Concrete 376

pg. 8

Est. 1992

Recipe: for he's a jolly good pesto

pg. 16

pg. 16

UEA to offer voluntary testing to all students and provide facemasks

Sam Hewitson, Emily Kelly Editor-In-Chief, News Reporter

UEA has announced coronavirus testing will be made available to all staff and students working on campus from the beginning of the new semester.

Any individuals will be encouraged to sign up for the scheme in the early weeks of the academic year, although testing will not be compulsory for anyone at this stage.

Those wishing to be tested do not have to show symptoms of COVID-19 to qualify.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dylan Edwards said of the scheme: “We believe this approach will help UEA to identify, as early as possible, any cases of coronavirus. This will help to protect the UEA community and the people of Norwich.”

Many believe students returning to university from across the world are likely to cause a second spike in coronavirus cases, so this announcement is not only reassuring to those working on campus, but to the community as a whole.

The announcement follows the successful testing trial which took place at the Earlham Institute over the summer, in which around 800 staff and students at the Norwich Research Park were asked to swab their own noses and throats multiple times throughout the course of several weeks.

Whilst none of the approximately 3000 tests provided during this trial were positive, it demonstrated the testing capabilities of the Institute, as well as showing the impact 'silent spreaders' of coronavirus could have: those without symptoms who continue to go about their daily lives and infect others unknowingly.

The news of the testing scheme has been well received by current students, with one person stating: “it’s pretty reassuring”.

Another claimed: “the fact people are being tested does give me a bit of reassurance though because at least it will hopefully stop a mass outbreak across the University”.

Others have a slightly more

sceptical take on the situation, having said: “I don’t trust the University to effectively monitor social distancing or a one way system around campus, which are much easier things to do, so there’s no way this testing program will last”. The University is set to provide all staff and students with two reusable and washable face masks

for use in and around university buildings, including the library, where all students will be required to wear coverings until sitting down in a prior booked study space.

A one way system has been set up across campus with floor markings to direct traffic in a way that minimises face-toface interactions, and university

buildings have introduced designated entrances and exits. The University of Cambridge is providing weekly testing to those staying in university accommodation and colleges, and Cardiff University has established a testing service with strong encouragement for students to participate in a similar manner to UEA.

Joe Biden will be the greatest president ever

Can Mexico stop the murder of journalists?

Exciting times for Concrete

William Warnes Deputy Editor

So here we are, our first printed issue of Concrete as a team.

In my first editorial I discussed the confidence the senior editors have in our team to lead the publication to great success.

I believe this issue is a key opportunity for the team to truly showcase their abilities and transition their great work from online to print.

It is an exciting time to be a part of Concrete. Though the previous months have been filled with uncertainty and unpredictability, it has not hindered the work of our team.

Everyone, from the editorial team to our writers, has been keen to ensure the first print issue lays the groundwork for the rest of the year.

You will notice a new design for both Concrete and Venue front pages.

Hard times make great newspapers

Sam Hewitson Editor-in-Chief

If you are reading this editorial, then we somehow, against all odds, made it to our first print issue. I have lost a lot of sleep over this, so I hope it somewhat lives up to expectations.

Let’s put my insomnia to the side for a moment, and allow me to welcome you all back to UEA! Or if you are a first year reading this, welcome to UEA for the first time! I can imagine it hasn’t been an easy journey to get to this point, like this first print issue you are reading, but I really hope you grow to like it here. It’s alright I guess.

My last editorial came from the far away lands of Edinburgh, and this time I am writing my editorial from a cottage near Stratford-uponAvon, just to shake things up a bit. I have spent the past few days exploring parts of the UK I’ve never been to before, including Bath, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and even Stonehenge, because why not? Escaping being an adult is

fun, maybe this could be a regular segment of my editorial, where is Sam writing from? Oh wait, Coronavirus is a thing. Never mind.

Full disclosure, everything that could’ve gone wrong with this issue managed to go wrong. We were delayed by a week, and our senior editors had to lay up the whole thing ourselves. My Deputy Editor Matt and I have worked tirelessly on this, and he definitely gets the MVP award for this issue. I would say I owe him a drink for his efforts, but he doesn’t drink, so I don’t know what the alternative is to that expression. SU shop meal deal of choice?

Speaking of, the SU shop and other outlets are now owned by UEA (what a segue, ten points to me for that one), and it is great to see an agreement be reached to help the SU out financially. A lot of students, myself included given I run Concrete, were incredibly worried at the thought of our SU being hit badly by the current situation, so the outcome is certainly a relief.

This issue is a very interesting

one, if I do say so myself. I loved exploring the ins and outs of rooftop agriculture for the Science section, and as always Dolly Carter’s Comment section is full of interesting arguments for you all to agree or disagree with.

Our News section is also brimming with great stories, including the introduction of Coronavirus testing for all students and staff using UEA’s campus, a story I got to cover with my amazing housemate Emily Kelly.

Another huge thing to note is the new makeover that our arts supplement Venue has had!

Matt and the Venue team have been working very hard to make it look much more professional and magazine-like over summer, and we are very excited to finally show the world what we’ve been slaving away at.

We really hope you like this issue, and we are very proud of it. If you like the sound of being part of the next issue, have a look inside for more information about joining. Until next time, stay safe everyone.

What it's like to be part of Concrete

Matt Branston Deputy Editor

For the last two weeks, almost all of my time has been spent sitting at a computer, editing newspaper and magazine pieces to look like... newspaper and magazine pieces.

It's been hard, long, and not dissimilar to the frustration when my brother broke my hand and my mum refused to take me to the hospital for three days.

But at the same time, it has been immensely rewarding and I have enjoyed it greatly. This is my third year in Concrete and it has been the best part of my life for that whole time.

There's a magic to everything about journalism which is hard to properly find in other places. It's amazing to see your name in print the first time. It's amazing to see your work actually affect the world, like former Editor-In-Chief Chris Matthews' mental health campaign

that achieved actual results in changing how the university operates.

I can't promise every idea you pitch will get into print, I can't promise that every article you write will win an award, I can't promise you won't get annoyed or frustrated or feel like when you broke a bone, but I can promise that if you get involved in Concrete, it will be deeply rewarding and an incredible experience. Plus you'll meet me. And that is a gift in and of itself.

This has been largely down to the hard work of fellow Deputy Editor Matt Branston and Venue Editor Leia Butler who have worked around the clock to create what you now see in front of you.

We as a team believe it is reflective of the new era we hope to usher in as a group.

Inside you will find an exciting selection of pieces that reflect the talent and determination our team has.

From comment and science to music and arts, there are gripping pieces we are sure our readers will thoroughly enjoy.

On a personal note, I am proud to have conducted an investigative piece for our global section into the killing of journalists in Mexico.

Though a difficult issue to cover, it is something that has largely been ignored and requires further exposure in the mainstream press.

This momentous issue is a significant achievement for us all as a group.

We are incredibly proud of the outcome and I know I speak for the whole team when I say I hope you thoroughly enjoy reading our first print publication of the new year.

concrete-online.co.uk

ConcreteUEA

ConcreteUEA

Front page photo: Concrete/ Harry Chapman

Cut outs: Wikimedia Commons

Editor-in-Chief

Sam Hewitson concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

Deputy Editors

Matt Branston & William Warnes concrete.deputy@uea.ac.uk

Online Editors

James Gell & Henry Webb concrete.online@uea.ac.uk

News

Samuel Woolford

Senior Reporter: Jamie Hose concrete.news@uea.ac.uk

Global Marco Rizzo

Senior Writer: Henry Webb concrete.global@uea.ac.uk

Features Samuel Gordon Webb

Senior Writer: Freyja Elwood concrete.features@uea.ac.uk

Comment

Dolly Carter concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk

Science

Olivia Johnson concrete.science@uea.ac.uk

Travel & Lifestyle

Erica Thajeb concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk

Sport Luke Saward

Senior Writer: Callum McWilliams concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk

Chief Copy-Editors

Sophie Rose-Land & Alex Viney concrete.copy@uea.ac.uk

Social Media

Lauren Bramwell & Eleanor Holmes

Editorial Enquiries, Complaints & Corrections concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Controversy as individual students made to pay for ziggurat twin rooms

Morgan Burdick News Reporter

Controversy has emerged on campus after the fees for twin Ziggurat rooms were increased.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, the twin ziggurat rooms were modified to house one student rather than two. These rooms are often an affordable option for students, costing £79.45 per week versus £118.09 for the standard single option.

When applying for

accommodation, students were not told that the twin rooms would be shared. Earlier this month, new students received their accommodation and for some, a hefty fee. Twin ziggurat residents were told they would be paying ensuite campus fees, which is £158.83 per week.

Students immediately felt frustrated regarding this news. For many, en-suite accommodation takes up much of their student loan. According to one student, when they complained to the university, residents were told to look into private accommodation instead.

This student, in particular, is a medical student, who would not be able to work in order to cover the cost.

In response to this confusion, an anonymous petition has been created, currently holding 895 signatures at the time of writing. The petition has asked the University of East Anglia to reduce the cost to something more comparable to the standard single ziggurat.

A University spokesperson said:

“We have written to those students with concerns and explained that the price is the equivalent price for an en-suite room and therefore reflects the significant amount of extra floor space. This room type is our largest single room.

“We have updated the

information on the room offer letter so that it explains the pricing structure more clearly and where students are still unhappy we will help them to find alternative accommodation. It wouldn’t be fair to other students in other Standard Ziggurat accommodation to charge a cheaper rate for these particular rooms.”

While the twin rooms have additional floor space, they still have one of each amenity: one sink, one desk, and one wardrobe. As residents will still share communal bathrooms, the petition still asks for reduced fees.

“Students immediately felt frustrated”

Photo: Concrete/Matt Branston

Police shut down illegal rave in Thetford forest

An illegal rave was broken up by over 100 police officers in Thetford Forest.

Footage of the event, that was released by Norfolk Constabulary on Tuesday, revealed that at least 500 people attended the rave that

event”.

Specialist forces were called to the area on Sunday the 30th of August following noise complaints made by surrounding communities of “thumping” music in the early hours of the morning as well as enquires about the excessive number of cars trying to access a route off the A134.

None of the officers were injured during the shutting down process, however, it has been reported that they were hit with bottles and cans by some of those attending the rave.

The party, which was eventually broken up by 6:30pm, was meant to continue into the following bank holiday Monday.

After the shutdown of the event, over 100 vehicles still remained at the site.

penalty.

Officers are still trying to find the two individuals that are suspected to be responsible for organising this event.

