Concrete Issue 344

10

>> Michael Palin talks comedy and rejection

15 8 >> Christmas adverts: How pricey was Paddington?

>> Tensions run high as Trump tours Asia

21st November 2017 Issue 344

The official student newspaper of the University of East Anglia | concrete-online.co.uk

Library isn't accessible, say disabled students SU to lobby university on accessibility Sophie Bunce Deputy Editor Disabled students say they are unable or struggle to access parts of the UEA Library and Arts Hub. At the most recent Union Council meeting, a motion was passed for the students’ union to lobby UEA “ to ensure there is equality of access for all students including wheelchairs users and other students with disabilities to all facilities but particularly the Library and the Arts Hub.” Emily Cutler, SU Disabled Students’ Officer, argued access to the library and Arts Hub requires immediate attention as it restricts students learning.

Ms Cutler said: “Accessibility on our campus is a joke- the fact that some students can’t access their own hub has a major impact on their access to education especially when it comes to extensions, module changes and handing in coursework.”

“As Disability History Month begins, we’re calling on Uni management to invest in access and set out a detailed plan for fixing these problems in coming months and years.”

Hannah Murgatroyd, Peer Support Societies representative, said campus is ill designed to accommodate disabled students needs. She said “students who are

Students say they struggle to access the Arts Hub too

not able to use an evacuation chair” are completely unable to use floors of the library which require a lift to access.

“There is one wheelchair accessible study room on floor 01 of the library. However, it's not that accessible. While the length of the room has been increased the room isn't wide enough. To get my wheelchair in I have to go around the corner to wait for the door to close and then park my wheelchair in front of the door which is a fire risk.”

She said the library toilet facilities are insufficient as there are also no disabled toilets on floor 0 of the library and “the disabled toilet on floor 01 of the library isn't a sufficient size.”

Students who are not physically able to get out of their chairs are unable to access the Arts Hub via the lifts, according to Ms Murgatroyd.

The Arts Hub is essential for AMA, DEV, ECO, HIS, HUM, LAW, LDC, and PPL students.

A UEA spokesperson said the Estates department have developed a holistic Estate Strategy to overhaul huge areas of campus as well as oversee the completion of over 17,000sqm of new buildings for learning and teaching.

In the summer, UEA invested approximately £300,000 in improving disability access in the

Continued on page 6

Prayer space refurbishment "far overdue"

Emily Hawkins Editor-in-Chief A plan to refurbish the Islamic Prayer Facility in the Lecture Theatre block has been welcomed, but Muslim students have said they await further progress on prayer provision.

The prayer facility was the only part of the lecture building to not receive a refurbishment over the summer to the disatisfaction of students. The Students’ Union compared the facilities to that of other universities and said it was time for a refurbishment.

Dr Jon Sharp, Director of Student

Services, said: “The university is committed to providing appropriate spaces for spiritual and religious activity and has been working very closely with the Students’ Union on the specific issue of space for Islamic prayer."

The university said they have drawn up a refurbishment plan for the daily prayer facility to take place in late December. A spokesperson for UEA said this plan was devised in “full consultation” with the SU and UEA Islamic Society (ISOC) with alternative prayer arrangements for the period when work is taking place having been agreed.

They added: “The timing for that work has been agreed so

as to minimise any disruption to students using that space for prayer.

Alternative prayer arrangements for this period have been agreed with ISOC and the Students’ Union.”

SU Welfare Community and Diversity Officer India Edwards said: “Muslim students will be pleased that, following sustained public pressure from the ISOC and SU, the university has finally agreed to refurbish their daily prayer space - some six months after the rest of the lecture theatre block.”

However, students have said the plans are overdue and other aspects of prayer provision remain unclear.

Haroon Razmandeh, President of UEA Islamic Society (ISOC) said:

“With regards to the refurbishment of the daily prayer facilities in the Lecture Theatre building, the university has said they will do so and provide us with the details.

“However, as of yet, they have only paid lip service to the matter and nothing is in writing, nor have any plans been confirmed.

“We have been waiting months for the plans and they are far overdue.”

Ms Edwards said there was continued concern over the issue of Friday prayer, presently in the Blackdale Main Hall, in exam time.

Ms Edwards described Friday prayer facilities as “in flux”, owing to the university’s current system

of requiring the space for exams during the end of year assessment period.

“The issue is far from overwhich is why the uni now needs to find a permanent home for Islamic prayer, and deliver on its promise of facilities that ‘UEA can be proud of’,” she said.

The university said they have already met with ISOC and the SU to agree an alternative space for Friday prayer during exam time, with arrangements to facilitate overnight access to the Blackdale space during Ramadan.

Last year, Muslim students were

Continued on page 3

21st November 2017

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Editorial SPA success, trams, and Nottingham Sophie Bunce Deputy Editor

Concrete, Christmas, challenges Emily Hawkins Editor-in-Chief Deadlines are looming, the nights are drawing darker earlier, and seminar attendance is dropping down into the half-dozens.

Christmas lights have been put up around campus and the Tunnel of Light has returned to the marketplace, though the Media Collective have yet to tear up copies of Concrete to make paper chains as is tradition.

It might not quite be time to feel festive (despite our illustrator Emily Mildren’s cartoon and Livewire’s insistence on playing Mariah Carey every half an hour since the clock struck midnight on the 31st of October), but Concrete have been busy planning a festive-themed next issue, the last of the 2017 year.

If you’d like to contribute an article or artwork to the next issue, it’s not too late - you can find all our section editors’ details on our website, concrete-online. co.uk. Rising to the challenge of something new and making the most of the opportunities presented is a common theme this issue.

In our Features section this week, the actor and comedian Michael Palin tells us that rejections are inevitable, but despite this it is necessary to focus on whatever it is you enjoy doing or want to achieve.

Turn to page 10 for the full interview, and some excellent pictures of the national treasure enjoying flipping through the last issue of Concrete.

Last Saturday saw team

Concrete board a 6:53 morning train to Nottingham, ahead of the Student Publication Association (SPA) first regional conference.

Thank you to Impact magazine at Nottingham for having us and hosting the event. I was proud to be awarded Best Impact and Best Journalist, but before the awards, Concrete attended workshops by speakers in the journalism industry.

One of the speakers was none other than former Concrete Editor-inChief Katie Hind, who spoke of how the newspaper industry has to adapt in the face of an online news cycle that never pauses.

"Concrete attended workshops by speakers in the journalism industry.

One of the speakers was none other than former Concrete Editor-inChief Katie Hind" We definitely left Nottingham with a new determination to make our online presence bigger and better (watch out for the return of the animated website snow, readers), and apparently an admiration for European public transport.

News reporter Louise Lazell also heard from the UEA Islamic Society this week, and has covered the success of their Charity Week, which saw more than £2,500 raised for charity.

Sometimes though, it isn’t possible to ‘just do it’ or even to ‘just get over it’. On page 13, Hannah Brown looks at Anti-Bullying Week and whether the impact of bullying is disregarded in university spaces.

Our front page this week highlights the issue of students struggling to access educational resources owing to a lack of access into the Arts Hub and Library.

Accessibility perhaps wasn’t a key consideration in the original 1960s’ blueprint of UEA, with all its jagged edges and multitude of stairways, and so as the university works on expanding its campus, it is important that the access needs of all students are considered.

Thankfully, it seems that plans to renovate the Lasdun Wall will continue in the vein of this summer’s renovations to teaching spaces, which included better disabled access and new audio visual systems. Unfortunately, it is six months later that Muslim students, whose daily prayer facility is situated within the same building as the main lecture theatres, have heard that their space will receive a refurbishment at the end of the term.

This news should be warmly welcomed, but it is evident students still feel concerned about the rate of progress for a permanent space.

There are many things I have disdain for. It's often justified, if only to me, and once decided is as definite as UEA's superiority over Essex. But following Concrete’s trip to Nottingham for the regional student journalism awards, I have had a change in opinion that I want in writing. I now like trams.

I thought they were outdated and redundant. But it turns out they are cleaner, more punctual and all round better than buses.

My eyes are open and I’m never going back to my pre-tram ways.

Features also focus on eye opening topics this issue, with Chloe Howcroft examining the fashion industry’s treatment of workers on page 11. Her views on high street bargains will make me consider my next trip to the shops.

Nottingham was an opportunity to escape the UEA bubble and meet student journalists. It was encouraging to speak to other students who also spend more time in the office than their bedrooms and have them admire your layout while asking about the print run. It also helped that Concrete did well at the awards, with Editor-in-Chief Emily Hawkins winning Best Impact and Best Student Journalist.

But if you're happy residing well within our concrete campus, take at look at page 17, where we debate the UEA topic on everyone's lips; Concrete Confessions and it’s very own love story gone wrong. In Comment we are talking about Tall History Boy and Short Literature Girl. Our very own Romeo and Juliet. Sort of.

Was it love? Should we mourn the loss? Did History Boy make a grave mistake? These are questions intended for minds greater than mine.

All I know right now, with absolute clarity and all the wisdom I can share, is that trams are a joy and I’d recommend them over the bus any day.

concrete-online.co.uk

The University of East Anglia’s Official Student newspaper since 1992 Tuesday 21st November 2017 Issue 344 Union House University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593466 www.concrete-online.co.uk Editor-in-Chief Emily Hawkins concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editor Sophie Bunce concrete.deputy@uea.ac.uk Online Jacob Chamberlain Nathan Price Natalie Cotterill concrete.online@uea.ac.uk News News Editor: Matt Nixon Senior Reporter: Shannon McDonagh concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Global Eddie Booth concrete.global@uea.ac.uk Features Hattie Griffiths Tony Allen concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Comment Jack Ashton concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk Finance Finance Editor: Jodie Bailey Senior Reporter: Will Richardson concrete.finance@uea.ac.uk Science Science Editor: Beth Papworth Senior Reporter: Alex Millard concrete.scienv@uea.ac.uk Travel Beverly Devakishen concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Sport Daniel Cook Sophie Christian concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Chief Copy-Editors Hannah Brown Sophie Clayton concrete.copy@uea.ac.uk Marketing and Events Amelia Rentell

Concrete_UEA concreteuea concrete_UEA Front page: Flickr, Gleen Wood, Booyabazooka, Wikimedia, Vecteezy.

Social Media Emily Latimer Freddie Carty Art and Design Yaiza Canopoli Emily Mildren concrete.artdesign@uea.ac.uk

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

No part of this newspaper may be reproduced by any means without the permission of the Editor-in-Chief, Emily Hawkins. Published by the Union of UEA Students on behalf of Concrete. Concrete is a UUEAS society, but retains editorial independence as regards to any content. Opinions expressed herein are those of individual writers, not of Concrete or its editorial team.

News

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21st November 2017

Advertising watchdog rules satisfaction claims are 'misleading'

The Advertising Standards Agency say UEA's claim to be "in the top five for student satisfaction" cannot be substantiated

Matt Nixon News Editor The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has told the university that they must stop claiming to be in the “top five for student satisfaction” in the National Student Survey (NSS), since receiving a complaint.

After an investigation, the ASA council ruled that UEA’s claim to be is misleading and unable to be adequately substantiated.

"The university accepts the ASA ruling and will stop using this wording" The university suggested the classification of “English mainstream” universities is widely used by other universities in relation to NSS results. However the ASA say the term “English mainstream” is insufficiently clear.

The advertising watchdog had been investigating at least six other universities for using advertisements which mislead students about their academic standards, it has emerged.

Universities who have also been flagged up by the ASA include Leicester, Falmouth, and the University of West London.

All the universities involved have been told by the ASA to remove

Photo: Yutian Le ‘unsubstantiated’ claims from their websites and promotional materials, and that they must have relevant data to back up their adverts in the future.

The ASA’s chief executive, Guy Parker, said that universities must ensure that students aren’t tricked by universities into making the wrong choice about their education.

Mr. Parker said: “If you're making claims about your national or global ranking, student satisfaction or graduate prospects, make sure you practice what you teach: play by the advertising rules, in particular by

backing up your claims with good evidence.”

UEA SU Postgraduate Education Officer Maddie Colledge echoed Parker’s concerns.

She said: “[The SU] know from talking to students that when they’re making uni choices, it’s getting very difficult to differentiate between reliable information and overblown marketing claims.

“Headline stats like ‘Top five for satisfaction’ might make us feel great but they mask all sorts of differences between courses and other indicators like satisfaction

with assessment and feedback or the library.”

Ms. Colledge also said the SU will be urging the government’s new Office for Students’ to “regulate to make sure that students can access objective information that helps them cut through the glossy brochures and exaggerated claims”.

Speaking to Concrete, a spokesperson for UEA said: "The university accepts the ASA ruling and will stop using this wording in its communications and marketing materials.”

University staff have already

been told they must remove any reference to being in the ‘top 5 for student satisfaction’ from their email signatures.

The spokesperson added: “The classification ‘English mainstream’ has been used widely across the higher education sector to filter out small and specialist universities."

They said the wording was " intended to help make like-for-like comparisons easier in relation to National Student Survey results "UEA remains extremely proud of its consistently high student satisfaction rates," they said.

Rugby club 'cease social activity' ahead of disciplinary Matt Nixon News Editor The UEA Men’s Rugby Club are currently not holding any social events ‘under the banner’ of the club, after a meeting with the Students’ Union in which it was suggested “that the club committee is not currently able to ensure compliance with agreed Risk and Health and Safety Policies during its activities.”

A spokesperson for UEA Sport and the SU told Concrete that the club had a meeting with the SU “following a series of incidents, reports from Rugby Club members and subsequent internal meetings [between] the UEA Department of Sport and SU.” The spokesperson added: “[UEA Sport and the SU] envisage a formal disciplinary investigation to commence in due course, but for the time being we are keen to identify if there are ways in which we can assist the club committee in regaining control of club activity such that it is in line with the rules

and safe. To this end meetings are taking place this week.”

Speaking to Concrete, the Rugby Club’s publicity secretary Fraser Harrop said: “As a club, we are refraining from holding large social gatherings on campus. This is a self-imposed restraint and we are confident that by working closely with the SU we can shake the stigma around the club.”

Mr. Harrop added that the Men’s Rugby Club remains “alive and well, and [has] not been banned by either UEA Sport or the Students’ Union.”

"The reputation of the club will be salvaged” According to the spokesperson for UEA Sport and the SU, it has been decided that “until the situation is resolved the club is no longer permitted to engage in any activity (sporting and social) unless directly supervised.”

However, the Rugby Club dispute this claim.

“We train twice a week and play matches without supervision.

At no point have we been told not to engage in sporting activity,” Mr. Harrop said.

“It was merely suggested to us that we cease social activity for the time being under the ‘banner of UEARFC’.”

Mr. Harrop said the Men’s Rugby Club want to change their reputation.

“We understand that we fall victim to reputation on campus and we are aware that we are the club that everyone loves to hate, but it is our aim to ensure that members of the rugby club at UEA have the best time possible in their years with us.”

