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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

As you can see from Caroline Lucas's post etc such a policy would hand votes to the Greens. But that's not the main harm - 🌎🌡️🔥

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

👻madeline bOoOoOoOodent👻 @oldenoughtosay.com · 17/07/2026

not to come back to this again but i read the statement in full and once again, respectfully, DANG “We are not called to the legal minimum of hospitality. We are called to the radical welcome of the one who sought out the excluded and the overlooked.”

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I watched Andy Burnham's speech in full this morning. He swiftly summarised Starmer's achievements redressing the harm of the previous 14 years in a way Starmer never did - the message could never get through. He does bring hope. He will look for solutions not excuses. labour.org.uk/updates/memb...

labour.org.uk

Andy Burnham elected Leader of the Labour Party – The Labour Party

Andy Burnham, MP for Makerfield, has today (Friday 17 July) been elected Leader of the Labour Party. Burnham received the support of 379 Labour MPs and 23 affiliate organisations. This afternoon, at L...

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I cycled to the opening of the Shores Green slip roads. Vegetation needs cutting at the corner with Jubilee Way, the cycle path needs sweeping all along in general and after the resurfacing of Oxford Hill and there was a tarmac missing from the cycle crossing (bizarre, as the rest was done).

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

That's my quote, given to OCC. One day I will find out who the excellent Clarion writers are. Is it common knowledge? I haven't heard.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The project stalled after the Cogges Link Road controversy, and then Cllr Duncan Enright got it over the line as Strategic Transport portfolio holder at OCC, ensuring it was not dependent on the East Witney housing development. Thank you to the current administration for finishing the job.

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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Two new sliproads opened today at Shores Green, Witney, at a cost of £26.8m. They enable Witney traffic to use the A40 from one end of town to the other, bypassing the congested Bridge Street. They had been proposed since 2012 as an alternative to the rejected scheme for a Cogges Link Road.

Local councillors at the opening of the Shores Green slip-roads

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

@robintucker1.bsky.social Thank you for your submission from CoHSAT about Witney High Street today. I love the angle on reclaiming the Market Square from cars. I have seen the pictures from before.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

We have endured the Botley Road closure for so long. Add that to the list of things like the lock downs that we never anticipated! Here's the technical account of what has been going on, in New Civil Engineer. www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/deliv...

newcivilengineer.com

Delivering the delayed Oxford station bridge replacement before and during the 8-day blockade | New Civil Engineer

Replacement of the bridge over Botley Road in the centre of the city is a key part of the Oxford Station upgrade being delivered by Kier and Network Rail.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Article on T-graph front page where a Bank of England official blames youth unemployment on the national living wage. Prejudicial language from the paper includes "inflation busting" and "excessive" wages, yet the NLW is not even the Real Living Wage. It is still poverty pay. So let's reframe.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

The Christmas tree is going in at the Buttercross, on a cold and frosty morning. Lights switch-on is Fri 28 Nov.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

I am at the #TransDayofRemembrance vigil at the Corn Exchange, about to start at 6:30. Remembering lives tragically and avoidably lost. Holding everyone close and trying to keep people whole, seen and upheld. ,🏳️‍⚧️

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

But I cannot get behind any redefinition of seeking asylum in the UK. We need swift and good processes, decent residential welcome centres and onwards housing (build it!) and a system built on dignity not trauma. *Immigration must be discussed and solved separately from asylum.*

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Sometimes the good news just doesn't get past the dispiriting headlines. 🎭 Opportunities in the arts. 🍿👨‍🎤🎸Good thing!

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

I am in Derby today, under my own steam, for the @publicissues.bsky.social Joint public Issues Team conference, For Goodness Sake #ForGood25 about social justice and action. I am keen to learn more about the Constituency Action Network jpit.uk/can

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

It's West Oxfordshire District Council today. We are just finishing our preparatory meetings. You can watch the public meeting here westoxon.public-i.tv/core/portal/... I have a motion asking for Work Experience to be promoted better within West Oxfordshire,

westoxon.public-i.tv

Home - West Oxfordshire District Council streaming

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

The Gallopers Service to bless the Feast is earlier this year - today it's at around 12:45pm at the carousel. There will be a procession from the church you can join in or meet on the field. And the fair opens today!