The Assistant Chief Constable, Nick Davidson, who is leading this operation, has commented: “Our

police officers in England now have the authority to fine organisers of illegal gatherings [previously gatherings of more than 30 people, now reduced to 6 people] up to £10,000.

Also, those who attend such gatherings and do not wear face coverings when it is mandatory can be fined £100 and that fine doubles after each offence going up to £3,200.

Due to the extensive equipment and resources needed for this big operation, the police have revealed that the full cost of shutting down this rave was around £25,000.

That included the use of riot police, dog’s unit, drones, helicopters, and more than 100 police officers.

Davidson further commented: “We understand the disruption such events cause to local communities and the concern people will have, particularly as coronavirus continues to be a real threat … I would like to thank local residents once again for their patience and understanding while we worked to close it down.”

took place at Lynford over the bank holiday weekend.

The police have stated that this was “a well-established and planned

Those attending the rave were asked to leave and when five people refused to vacate the area, three of them were each given a £100 penalty fine and two were taken into custody to then receive the same

investigations are ongoing to trace the organisers and these enquiries are processing well.” The organisers of this illegal rave could receive a fine of up to £10,000.

New legislation introduced on Friday 28th of August means that

Also, the evacuation of the event resulted in mass amounts of equipment, including highly expensive audio kit, generators and a transportation lorry, being left at the site and as such was seized by the police.

Police have also been attending the shutdown of events like these in Leeds, Essex and the West Midlands, as well as many other places across the country.

Lauren Bramwell News Reporter

“After the shutdown of the event, over 100 vehicles still remained at the site”

“The organisers of this illegal rave could receive a fine of up to £10,000”

“Police have also been attending the shutdown of events like these in Leeds, Essex and the West Midlands”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

English whisky society formed by ex-UEA graduate

Jamie Hose Senior News Reporter

This October, whisky connoisseurs will be joining in an exploration of a new sector of the market: English whisky.

From October 16-17, a virtual event hosted by the recentlyformed English Whisky Society will discuss the boom in English whisky production over the last two decades, the prospective future of the industry, and the technical

aspects of whisky production, whilst enjoying 30 taster samples from 14 English distilleries.

Among the companies to be taking part in the discussions, as well as appearing in the tasting pack, will be The English Whisky Company, based in Norfolk, and the international award-winning Cotswolds Distillery.

The English Whisky Society was founded by Richard Foster, a former graduate of UEA, in the wake of a rapid increase in English whisky manufacturing since the early 21st century, propelling it out

of its former corner in the ‘World Whiskies’ category.

English whisky is that it isn't currently constrained by tight regulations like in Scotland, allowing for a degree of experimentation and boundary-pushing.

“Online tasting events have surged throughout Covid Lockdown … You get to try multiple English whiskies alongside each other, further helping refine your preferred distilleries and styles.”

only one distillery, owned by The English Whisky Company, in 2006 to currently 26 distilleries reaching to Cumbria and Yorkshire further north, to London and Kent in the southeast, and Cornwall and Devon in the west.

Speaking to Concrete, Foster said, “The exciting thing about

Foster also revealed that some of the whiskies featured in the taster kit are not currently available for purchase in supermarkets.

The increase transitioned from

England has not been well known for its whisky production, particularly compared with Scotland, but historic distilleries were producing English whisky in London, Liverpool, and Bristol in the 19th century, before breaking down, with no new distilleries opening for over 100 years.

deadline on confirming whether controversial £217million pound revamp of Anglia Square begins construction

UK Government misses

committee in 2018.

Samuel Woolford News Editor

The UK government has missed the deadline for deciding on whether the renovation of Norwich City’s Anglia Square is to go ahead. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government stated that Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick would not be publishing the details of the decision by the agreed upon deadline of Monday the 7th of September.

The ‘revamp’ of Anglia Square is being outsourced to Columbia Threadneedle and Weston Homes.

The decision was approved by Norwich City Council’s planning

The proposals for changes were met with criticism by organisations such as that of Historic England, Norwich Cycling Campaign, SAVE British Heritage and the Central Magdalen and St Augustine Forum.

Following a four week enquiry the planning inspector David Prentis and Robert Jenrick was set to make a decision on Monday the 7th which has since passed.

Prentis has recommended that the decision was not made public until the 7th of September.

Robert Jenrick was recently caught up in controversy over his decision to okay redevelopment of The Westferry Printworks redevelopment in London against the recommendation of planning inspector Prentis. The decision was

later reversed as a result of Tower Hamlets council threatening legal action against the government.

The new revamp of Anglia Square is set to include a cinema, more than 1200 new homes some in a new 20 story tower block, a hotel and new shops.

It is unclear as to when the government will make a decision on this divisive issue.

“allowing for a degree of experimentation and boundary pushing”

Photo: Pixabay

Photo: Geograph/Evelyn Simak

UK government plan to deport almost 1000 migrants in midst of European crisis

William Warnes Deputy Editor

UK ministers have identified almost 1000 channel migrants for deportation.

The news comes in the midst of a surge in the number of migrants attempting to reach the UK via the English Channel.

Immigration minister Chris Philp announced Home Office plans to deport nearly 1000 migrants accused of arriving illegally into the UK.

He said many had applied for asylum in EU countries and “under regulations should be returned there”.

Many migrants are thought to be from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Yemen, and Syria and various moves to remove migrants from the UK have been made over the last couple of weeks.

On August 28, a charter flight carrying 23 migrants to Spain was halted on human rights grounds.

Speaking on the issue Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed such migrants were arriving in the UK to be exploited by gangs and other criminal behaviour.

He told MPs: “I have a great deal

of sympathy with those who are so desperate as to put their children in dinghies… to cross the channel.

But I have to say what they’re doing is falling prey to criminal gangs and they are breaking the law.

They’re also undermining the legitimate claims of others who would seek asylum in this country”.

Tony Abbott who controversially introduced a ‘push back’ policy for illegal immigrants, a scheme stated as being illegal by the United Nations. Europe is currently facing a migrant crisis.

Hundreds of refugees attempting to flee conflict in their home countries have crossed borders to seek out a new life for

In 2015, the world was shocked after the body of a three-year-old boy was found on a Turkish beach.

Alan Kurdi drowned in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos. He is thought to have been crossing in an inflatable boat designed to carry a maximum of eight passengers. Sixteen people were on board when the vessel capsized. Despite Europe seeing large numbers of migrant deaths every year, many countries allegedly operate pushback systems to prevent a large influx of refugees.

A new “fair borders bill” is currently being planned out by British Home Secretary Priti Patel.

The bill would see migrants forced to declare all grounds for refugee status upon applying rather than providing such information at a later date.

Additionally, Patel has sought out the advice of former Australian PM

Many have faced the perilous journey of crossing the Mediterranean and the English Channel. In early August, the body of a young Sudanese migrant was found dead on a French beach after he attempted to cross the latter in a small boat. It is only one of a number of refugees who have lost their lives in similar attempts.

Humanitarian organisations describe such policies as challenging and have criticised countries thought to be implementing such policies. The United Nations has urged European states to allow the arrival of humanitarian boats rescuing hundreds of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Office for Migration (IOM) said: “the humanitarian imperative of saving lives should not be penalized or stigmatized, especially in the absence of dedicated state-led efforts”.

"Europe is currently facing a migrant crisis"

"Sixteen people were on board when the vessel capsized"

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Only half of Banham Poultry outbreak cases used track and trace methods

Jamie Hose Senior News Reporter

Norfolk County Council has launched its own test and trace programme after backlash against the national system in the wake of the Banham Poultry outbreak.

Coronavirus spread through the Attleborough-based meat factory from the 21st August, with statistics reporting 104 positive tests from a total 769 returned results.

Initially, Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk CC’s director of public health, announced that track and trace had only been

successfully implemented in 52% of those who tested positive.

On 3 September, it was announced the council would

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Global

Can Mexico stop the murder of its journalists?

William Warnes Deputy Editor

Various press organisations have called for justice after the total death tally of journalists in Mexico has risen to more than 140 over the last 20 years.

Five have already been murdered this year, with the latest being Eduardo Ochoa, a freelance reporter shot dead outside his home in the city of Uruapan on August 5th.

This followed the death of Pablo Murragares, a journalist who was killed in the early hours of August 2nd alongside his police bodyguard in the city of Iguala.

Many are outraged with the situation and demand answers as to why journalist protection is failing. Much of the violence has been linked to gang warfare, with many reporters seeing death threats as a common occurrence.

So, what exactly is happening in Mexico and why is the number so staggering?

In an interview with Reporters Without Borders, Mexican journalist Julio Cesar Zubillaga speaks of death threats and a gun attack on his office following his outspokenness on the shooting of Murragares. “At least 10 journalists from Iguala

have received death threats. It was a brutal assassination… I had to dress him for those who wanted to come and see him off, but fewer than four colleagues came. Everyone is afraid. We live in terror”.

It was only four years prior that Murragares had survived another assassination attempt after his numerous reports detailing criminal behaviour in regions controlled by various groups.

switching routes to work.

The targeting of reporters is nothing new for Mexico, with many rights groups claiming it is one of the most dangerous places in the world for the profession. Many shocking assassinations have occurred since 2000, with numerous journalists being targeted for speaking out against organised crime.

One particularly disturbing case occurred in 2016 when Miroslava Breach, a national reporter investigating links between gangs and corrupt officials in western Chihuahua, was shot eight times in front of her 14-year-old son.

Left by her body was a note stating: “por lengua larga”, meaning ‘for your long tongue’.

result of the violence.

“It’s a tragedy… it’s an attack on our society, not only on journalists. There’s no respect for the work of journalists. I prefer to have a journalist without a job than without a life”.

Numerous police bodyguards have also been murdered in the violence, with Pablo Murragares’ personal protector also shot dead in Iguala. Human rights groups

demanded better protection for journalists, with the head of the nonprofit NGO’s Latin America bureau, Emmanuel Colombié, declaring: “President Andrés Manuel López Orbrador’s government must… urgently take bold decisions to end the terrible spiral of violence against the media”.

The situation in Mexico only appears to be worsening, with the death toll seemingly rising each passing month. It is clear more has to be done by the government and authorities to provide greater protection for those facing violence whilst exposing facts.

Three other journalists have been killed this year: Jorge Armenta, Victor Alvarez, and Maria Elena Feral. Zubillaga adds intimidation is nothing new for Mexican reporters, “but we’re now seeing those threats being carried out”. Many journalists have consequently begun selfcensoring for fear of losing their lives, with a significant number changing address, avoiding lengthy public contact with families and

Another high-profile case occurred in 2017 when awardwinning journalist Javier Valdez was brutally murdered for dedicating his life to exposing the workings of bandits. Wearing his iconic panama hat, Valdez was dragged from his car into a busy street at midday and shot 12 times.