The Club said they “categorically” deny any accusations of hazing and initiations.

The club concluded that they “are eager for this minor disciplinary blip not to outshine the terrific year the club is having on the pitch.”

“We’re confident that by the end of the season, the reputation of the club will be salvaged and we will be known for our success on the pitch.”

Mr. Harrop said.

Continued from front page

told the Islamic `Prayer Facility in the Lecture Theatre block would be unavailable, owing to building work on the Library and lecture theatres over the summer.

The incident made national headlines and saw students pray in the Square in demonstration against the decision to temporarily close the facility without informing students.

In 2012 there was a similar campaign when it was announced an Islamic Centre on Chancellor’s Drive would be demolished.

Now students are hoping to see a permanent specialised facility built in the next few years.

The university said they have set up a Working Group to look at the long-term provision of prayer space for Muslim students.

The group will be chaired by Professor Sarah Barrow, Pro ViceChancellor for Arts and Humanities, and has been established with membership from both the Students’ Union and ISOC. A spokesperson for UEA told Concrete: “There should be no doubt about the university’s commitment to providing long-term space for Islamic prayer.

“The Vice Chancellor has met with both Student Union and ISOC representatives to provide his verbal assurances, confirmed in writing that our commitment in this area in unequivocal and continuous.”

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21st November 2017

News

ISOC raise thousands for charity Louise Lazell News Reporter

The UEA Islamic Society (ISOC) raised more than £2,350 for the ‘Islamic Relief’ charity during the course of the society’s charity week.

A variety of events were held around campus in late October to raise money to supply education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security to multiple regions and thousands of citizens worldwide.

This includes putting resources towards the ongoing Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.

The charity week began with its’ biggest event, Halalfest, a mini food festival where students from UEA ISOC and their families cooked and brought in food to share.

With the help of seven other committees and donations from shops this event was a huge success raising over £750 alone.

Other events included a popular henna and cake sale, followed by an evening in collaboration with the Womanist Society presenting a panel of four female students to speak out on their experiences as Black Muslims.

They organised a charity football match by teaming up with other societies and collecting donations

Upgrade to Avenue pedalways criticised

during the game. The week ended on a high with the opportunity for sumo-suit wrestling in the Hive, bringing in another £180. Separate to the charity week, ISOC also raised over £600 with a charity head shave which surpassed the society’s target.

"Charity week is a symbol of unity and solidarity between people of all ages, religions and ethnicities" Haroon Razmandeh, President of UEA ISOC, spoke to Concrete about the week’s success.

He said: “Charity Week has lived up to its initial aim that was established about a decade ago – a symbol of unity and solidarity between people of all ages, religions and ethnicities.

"I am grateful of the wonderful charity I am surrounded by at UEA who donated to the cause and the volunteers who worked tirelessly.”

Photo: Shahirmihad , Wikimedia

Photo: Katy Walters, Geograph

Matt Nixon News Editor Upgrades to the Norwich pedalway scheme, which passes along The Avenues, have been criticised by cyclists who say there is no benefit Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, cyclist Laura McKinlay has expressed concern that the most recent upgrades to the southern section of Bluebell Road are not safe.

Ms. McKinlay, who commutes to and from UEA every week, says cyclists and pedestrians are being forced to share narrow sections of the foothpath which borders UEA, and that busier roads along The Avenues have been neglected by the council.

The most recent upgrade to the pedalways cost £431,887 but stops at the junction of South Park Avenue

as funding is unable to cover the entirety of Bluebell Road, which runs next to the university.

Ms McKinlay said: “While it is meant to be a shared cycle and footpath it is not as practical as that.

Highways said they didn’t have enough money, and they prioritised the bottom bit.

“It is all very well saying cyclists need to go on the road but it does encounter a lot of aggression from drivers,” she added. “It is really difficult and we are all trying to inhabit the same space."

The secretary of the Norwich Cycling Campaign, Margaret Todd, has said it is “disappointing” that upgrades failed to extend as far as the junction on Bluebell Road.

She said: “it was really unfortunate there wasn’t a link through to the improvements made at the Eaton crossroads, that is a

really important route for cyclists.”

However, Ms. Todd said the Norwich Cycling Campaign “welcome the upgrade to the shared path on Bluebell Road because a lot of our members would grumble about how narrow and uneven it was.”

A spokesperson for Transport for Norwich has said: “Current work on Bluebell Road will dramatically improve the quality of cycling facility along this part of the blue pedalway, providing cyclists with the option of using a path that’s separated from traffic on the road.”

Another spokeswoman added that the work on Bluebell Road stops at the South Park Road junction because it is a natural end point for cyclists as it is a well-used exit from the pedalways, although current funding doesn’t allow work to be extended anyway.

celebrating disability history month 22nd nov - 22nd dec

su

find out more: uea.su/dhm

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21st November 2017

Leak shows Oxbridge universities invested millions offshore Seàn Bennett News Reporter Documents leaked from the Paradise Papers have revealed that the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and nearly half of all Oxbridge colleges, have been investing tens of millions of pounds in secret offshore funds, including in a joint venture to develop oil exploration and deep-sea drilling.

The Paradise Papers refer to a leak of 13.4 million individual files detailing the use of tax havens by a vast number of public figures and major corporations. The documents were originally obtained by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung before being distributed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Files leaked have shown that both Oxbridge universities have invested significant funds to multibillion-dollar private equity partnerships based in the Cayman Islands, a tax haven which the documents have shown are popular with hedge funds. This means the universities could avoid a US tax on hedge fund investments and receive their dividends tax-free.

In 2006, Oxford University invested over £2.6m in a private equity firm based in Guernsey.

Cambridge invested over £1.2m in the same fund. Prem Sikka, an emeritus professor in accounting at the University of Essex, has publicly

News News in brief Student Loan

Company fires CEO

Photo: Paul Stainthorp, Flickr questioned the ethics the two universities sending endowments offshore.

"Both universities have invested significant funds to multibillion-dollar private equity partnerships" Mr. Sikka said all the Cayman Islands offer “is secrecy and tax avoidance,” and added: “There

is nothing else there. It’s not as if this is a place actively engaged in advancing science, research or human knowledge.”

Among the investments made by the universities were ventures concerning fossil fuels and deepsea drilling, which has exacerbated the tension of the situation, as the actions of the universities fly directly in the face of their pledges to uphold and encourage sustainable development.

The Guardian report that one of the largest joint ventures by Oxford and Cambridge was in Xtreme Coil, a firm which specialises in “innovative and efficient drilling rigs” which are able to “reach

hydrocarbons in deeper horizons.”

Commenting on the revelations, Cambridge said the university and colleges are charities, claiming , “This means there is normally no tax to pay.” The university adds: “A highly reputable adviser” managed funds and made independent decisions about specific investments.

Oxford University said there was a "robust oversight" of its holdings, and added that offshore investments are “commonly used in the investment industry, including higher education endowments globally.”

The revelations increase the pressure on the universities to abandon fossil fuel investments.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) has made the decision to sack Chief Executive Steve Lamey following his suspension last July.

The suspension came after intervention from the Department for Education following calls for an investigation into both his conduct as a leader and practices within the company.

The SLC initially stated at the time of the investigation that it was a “neutral act” that “did not imply wrongdoing,” however, it's findings now somewhat contradict this belief, with claims of “misconduct” on his behalf.

Lamey, 61, will be the third CEO to have abandoned the £200,000 a year position amid controversy since 2010.

He had been in the role for a year prior to the sacking, the shortest tenure of all of SLC’s Chief Executives in this period.

Pete Lauener, the current Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the Institute for Apprenticeship, will now act as the SLC’s interim Chief Executive from the end of this month.

A new person is due to be appointed to the role at the beginning of the new year.

Shannon McDonagh

Students join national free education demo UEA Oxfam to celebrate

charity's 75th anniversary Beth Papworth News Reporter

Photo: Thai Braddick Camomile Shumba News Reporter On Wednesday 15th November, UEA SU joined a national student demonstration in London for free education.

The event attracted thousands of students from across the country, all demanding that education should be free and funded by taxing the richest in society.

Vice President of the National Union of Students (NUS), Kirsty Haigh, says the aim of the event was to “put free education on the political agenda” and is part of a “fightback against privatisation and attacks on living standards.”

SU Non Portfolio Officer Lucy Auger explained the SU supported the demonstration and provided free coach transport to it because “UEA SU proudly supports free education.”

She explained: “For the first time in years, free education is firmly within reach. Continuing to fight for an end to tuition fees is absolutely vital - and we must show current and successive governments that we have not forgotten what was taken from us, and that we are willing to fight for free education as long as it takes.”

Alongside the NUS and UEA SU, the demonstration was supported

by UEA’s Socialist and Momentum societies. Thai Braddick, president of UEA Momentum, told Concrete how thousands of students “marched through London and rallied in front of Westminster for free education for all.”

He said: “UEA Momentum were extremely proud to take part in the #FreeEdNow demo."

He added that the group were showing support, “in solidarity with student societies and worker's unions all over Britain.

“The #FreeEdNow demo was just the beginning though, and we hope to continue to agitate and organise direct action until we see an end to the marketisation of the university system. Education isn’t a privilege – it’s a right.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also showed support for the annual march. He said: “The political establishment has betrayed young people. Since 2010, the Tories have made unprecedented cuts to further education.

“Now the Tories think that capping university fees at £9,250 will be some sort of remedy to all this.

What an insult.

"Everyone should have access to free education, from the cradle to the grave.”

The organisers of the demonstration expected around 10,000 young people to attend, but the turnout appeared to be lower than it has been in previous years.

UEA’s Oxfam society will be hosting an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the charity and its work. On Wednesday 29th November, in association with the Oxfam store on Magdalen Street, the society will showcase a variety of entertainment, including musical performers from the university choir, local bands, singers, and songwriters.

Oxfam is an international confederation of charitable organizations focused on the alleviation of global poverty.

In 2016 Oxfam helped more than 22 million people worldwide, providing emergency aid in humanitarian crises and running long-term development projects to help poor communities improve their lives. The charity is also known to campaign for action in tackling poverty’s root causes including climate change, inequality, and discrimination against women.

Mark Goldring, Chief Executive of Oxfam said: "Our work providing life-saving aid and standing up for the rights of the world's poorest people would simply not be possible without the compassion and support of the British public.

“We want to thank everyone

who has so generously given their time and money over the decades to help Oxfam - from donating to appeals and signing petitions to volunteering in shops.”

Speaking to Concrete, the society said the sheer size of their upcoming event "is unprecedented on campus for our society."

"Celebrating

Oxfam's achievements is why we are excited, because it inspires new generations to fundraise" They added: "Celebrating Oxfam's achievements is why we are excited, because it inspires new generations to fundraise, and 75 years is such a long time to be around for.

"We encourage anyone to come along, whether or not they have volunteered before."

The celebration will be held at the Julian Study Centre (Room 3.02) and starts at 6:00pm on Wednesday 29th November.

6

21st November 2017

News

Golden Triangle care home to house 70 students Shannon McDonagh Senior News Reporter

Norwich City Council have granted planning permission to a developer looking to convert an old people’s home into student accommodation.

Somerley Care Home, based near Unthank Road, was sold for £1.1 million to Prabodh Devlukia.

The agreed plans for conversion involve a space for 66 students to reside, with little changes to the layout of the care home as it is at present.

The proposal to convert the accommodation was met with half a dozen objections.

Neighbours of the building expressed concerns to the council over noise, traffic, litter, and that there are already too many students

in the area.

Conditions of the development, as proposed by local residents opposed to it, now include a 24hour on site manager and extra bus stop space outside the building.

"Neighbours of the building expressed concerns to the council"

Norwich City Council has said the applicant has been “very cooperative” with these requests.

Residents of the care home have been relocated to the £18 million development in Bowthorpe Care Village.

This was the basis in which Labour’s David Bradford formally opposed the development, being the only planning committee member to vote against it due to concerns that there is a shortage of city based care homes for elderly people in Norwich.

Growing concerns over a higher demand for student accommodation have lead to an increased interest in developments over recent years.

Last July, Crown Student Living made a successful bid of £45 million to convert St. Stephen’s Towers into city based accommodation for up to 700 UEA students, a scheme backed by the university.

Other successful developments include NUA’s All Saints Green complex, which was completed in 2015, soon to be joined by 244 bed tower known as The Quad.

UK research subsidised by overseas students' fees

Photo: Alex Hayford

Beth Papworth News Reporter According to a report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), research is so underfunded in the UK that overseas students are subsidising it through their tuition fees that accumulate to staggering figures of £8,000 each.

Despite efforts over several years to overcome the research’s lack of funding by grants from public funders and charities, there is still a significant financial loss in research.

Consequently, the report calls for urgent action in the government’s autumn budget to close the estimated £3.3 billion deficit in research funding.

It has been reported that the teaching of overseas students is the main source of cross-subsidy

Continued from front page Library. This involved the replacement of two lifts and upgrading the shafts.

However, the university said because “the library is an original 1970s concrete frame building”, the lift shaft forms part of the main core structure holding the building up it means that we cannot knock it out of the building to make it fully compliant as a fire lift.”

The university said: “The designs will have to be fully compliant with Building Regulations Part M as

for research, offering a surplus of approximately £1.8 billion.

The study deduces that £3,800 of the average annual tuition fee paid by international students is attributed to funding research, which is more than £8,000 over the course of an average degree.

Vicky Olive, a postgraduate economics student at the University of Oxford said: “International students know that they pay above cost price to study in the UK, but not what their fees pay for.

Most would be shocked to find out how much goes towards funding research, although students prefer that their money funds research rather than bureaucracy within their university.”

She also claimed that the fundamental part to the debate was more communication and transparency on cross-subsidies as students may not be “averse” to

a proportion of fees going towards research “so long as it filters through to teaching quality”.

Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI said: “While some cross-subsidies were inevitable, even desirable in UK higher education, the transfer from teaching to research looks less sustainable than it did”.

This is taking into account the particular focus on tuition fees and whether they should be reduced for students across the UK. The report also elucidated that in order for the government to reach its targets of increasing spending on research development to 3 per cent of GDP, a total of £6.3 billion a year extra would be needed, including from the charity sector.

The report concluded that it is vital that the government add an extra £1 billion for research in this month’s budget to ease the deficit of charity funding.

per legal requirements for all new builds, and as far as practicably possible for refurbishments.”

“We have worked hard to make it comply as close as possible, and we are investigating how we can provide the electrical supply to a new back-up generator to one of the lifts so that it could be used in case of emergency evacuation.”

UEA has an additional design guide which exceed these regulations and includes “the requirement for fire evacuation lifts to be installed in new building projects, and wherever possible in major refurbishment projects.”

These were implemented in Barton and Hickling and will be used in Building 60, which is due to start on site in January 2018. Building Zero, the building of which is scheduled to begin in 2019, will replace the Arts building. Refurbishment plans also include extensive plans to improve disabled students access to learning and teaching spaces on the Lasdun Wall.