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

This is an excellent analysis of the "flag" situation. It's a blog post designed for school leaders but explains what is going on in terms we can all understand. And gives some helpful talking points for all of us, whatever our current standpoint. www.thebelongingeffect.co.uk/flags-when-p...

thebelongingeffect.co.uk

Flags: When Patriotism Becomes Politics | Belonging Effect

We have all seen them. Driving up the motorway, crossing a roundabout in town, suddenly there it is: the Union Jack, or the red-and-white St George’s Cross.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

The safest place for fossil fuels is in the seabed/ground. They have caused enough harm already. Anyone who wants to extract more of them and burn them has no interest in solving the planet's problem, just in lazy and irresponsible short-termism. 🌍🌎🌏🌡️🙏

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Date for your Sept diary - Wed 3rd, 6-8pm, Corn Ex, Witney Bus Users Meeting. This was a huge success last year. Come and feed into the continued improvement of bus services.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

"Pro-immigration counter-protesters approached by the BBC declined to speak." 1) Not necessarily pro-immigration, rather, pro-treating people well. 2) SPEAK! Change the narrative. 🤦‍♂️ Hundreds of protesters gather at asylum hotel in Norwich area. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Hundreds of protesters gather at asylum hotel in Norwich area

A BBC reporter at the scene says the demonstration was largely peaceful, but noisy.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

I am at WODC Council discussing decarbonisation of the Windrush Leisure centre - committing the funds required. It's a £2m project funded 75% from government. It's soo worth it! Even for our love-hate 50 year old building. It will bring centre emissions down 60%!

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Tuesday 22 July: Witney Corn Exchange, 2-8pm Consultation event on the *policy* sections of the 2041 Local Plan, the plan that controls planning applications and other development of our area for the coming years. See more online - yourvoice.westoxon.gov.uk/en-GB/folder...

yourvoice.westoxon.gov.uk

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

First female chancellor. We cry. No Biggie. It's a healthy response to pressure, frustration, disappointment and nastiness. Thatcher and May cried. Why the surprise today? www.independent.co.uk/voices/there...

independent.co.uk

Opinion: Theresa May finally did something for women in her resignation speech

This isn’t about forgiveness. And it isn’t about a woman ‘finally cracking up’, either

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

Cllr Anna Railton 🌹 @annarailton.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

This is HUGE Biggest game in town for decarbonising the historic city centre & beyond

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Counterpoint: new Public First research shows every UK resident working adult (on a full time equivalent basis) is £466 a year better off on average as a result of international students. So let’s just publicise that instead of levying them www.publicfirst.co.uk/calculating-...

publicfirst.co.uk

Calculating the positive impact of international students on domestic living standards in the UK - Public First

Public First is today publishing the second of two pieces commissioned by the University of York around the impact of international students – this time [...]

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Had to. Nobody wants to see that. But let's hope there's real funding, investment and debt cancellation soon, otherwise it's just another movement of the cliff edge.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

"Jimmy Shannon said he felt he had been prevented from speaking on behalf of disabled residents" That's an important factor - dissent must be allowed. For better policy. BBC News - Labour loses control of Cheshire council after councillors resign - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Labour loses control of Cheshire council after councillors resign

No party has a majority on Cheshire West and Chester Council after two councillors leave the party.

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

Christian Concern for One World @ccowinfo.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

In the Thames Valley and wanting to celebrate @refugeeweek.bsky.social? Take a look at our list of events around the area - so many wonderful opportunities to celebrate refugees and the power of community. www.ccow.org.uk/events/ @refugeestogether.bsky.social @ctbi.bsky.social

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Theologian, Walter Brueggemann, died this week at 92. This blog post from Feb hits home in the public realm. An uncomfortable contrast of awakening vs woke, where none of us come out as the good guys.