His death sent shockwaves throughout the community as many were shocked a writer with such a high-profile could be murdered.

In an interview with the BBC, newspaper journalist Oscar Murguía said he had decided to close his publication for good as a

have pleaded with the Mexican government to intervene, with many reporters claiming to have a lack of trust in authorities.

However, the violence has only escalated. This year, Victor Alvarez, a news website editor in Acapulco was found beheaded and dismembered after authorities conducted an extensive search into his disappearance.

RSF (Reporters Without Borders)

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) found 90% of murders committed against journalists since 1992 have gone unpunished or unsolved.

Though it is too late for some 140 reporters brutally killed for simply doing their jobs, action is needed to prevent further violence. It appears the Mexican media industry is haunted by a war on free speech, with many reporters having to go to extreme lengths in an attempt to avoid a similar fate.

As the death toll rises, more and more outrage spreads throughout the international community, with everyone echoing the same sentiment: something has to be done.

“action is needed to prevent further violence”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“Over 140 dead in 20 years”

German government confirms Russian opposition leader was poisoned

Sam Hewitson Editor-In-Chief

It has been confirmed by the German government that Alexei Navalny, the leader of the opposition to the Russian government, was poisoned in what Angela Merkel has called an “attempted murder”.

Military laboratory testing in Munich has affirmed the use of the Soviet era nerve agent novichok, which has also been used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in 2018.

The use of this substance was banned last year following its addition to the chemical weapons convention’s list of controlled substances.

Alexei Navalny was taken ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow in August before being moved to Berlin three days later for care and testing. Doctors based in Siberia who helped to treat Navalny have heavily opposed the findings in Germany after earlier rulings supposedly

returned a negative result for traces of poisonous substances.

Leaders and politicians across Europe and the world are calling for answers from the Russian government in light of the findings presented by Germany.

Following the news of the poisoning and the findings of the German research, many have commented publicly on the incident.

Merkel asserted their confidence in the findings by stating they had been found “unequivocally”, and further stated this reveal created “very difficult questions that only the Russian government can answer and has to answer”.

Boris Johnson referred to the findings as “outrageous” and also called for Russian answers, saying they “must now explain what happened”.

Foreign Secretary

Dominic Raab also highlighted that “It’s completely unacceptable that a banned

US Court rules NSA spying to be illegal

Henry Webb Senior Global Writer

A court ruling has deemed the NSA’s (National Security Agency) program of mass surveillance of US citizens to be illegal.

The program was exposed seven years ago by Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor. Snowden, who has been living in Russia since and still has charges of espionage in the US, said on Twitter:

“Seven years ago, as the news declared I was being charged as a criminal for speaking the truth, I never imagined that I would live to see our courts condemn the NSA’s activities as unlawful and in the same ruling credit me for exposing them. And yet that day has arrived.”

The ruling by The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit determined that the NSA’s program violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

They added that the program may have been unconstitutional. Prior to Snowden’s report, US intelligence officials had repeatedly denied any kind of surveillance by the NSA on US citizens.

Following the release of evidence of a huge database telephone records, officials

defended the NSA’s actions by suggesting they were vital in fighting extremism within the US. They pointed to the case of Basaaly Saeed Moalin, Ahmed Nasir Taalil Mohamud, Mohamed Mohamud, and Issa Doreh, who were convicted in 2013, supposedly with help of the NSA’s database.

However, Wednesday’s ruling suggested that these claims are “inconsistent with the contents of the classified record.” The convictions will not, however, be affected by the ruling.

The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement: “Today’s ruling is a victory for our privacy rights… (the ruling) makes plain that the NSA’s bulk collection of Americans’ phone records violated the constitution.”

chemical weapon has been used and Russia must hold a full, transparent investigation”.

US Democratic Candidate Joe Biden also described the attack as an “outrageous and brazen attempt

Although the White House has commented on the incident, Donald Trump is yet to offer comments

The Russian government has denied all involvement, with Putin’s spokesperson Peskov claiming that “attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are

Navalny has emerged from his coma but is still very early on the

Charlie Hebdo shootings now on trial

Emily Kelly

14 people are on trial in France under the accusation of involvement with the 2015 terror attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices and surrounding areas in Paris.

17 people were killed over the space of three days in the city, and a wave of other devastating incidents rocked the nation over the subsequent years.

India bans Chinese apps accused of data theft

India has banned a further 118 Chinese apps amidst heightened tension between the neighbouring countries.

59 Chinese apps were banned by the Indian government in June, with a further 47 removed in July. Included in the blacklisted applications are the wildly popular apps TikTok and PUBG. It is thought many clones which were providing access to apps which were initially removed have been banned.

Speaking on the issue, the Indian government said the applications promoted activities “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.

Tensions are significantly high between New Delhi and Beijing after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in June during brutal handto-hand conflict with Chinese soldiers in the Ladakh region. It is believed China also faced casualties but specific numbers have not been confirmed.

The Indian technology ministry have accused the apps of

stealing user data before trading it internationally. Moves have also been made to freeze Chinese companies whilst also blocking any imports from the country. A significant move has also been made to prevent the integration of China’s 5G mobile phone programme.

India has stated relations will only worsen until China removes its troops from areas across the Ladakh border. It is believed tensions are at their highest point since the 1962

The three individuals directly responsible for the attacks were killed by police at the time of the incidents, however, those on trial are accused of supplying money, vehicles or weapons to aid the assailants. The initial attack stemmed from the publication of a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad within the satirical Charlie Hebdo magazine, considered extremely blasphemous by those in the Islamic community.

Two gunmen stormed the building and killed twelve members of the publication team. A second shooting took place in a kosher supermarket the following day, in which four customers lost their lives. Demonstrations of solidarity took place across the world over the coming days, with the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie trending internationally.

In a tribute to those who were killed in the attack, Charlie Hebdo reprinted the controversial cover image on the first day of the trial, with the magazine describing the cartoons as “part of History, and one cannot rewrite History, neither can it be erased.” President Emmanuel Macron defended this choice, saying that “In France, there’s also a freedom to blaspheme that is linked to the freedom of conscience”.

Freedom of press and religious belief are both of extreme importance within French culture, so an incident of this nature brings these issues into conflict with one another in a very public manner.

Around 150 witnesses are expected to be heard during the trial, which was delayed due to Coronavirus and is likely to last at least two months.

“17 people were killed over the space of three days”

Global Writer

Suspects of

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

William Warnes Deputy Editor

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Keeping the Sound of UEA alive amid COVID-19

Bronwen Brown

Features Writer

Back in September 2018 as a young first year, I arrived at UEA with the eagerness to join pretty much every club and society under the sun. The impact Livewire1350 (UEA’s student radio station) has had on my university life was something never expected as I wandered around the sports park, debating between joining Wine and Cheese society or Real Ale.

working together and putting on great events.

But, with a full 7 day a week schedule, Livewire are able to create a community of presenters, producers and listeners made up of students and the wider population.

During the isolated times of lockdown, content has been created at home and distributed online using social media meaning we were able to bring our society together whilst everyone was spread across the world. That is something that will continue into the coming academic year. Livewire will be a strong, functioning society and broadcasting will continue as it has done since the station was first developed.

and Concrete allows everyone to access the media offices and most importantly, the Livewire radio studios. Also, with UEA Estates working extremely hard to fit Perspex screens in the studio, this has helped make broadcasting even safer.

believes we can help all clubs and societies throughout the year.

By inviting committee members to promote their societies live on air, students can gather insight into what different societies are

planning for this year.

At UEA, everyone wants to help each other and Livewire aims to lend a helping hand. We are excited to welcome new members and feel fortunate to be able to continue producing shows and media content, a vital part of what keeps our society breathing. We want to make this year our best yet.

Now, as a final year student and second year committee member, I can safely say joining Livewire was the best decision of my university life.

Student radio and radio in general helps to create an extremely unique community. We have the option of meeting as a society,

For any committee, balancing running a successful societyensuring all members feel included and welcomed and producing professional media content - is tricky at the best of times. Yet, when the university year is cut short and all we get is uncertainty throughout the summer, planning a fun year looks near impossible. However, the Livewire committee has been working extremely hard since it was newly elected in June and there are so many ways potential members can get involved.

Firstly, being part of the UEA media collective alongside UEATV

We are so excited we can start broadcasting as soon as we get back to university, whilst hopefully welcoming many more budding presenters and

producers.

This year is going to look extremely different in all aspects of student life. However Livewire

A socially distanced library: what’s changed?

Roo Pitt Features Writer

The library has reopened to students and staff with a number of changes in place in light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19. Concrete went to investigate.

The first thing you’ll notice are stickers on the floor promoting social distancing whilst queuing to enter. Then signs prompt you to wear a facemask when entering the library building, along with an entrance and exit door - which hasn’t changed from before - but the rotating door is not in use.

Once in the library lobby there is a desk with NHS Test & Trace forms to complete, and although not legally mandatory in England, it appears to be encouraged here.

Unfortunately there was little guidance as to whether or not students need to complete them given we still tap our campus cards

to enter through the barriers, surely sufficient enough.

Once in the library, there is a one way system in place, the ‘main’ stairwell is only for people going downwards, whereas the smaller staircases by the lift and beyond the IT-Helpdesk are for going up. The lifts remain in operation in both directions.

The next thing you’ll notice is floor 0 has benefited from a major overhaul, with screens around the reception desk and IT and library helpdesks. All group study spaces are sectioned off and the caffeine help desk is out of action.

On other floors, desk spaces have been marked out to aid social distancing with just about every other seat in use. Same with computer spaces, although with significantly fewer in use than before.

To get in the library, you are encouraged to book a study space in advance for either a morning slot (0900-1300) or afternoon (1400-1700).

Initially viewable via the new MyUEA portal, it has since been moved to eVision.

I booked a ‘pod’ on floor 1, however despite searching the floor I found it rather difficult to find. I found PC’s that were close to my number and there seemed to be plenty of unassigned study space, so I settled down in a seat with a view

in the quiet reading room. What is evident - as expected - is such measures have greatly reduced the amount of study space available within the library. If this also continues with limitations on hours in the new year, this could greatly affect the number of students

actually able to utilise the library to study, especially problematic at times of deadlines and exams.

While wearing face coverings is vital, wearing one for a three hour study session is laborious and even though I am used to wearing a mask now, I was getting a bit warm. There are fancy new machines to book out your book loans, clear signage throughout the library and an abundance of hand sanitiser. Both toilets and printers were still in use.