Emilia Bug, Open Place officer for Disabled Students Liberation Society said accessibility issues are one of the most common concerns she hears from students for a diverse range of disabilities.

NUS launch survey for Muslim students Matt Nixon News Editor

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month in the UK, which for many within the Muslim community, is an opportunity to speak openly about experiences of discrimination in British society.

To help speak out about discrimination, the National Union of Students (NUS), has launched a new survey which aims “to record the individual experiences of Muslim students and sabbatical officers from around the country.”

The NUS say they hope “this survey will capture the precarious position that many Muslims find themselves in,” adding that with the results they will “produce a set of recommendations for students’ unions on how best to support their Muslim sabbatical officers and Muslim students as a whole.”

In a joint blogpost published at the beginning of the month, NUS Women’s Officer Hareem Ghani, Black Students’ Officer Ilyas Nagdee, and VP of Union Development Ali Milani said: “From state censorship under the guise of counter-terrorism, to the verbal and physical harassment experience by Muslims in public spaces – there

is no denying that Islamophobia and systematic racism is a key component of what it means to be a Muslim in Britain today.”

They add that the Muslim community are one of the “most economically disadvantaged” groups in the country, often “held back from reaching their full potential at every stage of their lives.”

The NUS hope that by recording the individual experience of Muslim students, they will be able to shed light onto the extent of Islamophobia in Britain, and also improve the lives of Muslim students across the country.

Throughout the rest of Islamophobia Awareness Month, the NUS are running several other events to help “create a broader discussion on how issues of gender, race and class are intrinsically linked to the Muslim identity.”

For instance, a ‘Gendered Islamophobia’ tour aims to platform the voices of Muslim women, and another round of the ‘Students Not Suspects’ tour aims to fight against the government’s Prevent policy, which the NUS officers mentioned above call ‘draconian’.

The survey will close at 11am on January 8th 2018, and can be found at nusconnect.org.uk.

Nightline to host awareness week Cat Leyland News Reporter UEA’s student-led confidential listening and support service, Nightline, will be running an awareness week next week from the 20th-24th of November.

The focus of the week is on self-care, and the organisation is partnering with several societies to provide a range of activities which promote and encourage self-care.

There will be a different event to try out every day, with a full timetable available on the society’s Facebook page.

Events are set to include beginner’s running and salsa classes, art therapy and even a knitting workshop where students can learn how to make mittens.

Nightline will also be selling cake and giving out condoms in the Hive on Friday.

The week aims not only to encourage students to take care of themselves but also

to raise awareness of the service provided by the society. Nightline is available from 8pm-8am every week day during term time, and provides ‘confidential and non-judgmental listening and information’ for students in need.

"The week aims to encourage students to take care of themselves" Nightline can be contacted by phone, text or skype, and even in person at the Student Support Centre.

All of their contact information is available on the Nightline Facebook page and website, as is more information about the awareness week.

Photo: Matt Nixon

Global Saudi-Lebanon rift grows 8

21st November 2017

Ollie Ryan Tucker examines the tense situation in the Gulf

Lebanon and the wider region were left stunned by a series of bizarre events surrounding the Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, and Saudi Arabia.

Though reaction in the Western world has been stunted, the severity of the situation has even started to turn heads in the USA and Europe. The events started with the sudden resignation of Saad Hariri on 4 November, with Hariri citing threats against his life by Lebanese militia group Hezbollah and the growing control that Iran has over the country as the reason.

Hariri made the announcement in a televised statement whilst in Saudi Arabia which raised questions as to Saudi Arabia’s involvement in this decision, with many analysts believing Hariri was being held unwillingly in the country.

“...citing threats on his life by Lebanese militia group Hezbollah” Reuters reported that after Hariri’s arrival in Saudi Arabia his phone was confiscated and the statement he read out was given to him by Saudi officials.

However, the original statement was followed up on 12 November by an hour-long interview with a Lebanese journalist, where Hariri backtracked on earlier confrontational statements and on the resignation itself. He repeatedly described it as an attempt at giving a “positive shock” to Lebanese politics, in an interview that left many with more questions than

Saudi Arabia has also been left frustrated in its Yemen campaign which has seen Iranian and Hezbollah backed Houthis hold their own against a better equipped and costly Saudi coalition. A Houthi missile came close to Riyadh on the 4th November, the first time that an attack has come close to the Saudi capital, and Saudi Arabia accused Iran of having supplied Houthi rebels with the ballistic missile.

“MBS has been accused of... launching a purge”

Photo: Russia President Online answers. He is expected to return to Lebanon in the coming weeks.

Hariri’s father, Rafic Hariri, former Prime Minister, was assassinated in 2005 with Hezbollah and Syria widely suspected.

However, Hezbollah angrily rejected the idea it had planned his son Saad Hariri’s killing, with Lebanese security forces stating it was unaware of any plot.

Lebanon has long suffered foreign involvement in its political affairs, with Saudi Arabia having heavily supported Hariri’s Sunni Muslim Future Movement Party.

Likewise, Hezbollah, a Shia group, is an Iranian affiliate and views Iranian Supreme Ayatollah Ali

Khamenei as its religious leader.

Sectarianism is rife in Lebanon’s fragile political and confessional system; the constitution dictates that the President must be Christian Maronite, the Prime Minister must be Sunni (as Saad Hariri is) and the Speaker of the Parliament must be Shia. This delicate power sharing agreement has prevented civil war in recent times, but critics argue it reinforces and supports the sectarian nature of Lebanese society. Moreover, Lebanese sects have become heavily dependent on foreign support, with Christian Maronites traditionally looking to the West and France, Sunnis looking to Saudi Arabia and other

Middle Eastern Sunni powers.

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution Lebanese Shia have looked heavily to Iran.

This has resulted in Lebanon being heavily affected by other regional conflicts. Accordingly, the wider power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia is seen in Lebanese society. Hariri’s resignation is viewed by many as an attempt by Saudi Arabia to confront a growing Iranian presence in the Levantine region. Iranian success in the Syrian Civil War has seen its power and influence over Iraq and Syria grow, whilst Saudi Arabia’s decision to support Syrian rebels has failed to pay off.

Saudi Arabia itself is also undergoing a degree of political turmoil, with a huge number of high profile arrests in the last weeks. 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman or “MBS” has been accused of attempting to secure his succession to the throne by launching a corruption purge, with 201 detained. Among those detained are Al-Waleed Bin Talal, the world’s 45th richest man and two sons of King Abdullah who died in 2015, with detainees held in Riyadh’s 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Opinion is divided as to whether these past two weeks show “MBS” as a savvy political operator or a impetuous and rash regional actor.

With both the Syrian Civil War and the fight against ISIS slowly winding down the focus is once again on the regional struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and with it, widespread uncertainty over what will happen next.

Trump visits five countries on tour of Asia Daniel Peters Global Writer Donald Trump’s twelve day Asian tour drew to a close last Tuesday as he boarded Air Force One and headed back to the United States.

The eyes of the world watched with great attention, especially given the recent escalation of tensions with North Korea. Despite the odd ‘gaffe’ or two, the tour largely went off without major incident.

The tour came during what is a period of great uncertainty and upheaval in US-Asian relations.

Since assuming office earlier this year, Trump has handled US foreign policy very differently to his predecessors. His withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership has shed doubt over the future

of US trade with nations such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His interactions with China have also been mixed, often dithering between admiration and condemnation. This relationship is often considered the most important in global politics, thus his Beijing visit was bound to attract international attention.

Then comes the obvious topic of North Korea. Over the summer, tensions with Kim Jongun have escalated to new heights as the US President adopted a much more aggressive stance.

Trump’s presence on the peninsula undoubtedly brought the Korean dilemma once again back to the forefront of people’s minds.

The tour itself consisted of five countries all in the Pacific Rim – Japan, South Korea, China,

Vietnam and the Philippines.

All states offered a very warm welcome and Trump seemed to enjoy the positive attention.

Avoiding issues of democracy and human rights in favour of trade and militaries, Trump spoke in broad terms about protecting American interests, whilst also aiming to bring reassurance that he was a reasonable and necessary ally.

Trump will undoubtedly label his trip a success, and in comparison to his wild campaigning rhetoric that would seem reasonable. However, critics would suggest that the tour actually brought into focus the contrast between American and Chinese ambition. Trump’s lavish praises of Xi Jinping were not reciprocated to anywhere near the same extent.

America’s overwhelming message

of self-promotion stood in stark contrast to a timely Xi Jinping speech on innovation, unity and climate change. It is widely seen that China, and Xi in particular, are seeking to extend their global presence as a leader as the USA struggles to unite behind Trump and his agenda. Then in a spat of high-profile twitter engagements, Trump used the words ‘short and fat’ in relation to Kim Jong-un, whilst simultaneously urging him to ‘be his friend’.

Despite their childish nature, these tweets do portray a wider sense of contradiction and ambiguity. Twelve days of talk have drawn to a close, yet the world remains on edge about what the future could hold for America, China, North Korea and the region as a whole.

President Trump on China: 2011: “China is raping this Country!”

2012: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive.”

2016: “China is the great abuser of the United States economically and we do nothing about it.”

2017: “I do have a very good relationship with Xi. He is a strong person, he’s a very smart person. I like him a lot.

He likes me.”

9

21st November 2017

Priti Patel resigns amid Israel scandal George Goldberg Global Writer The International Development Secretary Priti Patel resigned amid controversy over organising unauthorised meetings with senior Israeli officials.

Patel was summoned back from a trip to Uganda and Ethiopia

by Downing Street after six days of revelations in the press, with growing pressure then on the PM to sack the cabinet minister.

Seen as a rising figure within the Conservative party, Priti Patel has been the MP for Witham in Essex since 2010.

Appointed as Secretary of State for International Development

by Theresa May, the prominent Brexiteer was the only ethnic minority woman in the cabinet and was a representative of the right of the Tory party. Patel was found by the BBC to have held twelve work meetings during a 13-day family holiday to Israel in August without informing the Foreign Office. Lord Polak, honorary President of the Conservative Friends of Israel, arranged for Ms Patel to meet Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Public Security and Strategic Affairs Minister, Gilad Erdan, and Israeli foreign ministry official, Yuval Rotem, in talks without civil servants present.

After the visit, the International Development Secretary sought for Britain to support the humanitarian operations conducted by the Israeli army in the occupied Golan Heights area after allegedly visiting a military

Photo: Robert Oxley, DFID hospital there. The proposal was deemed “inappropriate” by the government as the UK, like much of the international community, does not recognise the region.

It is another blow to Theresa May’s government. Sir Michael Fallon had stood down seven days prior as Defence Secretary after concerns of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards women, along with calls for Boris Johnson to resign over his comments about a woman imprisoned in Iran.

No. 10 said it had not been made aware of the meetings in August, formally reprimanding Patel. But later, Patel was found to have organised two further meetings without government

officials present with Yuval Rotem Photo: plane’s journey backWikimedia to London Rajeshlipantd, in New York and Gilad Erdan in Heathrow through its service.

Westminster — who can be seen After a meeting with the PM pictured together with Patel on that lasted six minutes, Priti Patel Twitter in September. then announced her resignation, admitting in a letter to Mrs May: “While my actions were meant with the best of intentions, my actions also fell below the standards of transparency and openness that I have promoted and advocated.” In reply, Mrs May said: “As you know Ms Patel was forced to cut short the UK and Israel are close allies, her trip along with International and it is right that we should work Trade Secretary Liam Fox to return closely together. But that must be to the UK to face the new findings. done formally, and through official The flight back to Britain was channels. closely followed by broadcasters, “Now that further details have with Flightradar 24 reporting that come to light it is right you have 22,000 users were tracking the decided to resign.”

“The flight back to Britain was closely followed”

Historic Paris Agreement case heads to Oslo court Sina Oversveen Global Writer A historical court case starts in Oslo on 14 November. The Norwegian government being sued by Greenpeace, accused of violating the Paris agreement and Norway’s own constitution. The government has opened four new fields for extraction of oil in previously untouched areas in the Barents Sea. The Plaintiffs - lead by Greenpeace and Nature and Youth - are suing the government for illegal actions as a result. Norway is a large exporter of emissions globally, with high exports of oil and gas. It exports more of these raw materials than Canada. Opening of oil licences in the Arctic has provoked activists into action and the case is now being taken to court in a unique climate lawsuit.

At the same time, the UN Climate Change conference of the year is happening in Bonn, Germany, following the agreement of the landmark Paris climate agreement in 2015. If countries individually and together are to meet the agreed

targets, much of the known fossil fuel reserves in the world have to be kept untouched. The global community has agreed, with the notable exception of US President Donald Trump, who has not signed the Paris Agreement. This is in order to keep global warming temperatures below an average of 2-degree increase. Developed, high income countries like Norway have agreed to take the lead and Greenpeace are arguing that increasing their own oil production will go against that commitment.

The new openings of areas for fossil fuel extractions are far north and the Arctic is already one of the areas most sensitive to climate change.

The case is attracting some interest because of its constitutional nature. The paragraph of the constitution the new oil fields are potentially threatening is a relatively new amendment to the constitution, about universal right to a safe and healthy environment. The constitution states that productivity and diversity of natural resources needs to be sustained and this is the responsibility of the government.

Environmental organisations claim

Photo: Max Free Pixel Photos that the government of Norway does not take this right seriously when it licences new fields in the Arctic for extraction of fossil fuels.

If the court finds that this paragraph is being breached, a constitutional precedent could be set, with large scale implications for environmental policy in Norway going forward.

The lawsuit itself is largely crowdfunded and has received attention outside of Norway. A lawsuit like this is rare but on a global scale it is not alone. Several similar lawsuits are being raised in Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa

and other places. A notable example is from the Netherlands in 2015, when activists won in court and the Dutch government was found guilty of being negligent in its actions to prevent climate change.

The result of the court case is unknown, but it is likely to have consequences regardless of what Oslo district court rules, both for Noray’s domestic policy and beyond. The fight against climate change, bolstered by the Paris climate agreement, is likely to continue apace across the world, whatever the result.

Judith Global Howe Editor Eddie Booth reports on Boris Johnson’s Iran remarks Boris Johnson is under renewed pressure this week after a mistake in wording potentialy doubled the prison sentence of a British citizen in Iran.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been on holiday, visiting her children, when she was arrested last year.

Held on charges of espionage, she faced five years in Iranian prison, and the Foreign Office had been working hard to secure her release.

However, Mr Johnson last week claimed that she was in Iran training journalists, a considerably more significant offence which could increase the time Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual British and Iranian citizen, from five years to ten. This is because the Foreign Secretary’s remarks were used by the Iranian government as proof that she lied about the capacity in which she was staying in Iran, and charged her with ‘propoganda against the regime.’ The fact that it was Johnson, the UK’s highest ranked diplomat, with exception of the Prime Minister, who made the remarks gave the Iranian government impetus to pursue further charges.

