:08 AM
'Farm bankruptcies surged 46% in 2025…
The most recent farm income forecast confirmed that the farm economy has faced extreme fin'l pressure… Significant losses are expected across crop sectors for another year, & many livestock sectors are also tightening margins'
eu.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2...
The most recent farm income forecast confirmed that the farm economy has faced extreme fin'l pressure… Significant losses are expected across crop sectors for another year, & many livestock sectors are also tightening margins'
eu.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Dans cet entretien, l'historien Benjamin Badier, spécialiste de l’histoire du Maghreb contemporain, déconstruit les mythes du roman royal autour de Mohammed V, dernier sultan et 1er roi du Maroc, loin des hagiographies habituelles.
histoirecoloniale.net/entretien-mo...
histoirecoloniale.net/entretien-mo...
Entretien : Mohammed V, du mythe à l’histoire
Entretien avec l'historien Benjamin Badier, auteur d'une récente biographie de Mohamed V, loin des hagiographies dont ce souverain est souvent l'objet.
histoirecoloniale.net
February 17, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Dans cet entretien, l'historien Benjamin Badier, spécialiste de l’histoire du Maghreb contemporain, déconstruit les mythes du roman royal autour de Mohammed V, dernier sultan et 1er roi du Maroc, loin des hagiographies habituelles.
histoirecoloniale.net/entretien-mo...
histoirecoloniale.net/entretien-mo...
FYI @caneurope.org @climatenews.bsky.social @agroecologymap.bsky.social @ipes-food.org @sustainweb.org @oxfaminternational.bsky.social @oxfutureoffood.bsky.social @thescottishfarmer.bsky.social @nourishscotland.bsky.social @foodfoundation.bsky.social @lacoopagricole.bsky.social
This looks like a fascinating conference about a most pressing issue:
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
February 17, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
The US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, a pioneer of progressive Democratic politics, close ally of Martin Luther King Jr, and two-time candidate for the presidential nomination, has died at 84.
See his life in pictures: bit.ly/3OxOT3f
See his life in pictures: bit.ly/3OxOT3f
February 17, 2026 at 12:31 PM
The US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, a pioneer of progressive Democratic politics, close ally of Martin Luther King Jr, and two-time candidate for the presidential nomination, has died at 84.
See his life in pictures: bit.ly/3OxOT3f
See his life in pictures: bit.ly/3OxOT3f
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Scrapping equality law could trigger EU trade retaliation - as this would breach the standstill clause on equality and employment law under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
(As regards Northern Ireland, it also would breach the withdrawal agreement)
(As regards Northern Ireland, it also would breach the withdrawal agreement)
The Reform proposal to repeal the Equality Act + anti-discrimination laws (a proposal which Farage made and u-turned on in 2015, but which is back in 2026) has gone almost completely under the radar
Braverman is now lambasting equalities policies, saying Reform would scrap the equalities brief and repeal the Equality Act. Giving her this role - any role, in fact - does feel like quite a risk for Reform.
February 17, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Scrapping equality law could trigger EU trade retaliation - as this would breach the standstill clause on equality and employment law under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
(As regards Northern Ireland, it also would breach the withdrawal agreement)
(As regards Northern Ireland, it also would breach the withdrawal agreement)
This looks like a fascinating conference about a most pressing issue:
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:33 PM
This looks like a fascinating conference about a most pressing issue:
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
What part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
This looks like a vital global conference: what part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
International Conference Localised Food Systems
Pivoted towards the future: how can local food systems be future-proofed in the face of current and future challenges? 1-4 Sept 2026, Aberdeen, Scotland
xi-conferencesyal.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:19 PM
This looks like a vital global conference: what part do/can localised food systems play in feeding our communities during a time of climate and political upheaval?