To return any books, you are encouraged to drop them in bins outside of the library entrance or on red trolleys in the library if you don’t take them out of the building.

“The impact Livewire1350 has had on my university life was something never expected”

“Livewire will be a strong, functioning society and broadcasting will continue”

Photo: Bronwen Brown

Logo: Livewire1350

Photo: Concrete/ Roo Piit

“You are encouraged to book a study space in advance”

“Measures have greatly reduced the amount of study space available”

Let’s get political: Politics Society and COVID-19

Emily Kelly

Features Writer

When signing up for committee roles this year, I knew we would be taking on a challenge after COVID-19 brought last year to a sharp end.

Our predecessors (including this paper’s Editor-in-Chief) advised us remarkably well during handover.

But there is no rule book on how to run a political - or indeed any society during a pandemic.

I turned to our committee to ask what plans for this coming year look like, and they responded impressively.

As with most societies, online community building has been even more important for us as we’ve been able to hold socials and engage with new UEA students via digitised formats.

As a large academic society with members from across a range

of courses, it’s important they get a chance to make friends before arriving, as we did. Our committee agrees this is likely to continue into the new year; Serene (union council rep) pointed out we need “to make sure PolSoc remains inclusive to everyone in times like this […] I worry our university will alienate immunocompromised students if we don’t.”

then we’re adjusting and doing everything we can to give everyone the best possible experience.

The reality of life returning to ‘normal’ for people at different times is underpinning most of what we do, be it on both social and academic levels.

We usually run additional academic events throughout the year which we will now look to deliver online.

Strangely enough this may not be a bad thing, as Josh (academic officer) pointed out they enable us to “get speakers who we might have not been able to get otherwise due to logistical challenges, such as finding times convenient for speakers and students”.

However, President Tilly said “there is still a concern that membership this year may be lower”, a challenge I’d imagine most groups are facing right now.The uncertainty about the coming year is a common factor among both new and existing students, and not something easily rectified.

Ross (publicity officer) summed this up by saying the role of our society for this year will be “to help each other through this tough time [...] and all in all help spread positive vibes”.

I feel lucky to be heading into the unknown with such a lovely team.

ever before.

To students expressing concern about this year, please don’t let Covid-19 prevent you from joining a society.

We’re holding out hope we can deliver some of the usual stuff like our legendary bar crawls or international trips, but until

The online model has affected how we organise ourselves as a society. Holly observed “we can still run our memberships through the SU website and we can keep people updated with social media”, exactly what we were doing pre-virus.

Clearly every society faces challenges unforeseen this time last year, requiring our support more than

My tumultuous relationship with XR

Freyja Elwood

You never know how people will react when you say “Extinction Rebellion.” The group has aimed to lead the human species away from walking into an early grave with the “divide and conquer” tactic; Divide the masses away from the 1% and conquer the system into forming a more environmentally friendly planet. I worry after the blocking off the distribution of the nation’s morning papers, they will only achieve the former.

The Extinction Rebellion “Climate Rebellion” held in April

2019 was my first protest in support of the group. And my expectation of what a “protest” should look like was shattered within just seconds of stepping outside Westminster underground station. The samba drums, brightly coloured flags, bunting as well as legal advisors greeting you with sheets of paper with your rights as well as the aims of “Extinction Rebellion”. But most strange of all were the people who sat on the ground, only to be listening to what I’d later find out was a talk on how to correctly and legally perform an upcoming “DieIn” at the Natural History museum. The marble-arch encampment was one of the most surreal places

- most notably by Greta Thunbergand a sea of orange, green and pink flags.

agenda.

Luckily it was. The Lord Ashcroft polls revealed for the first time, Climate Change was a clincher with regards to people voted in the December 2019 elections, below key issues over public services, Brexit and the economy.

Murdoch.

My experience was entirely positive. Even when blocking roads or “swarming” as it is referred to under UK Law, not quite an arrestable offence. Despite going

Yet in October 2019, the tide started to turn. When Extinction Rebellion activists climbed on the tube roof, and then dragged off at Canning town - a diverse and historically working-class area of London - eyebrows were raised. Questions centred around whether or not Extinction Rebellion had lost sight of the “blame the corporate and not the consumer” message we

Whilst I agree with the sentiment of the protest, the monopolies over the British media must be addressed, I feel this is perhaps the last straw for many people. And though I feel Extinction Rebellion have interpreted the “right to information” in an acceptable way, it is hugely and evidently very different to how the majority interpret it, seen by the outrage and condemnation from social media, newspapers and MPs.

Speaking from a personal standpoint - an aspiring journalistI can’t find a viable way to support a group that is trying to reform an industry I am trying to enter without any publicly announced plan on

If Extinction Rebellion wants to keep the goodwill they fought so hard to build up in April 2019, they must keep the press in their favour. Disrupting the press and all those employed in sales and supply lines will in fact do the opposite. And if

Senior Features Writer

“There is no rule book on how to run a political - or indeed any society during a pandemic”

Photo: Unsplash

Logo: UEA Politics Society

“My expectation of what a ‘protest’ should look like was shattered in seconds”

Photo: Unsplash

Freshers advice

a semester on a complete whim. I had always watched the gymnastics events at the Olympics in awe, wishing I could try it, so I finally did.

A lot of people at university talk about regrets. Something they regret doing too much (probably alcohol related), or something they regret not doing enough (probably studying), but over my three years at UEA I have met so many people who regret not seizing the opportunity to try something new.

Without getting too philosophical, there are very few chances in life where you have the chance to completely start from scratch, with the chance and encouragement to start a new hobby so heavily pushed upon you. UEASU has a campaign

I didn’t stay for very long for

of fulfilment from writing for new sections, expanding my skills and learning more and more. I cannot overstate how much Concrete has done for me. I found some of my best friends through this society, discovered what I want to do for the rest of my life, and now I am studying a related Masters course with the role of Editor-inChief. All because I tried something brand new. This was not supposed to be a love letter to Concrete, but

instead evidence (I guess) that there is no better time to give something new a try.

To assuage any other fears you may have, I firstly promise there will be another beginner at any society or club you join.

This was my biggest fear heading into Gymnastics, but I met three people relatively new to the club and we all stuck together. So many other people will be in the same boat, or people will be at least

incredibly accommodating to new starters.

There will genuinely also be no judgement passed, everyone has to start somewhere! The best sportspeople were once a beginner, the best at anything were once brand new to their expertise.

Of course, it’s not easy. Turning up to a club knowing no one is probably very uncomfortable, and no one will deny that, but it will be worth it.

called ‘Do Something Different’ which is geared around this idea and promotes it strongly, so trying something completely new is normal here.

To share my own experiences, I tried two very different societies at two very different times.

After Christmas of my first year, I joined the Gymnastics club for

unrelated reasons but I loved my time there, trying something I have always wanted to give a go. I was terrible, but it was amazing fun and I met some great friends through it. It was also a great escape from the stress of academics to be able to throw myself around a springy floor for a few hours a week.

The second new society I tried was Concrete. I had always had journalism in the back of my mind as a potential career path but had never done anything about it until my second year.

I joined Concrete, wrote an article, and I was instantly hooked. I could not stop picking up pieces and writing as much as I could, to the point where I knew journalism was right for me.

In third year, I joined the Editorial Team as the Travel Editor, and my love for writing, journalism and creating content grew out of control. I got such a great sense

A fresh hobby for a fresh start Start as you mean to go on

routine. It’s crucial you start as you mean to go on.

So right now you’ve got thousands of worries surrounding your upcoming time at university… and that’s understandable.

How will I afford food costs?

How can I stay healthy and fit?

How can I balance a personal life alongside university and/or a job? Trust me, we’ve all been there.

The key is organisation and

Make sure you stay on top of everything. From day one, write your assignments down and keep an up-to-date to do list.

Ensure your deadlines are clear and you plan in what days you will assign for certain projects.

In regards to balancing a personal and work life, always consider the idea of a rule of 8.

This is 8 hours of work, 8 hours

Money is always a fear. Will my student loan cover this? Will I need a job?

A job is always handy but remembering to budget goes a long way!

Stay on top of how much you’re spending each week and work out what you can and cannot afford.

Remember, save some for those LCR nights.

Finally, it’s crucial to stay healthy. 8 hours of sleep is always advised

make sure you’re having a balanced diet.

The Sportspark has incredible facilities and UEA’s scenic green campus has great places to go for walks and runs.

Being organised from day one will help you a lot throughout your time at UEA, not just first year.

By the end of the year you’ll be thankful you did it, trust me.

“The key is organisation and routine”

William Warnes

Deputy Editor

Sam Hewitson Editor-in-Chief

“There will be another beginner at any society or club you join”

“You have the chance to completely start from scratch”

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Unsplash

COVID-19 know the rules

please remember to wear face coverings while:

in union house ordering coffee from unio in shop(su)

these locations are now cashless, so make sure to bring your card: thank you from everyone at your su!

unio bar(su)

HOME OF THE WONDERFUL

#blacklivesmatter

WE AT CONCRETE WILL NOT STAY SILENT. WE ALWAYS AIM TO REPORT NEWS BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY FROM A NEUTRAL PERSPECTIVE, BUT WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS. WE CANNOT STAY SILENT ON THIS ISSUE. BLACK LIVES MATTER. WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS, CONTRIBUTORS AND FOLLOWERS TO DO AS MUCH AS YOU CAN IN THIS FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE AND BRUTALITY.

IF YOU HAVE A PLATFORM, USE IT. IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE YOU CAN REACH, REACH THEM. EDUCATE YOURSELVES USING THE RESOURCES CIRCULATING, SIGN THE PETITIONS, AND SPEAK UP. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THINGS CHANGE. BLACK LIVES HAVE, AND ALWAYS WILL, MATTER.

OVER SUMMER, WE HAVE BEEN PUBLISHING LOTS OF BLACK LIVES MATTER CONTENT TO SPREAD AWARENESS, SHED LIGHT ON THE ISSUES AND EDUCATE OUR READERS, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS ACROSS THE ACADEMIC YEAR.

IF YOU HAVE ANY BLACK LIVES MATTER RELATED CONTENT IDEAS YOU WISH TO WRITE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO PITCH TO US! EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AT CONCRETE.EDITOR@UEA.AC.UK

Joe Biden will be the greatest president ever

Matt Branston Deputy Editor

The headline of this piece makes a statement which many people will find hard to agree with. I think many people, especially of my age and political affiliation, wanted Bernie more than they wanted University to go back to £3,000 a year.

But Bernie didn’t win and we have to move on. When I say I think Biden will be the greatest President ever, they say “oh… compared to Trump?”.