The Foreign Secretary flew home from Brussels to address the House of Commons, apologising for any distress and suffering that his remarks had caused Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliff and her family.

The Foreign Secretary was sharply critisied for his inaccurate remark, and has arranged to fly to Iran in the coming days in an attempt to secure her release. Johnson has said that he will take under review the proposal by her husband, Mr Ratcliffe, whom he met this week, to grant Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe diplomatic status, which could carry immunity with it and save her from a prison sentence.

However, this move would be controversial for several reasons.

Firstly, diplomatic protection generally only applies to diplomats, and Western nations are loathe to give diplomatic status to anyone outside of that sphere, in order to protect the sanctity of the system which ensures safe passage for government representatives across the world.

Secondly, intervening after charges have been filed would risk a diplomatic row with Iran, at a time when European leaders are trying to keep the state on side in order to preserve the Nuclear deal threatened by the Trump administration. It is unlikely that Tehran would take kindly to such an intervention, threatening an escalation of the situation.

On a domestic front, Johnson, a key adversary of the Prime Minister, was deemed in some quarters as too important to sack, lest he return to the backbenches as a rebel, hence his survival in the role of Foreign Secretary despite a considerable error.

Features

10

21st Novermber 2017

The others Palin comparison

Features Editor Tony Allen chats to actor and comedian Michael Palin Michael Palin, it seems, is as nice as everyone says he is. His career has stretched from Monty Python through to this year’s The Death of Stalin via numerous successful films, travel documentaries and publishing deals as an author and diarist. In that time the Yorkshireman has been awarded a CBE and become a household name across the world. He has come to Norwich to open this year’s Norwich Film Festival with a screening of his classic 1984 film A Private Function at a packed Banking Hall venue. It’s a measure of Palin’s modesty that he is willing to sit through a film about which the general consensus is that it is hardly one of his best.

Before the throng arrives and the film starts, Palin is led into an embarrassingly large room for his slight figure, where Concrete and the EDP await, after an appearance on Look East. The whole of Norwich, it seems, wants a bit of Palin. He speaks to Concrete first, pulling a chair round to face us. Despite the room’s general malaise of noise, he maintains impeccable eye contact for the entire ten minute interview, actually seems to consider the questions and offers genuinely insightful answers.

“Let comedy in.

Don’t try and pretend to be anyone” The Oxford alumnus is only too keen to talk to student journalists, a big believer in young people making and writing the headlines.

He reflects on the late ‘70s he diarised: “Universities were perhaps a little more, you’d say combative, in their approach to things. Now, maybe people are more wary about what they can say and what they can do.

“But it’s still true, I prefer to talk to universities or to that kind of age group about the work I’m doing because that was how old I

was when I was deciding what to do, whether to continue acting or writing, that was the age I was when I took all the various decisions, so I think perhaps I open up more to people of that age.”

Palin is disarming in his modesty as he discusses his long career, choosing a travel anecdote to illustrate his coming-of-age as a documentary maker, when he learned to shift the focus towards the locals as opposed to coming in and telling their story for them.

“When we did Around the World in 80 Days,” Palin reflects, “I was recruited to do it and off we went. There was no script at all so it was just a series of encounters and interviews. I wasn’t sure to start with how I should play it. Should I be a knowing presence talking to people, should I be someone impersonating Phileas Fogg, should I be acting?”

He soon got the hang of it.

“My talent, if it was a talent, was just getting on with various people along the way and letting them tell the story rather than me top down saying, this is what is happening here.

I did eventually, after a while, realise that I shouldn’t worry.

Let comedy in. Comedy is a very important part of me anyway.

He wryly concludes: “Don’t try and pretend to be anyone else, be yourself. I was being me which is about 72 percent humour… probably.”

He’s told us he likes opening up to students. What the hell are we asking him about travel for? Concrete straightens its tie, gets back on message (all in that captivating eyecontact) and asks Michael for one piece of advice he’d give UEA students interested in following his path into TV or film. He thinks for a

second:

“You’ve

got

to

determined, you’ve got to have confidence, they’re obvious.

“One way of doing that I think is always to work with a collaborator, I’ve found not in film but certainly when I started writing with Terry Jones and all that, [!] it was really important to have both of us there because on one day you don’t have the energy the other person does.

You push each other along.”

More modesty abounds: “You’ve got to be quite thick skinned. People will say, ‘no, I don’t want to see that’.

Push your way in, show it to them.

There’ll be dozens of rejections.

I’ve had rejections. I’ve done many films that have got terrible reviews, but you keep going, you make it better each time. So I’d say determination is very important, and collaboration.”

Ah yes, collaboration. AKA the Pythons. The jewel in Palin’s career crown. The Life of Brian and Holy Grail are names which have been passed down the generations and become classics.

I try and push the ‘modesty’ angle. Surely he’ll snap soon when asked about the modern state of TV and film? Not a hint… Talk turns to streaming, about which he is surprisingly positive: “I’m old fashioned really and I don’t tend to stream a lot of films. I think from what I can tell it’s ensured that there’s a demand for films and as far as I can see they’re films which are not necessarily big commercial films and that’s good because that’s what you need, you need films of different ideas and sometimes awkward ideas, rather than films that are a sequel of a prequel of a whatever.

“So the more films that are made, I suppose you could say the better.

And it certainly seems like Netflix have got a lot of money now to commission a lot of people to make films. So in that way, streaming has put money into the industry.”

If doctors are the worst patients, are comedians and actors the hardest TV viewers to please? Not in Palin’s case, it seems.

“I’m watching some big series at the moment, there’s a very good American series on the

be

Flickr, Paul Townsend

Vietnam War which is really good because I grew up with that. I tend to watch a lot of very gloomy Scandinavian dramas, I do like those really dark, depressing things, they cheer me up no end!” Positive mentions for W1A and Fleabag follow, “I just drop in every now and then on comedy,” he admits. “I don’t see a lot of it.”

Palin has seen a lot, and reflects with just a slight rose-tint that the proliferation of drama nowadays has its downsides: “I rather long for the days when there was only two channels, either this or that,” Palin explains. “You could say ‘oh, there’s nothing on tonight’. But nowadays you can’t say there’s nothing on tonight, there’s 500 channels, there’s got to be something somewhere! I watch sport on television, football and stuff but mainly I’d rather be writing or doing something myself than staring at a screen.”

Palin has published several volumes of his diaries. I can’t help but wonder if Concrete will get a mention under the 9th November 2017.

A grin creeps onto the 74-yearold’s chiselled face as I read back some of his reflections on visits to UEA back to him. He’s bashful in his feigned surprise, the effortless modesty continuing. “Ooh,” he remarks, “that’s rather good!”

It’s nearly impossible to write about Palin without mentioning the characteristic with which he has become synonymous - his widely appreciated ‘nice-ness’. All of Palin’s travel books are available for free on his website, a decision he describes as a good one. Concrete asked him to elaborate on his motives: “I thought all this information, all this travel, I got paid for it, the BBC have paid me, this is to encourage other people who are interested in travel to not have to pay to get on the site, to get access to it.

“The great joy of doing the journeys was to share them with people, and to make it as easy as possible for especially younger people who

may want to go somewhere to find their way around all the places I’ve been. Charging them a fiver or something seemed pointless.”

The grin returns: “Whether I continue that I don’t know. As the book sales fall, we might have to put a little premium on!”

“I’ve done many films that have got terrible reviews, but you keep going, you make it better each time”

As for A Private Function, it’s not one of his best but it’s by no means a bad film. Palin stars opposite a young Maggie Smith, their second film in three years.

Our man is a hapless chiropodist who steals a live pig in the midst of wartime oppression, coming up against nosy neighbours, the law, and a bunch of bent coppers who had been planning the same heist for months.

During the following questionand-answer session chaired by Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw (perhaps a future candidate for a festival Q&A in his own right) the sheer variety of Palin’s career is covered: everyone has their own favourite. He fields questions on the Pythons (obviously), his many travel experiences, his acting and comedy, and even a book of limericks he published.

You realise that selling out Open’s Banking Hall tonight may be a footnote in his diary, if we’re lucky.

As personable in the flesh as in character, a CV more varied than practically anyone and a Yorkshire twang uninhibited by years spent living in London.

Michael Palin acts like a normal bloke who happens to have been endowed with a gift for longevity and adoration.

Long may that continue.

11

21st November 2017

Chloe Howcroft examines the fashion industry’s treatment of workers Workers leave SOS-style messages in clothing tags We all love a bargain when we’re shopping in our favourite high street stores: it’s good for our wardrobes, it’s even better for our wallets, and it takes even less time with the increasing rise of online shopping.

But to whose expense?

When we’re buying a dirt-cheap top from Primark, or a ‘reasonably’ priced pair of jeans from Gap, do we even stop to think twice about who makes our clothes and the repercussions of so-called ‘fast fashion’? Perhaps we should start to.

Garment industry workers are often placed in highly undesirable conditions. Working late hours, with infrequent breaks, in high temperatures - sometimes even sleeping in the same place they work - and with little pay are just some of the dirty secrets the fashion industry is hiding from consumers.

An example of this is Zara. They are claimed to be one of the world’s most successful high street fashion brands, but clearly much of this accolade does not derive from their working conditions.

Recent media coverage disclosed that shoppers of Zara in Istanbul have come across disturbing messages on their clothing tags.

The SOS-like messages read “I made this item you are going to buy, but I didn’t get paid for it.”

Indeed, Turkish workers employed by the textile company, Bravo, are expressing that their boss still owes them three months’ worth of wages after he abruptly closed down the factory overnight in July 2016.

Companies face pressure to admit to harsh working conditions materials wherever possible as part of [their] pledge to make all of its clothing sustainable by 2030.”

This gives us some hope that fashion labels are turning a corner (as opposed to a blind eye) on some of its workers’ rights abuses.

Moreover, TRAID, a charity dedicated to reducing the waste from the clothes that we buy and wear, also funds projects to campaign for and empower workers to know their rights, and improve their working conditions.

“Working late hours, with infrequent breaks, in high temperatures, with little pay”

Photo: Gary Dee, Cablammetch

His actions were believed to be linked with fraudulent behaviour.

Among the companies also associated with the textile company include Mango and Next, which are also being approached for their involvement in workers’ rights abuses.

A similar scenario occurred three years ago in Primark, where shoppers found almost identical

cries for help in their clothing labels as well, drawing attention to the fact that workers were forced to work exhausting hours in sweatshop-like environments.

This reiterated the events which took place in Bangladesh the year before with the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory, which Primark and other retailers were known to be producing their clothing in.

Meanwhile household name H&M have also been accused of hiring children who would work almost as hard as adults and stitch clothing into the early hours.

This is the same for GAP who outsource their labour in factories in Cambodia, too. That being said, H&M have recently launched their “Conscious Collection” campaign “which uses organic and recycled

But individual commitments to changing the behaviours of the fashion industry, while encouraged, only goes such a way.

This is a question of basic human rights and social and economic, global injustices, and adopting an ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ attitude is socially unjustifiable.

If change is to take place, then collective action is inevitable, meaning that we must be fighting against the injustices of the fashion industry as conscious consumers.

Because while trends go in and out of fashion every season, surely workers’ rights are in vogue all year around?

Hannah Brown gives a tour of Norwich Cathedral If you’ve been to Norwich – as you definitely should have done by now!

– you will have realised a few things.

Firstly, there are a lot of pubs. And secondly, there are a lot of churches.

Norwich has a pub for every day of the year and more churches than there are Sundays. But one that you might not have been to yet is probably one of the most interesting – the Cathedral.

Built during the Norman Conquest, the Cathedral’s spire stands at 96m, which is the second tallest in the UK. It is 140m long, and is has a courtyard that makes you feel as if you are walking through Hogwarts. Not only that, but it also has peregrine falcons nesting there as well! The Cathedral is unusual in more ways than one – for example, it is one of only three Cathedrals in the UK (along with Salisbury and Ely) where there are no bells to ring.

Given how loud Norwich can be, it is distinctly quiet in the Cathedral.

Rooms branch from the main centre of the Cathedral – prayer rooms, ones dedicated to the Norfolk Royal Regiment, and even a Treasury, which has pieces dating all the way back to the medieval era. There are two candelabras, one a globe of peace, from which you can light candles and pray if that is something which you decide to do.

Norwich Cathedral also has a rich history with the city, and for this reason, I think it’s so important for us to visit as residents of the city.

For example, Puritans attacked the Cathedral during Charles I’s reign, and it was only brought back to glory during the Restoration, two decades later, having lain in ruins for all that time. The font is also a donation from a chocolate factory in Norwich, which I found rather amusing to tell the truth.

A visitor of many cathedrals in my time, one of the things that stands out to me about Norwich

Cathedral is the sheer size of it.

Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire is one of my favourite Cathedrals, but Norwich is at least double the size of it – perhaps not literally, but the high ceilings, many rooms, and numerous burials – as well as the three floors – makes it appear enormous.

It’s daunting, humbling, to walk over the stones and imagine the thousands of people who have stood there before you.

If you’re still not convinced to visit this beautiful site (and remember, you don’t have to be religious to visit – I’m agnostic, not even Christian!), Dippy the Dinosaur from the Natural History Museum will be visiting in 2020. If it’s good enough for Dippy, I can guarantee it’ll be good enough for you!

Trust me – being a tourist in your own city is such a worthwhile venture, and the Cathedral the perfect place to start.

Images: Pixabay, MemoryCatcher, Free Vector

12

21st November 2017

Features

Anti-Bullying Week: did you even know it existed?

Hannah Brown Features Writer

Where to escape for a revision break

Amy Newbery and Rosie Burgoyne help with deadline woes Chatime

Whether you want to try something new or are a bubble tea fanatic (like me), Chatime is a great place for a break. There’s a vast selection on the menu, enough so you could try a new drink every weeks. The staff are friendly and the shop is spacious with a couple of tables but you can also have the bubble tea prepared for takeaway.

Another thing I love about Chatime is that they leave games (e.g. four in a row, checkers, etc.) on the tables which encourages customers to interact with each other. If you ever want to disconnect from the world, I strongly suggest you visit Chatime. Take a break from revision and enjoy. AN

Elm Hill

Along with being one of the most famous streets in Norwich, Elm Hill offers a picturesque escape from the bustle of the city.

If you can embrace the prospect of cobbled streets, taking a walk down Elm Hill will transport you into a fairytale version of the past.

The street contains buildings dating back to the sixteenth century or earlier, which makes it one of the most photogenic streets in the city!

Whilst there aren’t many shops, you should not miss the (low key creepy) bear shop which has a window full of teddy bears or, venture to The Teahouse cafe for tea and cake as a reward! RB

Sainsbury Centre

Norwich Market The Lanes A busy market might not sound like the most obvious of choices for a place to destress, but, with over 200 stalls to browse at your leisure from fruit and vegetables to vintage clothes and books the market really does offer something for everyone.