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
#FoodandDrink
#Farming
#FoodSecurity
#ClimateChange
#GrowLocal
#FeedTheWorld
xi-conferencesyal.com
February 17, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Robert Duvall, the legendary actor whose career has spanned over six decades, has died at 95, his wife announced
February 16, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Robert Duvall, the legendary actor whose career has spanned over six decades, has died at 95, his wife announced
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Un bébé soigné in utero pour une tumeur vasculaire rare, une première
Un bébé soigné in utero pour une tumeur vasculaire rare, une première
www.lemonde.fr
February 16, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Un bébé soigné in utero pour une tumeur vasculaire rare, une première
Reposted by Ruth Watson
'We know the people producing Scotland’s food and drink do a solid job of delivering traceable high-quality items. From farmers to food scientists, trading standards [ @fsscot.bsky.social] and beyond, we have a system which works hard to keep us safe'
Read more:
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Read more:
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Why buying Scottish food is a quiet vote for the country’s future
MORE than 80 of Scots say where their food comes from matters to them, but fewer than half say they are given enough information about where it is…
www.thenational.scot
February 16, 2026 at 11:27 AM
'We know the people producing Scotland’s food and drink do a solid job of delivering traceable high-quality items. From farmers to food scientists, trading standards [ @fsscot.bsky.social] and beyond, we have a system which works hard to keep us safe'
Read more:
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Read more:
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
As soon as food has been cooked or treated, the smoke and mirrors can begin.
The “countries of mixed origin” label also can hide a multitude of sins.
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
The “countries of mixed origin” label also can hide a multitude of sins.
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Why buying Scottish food is a quiet vote for the country’s future
MORE than 80 of Scots say where their food comes from matters to them, but fewer than half say they are given enough information about where it is…
www.thenational.scot
February 16, 2026 at 7:27 PM
As soon as food has been cooked or treated, the smoke and mirrors can begin.
The “countries of mixed origin” label also can hide a multitude of sins.
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
The “countries of mixed origin” label also can hide a multitude of sins.
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social column.
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social column.
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Why buying Scottish food is a quiet vote for the country’s future
MORE than 80 of Scots say where their food comes from matters to them, but fewer than half say they are given enough information about where it is…
www.thenational.scot
February 16, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Clear, honest provenance matters, from shop shelves to restaurant menus.
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social column.
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
My latest @scotnational.bsky.social column.
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Ghana will submit a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly in March to designate the African slave trade as "the most serious crime against humanity," Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced on Sunday during the African Union Summit in Ethiopia.
www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20...
www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20...
Ghana seeks formal UN acknowledgement of African slave trade injustice
Ghana will submit a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly in March to designate the African slave trade as "the most serious crime against humanity," Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama...
www.rfi.fr
February 16, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Ghana will submit a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly in March to designate the African slave trade as "the most serious crime against humanity," Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced on Sunday during the African Union Summit in Ethiopia.
www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20...
www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
yes. the things that would make social media safer for children are almost all just the things that would make social media non-harmful/much less harmful for *all of us*.
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
The under-16 social media (and VPN, and chatbot) ban is part of a broader policy problem IMV, which is that it is politically easier to talk about e.g. 'child poverty', and you can do a lot of good with that approach, but it has hard limits because ultimately you are also just talking about poverty.
February 16, 2026 at 3:23 PM
yes. the things that would make social media safer for children are almost all just the things that would make social media non-harmful/much less harmful for *all of us*.
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Businesses which could be doing more can be encouraged to make meaningful changes when we write to customer service departments, speak to managers and vote with our wallets.
Send polite feedback to the shops we buy our food from.
#keepScotlandTheBrand
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Send polite feedback to the shops we buy our food from.
#keepScotlandTheBrand
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Why buying Scottish food is a quiet vote for the country’s future
MORE than 80 of Scots say where their food comes from matters to them, but fewer than half say they are given enough information about where it is…
www.thenational.scot
February 16, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Businesses which could be doing more can be encouraged to make meaningful changes when we write to customer service departments, speak to managers and vote with our wallets.
Send polite feedback to the shops we buy our food from.
#keepScotlandTheBrand
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Send polite feedback to the shops we buy our food from.
#keepScotlandTheBrand
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Voilà, la crise climatique est bien réelle et nous touche tous.
EN DIRECT, tempête Nils : la Gironde et le Lot-et-Garonne restent en vigilance rouge avant de nouvelles fortes pluies
EN DIRECT, tempête Nils : la Gironde et le Lot-et-Garonne restent en vigilance rouge avant de nouvelles fortes pluies
Météo-France a prolongé ses vigilances crues jusqu’à mardi, avec 14 autres départements du sud et de l’ouest de la France maintenus en vigilance orange. De nouvelles précipitations, particulièrement importantes sur les Pyrénées, sont attendues.
www.lemonde.fr
February 16, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Voilà, la crise climatique est bien réelle et nous touche tous.