And I want to be very clear here, I have a low opinion of Donald Trump. But I don’t mean compared to Trump. I believe Joe Biden will be arguably the greatest President ever entirely on his own merit.

First, he wants to increase teacher’s wages, offer more mental and physical health support for students, and help to remove systemic racism and classism from schools by improving funding in non-white and poor districts and increasing teacher diversity.

Secondly, he wants to open a public health care option for all Americans regardless of income

prior cannabis use convictions. keep going.

on these sectors, or I could go into his opioid crisis plans, his gun safety plans, his incredible climate action plan, his support for free university education for families under an income of $125,000 which would help 80% of families and was written by my leftist lord and saviour Bernard Sanders.

isn’t the end goal. I think in 50 years, a lot of the things he does will be replaced by a lot of better versions: free universal healthcare, free university tuition for all, even stronger environmental protection.

So why would Biden be the greatest when I think everything he will do should be improved upon?

Because sometimes what’s even bigger than actually doing the thing, is making it possible.

In his plans, his policies, Joe Biden is setting America on a path

I don’t have that many words to go into Biden’s detailed policy positions, so I’m just going to go fast-forward into everything I like about his politics.

and use bargaining with a massive amount of insured people to force pharmaceutical companies to lower the ridiculous cost of prescription drugs.

These are actions which would fundamentally change American healthcare.

Thirdly, he cares about eliminating racial disparities in criminal justice, expanding funding for mental health help, sending people to get help instead of going to prison for drug offences, and decriminalising the use of cannabis and automatically expunging all

I could genuinely keep going. He is smashing almost every single policy proposal I could imagine. He is doing his very best to unite the Democratic party and if in 4 years, the US is looking at Biden’s America, that’s a very good place to be. And considering his foreign policy experience, it’s good for the world.

think Biden is genuinely

In 30 years, Joe Biden may not be given his due credit for what he does, but I promise you, the effects of a Joe Biden presidency will outlast any of our lives, any of our grandchildren’s lives. I am not joking when I say in 200 years if the world is actually in a good place, I am certain it will have been founded in a Joe Biden presidency.

What he will do for the world is that vital.

He’s not just the “at least he’s not Trump candidate”, he’s the “thank god he came around when he did” candidate.

The future rests in the hands of those voting for Joe Biden. Because Joe Biden is the future.

Children should go back to school, but not without drastic changes

James Gell

Comment Writer

I worked in a children’s school throughout lockdown, essentially babysitting the kids of essential workers by running art sessions and playing non-contact sports with them while their parents worked in exposed environments.

On the behaviour management side, most of the children understood the seriousness of the pandemic and kept their distance with some reminders from staff. Talking to them, they all spoke about how frustrating it was to stay indoors all day and how much they looked forward to coming to school.

But aside from my anecdotal experience, what do the scientists say?

With only one death among under-14s from 1st March to 30th April in England and Wales according to the Office for National Statistics, an overwhelming majority of scientists agree Covid is much less of a threat to the health of children than it is to adults.

A University College London and London School of Hygiene

& Tropical Medicine study found children were less than half as likely to catch contagion as adults.

Dr Liz Whittaker, a Senior Clinical Lecturer in paediatric infectious diseases and immunology in Imperial College London, said “very low numbers of children have been admitted to critical care and the researchers reported a very low death rate.”

living in lockdown.

A Co-SPACE (COVID-19 Supporting Parents, Adolescents, and Children in Epidemics) survey taken by more than 10,000 parents found under-11s’ behaviours had gotten progressively worse over lockdown, with an increase in emotional and behavioural problems such as temper tantrums, arguments, restlessness, disobedience, and difficulties concentrating.

The safety of children is paramount, but safety shouldn’t be defined by the level of risk of catching Coronavirus which evidently is not a huge threat to children’s health.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty has said the harm from children missing school now strongly outweighs the risk of them contracting or transmitting Covid-19.

The harm he refers to is unclear, but aside from falling behind on education, there is a clear mental health decline growing in children

Mental illness must also be taken seriously as a threat to children’s safety, especially at developmental stages where they are at their most vulnerable of developing mental illnesses.

I believe children should go back to school, but not without drastic changes. There is so much more schools can do to minimise contact if they had the governmental support to implement them.

Reducing class sizes can be achieved by moving classrooms

outside or transforming unused community centres into provisional classrooms, increasing wages to incentivise exteachers to get back into teaching to make up for staff shortages, alternating between virtual classroom learning and physical classroom learning on a weekly basis, or staggering lunch times are just a few of the steps they could take.

we decide whether to send

children back to school, we need to be more informed about The UK government must clearly establish what practical measures will be expected from schools before any decision can be

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

“safety should not be defined by the level of risk of catching coronavirus”

“These are actions which would fundamentally change American healthcare”

“He is smashing almost every single policy proposal I could imagine”

International students should fear if quarantine is like NYU

Morgan Burdick

Comment Writer

As US universities have begun opening up for their Autumn semesters, they’ve faced particular attention surrounding their Covid-19 restrictions.

Certain institutions, such as New York University in the heart of New York City, have faced additional scrutiny due to being based in what was once the epicentre of the virus in the United States. NYU students who resided outside of the tri-state area were expected to self-isolate in their dorms for two weeks, only leaving their ensuite bedrooms to receive regular testing. Their experiences were documented on the popular social media platform, TikTok.

One major concern for students was their access to food.

When moving into their new accommodation, residents were limited on what they could bring

to one moving cart, thus making it difficult to bring enough nonperishables for the quarantine period.

As a solution, NYU provided two complimentary boxed meals a day, which would follow dietary requirements for each of the residents.

They were also permitted to order from food delivery couriers such as Grub Hub, Postmates, or Uber Eats between certain hours in the day. While these plans were certainly admirable, in practice they left students unfed and upset.

As the quarantine continued, students shared their catastrophic experiences online. Residents with dairy allergies received products containing milk or lactose, and vegan students would be given boxes containing meat products. Beyond these clear issues, the delivery process was completely disorganised. Students would wait for breakfast until the afternoon, and sometimes lack any food for the best part of 24 hours,

according to one TikTok creator. Yes, students were permitted to order from delivery couriers, but this leaves the most vulnerable students without meals. What must be considered is tuition and fees cost over $53,000 per year, and students can expect to spend more on housing and additional fees.

Under NYU’s mandatory quarantine, only the most privileged students could afford to sustain themselves when their institution failed them, leaving vulnerable students in a difficult position.

Eventually, calls from frustrated parents and an internet uproar prompted the university to address the situation.

While the meal delivery system became more organised and of better quality, NYU students are now out of quarantine as British international students enter their own. This has incited questions

surrounding the responsibility of universities throughout the quarantine process.

At UEA, international students have begun arriving on campus to complete their governmentmandated quarantine.

The university has eliminated housing fees for the duration of the quarantine process, but still requires students to provide their own food through supermarket delivery services.

While it’s too early to tell how this system will work in Norwich, the comparison between quarantines across the pond certainly raises questions.

At NYU and similar US institutions, students typically pay for a meal plan rather than self-catering. As UEA is selfcatered with the

exception of INTO, there is a grey area as to who is responsible to feed students throughout the quarantine process.

In my opinion, international students should be guided through the British supermarket delivery process and receive a small parcel of food to support them through their initial jet-lag period. Additionally, I would advocate for students receiving vouchers to certain delivery couriers.

While there are certainly differences in catering here, two weeks of additional food costs could be difficult to cover for some international students.

Only time will tell whether international students in the UK will be under similar or better conditions than their NYU equivalent.

Weighing children in schools is dangerous

Lauren Bramwell

Comment Writer

Following evidence revealing obese people are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract Covid-19, the National Obesity Forum has proposed schools should weigh pupils when they return to school in Autumn.

Tam Fry, the chairman of the National Obesity Forum explained the reason for the weighing of students was to “catch every child who is piling on the pounds”.

This initiative works through the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) which measures the height and weight of children in reception class (aged 4 to 5) and year 6 (aged 10 to 11) and then calculates a Body Mass Index (BMI) centile in order to assess overweight levels in children

within primary schools.

Surely we as a country know BMIs are not an accurate nor universal indicator of health? There are so many more factors outside of

saying “we worry more about feelings over facts”.

If, as Daubney argues, we should be worrying more about facts rather than considering mental health, then shouldn’t we be concerned at the rapidly rising numbers of eating disorders in children under 12?

I am not dismissing the fact that health, especially in the current climate, should be highly prioritised.

weight with health, which could trigger disordered eating.

In my opinion, the only way in which this programme could have even the slightest chance at being effective is if the government simultaneously heavily invested in

It is clear the government’s aim is to track those who have put on weight over lockdown, meaning their solution would be to shame those children into losing weight as they return to school.

weight which need to be taken into consideration, especially given the fact that these are children who are continuously growing.

Former MP Martin Daubney argues in favour of the initiative,

What I am saying is weighing children in school is counterproductive and dangerous. This initiative completely disregards both the physical and mental wellbeing of children and although some say it may reduce levels of obesity, it will most likely be at the expense of children’s welfare.

This programme encourages children to fixate on their weight or appearance as well as to associate

a mental health system for schools. Possibly, this system would end up handling the potentially damaging consequences of this programme.

I would like to stress children are not responsible for childhood obesity – it is a systemic problem. Instead of creating an atmosphere of shame around weight and body image, schools should be presenting children with different ways of feeling strong and happy with themselves: make exercise fun, make nutrition fun, stop serving food of little nutritional value in the cafeteria. Many children are already in a state of anxiety due to lockdown measures, why are we adding this stress on top of that? This is the time when we need to support them the most, not permanently damage their mental health.

Photo: Pixabay

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“shouldn’t we be concerned at the rapidly rising numbers of eating disorders in children under 12?”

“this initiative completely disregards both the physical and mental wellbeing of children”

Is rooftop farming the solution to our urban agriculture problems?

Sam Hewitson Editor-in-Chief

With areas across the world becoming increasingly urbanised, and built up areas sprawling into previously untouched land or farmland, problems are being created for agriculture and farming.

Space for farming is being heavily reduced and the practicality of having farmland close to a city or urban area for ease is also being threatened.

So, what is the solution? Rooftop farms are the solution.

Rooftop farms are currently on the rise and becoming more common in the biggest cities in the world.

Paris is currently in the process of building the largest rooftop farm in the world, which will span 14,000 square metres and feed the entire south-west of the French capital, either by home delivery or via shops. Urban farms have also been a staple of the United States for a few years now.

There are a multitude of benefits to a rooftop farm that most wouldn’t even begin to consider.