Take a break from studying to treat yourself to something to eat from the many food stalls on the markettry out the surprisingly affordable fish and chips if you’re feeling traditional, or pick up one of the slightly disconcerting drinks served in actual light bulbs at Falafel and Friends, go fancy with a cake from the neon-lit Figbar bakery stall or give the delicious Spanish street food at Churros & Chorizo a go. RB

Head towards the backstreets of the city, otherwise known as The Lanes, to get your shopping fix. Packed full of quirky gift shops and independent tea rooms, The Lanes represent what Norwich does best. Highlights include the vintage wonderland that is Biddy’s tea room, the deservingly popular Grosvenor Fish Bar as well as the eclectic mix of shops, ranging from the extravagant shoes shoes sold in Irregular Choice to Wilkinson’s Tea & Coffee Merchants, which sells over 160 different varieties of loose leaf teas. Venture further afield and you will find St Gregory’s Antiques & Collectables, a church repurposed as an antique store. RB

Chapelfield Gardens

DEV Farm

Eaton Park

If you ever can’t find a space in the library or want an afternoon of relaxation, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is the place to go. It’s an absolutely beautiful place, and far away from the bustling main part of campus. If you don’t know where the Sainsbury Centre is, walk towards the Ziggurats on the concrete walkway and you’ll find it at the end.

There is a restaurant in the centre if you get hungry, or just want a quick cup of coffee or tea. The restaurant has a floor to ceiling window which makes it a great place to relax with a wonderful view. It’s slightly better than your average Costa. AN

Want to destress outdoors?

Check out the Chapelfield Gardens.

It’s close to the city centre, and a great place to hang out after a busy day. Treat yourself with a picnic at the weekend with your friends.

During summertime, the flowers will bloom; a calming and beautiful surrounding. Chapelfield Gardens is large enough that you can enjoy solitude. There’s space for children to run about in addition to playing equipment. If you’re peckish, there is a Mexican restaurant (Pedro’s TexMex Cantina) and cafe (BB’s Coffee and Muffins) nearby. AN

You probably know about DEV farm even if you haven’t heard of the name before. DEV Farm is a five to ten minute walk from the UEA lake. If you like animals, then DEV Farm is for you as the farm houses Shetland ponies and donkeys along with other animals. Feel free to bring apples and carrots for them, and if they get close enough, you can pet them. There is scientific evidence that interacting with animals can increase oxytocin (a stress-reducing hormone) and decrease cortisol (a stress hormone). Visiting DEV Farm also allows you to get some fresh air which is never a bad thing. AN

Conveniently situated on the 25 bus route, Eaton Park, otherwise known as the park that Pimp My Barrow passes through every year, is the ideal place to escape if you are ever in need of a change of scene from the concrete walls of campus.

In the now long forgotten summer months, the park offers the perfect spot for picnics and sunbathing but that doesn’t mean it is any less worth visiting in winter approaches! If you are feeling brave, a walk round the park is a perfect opportunity to admire the park’s slightly out of place looking domed buildings (which are actually Grade II listed).

RB

Photo: Peter Preciado

When I was younger, once a year my primary school would have us dress in blue, and stand up for antibullying.

Antibullying week was filled with leaflets; but not much was actually done. And, I won’t lie, I wouldn’t have known it was still running had the Snapchat filter I happened to flick to asked, ‘Do I look weak?’

Anti-Bullying Week, a national event organised by the AntiBullying Alliance, took place last week from 13 to 17 November. But UEA, and most universities across the country, remained quiet, leaving the events to take place in schools.

Why? According to The Student Room (TSR), from a 2017 survey over three quarters (76 percent) of students have been bullied, and out of these, a whopping 26 percent of students have had suicidal thoughts due to bullying. Whilst many believe that bullying is something strictly confined to the playgrounds with hopscotches, this is highly untrue.

According to the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), in 2015, 29 percent – that’s around a third – of all adults have been bullied in the workplace.

Are we, as university students, meant to believe that bullying skips us out? Goes from the younger years to the older ones? Of course not. A Unio advert tells us how a harassed student got help from the SU to work against her harasser.

This, technically, is bullying, and yet the university seems to brush over this term, keeping that to the more immature humans amongst us, and telling us that we’re being “harassed” instead.

Why must we use this term? Why can we not call it what we have been our whole lives: bullying? Not calling it bullying makes students feel like it’s not ‘serious’ enough to come to the attention of their institution, especially one in higher education like university or college.

Bullying can come in so, so many forms. In 2011, a study by Walker, Sockman and Koehn found that 54 percent of undergraduate students have experienced cyberbullying.

Take, for example, Facebook.

Horrible things can be put on there, and with new anonymous question apps such as Curious Cat, people can get very vicious very quickly.

Just because it’s online, it doesn’t mean it isn’t real. People are made to repeatedly feel like they are worth less because they are different in some way; but not worthless enough to come forward to the university about it. Bullying isn’t just a game kids play when they’re 13 years old.

Bullying is, sadly, an epidemic that not only makes lives hellish but takes them too, and it happens to all ages.

Image: Facebook, Wikimedia

13

21st November 2017

Winter is coming- so eat up!

Photo: Jill Wellington, Pixabay Tony Allen Features Editor What are the main things you look forward to when you go home in mid-December?

Sure, there’s seeing your family, the dog, and reclaiming your rightful bedroom back.

But pretty high on most people’s list comes that first family meal for the smell and taste of home. Who can resist the aroma of a chunky vegetable soup, a lovingly baked shepherd’s pie or an enormous lasagne big enough to feed not just the family but most likely the whole street? But filling meals aren’t just the preserve of your mum.

They can easily be made at university with your newly adopted flat or house family all chipping

in with ingredients and helping to create a shared masterpiece, warming the heart as much as the stomach.

Hearty meals, of course, have immeasurable benefits for your physical and mental health. Those carbs will give you the energy you need to stay warm and power through that summative.

Pretty much every study ever has proved that writing or studying on a full stomach is so much better than doing it on an empty one.

You’re not Rowan Atkinson so you still might be you when you’re hungry, but we all concentrate better and make wiser decisions when we haven’t got that whiney voice of hunger eating away at us.

The chilly autumn and winter temperatures give us the perfect

reason to crank up the heating and cook big portions of big flavours. As the seasons change, so does what we need from our scran.In summer, we need light food to cool us down and give us the hit of energy required to get out there and explore.

In autumn and winter we need to be warmed up to keep the chill at bay, and what better way than through a delicious meal?

There are some superb articles on Concrete’s website from last year about the concept of hygge, the Scandinavian idea of warmth and cosiness when the nights draw in and the frosts begin to form.

Well, food is as big a part of that as anything. Tasty winter meals cooked for the season can lift your spirits, lift your physical health and lift your results. And they’re damn tasty too!

Foodie Features Ciara McIlvenna on the ease of cooking in bulk It’s easy to forget to eat with deadlines looming, and if you find yourself forced to buy a sad looking panini at Unio because you keep forgetting to eat lunch, then I have a solution for you: meal prepping.

Meal prepping not only ensures that cooking isn’t going into your exam cramming time, it saves you money.

First make a plan of the meals you want to prep, and how many portions you want to have. It’s best to go with simple recipes, or ones that you’ve cooked a few times before. I made five batches of a sweet potato and coconut soup to later realise that I used cayenne pepper instead of paprika. Gross.

Make sure that you have the right equipment on hand.

You’ll need big enough pots and pans if you’re making enough food for a week. For containers, it’s best to use microwavable safe so that you can just pop it in the microwave when you’re ready to reheat your meal. I use old Tupperware from Chinese takeaways and they work perfectly fine, however you can buy some super cheap from Wilko as well. Freeze your meals in

portion sizes. It’s pointless spending hours on a risotto to freeze it into one solid block.

Look for recipes that have a lot of vegetables in them as this is an excellent opportunity to get your five a day in.

Also, don’t cook vegetables fully, as when they are reheated they’ll get that last bit of cooking and won’t go mushy.

Cool your portions to room temperature before freezing, but make sure they go in the freezer the moment they’ve cooled to prevent bacteria from growing.

Have an argument with your housemates about freezer space?

Let them have some of your fridge space. You won’t need it, as y o u ’ l l h a v e plenty o f

healthy meals ready to go in the freezer!

Beth Papworth shares her veggie Bolognese recipe Ingredients:

1. First of all, it’s best to minutes, until the Quorn

1 tbsp olive oil

put a large saucepan on looks browned all over.

1 onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, neatly chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed

medium heat and add one table spoon of olive oil.

5.

Add

one

tin

the

tomato

tomato

puree,

tomatoes, sauce,

of

2. Slightly reduce the beef stock cube and a

500g Quorn mince

heat and add the onions, dash of red wine. Stir

1 tin of tomatoes

carrots,

garlic

and with a wooden spoon

mushrooms, then fry for for a couple of minutes.

1 jar of pre-made tomato sauce ten minutes.

6. Bring to the boil, Dash of Worcester sauce 3. Keep stirring the reduce to a gentle 1 vegetable stock cube 1tbsp tomato puree Dash of red wine 75g grated parmesan

vegetables

until

soften.

they simmer and cover with a lid.

4. Increase the heat to 7. When the Bolognese

Photo: Beth Papworth

adding is nearly finished, cook 8. Drain the spaghetti 9. Serve with grated 400g spaghetti neatly and stir into the parmesan the Quorn mince and the spaghetti. sprinkled on top.

Bolognese sauce.

50g chopped mushrooms stir for three to four medium-high,

FINANCE Trouble in paradise?

21st November 2017

14

Caitlin Vance reports on the main findings of the Paradise Papers The Paradise Papers release is a to alter climate-change without inappropriate lending, and treasure trove of leaked documents disclosing that his private estate Threshers, a drink chain that went containing information about had offshore financial interest in into administration owing £17.5m in offshore finance. the changes. In 2007 Prince Charles UK tax.

The documents detail bought $113,500 worth of shares controversial investments by high- in a Bermuda company that would profile figures like the monarchy, benefit from the rule change. politicians and celebrities. The However, there has been a complex system of offshore vehement denial of lobbying as investments is often criticised as it Prince Charles is not directly frequently serves as a tax haven for involved in all of his investments the wealthy. and his views on climate change Identical to the leak of the have been public for many decades Panama Papers last year, German Even if Prince Charles is newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung vindicated of the accusations, obtained the documents and has the royal family has faced further In addition to the exposé on the handed over the investigation to disrepute as the Queen’s private Royal Family, it has been discovered the International Consortium of estate invested £10m offshore. that prominent politicians have Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

A small amount of the been involved in questionable Although the Paradise money ended up with investments.

For example, Papers are more than a the company behind former Conservative Party deputy terabyte smaller than Bright House, chairman, Lord Ashcroft, is alleged the Panama Papers, which has been to have retained non-Dom status to it is still the second accused of reduce his taxes despite residing largest leak and in the House of Lords and the fifth major a resident of the UK. leak in the Also, some of his last four offshore investments years. The have apparently data totals a been mismanaged, staggering 13.4 possibly breaking million documents. rules.

The Paradise Papers, despite being a smaller leak, is unparalleled according to Gerard Ryle, who oversees member journalists at the ICIJ, since “it’s the high end of town.” The leak exposes the more sophisticated, richer clientele known for using tax havens to maximise profits and reduce tax on assets.

Two particularly high profile findings involve Prince Charles and the Queen’s estate. Prince Charles apparently lobbied for changes Photos: Morio, Wikimedia; Policy Exchange, Wikmedia; Arnaud Bouissou

“However, here has been a

vehement denial of lobbying”

Although the Paradise Papers appear to be focused on UK offshore investments, there is a specific transatlantic investment causing a stir. One of President Trump’s top officials is involved with a firm that has Russian connections, including President Vladimir Putin’s son-inlaw.

Multiple members of Trump’s administration and family have already been accused of relationships with Russia, fuelling speculation they were involved in the 2016 election which saw Trump elected President over Hillary Clinton. High-profile figures have captured headlines but the central figure of leaks is Appleby, a law firm. It is responsible for 6.8 million documents of the 13.4 million total in the data leak.

The offshore legal service is one of the largest in the world, with clients including big corporations, financial institutions and the wealthy. The firm operates out of 10 offices internationally including the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and Jersey; three of the worst corporate tax havens according to Oxfam, and all under UK sovereignty.

With any major data leak, there is the question of what the consequences will be. Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, commented that “anyone who puts money into a tax haven…should acknowledge the damage it does to society.” Previous leaks have removed world leaders, yet the system of offshore investments will continue for the foreseeable future.

Uber lose employment rights case Elkyn Ernst Finance Writer The legal action started in October 2016 against Uber on behalf of first the GMB union and the IWGB union has resulted in a ruling against Uber’s appeal that its drivers are self-employed.

It is not the end for Uber, however. The firm plans on taking the case to the employment appeal tribunal and if that fails, to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Their appeal revolves around two ideas. The first is that people are under no obligation to use their application. The second is that according to Uber, 80 percent of their drivers in the UK would rather be self-employed.

It seems, however, that popular support is against Uber. Judges in London also accused Uber of “resorting in its documentation to fictions, twisted language and even brand new terminology.” If the judges view Uber this way, a positive outcome for Uber can hardly be expected. While there would be advantages to Uber losing the legal case – such as drivers becoming eligible for pensions, minimum wage and benefits – it would also negatively affect many of its current drivers who prefer being self-employed.

The advantage of being selfemployed is that drivers can work at any time and do not have to answer to management. This would change if the drivers are

considered employees. Additionally, Uber claims that £565 can be made for 35-40 hours of driving a week, with about 20 percent of that to pay for petrol. While it may not be an appealing salary for someone driving for Uber full time, its flexibility may make it appealing as a side job. If Uber loses, it will also have broad repercussions.

Many drivers have invested in costs to become drivers: Private Hire Vehicle Licenses, initial tests of £240 and an additional £80 every six months or a one-off payment of £450, car insurance and for some, a car. Many drivers also depend on Uber to support their families.

On the other hand, small companies that were incapable of competing with Uber will be more

successful again.

The legal case is another cost for Uber and begs the question if Uber will be able to continue to exist.

While they made profits of $107m in the first trimester of 2014, this figure stands in stark contrast with the $2.8m loss in the first trimester of 2016. And even though the loss of net revenue has gone from 250 percent in the start of 2012 to 54 percent in the start of 2016, Uber is still losing money.

If Uber loses, other companies will be brought to justice. General secretary of the IWGB Jason Moyer Lee said that they would continue to hold companies to account by “challenging them in tribunal.”

The final outcome of the case will probably be known in 2018.

The Finance Roundup Dodging car tax after tax discs scrapped. According to

government figures, the number of unlicensed vehicles on the road has increased threefold since the paper tax discs were retired. Last year alone, 755,000 unlicensed vehicles were on the road, meaning that the government missed out on £107m.