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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

A new travel planning website for journeys in and around Oxford has launched. Oxford Travel Options www.oxfordtraveloptions.co.uk is created by Low Carbon Oxford North and the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership (ZCOP). It shows transport options and tools for transport beyond the private car.

oxfordtraveloptions.co.uk

Oxford Travel Options | Smarter Ways to Travel Around Oxford

Discover alternative travel solutions for Oxford and the surrounding area, from bus routes and bike paths to lift shares and route planning.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

It's already captured the imagination as a cult classic, and we have only seen the trailer... It's time to get your tickets for the premiere of Witney's own movie, Los Banditos of Ducklington Lake. 15. Fri 13 June, Corn Exchange. www.cornexchangewitney.org.uk/event/los-ba...

cornexchangewitney.org.uk

LOS BANDITOS! Exclusive Premiere Screening - Corn Exchange Witney

LOS BANDITOS! OF DUCKLINGTON LAKE (2025) THEY’RE THE FARMOOR RESERVOIR DOGS! Reluctant spy-wannabe Thomas Kitt is forced to team up with an American agent when an illegal real estate plot threatens th...

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

Sean Quinn @seanjq.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Why is the BBC Giving Farage this platform to spread his lies?

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Farage just said "something extraordinary is happening" - yes, BBC 2 is broadcasting his 2-bit speech. Why?! (I caught it whilst channel-hopping. It's half term)

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

The new splash park in Witney is brilliant. I just went to see. My kids loved it when it was new 10 years ago. And now this new one is in glorious technicolour. 🌈🖍️💦

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Phillipson making waves. And mention that a woman ought to succeed Starmer. Yes please. Soon. A socialist one. labourlist.org/2025/05/brid...

labourlist.org

'Why are the knives out for Bridget Phillipson?' - LabourList

Bob Hudson on why Bridget Phillipson has been the target of so much hostility.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

I know many people who have emigrated to Witney. They are not strangers. Friends, colleagues, pupils, acquaintances. All welcome.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Good interview on Radio 4 with Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors Association. He stressed the importance of relationships in prisons and the humanity of the inmates.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Here is the link for BBC South Today coverage so far of the VE celebrations in the Corn Exchange. Coverage at 0.40 and 3:56 during the news bulletin. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

bbc.co.uk

South Today - Lunchtime News: 08/05/2025

The latest news, sport and weather for the South of England.

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Notice how the graphic from the Met Office that the BBC has used and cited has the °C symbol but the BBC persists in omitting the ° and quoting temperatures in coulombs, C. BBC News - UK to see warmest April weather in seven years www.bbc.com/weather/arti...

bbc.com

UK weather forecast: Mini heatwave as April to be warmest in years

BBC Weather's Matt Taylor has the details on how long April's

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Cllr Ruth Smith @labourruth.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

It's interesting watching Labour be Labour about steel. It was painful to watch the other blast furnaces die in recent years. (They need decarbonising, but I like industry - I am a chemist who did a CREST Award in Redcar with ICI and British Steel, in 6th form). www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

Labour has done right by British Steel – now it must speed up a radical strategy for all industry | Polly Toynbee

Taking control of the ailing company wasn’t an easy decision, but it makes sense. Hopefully the nationalisation phobia is passing, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

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Danny Axford @dannyaxford.bsky.social · 13/04/2025

100% agree. And the tax-payer trope has clear racist origin. Everyone should read this research: www.jstor.org/stable/10.51... Pity it's not more easily available. blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...

jstor.org

Racial Taxation: Schools, Segregation, and Taxpayer Citizenship, 1869–1973 on JSTOR

In the United States, it is quite common to lay claim to the benefits of society by appealing to "taxpayer citizenship--the idea that, as taxpayers, we des...

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Reposted by Cllr Ruth Smith

Captain Mark Kelly @captmarkkelly.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

Forgive the rant, but what the hell is this Administration doing? Not gonna be easy to undo the damage, folks. But I’ve got some ideas on where to start.

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