The first is the increased

availability of food for urban areas,

discusses how far food has travelled from its source, to the seller, to it then being on your plate, which by the time this journey is complete could be a considerable distance that ultimately contributes to the negative environmental effects associated with transportation and travel.

Instead, it can literally be grown on the roof of the building in which it is sold, which completely cuts the food miles and reduces any negative impact it has environmentally.

Realistically, why would you let that space go to waste?

It is also a great option because there is no real need for a huge amount of space to make this idea work. -Roots on the Rooftops in New Orleans, America’s first rooftop farm with a direct supply

which to most wouldn’t be thought of as lacking.

The concept of ‘food miles’

Bell Book & Candle in Manhattan, New York, is particularly famous for this, with their food grown only six stories above where it is served. It doesn’t really get any fresher than that.

Further to this, rooftop farms do wonders for how eco-friendly a city is. The plants and agriculture on the roof are really beneficial for the carbon emissions of the particular building, helping to cool the building and counteract excess heat.

Cities obviously are huge contributors to the climate crisis and pollution, so this at least stops a proportion of the damage.

Cities are also made greener by rooftop farms in a literal sense. Urban areas look much more aesthetically pleasing when broken up by greener areas, which is always a necessary bonus.

Their most practical purpose and benefit though, as alluded to before, is the space that is saved by introducing rooftop agricultural alternatives.

Cities are sprawling or being built up from scratch and subsequently, rural areas are on the decline, so the rooftop alternatives are brilliant for saving space.

to a supermarket, operates on a rooftop that is only 800 square feet, so any rooftop could be converted into a farm with relative ease.

Rooftop farming needs to become more common, especially in some of the biggest cities in the world. There are a lot of buildings where rooftops are not put to use, which collectively could make up the area of many rural farms.

The benefits displayed from an environmental standpoint in addition to the food supply incentives also cannot be ignored. Even if food supply and food miles isn’t a pressing issue for a city, the reduction of carbon emissions and cutting travel is still a great reason to look to this as a viable option.

I definitely think as the climate crisis progresses, more rooftop farms will be created, and I think the impact could be brilliant for our urban areas.

New evidence discovered from black hole collision

Matt Branston Deputy Editor

Scientists have discovered the largest collision of two black holes ever detected.

Researchers detected gravitational waves originating from 17 billion light-years away.

Due to the expansion of the universe, this collision would have occurred 7 billion years ago, making it the oldest detected collision, having happened at slightly before halfway through the universe’s lifespan.

This makes it the most distant collision found by scientists yet.

Black holes are generally found to be smaller than 100 solar masses or bigger than 100,000 solar masses.

However, this collision has

formed the first intermediate black hole ever detected by scientists, meaning it is the first black hole to

The two stars involved are estimated to be 85 and 66 solar masses each.

It has now left scientists wondering where the black holes originated from. Generally, when black holes form from a dying star, they’re on the smaller end.

Scientists believe that the physics behind black holes would mean a large enough star (between 65 and 120 solar masses) would blow itself apart completely rather than form a black hole.

merging with others.

As a result of all this, it’s not possible to fully know how they formed.

Gravitational waves were first proposed by Poincare in 1903, and predicted by Einstein in 1916,

until 2015.

That observation was said at the time to be the most powerful event ever recorded in human history, forming a black hole only two-fifths the size of this event.

The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded in 2017 to Rainer Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Barry Barish for their roles in these discoveries.

be between the 100 and 100,000 solar mass mark, at 142 solar masses.

This black hole is also special because it was formed from the collision of two other black holes.

While this has been detected before, the size of this collision is unprecedented.

Alternatively, the black holes which collided to form this one could have been formed from smaller black hole collisions themselves.

This poses a difficult question though because when black holes merge, the energy pushes them away from the clusters of black holes, which is necessary to keep

though the first observation of gravitational waves was not to occur

The gravitational waves from this event were detected by LIGO and Virgo, separate but affiliated organisations in the US and Italy respectively. They fire a powerful, perfectly still laser. The gravitational waves cause the lasers to very minutely stretch and squeeze.

Though this is a very subtle difference, researchers continue to advance the technology and hope to soon be able to make detections at a much higher rate.

“The most distant collision found by scientists yet’”

“The prevention of circulating fake news could potentially save lives”

“Facebook are removing conspiracy theories about the coronavirus”

“While this has been detected before, the size of this collision is unprecedented”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

concrete-online.co.uk/category/science/

Is there life on Mars?

Erica Thajeb Science Writer

scientists are looking forward to discovering evidence holding the secret to learning about life on Mars.

It is already known that the Red Planet was, at some point in time, habitable, but this mission hopes to gather samples that could finally reveal if Mars was ever inhabited.

Perseverance launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at the end of July 2020. It is the third Mars mission launched within 11 days, following explorations by China and the

Its main mission is to explore the diverse geology of the Jezero Crater, a 40-km wide bowl near the planet’s equator. Scientists believe that this crater used to hold a lake billions of years ago, and that its rocks might retain evidence of past microbial activities. This is also where Perseverance is set to land around February of 2021. The one-ton, six-wheeled robot will be searching

for any potential signs of ancient microscopic life in this region.

The associate administrator

Robotic camera monitoring basking sharks off West coast of Scotland

scientists still insist on bringing any discoveries back home so they can perform further analysis in more elaborate Earth-based laboratories to confirm the findings. Therefore, the robot will collect rock and soil samples, then pack them in small tubes for NASA’s two future missions to retrieve later this decade.

Olivia Johnson Science Editor

A robotic camera is being used for the first time in British seas to investigate the behaviour of basking sharks in their breeding grounds off the west coast of Scotland.

of the NASA Science Mission Directorate in Washington, Thomas Zurbuchen, explains that Jezero Crater was the perfect place to look for signs of past life.

He says, “We may very well be reaching back in time to get the information scientists need to say that life has existed elsewhere in the universe.”

Equipped with the latest technology and advanced scientific features, Perseverance can directly detect life in both its current and fossilized forms. Though,

Perseverance will be staying on Mars for at least one Martian year, equal to around two Earth years. Unlike the previous rovers, this one features seven instruments that are either new or have been significantly upgraded. With 23 cameras and microphones on the car-like rover, we can expect remarkable neverbefore-seen images of the Red Planet.

Additionally, this newest mission will help prepare for future explorations by testing out various equipment. This includes samples of spacesuit material so we can learn how they will survive in the harsh environment of Mars. The mission will also attempt to transform carbon dioxide on the planet into breathable oxygen, in preparation for any human astronauts.

Environment: what’s looking up and what’s going downhill?

Meg Watts Science Writer

Things are looking up for: rewilding attempts. ‘Guerilla’ farmer Derek Gow continues on his quest to rewild Britain’s native fauna. The 55 year old has released 25,000 water voles and multiple pairs of beavers to date, and plans to begin releasing storks and wildcats over the next two years. This may seem

counterproductive for a farmer, yet Defra has found that rewilding beavers has led to significant improvements in flood management along the River Otter - the beaver’s damming exploits create a network of small tributaries, lessening the effects of flooding during periods of ‘peak flow’.

It’s going downhill for: the Amazon rainforest, which has been ‘condemned to destruction’ under Jair Bolsanaro’s leadership, according to a former top official

of Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama. An estimated 63,000 fires have already raged across the Amazon this year, reaching heights comparable to that of last year’s devastation.

It’s all going downhill for: British biodiversity. Construction began on Friday 4th September on the highly contentious High Speed 2 Railway Project. The Woodlands Trust estimates that 108 ancient woodlands could be imperilled by the project’s construction, alongside

33 sites of special scientific interest and a further 9,696 hectares of wildlife sites.

Despite months of peaceful civilian protest and green political opposition, the project is still ploughing ahead, however.

There is an argument for increased rail travel between London and Birmingham ultimately benefiting the UK’s carbon footprint, however, if it comes at the expense of our native landscapes, is it really worth the cost? Only time will tell.

The basking sharks gather here after migrating from the waters around West Africa. The video footage suggests that sharks gather here for breeding rather than feeding.

The UK has signed its fourth deal for a coronavirus vaccine with GSK and Sanofi, securing up to 60 million doses of an experimental treatment being developed by the pharmaceutical giants.

If trials are successful, Sanofi believes regulatory approval for the vaccine could be achieved by the first half of 2021.

The Somali sengi has been sighted for the first time since the 1970s and for the first time in Djibouti. Previously, the species was only known in science from 39 individuals of the species, collected many decades ago and preserved in museums.

Dinosaur footprints in Wales to be investigated by the Natural History Museum

Emily Kelly Science Writer

The Natural History Museum is investigating the potential discovery of dinosaur footprints in South Wales.

Bones and other evidence of prehistoric life have previously been found at the site in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.

If proven, this would be the third set of dinosaur prints in Wales and a boost to the area’s archaeological heritage.

Boom in births of Ugandan gorillas in Bwindi Park

Sam Hewitson Editor-in-Chief

In the last six weeks, five Ugandan gorillas have been born at Bwindi Park.

This species of mountain gorilla is endangered with just above 1,000 currently alive. Only three gorillas were born here last year, making this increase unprecedented. The reason for this sudden boom is still unknown, with all babies being born to different families.

“Newfound farming techniques can speed up the natural coral growth by up to 50 times”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Unsplash

Let's talk about armchair travelling

Ally Fowler Travel Writer

Since being confined to our homes in March, the need for escapism has never been greater. As holiday plans crumbled among the general populous, wanderlust reached its frantic peak, and the armchair travel phenomenon rose in popularity.

Armchair travelling, as a name, is pretty self-explanatory. You travel the world without leaving the confines of your home, whether that be through film, literature, food, video games or photography.

You can imagine yourself somewhere fanciful for an hour or a day and shed the stresses of life while you’re figuratively sunning yourself on a beach in the Bahamas.

You’ve probably armchair travelled without even having realised! Ever watched a film and thought, with all the weariness in your body, “God, I wish I was there right now”? If you press your nose up against your computer screen and squint past the bluelight assault on your eyes, you can imagine you’re wherever you desire.

There are obvious perks to armchair travelling; you can relax in the comfort of your own home, your carbon footprint is virtually nothing, and you can go anywhere you want.

There’s little faff involved, which

is something that would appeal particularly to the hodophobes of the world (hodophobia – fear of travelling - good one for Scrabble).