ASDA reports rise in sales for two quarters. Owned by

Walmart, ASDA’s sales rose by 1.8 percent and most recently by 1.1 percent in the last two business quarters of this year. Chief executive Sean Clarke said that ASDA had “clear plans and a renewed level of confidence.”

McDonnell wants ‘emergency Budget’ to help public services.

Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, says an emergency Budget is needed for public services. He promises to spend about £17bn more on services such as schools, the NHS, social care, and local government - paid for by tax rises on companies and “the rich,” and by combatting tax avoidance.

Budget to address housing and NHS issues

Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Budget on Wednesday is to focus on fixing the housing shortage and addressing the financial woes of the NHS; he will be using £26bn of available funds in the public finances to fix issues that contributed to the Conservatives’ weak election performance. There will also be consideration of a tax on the most polluting single-use plastics.

Asos overtakes M&S in market value. M&S is the

UK’s biggest clothing retailer, but its market value of £4.88bn has been overtaken by online fashion website Asos, which has a market valuation of £4.89bn due to a recent 2 percent increase in share value. The higher market valuation does not mean that Asos’ sales are currently greater, as they stand at £1.9bn as of last year compared to M&S’ £10.6bn, however they do reflect a greater earning potential.

Siemens announces job losses. The German company

Siemens plans to cut 6,900 jobs. Half of the compulsory redundancies will be in Germany, with the rest in other European countries and the US. Jobs in the UK will apparently not be affected. The company blames the fall in demand for large turbines for power and gas creation.

£

Jodie Bailey

£

£

£

£

21st November 2017

15

Concrete investigates: the Christmas ad Sean Bennet Finance Writer On the whole, I think it would be safe to say that the Great British Public find TV ads to be a nuisance.

They are always appearing just as things are about to get interesting, forcing everyone who’s watching to go and make themselves a cup of tea just to calm down after having had their evening so rudely interrupted.

However, in the latter months of the last few years a kind of truce seems to have formed over the no man’s land between the TV watching public and corporate advertisers.

The terms? They all agree to try and outdo each other by making high budget, star studded, tear jerking and / or hilarious Christmas ads, and in return we, the Great British Public, agree to care more about their adverts than we do about the programmes which they interrupt for six weeks at the end of every year.

It’s one of the quirkier aspects of the British Yule time, but the Christmas ad has become something

of an institution, and the people who make them know it.

Some of the more successful adverts are not only being spoken about well after their holiday season, but some have become so legendary that they still get mentioned years after they were released. These aren’t your bog standard, run of the mill advertisements. These are arguably some of the most successful advertising campaigns of all time, reaching almost propagandistic levels of coverage and effectiveness.

This year has boasted some wonderful (and some not so wonderful) additions to this peculiar genre of cinematic art with high end ads having been launched by old favourites and greener names alike, including John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Argos, Lidl, Aldi, and many more. Good though this year’s crop may be, looking back through the years, some of the most memorable Christmas adverts, in my humble opinion, would have to be: Boots’ 2014 ‘because she’s special’ tale of a nurse’s family making sure their hard working loved one still

gets the Christmas she deserves, despite having to work Christmas day; Sainsbury’s 2014 ‘Christmas is for sharing’ retelling of the WW1 Christmas truce which took place as the two sides played football together; John Lewis’ contributions from 2011 (The Long Wait), 2013 (The Bear and the Hare) and 2014 (Monty the Penguin) and of course, we cannot forget, the ad where it all began: Coca Cola’s ‘The Holidays are Coming’. That I should be writing about favourite adverts at all is ludicrous enough, but the fact that these are Christmas adverts from six years ago is nothing short of absurd.

To be fair, though, the truly

Photo: Vecteezy

famous ads are not famous without good reason. The production values of these short, cinematic sales pitches are now astonishingly often matching those of feature films, both in the look of the final product and in the actual making of the ads themselves; a fact I can personally attest to, having worked on one of the above productions in some tiny capacity. The scale of the operations are mind blowing; from the sheer number of people involved to the vast quantities of high end, professional equipment, from the jaw dropping sets to meticulously detailed costumes, all for these short stories meant to sell us fancy toiletries at the end of the year.

As insane as it all is, there is something uniquely wonderful about adverts, one of the most annoying aspects of modern life, being used to spread the joy of the holiday season. They are still ruthlessly trying to sell us stuff, of course, but the Christmas spirit of an animated, imaginary penguin finding love takes the edge off of the sales pitch a bit, don’t you think?

6bn

40% 50%

estimated spending by brands on 2017 ads

increase in brands spending on adverts over the last seven years

of Brits interviewed cried at M&S’s Paddington advert

Christmas ‘must-have’ toys revealed SFE fraud uncovered George Goldberg Finance Writer

camera. GSM London said they have launched an independent review of their admissions and assessment practices, terminating their contract with Mr Logan and his company.

Fraud in Britain’s student loan system has been uncovered by a ten-month long BBC Panorama investigation in one of England’s biggest private colleges.

Greenwich School of Management (GSM London), whose degrees are awarded by Plymouth University, receives approximately £66m each year in taxpayer-backed maintenance and tuition fee loans.

Students that attend are mostly enrolled by the college itself; but around a quarter of the intake is There are 112 private colleges recruited by freelance agents. (or alternative providers) in Footage shows Charles Logan, England, receiving a total of £400m who receives £600 for every student through the student loan system. he admits, sign on an undercover Following the Higher Education student with a full-time job onto and Research Act, the government a three-year honours course in has expanded private providers in business management. the university sector to allow higher Mr Logan arranged the education to be accessible to more. undercover student to have their Meg Hillier, chair of the assignments written for them.

House of Commons Public The plagiarised work was Accounts Committee, said that the awarded good marks by GSM government has yet to put into London, going undetected by place an effective regulatory monitoring. system.

“There’s a guy who we “It’s got to crack down on see here who has never what’s happened now, really been to a class, never investigate it,” Ms Hillier said. done an assignment “But it also has got to have in his life, but used a system that stops these the money to chancers piling in and open two making money from restaurants the taxpayer.” and he The Panorama graduated d o c u m e n t a r y, with honours ‘Student Loan with a law Scandal’, is available degree last year,” to watch on BBC Mr Logan said on iPlayer.

Photo: Vecteezy

“There’s a guy who we see here who has never been to a class"

Photo: Maxi Pixel Jodie Bailey Finance Editor To save those overworked elves in the North Pole from any undue stress, the UK Toy Retailers Association have compiled their list of this Christmas’ must-have toys.

After two years of fast growth in the sector and a slower start in 2017, with toy sales falling by two percent during the first three quarters of the year, sales have been a little disappointing.

However, retailers anticipate parents to disregard their budgets and splash out for the Christmas season.

For children aged eleven and under, spending on toys adds up to an average of £121 per

child, according to analysts NPD. Christmas sales of toys also make up a third of the annual spend on toys, so it is all the more vital that retailers get their guesses right.

Yet in previous years, even toys which had been precedented as the season’s ‘must-have toy’ became so popular that retailers and manufacturers had been unable to meet demands.

Last year, the craze for the Hatchimals toys led to stock shortages worldwide and parents scrambling to get one in time for Christmas.

Toys ‘R’ Us quickly had to limit sales to one product per customer and removed them from their online shop completely, meaning customers had to go in-store to buy one - if they were in stock.

2014 saw a similar phenomenon when Frozen-mania was at its peak; the Snow Glow Elsa doll would set parents back £35 that Christmas, if they were lucky enough to purchase one, as stock was sold out by November.

This Christmas, parents may face a repeat of last year, with the return of the Hatchimals on the list. Although it might be FurReal’s Roarin’ Tyler animatronic tiger toy that gives parents a bit more of a scare as it is the most expensive on the list with a price tag of £134.99.

With toys also included from well-known franchises, such as Star Wars and Marvel, only three toys on the list that cost less than £20, Christmas is set to be another expensive time for parents and families around the UK.

16

Comment

21st November 2017

Ed Whitbread asks why tax evasion still surprises us When a BBC notification flashed up on my phone, all I could really do was laugh: her Majesty is avoiding tax. Already that’s a curious way to present a story that was uncovered by nearly a hundred news sources detailing the contents of a 13.4m file leak, that points fingers at prominent officials around the world including Trump’s commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, Lord Ashcroft and, perhaps most disturbingly of all, a couple of cast members of Mrs Brown’s Boys.

But no – Elizabeth is impugned, nothing is sacred anymore, because suddenly the moral character of the Royal Family is called into question for the first time in history.

This, I think, is the central problem of the issue: the banality of the revelations. There is yet to be something that appears in there that everybody didn’t sort of know already. Headline: Rich people don’t like paying tax.

Headline: Lord Aschcroft may not be the bastion of ethics we’d all held him to be.

Headline: The Queen has lots of money and doesn’t much like losing it. The immediate danger of the unveiling of the blindingly obvious combined with a characteristically tepid government response is the potential normalization of tax avoidance and evasion. With every new set of leaks people will do nothing more than nod sagely, turn to the person sitting next to them and knowingly remark ‘Twas ever thus’ (I’m assured that that is how people talk).

Instead of anger or moral outrage directed at a system permitted by poor oversight and inaction, we are offered a set of public officials to either sneer at or immediately forgive. The story

has become wrapped up in the notion that maybe, perhaps, Jeremy Corbyn might have suggested that the Queen should apologise.

While this is, without a doubt, a treasonous notion, warranting a short stay in the tower before a long walk to the gallows, it is a little disproportionate that some on the right have designated this the first step of a revolution, conjuring Corbyn as a demented tax tsar, wandering around London with a machete, beheading corgis as he goes.

“There is yet to be something that appears in there that everybody didn’t sort of know already”

I have little interest in the financial dealings of our Monarch. I’m slightly angrier at disproportionate grandiosity of her state provided housing. I have little interest in Lord Ashcroft, who presumably will circumnavigate this story in his customary manner: writing a piece that suggests that the editorial body of the Guardian are regularly fellated by farmyard animals. I know of no-one who has any interest at all in Mrs Brown’s Boys or, indeed, the moral character of its utterly irrelevant actors.

Let’s talk about what we’re talking about, and ensure the government, this time, cannot be impotent. The conclusion of ignoring these deep structural

Photo: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Flickr problems is the persistence and conciliation of a system that we already have: that tax is an optout phenomenon and indeed, that tax is essentially levied on people’s willingness to contribute to their own country.

The punitive measures are therefore placed on the compliant rich and the less well off. The whole tax system is discredited if this is allowed to continue. This should be priority one for any government, and any party.

Theresa May should not feel dissuaded by any ideological laissezfaire hangovers that still ghoulishly cling to her party. To compel people to pay the tax you’ve asked for is a staggeringly reasonable request, whatever the colour of your rosette.

The left don’t own marginalised groups Jack Ashton Comment Editor The recent string of MP scandals has had another addition in the form of Labour MP, Emma Dent Coad. It was revealed that Dent Coad called a former Conservative candidate, Shaun Bailey (pictured), a “token ghetto boy,” stating that he will “never fit in.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, she also appears to have sketched a drawing showing a black man hanging from the Conservative Party logo, a tree.

“The left has engrained an idea that there is only one way” The way that this is supposed to run is that she should be suspended.

In any regular, functioning political environment, this would be over and done with in minutes. But of course, it couldn’t be that simple.

Labour are likely clinging behind their MP because she is making headway in the Grenfell Tower investigation, something which can be used against the Tories and the neoliberal agenda in whole.

It’s not implausible that this is the reason why Guido, the website who revealed this scandal, chose to release information at this certain time. Politics, eh? Keeping it classy.

But the other reason is much more damning - it’s because ideologically, the left still cling to the idea that we own minorities.

We saw it during the election from Corbyn: “only Labour can be trusted to unlock the talent of BAME people.” And we’ve seen it again here.

The left has engrained an idea that there is only one way to be black, if you aren’t a specific stereotype then you are somehow a

‘traitor’ to ‘the cause’.

Dent Coad has no authority to say when and where black people do and don’t fit, just because they don’t agree with her ideology. But her logic isn’t uncommon and its trumpetted all the time by people who have no authority on the matter.

“Her logic isn’t uncommon and its trumpetted all the time by people who have no authority” “How can you vote Republican if you’re gay?” “How can you vote Tory if you’re black?” The underlying assumption in these questions is that these people have no thoughts outside of their identity,

KensingtonChelsea2017, WikiCommons

Politico1234, WikiCommons

they have no economic or foreign policy preferences, they are solely a minority.

I’ve even experienced it myself, having some middle class internet communist call me a “class traitor”

because I defended free speech.

To presume marginalised groups somehow ‘owe’ their vote to a political party is both inefficient as an electoral strategy and patronising morally.

17

21st November 2017

National Minimum Wage?

Will Richardson Comment Writer Policymakers face harsh realities when introducing economic policy: markets are amoral, they care not for good nor bad intentions.

In short, having popular politics doesn’t necessarily translate to effective economics.

“Increasing the minimum wage to £10 would increase costs to employers by £5000 a year” In the wage market, there is an inherent trade-off between the wage level and the level of unemployment.

While the relationship between the two is not firmly established when the minimum wage is at a relatively low level, when it is aggressively raised there is a clearer cost to employment.

The losers in this scenario are always the least productive workers, who are the most economically vulnerable. Minimum

wage laws by definition say that employers must discriminate against people who have low skills.

It ensures that those who do not possess the skills to justify £x/hr cannot be legally employed.

On average, it is the youngest who have the least skills in the labour market and therefore they disproportionately suffer from the net employment losses. This is clear to anyone who is aware of the youth unemployment rate compared to the overall unemployment rate (generally a greater than 2:1 ratio).

Having a lower national living wage for younger citizen’s helps alleviate the natural disadvantage they have in the

labour market by enabling their labour to be cheaper than their competitors. It is because they have, on average, less experience than their older counter-parts that they are more likely to lose out on the chance of a job.

This is not to mention the more potent risk to low productivity jobs, that of automation. By increasing the amount that employers are legally obliged to pay, the greater the attractiveness of using automated checkouts, drivers and factory robots as their relative costs are diminished compared to minimum w a g e workers.

Increasing the minimum wage to £10, as many advocate, would increase costs to employers by over £5,000/year for a full-time employee (including NI contributions, and increased pension costs).

Most businesses don’t operate as charities and so the risk of widespread redundancies would be high.

“Having good intentions is no guarantee of good outcomes” Raising the minimum wage will improve the welfare of those who keep their jobs, however, it will do little good for those who lose them.

There is no lack of research on the significant costs of unemployment which will be endured by the unfortunate victims of a reckless minimum wage policy.

The national living wage is doubtless born out of good intentions, but having good intentions is no guarantee of good outcomes.