We are automatically led on journeys through content we consume. Whether it be by watching travel vlogs on YouTube, reading articles such as “7 Sausages from Around the World That You Need in Your Life” (no, really), or relaxing to the dulcet tones of a David Attenborough documentary, we are constantly elsewhere.

tangibility to a screen or page. You don’t get that newcountry-air-fresh-off-the-airplane smell. You don’t get the heat of the sun or the bite of the cold. Ultimately, it’s fantasy. It’s filtered. It’s warm-toned majesty, hot Italian summers and arching Icelandic peaks and a romanticized

Wes Anderson filter. You are viewing the world through a biased train of thought – is it truly authentic if you only pick the good parts of a trip? And, to follow up, does authenticity even matter?

If we sacrifice the whole deal for just a sliver of serotonin, I don’t think anyone’s particularly at fault

for it. Sit back, relax, and post a nice #TBT picture on your Instagram of your holiday last summer (“Take me back!” caption optional).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to Japan - I’ve always wanted to see the sakura in spring, and now that I know I can look at pictures of it on Google Images, it’s off my bucket list.

No one wants to hear about the person in Kent who spent three days on their sofa, or the woman who went up the road for milk. The desire to be whisked away has always been prominent, its significance has just soared recently because of travel restrictions.

However, the glaringly obvious resides. There is a gap between mentality and reality, and even the most imaginative of us fail to cross it. There’s no

The ultimate guide to staycation in Norfolk

Roo Pitt Travel Writer

With exotic holidays off the cards this summer and in the foreseeable future, we thought we’d explore the wonders that are right on our doorstep in Norfolk. At Concrete, we truly believe we have the best location for studying in the country.

Everything you could wish for from an overseas holiday is available right here in Norfolk. With another heatwave set to hit the county in September, there’s plenty of walks, nature reserves and national trust properties to get lost in.

From sandy beaches like Wellsby-the-sea or a thrill-seeking ride at Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach, or even a night at the circus at one of only two purpose-built

permanent circuses in the UK at the Hippodrome, we’ve got it all!

Norfolk has many zoos, Mostly formed from old private estates and are “private” zoos, they Yare only open periodically. But it is also home to two large public zoos: Banham, just off the A11 to the south of Norwich, and Amazona, outside Cromer to the north of the city. This summer also saw the opening of the new safari park Watatunga, in Watlington, West Norfolk near King’s Lynn.

You’ll be sure to find something that floats your boat in Norfolk, with miles of coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, and a national park with waterways than wind into oblivion.

You can surf at popular beaches like Cromer, or learn at surf schools based there and in Mundesley.

Most of these beaches have lifeguards during peak seasons,

so they’re relatively safe. Not to mention the surrounding ice cream vendors and fish & chip parlours!

The glamourous waterways of the Norfolk broads can be explored by your choice of watercraft. Paddle boarding and kayaking have recently risen in popularity, and there’s dozens of companies you can hire them from. Or simply pop to Whitlingham Broad if this is a new sport for you and book a taster session.

If you want something with a bit more oomph (all 5mph of it), you can hire a day boat. Wroxham is the most popular departure point, though you can hire boats from a number of locations. There’s a handful of boatyards in Stalham, which is a bit more of a drive, but generally more relaxed than places like Wroxham.

You can also learn to dive right here in Norwich with companies

like Christal Seas, who also run regular dive trips to the Norfolk coast and other local sub-aqua spots.

villages of Norfolk. Plus, there’s also a plethora of caravan and holiday parks all along the coast.

Norwich itself is one of the hottest shopping locations in the region, with an abundance of cafés and bars that suit all tastes. I’ve been in Norwich for five years now and am still discovering new eateries - it’s so easy to find something new every time you go out.

Home away from home? The EDP reported earlier this year that AirBnB revealed both Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft as the top two most popular locations for a staycation.

Alongside AirBnB, there are countless hotels and B&Bs both in the city and in the quaint

If shopping isn’t your thing, you can explore one of the city’s two cathedrals, the medieval castle (with attached museum full of interesting exhibits) or the variety of luscious parks and open spaces.

TLDR, you don’t have to leave Norfolk for a truly fascinating or exotic holiday. There really is something for everyone, and I’ve barely scraped the surface with what I have managed to throw at you in this article.

Photo: Unsplash

“We are automatically led on journeys through content we consume”

Photo: Unsplash

“We truly believe we have the best location for studying in the country”

Recipe: For he’s a jolly good pesto!

Matt Branston Deputy Editor

Here is a pesto recipe. It is not the best one, but it works and pesto is incredible regardless.

Grab your blender, food processor, whatever’s available, and throw in about 50g of parmesan (I used less because my family don’t like cheese for some reason, but believe in yourself and eat that cheese), then throw in a few cloves of crushed garlic too.

Blend it a bit, probably not going to do much at this point, but it’s nice to feel like you’re doing something, especially when you spend all day watching television and trying to stave off existential dread.

Next, toast about 50g of pine nuts (however much is in a sachet), this can be done by just tossing them in a pan, no oil, and heating till golden-ish.

Just believe and you will achieve.

Blend that with the cheese and garlic until it’s kind of a paste. Then throw in about 75g of basil.

I know around the start of lockdown it was difficult to get basil, but I advise finding an Italian grandmother and just taking it, because despite stories, they fully can’t stop you. Anyway, blend it for a bit.

Pour in about 80g of olive oil, be conservative, don’t want oily pesto, and do this last to weigh everything else down.

You can pour it in as you blend to create sort of an emulsifying effect, but who are you acting big for?

Throw in a bit of lemon juice and just an insane amount of salt.

Dehumidify a small sea and use that much salt.

Finally blend until it has a pesto-esque consistency.

There you go. You have pesto now. You can store it, put it on pasta, put it on a chicken, tomato, and

Recipe: Cheese and herb beer bread

Roo Pitt Lifestyle Writer

mozzarella sandwich, anything really. Just eat it quick. Then you can make more pesto. That way time can’t find you. That’s what it’s all about really. Hiding from time. Hiding forever.

Ingredients: 3 cups self-raising flour (or plain flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder), 1 teaspoon salt, 340ml beer, 2 cups grated mature cheese, 3 tablespoons mixed herbs, 2 tablespoons garlic powder/granules (optional)

This was the perfect lockdown recipe for me to discover. Since learning to drive I rarely drink, and with sales driving down prices during lockdown, I now own more beer than I’ve ever had (and we’ve been unable to host those parties and BBQs for people to help make a dent in the collection).

This simple recipe makes a delicious bread that perfectly accompanies soups and stews. It’s also perfect on its own, especially when still warm out of the oven. Serve it with some butter and maybe your favourite artisan cheese or a baked camembert!

You can use any beer you like for this bread. I have used lagers

and ales, which gives a slight variation in taste. As with cheese, I normally use cheddar, though red Leicester or your favourite block of cheese will be fine.

Pre-heat the oven to 170°c and grease a loaf tin well.

Combine the flour (and baking powder if using plain flour) and salt in a mixing bowl. Add one and a half cups of the grated cheese as well as the herbs and mix well.

Then pour in the beer and mix until just combined (make sure to get all the pockets of flour mixed in) Tip the dough into the prepared loaf tin and tap the tin on the worksurface to ensure the dough has settled into the corners of the tin.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Bake in the oven for 4560 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2030 minutes before serving Enjoy warm or save for sharing later that day (usually lasts around 48hours before starting to go hard).

Recipe: Easy chocolate brownie cookies

Leia Butler Lifestyle Writer

I have made these cookies countless times over the lockdown period and I now always have an emergency frozen batch in the freezer, because they are just that good! This is a one bowl recipe and makes about

12 cookies, depending on how big or small you want them to be!

This recipe is originally from cafedelites.com and called 'best fudgy chocolate brownie cookies'. It’s also in a cup form measurement but you can convert this online, or just buy some cheap cup measures online or in stores!

Ingredients: 1/2 cup of cocoa

powder, 1 cup of white granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 egg, around 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (add more or less depending on your preference!), 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (you can use another oil if you prefer), 1 and 1/3 cups of plain flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of chocolate chips (This is a good

basic level but I always add a little bit more because I love chocolate!)

Method: 1) Preheat the oven to 175 and line your cookie sheets!

Amazon has some great reusable baking sheets I always use.

2) Mix together cocoa powder, sugar, butter and oil.

3) Beat in an egg and add vanilla

4) Add flour, baking powder and

salt. Mix gently until you get a dough. You might need either more water or more flour at this stage so just keep adding until you've got that dough.

5) Chocolate time! Add your chips in (if you've got any left! I always end up eating them along the way)

6) Pop on a baking sheet, cook for 10-12 minutes, and leave to cool a little before tucking in!

How I stayed active during quarantine

Dolly Carter

Lifestyle Writer

Before our descent into lockdown, my fitness routine wasn’t the best.

In fact, I wouldn’t use the word “routine” at all, but rather a sporadic attempt at running across campus at midnight, inevitably ending in a sprained ankle due to a lack of stretching and the complete absence of a warm up.

When I moved back home, I soon realised that I wouldn’t have a friend to bail me out with ibuprofen if I couldn’t make the entire route. I decided to learn to run

in both a safe and enjoyable way.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am both fiercely competitive and like to be held accountable.

So, when I discovered that a friend was completing

Nine weeks, 27 sessions, and many a blister later, we had finished the course and, in the words of my chosen coach Jo Whiley, were now “proper runners”.

I thought that maintaining a fitness routine when moving back up to Norwich would be difficult, as I had always gone running with my dog.

As weird as it sounds, she kept me motivated, and I thought I would struggle without her.

goes to work.

Which is why I now get up at 6:30 two mornings a week to run! Will this continue? I’m not entirely sure, but it’s nice to think that it might.

So, between my newfound love for running, yoga sessions, low-impact cardio, and Zumba, my activity levels have picked up significantly.

Couch to 5k, I decided to give it a go alongside him.

Fortunately, there are plenty of dogs in the park that is only 30 second’s walk away from my student home, particularly before everyone

Unlikely I know, but it seems as if lockdown has provided at least one positive, in that I now actually enjoy running… who’d have thought?

“I decided to learn to run in both a safe and enjoyable way”

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Pixy

Increasing minority representation in cricket

Ice hockey won’t stop!

Scarlett McNicol Sport Writer

When you think of ice hockey, you think of big men and a violent sport: Your first thought isn’t necessarily a 5ft 2 girl battling it out with people of all shapes and sizes on sharp metal blades with big sticks.

The surprise on people’s faces when I tell them that ice hockey is the sport I play is always funny to watch.

In the years that I have been at UEA, Avalanche or ‘the Avs’, our ice hockey team has become a development forward club encompassing both an A team as well as a B team, affectionately known as ‘the aBs’.

As a small sport on campus we have become a close-knit community, not least owing to the three-hour round trip just to get on the ice.

Luke Saward

Sport Editor

The one-off Bob Willis Trophy recently got underway and is providing excitement to cricket fans across the country, who are very glad that the county game has finally resumed.

The competition has so far been heralded as a major success, yet there are fewer than 10 Black cricketers born or raised in the UK taking part.

This is not a figure that has drastically dropped this year either; it has been relatively steady for some time now.

Clearly then, it represents

a monumental failure in those of influence within the sport to encourage and facilitate greater minority representation.

However, to correct these issues, greater research to unearth what has caused them in the first place must be done.

On the face of it, cricket should be becoming more inclusive, with Jofra Archer acting as a Black role model for young children, excelling in the national team and taking the world by storm with his terrifyingly fast deliveries.

Furthermore, initiatives such as Luton Carribean Cricket Club have been established in the past few decades, to encourage those in poorer areas with large Black

populations to fall in love with the sport.

Nonetheless, the numbers do not lie: this is simply not enough.

The problem therefore must lie in the culture of English cricket, which is overwhelmingly portrayed as a White man’s sport by the media.

Lord’s is often labelled the ‘Home of Cricket’, yet it prohibits the bashing of drums and blowing of conch shells commonplace elsewhere across the globe.

Allowing cultural diversity in support will encourage fan participation in the sport, which often goes hand-in-hand with an increase in those playing the sport as well.

Certainly, the image of English

and West Indian players alike taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as sporting its logo on their kits was a step in the right direction.

However, much of this progress has arguably been undone by their failure to continue this show of solidarity into their subsequent series’ against Pakistan and Australia.

Cricket needs to do more than merely token gestures to encourage diversity in the English game in the future..

Talents like Archer illustrate the potential rewards on offer if such a goal was achieved.

For now, sadly, much work remains to be done.

Image Rights? More like image wrongs!

Luke Saward

Sport Editor

In the last year, the number of tax probes launched by HMRC into professional footballers has almost trebled.

In an industry that often comes under scrutiny for the almost unbelievable wages that are paid to the sport’s top stars, this is a most unwelcome development.

Further doubt will now inevitably be cast over the honesty and integrity of individuals who many claim to already be overpaid.

However, further analysis into the details of the investigations that were released reveals that it may not be the cream of the crop that are actually committing the foul play.

Rather, as Elliot Buss, of accounting firm UHY Hacker Young stated, it is lower-paid individuals, such as a ‘second-choice left back in the Championship’, that are likely to have been targeted by the new

probes.

The focus has been on agents –who have also seen the number of investigations into their tax affairs more than double – negotiating overpriced image rights clauses into the contracts of lesser-known players, as an extension to their salaries.

The issue with this is that, in the top 2 divisions of English football, wages are levied with a 45% income tax charge, whereas image rights have a much lower 19% corporation tax rate.

Unsurprisingly then, clubs are struggling to justify that their practically unheardof benchwarmers will generate funds from shirt sales and sponsorship endorsements proportionate to what they are being paid for those very purposes in their contracts.

However, the reserve goalkeeper in a mid-table Championship side? Obviously, In a time where money is short for so many, to hear that £73.1 million was recovered from footballers in the previous tax year is really upsetting. Especially to those of us who idolise our favourite players and want them to act like the heroes we like to believe they are.

So many have gone above and beyond to help out in these difficult moments, such as Marcus Rashford with his free school meals campaign.To those individuals, we thank you. However, a message to all footballers out there: first and foremost, pay

Ice hockey for me began in my first year, after getting back on my figure skates after a number of months, maybe even years.

Initially I intended on getting some practice and maybe venturing to a training session so that by second year I would be ready for a game, but boy was I in for a treat!

On the Monday when I first tried on a set of hockey skates I was asked if I would play in the first game which was on that very Friday.

Not only did I get a training session I was on the first line out for the 2018 season.

My first game, along with the people, sucked me into the club and as I am always told they dragged me to the dark side.

Two years later and not only am I still playing but I am President of the club and enjoy skating on both my figure and hockey skates whenever I get on the ice.

This club has fostered some of my closest friendships and I now even live with someone from the team.

My biggest highlight to date was last year, when despite the season getting cut short, we played one of our most intense games.

We faced off against the Oxford Women’s team who had 18 players to our measly nine.

Despite the pitiful looks from the referees we managed to battle to a victory of 3-1.

The game and the ‘Dream Team’ will not be forgotten any time soon.

The next year is going to be a very uncertain one for all clubs with Ice Hockey being no exception.

Despite this, the entire committee and I are working tirelessly to see as many returning players alongside new members returning to the ice.

All photos from pages 22 & 23 were sourced at Wikimedia Commons

Women’s football has been left behind for too long

Matt Branston Deputy Editor

It was revealed recently that the England women’s and men’s football teams had received equal pay since January 2020. They join Brazil, Australia, Finland, New Zealand, and Norway as the only nations to do so. Though the women’s and men’s teams both achieved semi-finals football in their

most recent World Cup campaigns, the Women’s World Cup had 414.1 million total viewers while the Men’s World Cup had over 3.5 billion.

Viewership is often seen as the key issue for equal pay in sports. Men’s sports generate untold greater revenue, viewership, and media attention.

This is the reason given by people like Casey Stoney, head coach of Manchester United Women’s team for the pay gap being just. Many

would say it’s unrealistic to view the two sides as even when the average attendance for the Man Utd men’s team in 2018/19 was 74,000 and the average attendance for the women’s team was 2,180. Equal pay has been long controversial in professional sports. In 2007, it was major news when Venus Williams fought for equal pay and achieved it at Wimbledon. In 2019, US Women’s Football team sued US Soccer for $66 million over

equal pay concerns, though they lost their case as they had bargained for their own contract.

It is likely that the decision by Brazil, England, and the other countries will incite further fair pay agreements, with Ireland among the countries with major calls for equal pay.

Regardless of the arguments for or against this, it is a major achievement for women’s football in England and a milestone for a sport

long mistreated.

After World War I, the women’s game was banned due to jealousy over their crowd sizes being higher than the men’s and fear that their success would further spur the women’s liberation movement onwards.

In this act, women’s football has finally been given the respect it deserves, and England fans can only hope for greater things to come from the Lionesses.

Why Rugby Sevens players may no longer be dressed to the nines

Luke Saward Sport Editor

The coronavirus pandemic has caused financial concern for the vast majority of us and many of the sports we love were badly hit.

Clubs have had to adjust their strategies going forward.

Many have far less transfer activity than before, particularly of big names.

However, most of us tend to expect the players themselves to remain largely unaffected, with their lifestyles becoming only minimally less lavish.

This is not the case for the stars of Rugby Sevens, with the RFU cutting funding for the England national team.

With less than a year remaining prior to the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics – the pinnacle of the sport – the athletes who had trained

so hard to earn their spots can be forgiven for feeling the rug has been pulled out from underneath them.

Equally, with RFU losses projected to be above £100 million, such a drastic act has some logical reasoning.

Nonetheless, it has surprised many and left the very real possibility that Team GB in 2020 may be lacking any English representatives.

This is the same Team GB that achieved Silver in the event in Rio

2016 and had aspirations of going one further this time around.

All this led to Dan Norton, the highest Sevens try-scorer of all time, stating that he fears the sport may regress back to being solely an amateur event.

Many stars have in fact been forced to find alternative employment, many in the fifteen-aside game.

In the case of England vicecaptain Phil Burgess, he became

the Head of Rugby at a school. Through such ventures, in addition to campaigning for help from British businesses and other sponsors, players like Norton hope to self-fund their Olympic dreams. Having to come through such adversity, in terms of preparation mismatches with other nations, will make that illustrious medal harder to come by, But I am sure it will taste much sweeter as well, should it arrive.

Sport

Interviewing UEA Hockey Men’s President Owen Hooper

Callum McWilliams Senior Sport Writer

Hi Owen, there may be a few readers that are unaware of the recent achievements of UEA Men’s Hockey, could you sum it up for them?

Yeah absolutely, we have had quite a good few years now.

So, last season we had our men’s 1s promoted to the highest league they have been in for many years, they are now in the first division locally.

Our men’s 2s just missed out on promotion as well, on percentages. Then the year before that we had another round of promotions, the men’s 3s and the 1s as well.

We have been progressing really quite well locally. A few more years back our Bucs first teams were also promoted and they even got to the finals of the conference cup

Promotions galore! So how are you planning on making the step up now to compete at an even higher level?

Obviously, it is not ideal for any club captain or president right now with coronavirus, but I think as a committee and as a team we have dealt with it all really well, preparing the best we can.

We have been securing friendly games and actually have a full preseason planned which is something that we have not really done before.

I think that could hopefully give us an advantage over teams that might not have played for 6 months or so.

We have also managed to retain a lot of members this year and even added a couple of sports scholars–so I am hoping with all that we can have a good stab at these harder leagues!

What would be a successful season be in your eyes then?

Well I am going to be ambitious, there is no point not being ambitious. We are hoping to do the treble with another promotion, it will be difficult but looking at the boys we have in the squad we are more than capable.

For the 2s to miss out so narrowly again last year, I’m really hoping we can get them promoted this year because they are in the same league and still have a really strong group.

The 3s and 4s are more beginner level teams, so a top 3 finish would be great, but all I can ask really is that everyone tries their very best.

You touched on it briefly before, I am sure a lot of prospective players are wondering about the barriers that coronavirus puts on hockey, and sports in general – could you shed some light?

On the pitch it will be exactly the same as usual.

I guess the only major barrier to

the usual experience is on the social side.

The LCR nights were a big part of hockey and with them not going ahead we are trying to organise stuff that fits all the new guidelines.

That is probably the biggest challenge right now and I am sure other club presidents are feeling it too.

Also, the Bucs league are not doing promotion or relegation this year, so maybe a little competitiveness will be lost, but we are hoping to get a second team set up for that league so we can really maximise our hockey potential. However, we can still have all of our spectators, and people’s flat mates come and support us which is just so great.

For sure, is there anything you want to get across to these prospective UEA hockey maestros that may be reading then?

I think one thing we like to pride ourselves on is that we welcome

anyone regardless of ability. I never even played hockey before coming to uni. (No way). Yeah, and now I am running this show!

Really though, whatever your ability there is a place for you, we have some great coaches and I have come a really long way over the years so people definitely should not be put off if they are no good, because I definitely was not when I started!

So even though the social side of things is a bit different I would encourage anyone to join a sports team, even if it is not hockey, because it can really provide such a great social bubble.

I would also say that in hockey the men’s and women’s teams are so intertwined, basically doing everything together apart from matches so there is a huge family for you to join.

Thanks Owen, best of luck for the season.

Photo: UEA Hockey