Image: PicturesofMoney, Flickr

Ignore the IEA, women still don’t have equal pay Johanne Elster Hanson on the gender pay gap and what’s being done to close it Due to the gender pay-gap, British women are effectively working for free from November 10 onwards.

According to figures released Friday from the Office for National Statistics, men who work full time earn on average 9.1 percent more than women, and the gradual closing of the pay-gap has been slowing.

The World Economic Forum now gathers that it will take 217 years, around eight generations, before women earn the same as men.

“British women are effectively working for free from November 10 onwards” However, the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) and its new editor Kate Andrews are speaking up about what they call the “Equal Pay Day myth,” claiming how the information released by the ONS is misleading.

According to the IEA, the women’s rights group, The Fawcett Society, and their Equal Pay Day campaign are tailoring numbers to suit their cause w h e n

quoting the mean average figure of 14 percent rather than the median 9.1 percent in their report on gender paygaps, effectively widening the gap on paper.

They claim this to be deceptive as the mean average can be raised by a small number of high values, and that the numbers released by the ONS are not accurately comparing the jobs men and women do like-forlike.

The Equal Pay Day campaign is also criticised by IEA for not including Northern Ireland, which has a -3.4 percent n e g a t i v e

pay-gap for full time workers, in their report. Andrews claims this encourages women to “adopt a victim-hood narrative while burying information that might empower them.”

However, no matter how Andrews twists and turns the figures, they still won’t work in

w o m e n ’s favour.

She calls the pay-gap of -0.8 – 2.2 percent among 22-39 year olds “negligible”, readily admitting its existence but deeming the low numbers to be insignificant.

Why then should the equally low figure of the -3.4 percent negative pay-gap in Northern Ireland be a cause for “celebration”, especially considering how the wage gap will widen with age?

It was these implications The Fawcett Society wished to

represent by quoting the mean average, as a variety of factors contribute to women earning less than men.

Their roundup awkwardly dodges the implications of motherhood on women’s careers, referring to it as “the motherhood factor” or even the “lower wage progression”.

They try to spin the -5.4 percent negative pay-gap for part-time work as something positive, without questioning why so many women end up working part-time in the first place.

Again and again they admit to the problems they attempt to negate, but ask us not to pay it any attention.

Andrews is accusing The Fawcett Society of only focusing on the negative, while she and the IEA seem to think that one good result means the battle is won.

Perhaps we should not dismiss obvious inequalities the moment we feel them to be less acute.

Tall History Boy Vs Short Literature Girl Two anonymous students’ search for love via social media has got campus talking

Patrick Wiseman on Short Literature Girl’s popularity You’ve probably heard about what’s gone on between Short English Literature Girl and Tall History Boy, and because you’ve heard of it, you’ve probably experienced the collective heartbreak we all felt for Literature Girl.

She was looking for a potential date, only to have her hopes raised and then dashed by Tall History Boy. What is she going to do now?

I mean, it’s not like pretty much the whole of UEA sympathise with her, and it’s not like she has people queuing up across Concrete Confessions to meet her for coffee.

Meanwhile the Tall History Boy has pretty much ruined things for the rest of us, being handed a rather choice label (that has now seemingly been extended to all history guys) which I have no intent on putting into print cheers mate.

Gabriela Williams says we don’t know enough about Tall History Boy People have jumped to conclusion after conclusion over this. You never know, Tall History Boy might have suffered the awful fate of being ‘catfished’- certainly some people online became catty about his actions. He might not have, but we don’t really know what goes on behind closed doors.

It could all be a mocha- based conspiracy, they might want their privacy to elope in secret, or we could be reading too much into his comment that he was getting too much attention online.

All I know is that we were all freshers once making bad decisions online in front of the whole university... Oh wait maybe that part is where he went wrong.

Like most people who do things wrong these days, there’s always the fallback of, “At least he’s not Trump?”

18

21st November 2017

Science

2

GP’s services used for self-treatable conditions Sleep deprivation revelation Hannah Mudd Science Writer

Image: Vecteezy

Beth Papworth Science Editor The Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PGAB) has said that patients are misusing GP services for self-treatable conditions, such as seasonal conditions, like sore throats, coughs, and colds.

Their survey revealed that 1 in 10 people exaggerate their symptoms in order to obtain a same day GP appointment. According to statistics, 32 percent of people are visiting the doctor instead of a pharmacist. According to the report, some have exaggerated the severity of their symptoms to fast-track an appointment, causing GP waiting times to dramatically increase.

Whilst people are still making GP appointments instead of visiting the pharmicist, 74 percent fear NHS Services will not be available when they are in desperate need of them.

According to the new research

released by PGAB, 15 percent of people visited the GP at least once for Norovirus in the past year, equivalent to nearly 10 million visits, despite the NHS advising people to stay at home and avoid visiting the doctor’s surgery for menial reasons.

Chief Executive of PGAB, John Smith, said: “Our latest research adds to the weight of evidence that shows people are still misusing NHS services for self-treatable conditions.”

“With peak cold and flu season upon us, it is crucial people have a better understanding of when they should visit their GP or A&E and when advice and treatment from a local pharmacist would be more appropriate,” he added.

Not only would this save an individual time, but it could also free up an appointment for someone who really needs it.

The study concluded that 24 percent of people said they need more education about how to identify and treat common

conditions, whilst 2 percent said a better understanding of the pharmacist’s qualifications would help them feel more confident to trust their advice.

Nearly 50 percent claimed that they would be more likely to visit a pharmacist, instead of a GP, if they knew how much time and money it would save them.

Community Pharmacist, Hemant Patel commented: “The research findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the benefits community pharmacies can offer to them.

“With most people living within 20 minute travel time from their closest pharmacy, visiting a trusted pharmacist for a selftreatable condition is often quicker and more convenient than visiting the GP, especially as you don’t need an appointment,” he added.

Pharmacists can identify when symptoms need to be assessed by a doctor and will signpost you to other NHS services.

Dementia: Britain’s biggest killer Alex Millard Senior Reporter for Science New figures from this year have shown that dementia, the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease, has overtaken heart disease as the cause for the most deaths in Britain.

It has also been discovered to account for more deaths in women, at 15.2 percent of all deaths, than in men. The change seems to be caused by the ageing British population, with more and more people reaching an age at which dementia becomes more likely to be diagnosed.

People in Britain are living longer than ever with life expectancies reaching 79 years for men and 81 years for women.

But it is being suggested that most of the extra years are spent

living in poor health.

Currently one in three over 65s in Britain will be diagnosed with the brain disorder.

This news does, however, come with a silver lining; the decline in death by heart disease means that Britain’s heart health is improving.

With 69,000 deaths from heart disease in 2015, this number has now decreased to 66,000.

More people are currently prescribed medication to improve cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

The issue with the rising cases of dementia is that there are currently no known ways to medically stop or reverse the degeneration of brain function.

Symptoms of this generally include memory loss, loss of thinking, speed, or agility, and lack of understanding or judgement.

With 850,000 individuals in

Britain living with dementia, charities are currently calling upon the government to increase funding to those trying to find a cure.

Hilary Evens, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK has said: “The fact that there are currently no treatments brings into focus the scale of the challenge and the urgency with which we must tackle it.” Current projects suggest that by 2040 over 1.2 m people living in Britain alone will be suffering from the neurological disease.

This gives good reason for the government to act upon the call to double the funding they currently give towards research, £132 million, per year.

75m

will suffer with the disease by 2030

Research carried out at the University of California, Los Angeles, has found that brain cells stop communicating properly when individuals are tired.

The findings are that brain cells produced significantly weaker signals or turned themselves off completely to rest, even though the person is still awake, leading to slower reaction times and impaired c o g n i t i v e function.

Ad d it io n ally, it was also noted that participant’s brain waves slowed down, suggesting the brain was attempting to go to sleep.

Professor of Neurological Surgery, Dr Itzhak

Fried stated: “Starving the body of sleep also robs neurons of the ability to function properly.” If the neurons are not working properly, this can lead to cognitive lapses in how we both perceive and react to the world.

This research has a very real implication in our everyday life as a slow reaction time could be fatal if a driver with an over-tired brain fails to note a pedestrian crossing the road. It has long been speculated by sleep experts that driving whilst tired is as bad as drink driving.

H o w e v e r, this is the first piece of conclusive proof that could be the case.

These findings could have worrying consequences as the UK law does not ban or punish those who drive whilst overtired.

Image: Pixabay, PoseMuse

First interstellar object named Hannah Brown Science Writer An asteroid which is not of our Solar System is the first interstellar object to be given a name.

It was discovered by scientist Rob Weryk in Hawai’i from the Pan-Starrs1 observatory on the volcano Haleakala, located on Maui.

Weryk is part of the University of Hawai’i Institute of Astronomy, and named the asteroid.

The asteroid has been named

“The asteroid has been named ‘Oumuamua” ‘Oumuamua, which in Hawaiian means “a messenger from afar arriving first” – appropriate for the first interstellar object in our Solar System.

Officially, the asteroid is named

1I/2017 U1 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the union who is responsible for naming celestial bodies.

The I in the name stands for ‘interstellar object’, and ‘Oumuamua is the first object to carry the ‘I’ in its formal name.

The ‘I’ is similar to the ‘C’ for comets and the ‘A’ for asteroids, who carry these in their respective f o r m a l names.

T h e a s t e r o i d resembles a “chunky cigar” according to the paper submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters, and is around 180m by 30m.

Due to its reddish colour, size, and rotation, it is considered to be very similar to the asteroids in our own Solar System.

‘Oumuamua gives us our first insight into how planets have been formed in other Solar Systems, and is therefore a piece of particular scientific interest.

Photos: Vecteezy

19

21st November 2017

Nitrate chemicals pollute rocks

Photo: Harlequeen, Wikimedia

Photo: Jeff Vanuga, Wikimedia

Ruth Dickens Science Writer Eutrophication is a serious threat to water ecosystems; excess nutrients, such as nitrates, cause algal blooms which kill all plants and fish in an area.

Changes to agricultural practice have reduced this type of pollution from fertilisers.

However, recent surveys have found a large source of nitrates within rocks, threatening to seep into underground water systems

and cause long-term problems.

Scientists from BGS and Lancaster University have made the first global estimate of nitrates stored in rocks, at 180 million tonnes.

Matthew Ascott, a hydrogeologist from BGS, states: “Water and the pollutant travel through the rocks below our feet very slowly.

This, and a history of intensive agriculture, means that a large store of nitrate pollution has built up over time.”

The largest stores of rock nitrate are found in richer

EU divide over weed-killer Beth Papworth Science Editor An EU vote has failed to come to a decision regarding the controversy over the use of glyphosate, the world’s biggest-selling weed-killer.

This particular chemical is found in 60 percent of UK bread and 45 percent of Europe’s topsoil. The current glyphosate permit runs out in the EU on December 15th 2017.

Only 50 percent of the 28 members supported a European Commission proposal to renew the license for 5 years.

The UK was among the 14 states backing the Commission position on glyphosate.

Critics have said the widespread use of the weedkiller reduces biodiversity, by killing plants that are essential for many insects and other animals.

Some countries have recently banned glyphosate’s use in public

parks and gardens. Its effect on plants is non-selective, meaning it will destroy most of them.

This harmful weedkiller is usually mixed with other chemicals that help it access the plant’s root and block a key enzyme pathway.

The disruption stops plants from making certain proteins needed for their growth. In the US, more than 750 products contain it.

Although glyphosate’s toxicity is thought to be low, in the concentrations used by farmers, the UK International Agency for Research on Cancer called it “probably carcinogenic”.

The CEO of the Sustainable Food Trust, Parick Holden said: “A ban could be the beginning of the end of herbicide use in agriculture as we know it, leading to a new chapter of innovation and diversity.”

If the glyphosate ban goes ahead, there would be a £940m cost to British farmers in the UK.

countries where fertilisers have been used for decades; Europe,

“Eutrophication is a serious threat to water ecosystems” China, and North America.

Local attempts to control this pollutant have proved difficult to enforce as high consumerism

means farmers struggle to meet demand without nitrate fertilisers.

There is also fear in the UK Environmental Law Association that these sorts of protections against pollution will be lost due to Brexit.

Currently, developing countries where the level of nitrate stored in rocks is lower are being urged to employ early intervention methods in order to avoid issues these countries now face.

For some the threat may be too late to avoid, as Matthew warns: “When this pollution is released,

it will continue to impact water quality for decades, in some cases, even where controls on fertiliser use have been put in place.”

Widescale eutrophication such as this will leave many of our rivers and lakes barren.

This has implications for human health as well as the economy, which will have to bear the cost of extra water treatment.

its course, the supernova dims over weeks or sometimes months.

However, it is a difference case for this star; the astronomers discovered that it had stopped dimming and was getting brighter.

star that became iPTF14hls survived going supernova the first time and then repeated it 50 years later.

One study into the phenomenon showed that the star was at least 50 times more massive than the sun, if not significantly larger still, making it possibly the biggest stellar explosion ever recorded.

These discoveries have led to claims that iPTF14hls could be the first recorded example of a star that refuses to go out.

This theory was propounded by the notion that the death of a star so massive and hot could generate anti-matter, which would be so destabilising that it would allow for multiple explosions over several years.

Andy Howell, leader of the LCO supernova group and co-author of the study, said that, “These explosions were only expected to be seen in the early universe and should be extinct.”

36%

increase of nitrate levels since 1990

A star that never goes out Sean Bennett Science Writer

Death is generally accepted to be the end. An international team of astronomers led by Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) have recently discovered a star that appears to defy our understanding of how these celestial bodies die.

The supernova, known by the catchy name of iPTF14hls, was discovered in 2014 by the Palomar Transient Factory.

At the time, it appeared to be a supernova like any other, a massive and exceedingly bright explosion as the core of a star many times the mass of the sun collapsing under its own gravity.

The star’s outer layers are thrown out into the cosmos, leaving behind a neutron star, or a black hole.

Either way, as the explosion runs

“Astronomers discovered that the star was getting brighter” Further research revealed that the supernova had been getting brighter and then dimmer at least five times over the course of two years.

Archived records then unearthed evidence of an explosion taking place in exactly the same place in 1954, indicating that the

Travel

20

21st November 2017

Treating religious sites with respect Daniel Peters Travel Writer Paris has Notre-Dame, Barcelona has Sagrada Família, and London has St Paul’s Cathedral. Religious sites make up a huge portion of Europe’s top landmarks, but problems are arising on an increasingly secular continent.

Reports suggest that many tourists do not treat hold sites with the reverence they require.

However this is a problem that stretches far beyond Christianity, and far beyond Europe.

"It is only right these values are extended to matters of faith" Some of these tourists will be religious themselves. As a Catholic I often seek out local churches when travelling abroad. The experience of mass in a foreign language often adds a sense of mysticism to worship. Some believers will even plan a trip specifically for its religious significance – an event known as pilgrimage. I myself did this in 2013 when I travelled to Lourdes, a town in southwest

France where a vision of the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared.

Many secular visitors are also attracted to religiously significant landmarks.

Throughout much of human history religion has been the source of society’s greatest art. As a result, much of the world’s most beautiful architecture comes in the form of cathedrals, mosques, temples or synagogues. These buildings have also often found themselves at the centre of great historical events.

It is therefore no surprise that so many secularists are drawn in.

One of the most unique churches I have ever visited was in the north of Finland, where I stumbled across a chapel made entirely from ice.

This site, like countless others, is remarkably interesting to secularists and the faithful alike. Similarly, Phuket’s Wat Chalong temple was one of my favourite points from a recent visit to Thailand.

Despite my Catholicism, I deeply and sincerely enjoyed learning about Buddhism and appreciating the designs’ stunning intricacy.

Problems arise when visitors do not show the expected level of respect. Inappropriate dress and photography can be restricted, but other issues such as talking and general rowdiness are much more difficult to prevent.

Those who see religion as utter nonsense may consider some rules pointless. Problems

can then occur, even with overwhelmingly decent people with no intention of disrespect.

Religious sites often find themselves facing a complex and paradoxical dilemma. In order to preserve their beauty and capabilities, faith centres must often rely on money from tourism.

Many also encourage visitors from an evangelical perspective.

However these same tourists can sometimes

bring more harm than good.

Nonetheless, many religious sites consider tourism an absolute necessity. Rules and restrictions can be useful, but it is inevitably down to the visitor’s own personal choice as to whether or not they respect the sanctity of these special locations.

For this problem to be solved global communities need to consider more deeply their own responsibilities.

It is okay not to be vegan, but to carve up a turkey in the

middle of a vegan’s dining room would make you a bit of a dick.

In the same way, you shouldn’t have to be religious to respect people’s faith. British society may be moving towards secularisation, but this should not equal growing religious disrespect. Most secular people hold tolerance, equality and respect as key principles to live by.

It is only right that these values are extended to matters of faith and those who hold it dear.

intently. Approaching the center of the dome, yet to look up from her device, she joins the crowds of patrons, as they move slowly around the sculpture, admiring its brilliance from all angles.

The woman then does the unimaginable. She turns her back on the statue.

She raises her phone to her face, coaxes her features into a shimmering smile, and takes a selfie with 'David'. Then, with her cultural trophy safely saved in her hand, and without looking back, the woman leaves the Galleria.

Technology has, without a doubt, had a massive effect on travel. With infinite information about our favorite holiday destinations at our fingertips and tickets for almost every kind of journey or experience

just a click away, it has become so much easier to see the world.

But with travel now so much more accessible, how is technology changing the way we actually experience the places we go and the things that we see?

How, for example, does seeing a great piece of artwork like the David through the medium of a selfie change the experience of the sculpture?

And for that matter, how does the way we approach such experiences change their cultural importance?

Let’s be honest, part of the pleasure of travel is, and always will be, sharing stories from your adventures with others after you return home.

There is a unique feeling that comes with reciting a slightly

embellished description of a place or experience and seeing that jealousytinted awe on the faces of listeners.

Or, nowadays, sharing pictures on social media, and seeing the same response in comments and emojis.

But here’s the thing, as nice as that feeling is, it should never overshadow the feeling you had in that moment where you were actually experiencing that story for yourself.

In this age of social media arms races, the desire for the quick and easy gratification of likes or retweets seems to be winning out against the wonder of slowly and privately mediating on ancient wonders and meaningful experiences.

To see the world through a backlit screen is not inherently wrong. Technology is a fact of life now and as the world moves

constantly forward, only fools try to hold it back. But I do feel the quick and increasingly virtual modern way of life might stand in the way of us getting all we can from cultural experiences during travel.

When the David becomes just another an item on travelers’ checklists of ‘Things to See and Snap’ can it really still be that timeless masterpiece, that proof of the creativity and skill of mankind, steeped in history and culture, or does it just become yet another figure of a man, chiseled into stone a long time ago?

I don’t know, but maybe sometimes, just sometimes, it would be nice to disconnect from the social world in order to properly connect with the real one.

Photo: Teera7, Flickr

Do smartphones ruin meaningful travel?

Sean Bennett Travel Writer

Walking through the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, there is but one masterpiece that draws the thousands.

At the end of a broad arched corridor a huge dome opens up the hall; bright white walls pushing the light from above onto even whiter, shining marble.

There in the center, stands arguably one of the most spectacular sculptures to ever have been hued from stone – Michelangelo’s ‘David’.

A woman wanders in. She has in her hand a smartphone, as many often do, at which she is looking,

Images: Open clipart vectors;pxHere; Eva Rinaldi.

21

21st November 2017

The vibrant city of Madrid Tatjana Greciuk Travel Writer Imagine escaping your daily routine and spending one year in the sunny capital of Spain. This magical city made me fall in love with it, once and forever. Walking down the narrow colourful streets I was exploring new places every day. So, let me explain how exactly Madrid managed to win my heart.

Madrid is pure vitality. You would never call it a “ghost town.”

Locals literally have an outdoor lifestyle. No matter if it is a week day or weekend, day or night; there is always something to be busy about.

Art exhibitions, concerts, theatres, festivals, whatever you feel like.

Even if you do not know the city, you can just go out and see where it takes you.

The second reason to visit Madrid is the food and wine. If you have never tried tapas before, pack your bags. It's worth it! Cozy markets with freshly prepared cheap food, this is what makes life in Spain perfect. Right in the city centre, close to the famous Plaza Mayor, you can find Market of San Miguel.

Baronial building catches your attention on the outside already, and makes you love it even more when you enter. Mixed flavours attack you from every corner, so do not get

lost. Just try a little bit of everything.

Sun and warmth take you out to the parks. There is definitely a wide choice of them in Madrid. The biggest and the most beautiful one is Retiro. One day is not enough to enjoy all its parts. So if you don't have time to see all of it, make sure you go to the Crystal Palace, which is considered a piece of art.

The sunlight goes right through it, so it shines with different colours.

Spectacular view.

"Hiding a lot of history within itself, this city is modern and full of surprises"

Another park that must be seen is called Templo de Debod.

The Ancient Egyptian temple and panorama of the entire city have to be appreciated during the sunset.

Madrid is unique with its own rules and culture. It is different from everything I have ever seen before. Hiding a lot of history within itself, this city is modern and full of surprises.

So if you are curious about Spain’s capital, just grab a ticket, do not hesitate. Enjoy your trip and explore as much as you can. Buen viaje!

School trips as a uni student Hattie Griffiths Travel Writer I think we’re all in agreement here; the absolute worst part of any trip abroad, aside from being the victim of some sort of mugging, is the early wake up time for whatever miserable flight or ferry journey you have to catch at impossible-o’clock. Never the greatest start to your holibobs, but often by the time you’re on the plane/ferry/locomotive, the excitement catches up with you and everything’s great again. Before our module trip to Germany during reading week, my friend and I spent three hours prior to our 2am coach alternating between deliriously watching The Road to El Dorado and pinching each other to stay awake. Somehow, staying up is way more difficult when not on a night out. Luckily, the first leg of the coach ride from Norwich to Dover was an opportunity to catch up on some snooze time.

This was our first trip as university students to a foreign country. Beyond this, the only short breaks I’d had as part of a big group were during secondary school, where curfew was at 9pm and teachers would happily bugger off and get pissed while we tried to figure out the Spanish for ‘I would like two big vodkas please’.

Of course, the days would be filled

with trips to various art galleries, monuments and other places of interest, but the social structure was clear; we were most definitely supervised schoolchildren, and the teachers were happy to be there, but the looks on their faces at more trying parts of the trip would suggest that they would much rather be sipping sangria on La Rambla than traipsing to Barcelona’s busiest tourist destinations with 33 sweaty teenagers in tow.

University trips are a different story. First of all, despite being given very informative tours of every historical spot and museum we visited, we also had a lot more freedom to explore the sites for ourselves. The staff that accompanied us also encouraged questions, no matter how bizarre – I remember asking ‘why is everything blue? It doesn’t match gold’ and getting a sincere answer in return. We treated the lecturers as valuable sources of information, and in return we were treated like actual adults.

‘Freedom’ is the key word here that I’d like to emphasise. Staff even stayed in separate accommodation to the student group, allowing us to engage ourselves in whatever we wanted in the evening, be that going straight to bed (there were a lot of fast walking tours during the day), going out for a meal, or experiencing Southwestern

Germany’s varied nightlife.

There was also a smaller group of us, and we all got on splendidly.

At school, perhaps, you go on a trip for the opportunity to go to another country and mess about with your mates. This is true of university to a certain extent, but it felt a lot more focussed.

Students were asking lots of questions, and there was a genuine interest in every artefact we surveyed, and every medieval building we craned up our necks at.

So, I’ll finish by making one thing clear – if you’re offered an opportunity to go on a trip as part of your module or school during university, take it.

"Beyond this, the only short breaks I’d had as part of a big group were during secondary school" Almost all of the students who didn’t go on the trip expressed regret at not having done so, and beyond the obvious benefits of visiting a place with four experts, it’s a great chance to get to know other students and drink alcohol in a completely different country.

Whitby: wonderful and wintry Megan Furr Travel Writer Located one-hundred-and-ninetynine steps above the old town, Whitby Abbey is perched in the rugged clifftops of the North Yorkshire coast. Serving as the inspiration behind Bran Stocker’s ‘Dracula’, the Abbey ruins illuminated against the cold and glowing northern skies certainly provide a dramatic setting for the picturesque coastal town below, which is adorned with traditional fisherman’s cottages.

Experiencing winter in Whitby elevates the coastal town beyond the façade of being an archetypal British seaside, into a place steeped in rich history.

The Old Town evokes an almost Dickensian feel with old cobbled streets populated by quaint independent shops, selling distinct memorabilia including Whitby Jet, a gemstone made famous by Queen Victoria.

The Smoked Kipper House, established in 1872, also brings an aromatic smell throughout the fisherman’s cottages on the way down to the pier, also highlighting Whitby’s proud fishing heritage; Whitby is home to one of the oldest

lifeboat stations in the country and Captain Cook famously set sail from Whitby towards Australia.

It is true to suggest Whitby was greatly influenced by Victorian tourism. The railway station is only one indication of this. Travelling into Whitby via the steam train operated by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust further evokes an oldfashioned holiday experience, and can be further explored through the myriad of traditional sweet shops scattered around the town.

Numerous fish and chip restaurants have also contributed to Whitby’s widespread reputation; queues can be seen, even throughout the winter.

The swing bridge provides a physical juxtaposition between the old traditional town with the new more tourist-y attractions of arcades and the ‘Dracula experience’ which offers light relief in amongst the historical sites. The famous Goth Weekend also capitalises on the historical elements of the town, and the obvious link to Dracula and the Abbey. However, the Gothic influence marries well with the traditional elements of the town.

Visiting the British coast shouldn’t be reserved for summer months. If you do visit in winter, make sure to keep warm!

Photo: Rosie Burgoyne

Photo: Beverly Deviakshen

Sport

21st November 2017

22

UEA 1sts squash Coventry Oliver Varco Sports Writer

After being knocked out first round last year we are hopeful and are targeting to go further and hopefully get to the quarterfinals.

Squash has never done well with BUCS and we have a tough run of things being seeded poorly and so we end up having close matches with the teams who often end up making it to the semi-finals.

Although we often get poorly seeded, we do sometimes surprise the teams and two years ago we beat Warwick in the first round in a tight encounter. We also struggle every year as we travel three hours or so for our away matches to then play our best is never easy.

This year we face another challenging draw playing Nottingham Trent 2nds in the next round, who knocked us out last year, so we hope to turn the tables on them. Although we often find ourselves frustrated with our seeding, we have high hopes for this year and we’ve kick-started it with a solid win over Coventry, beating them 3-0.

In squash, you rank your players and then you play your equivalent player from the other team in a best of 5 match. Whoever wins the

Photo: Raeven Headlam most matches then takes the win.

Our third seed Ramish Aziz was on first and was playing well in warm up so we had high hopes he would give us our first win. He won the first two games although made a lot of unforced errors which got the better of him as he lost the third game.

In the fourth, Ramish seemed back on track as he took an early lead of 6-1. His opponent came back hard, but not hard enough, with Ramish taking the fourth game 1210 giving us our first win of the day.

We only needed one more match win to take the overall win and we hoped that would come from our

second seed Tom Vaughan. He was slow to start giving his opponent a 5-3 lead but brought it back to win the first game.

He then brushed past his opponent in the second 11-2 and then held out in the 3rd 11-8 to win the match 3-0. So we had the win it was now just by how much and our first seed Oliver Varco was looking confident in warm up.

This showed in his first two games where he won 11-3 and 11-1. The third game didn’t go as smoothly as the first two matches, despite having a 9-4 lead this was quickly eroded however took the game 11-8.

Comment: Meyzi Adoni weighs in on youth football academies There are so many youth football academies in the world. And for a child who is dreaming to become a football player, getting in to one of these academies is an important step, a huge opportunity.

So many questions can be asked in relation to this concept of “youth football academies”. But now, I want to focus on a debate that has been going on for a while.

Are these youth football academies for the big clubs useless or not? Do young players get a chance to break into the main team or is everything based on money?

First of all, it is true that money plays an important role for the big football clubs. There is an enormous competition between the big teams and it keeps on increasing every day, so they have to transfer new players in order to strengthen the team.

And they have to keep an eye out for other players to find out if that player is the one they are looking for. In an environment of massive competition, young players are not the priorities for the managers. Of course they follow what they do and see if anyone can play with the main team. Sometimes they call them to train with the main team. It is not like they are completely forgotten.

If a young player advances to the

main team directly from the youth team, it means that the club and the manager have faith and trust in him and they believe he suits the team. And everyone is aware that, if he performs well, his value will increase in the football world, which means more money for him and more money for the club if they loan or send him to another club.

In a research that The Telegraph has conducted, it was announced that Real Madrid is the number one team who produces the most young players in European football. And Real Madrid is one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Not all the players they ‘produce’ stay in the club, but are being sent to other clubs and continue their careers there. So it is not the end for them if they don’t stay with Madrid.

Only by looking to the results of this research, it is possible to say that the youth football academies for the big clubs are really useful and we need them in order to gain more talented players. It is impossible not to talk about money, because it allows the teams to buy the top players.

But I believe youth football academies are really important for the future of football and we will always need them.

21st November 2017

23

UK Athletics defends decision to fund Farah

James Ellington and Tiffany Porter are among the 24 athletes missing out on funding

Beth Papworth Sport Reporter Although it is unlikely that world class marathoner Mo Farah will run for Britain again, UK Athletics have nevertheless decided to financially support the runner by continuing to fund his Performance Programme.

This critically acclaimed, famous programme, UK Sport’s National Lottery funded initiative, included a total of 112 athletes across Olympic Podium, Paralympic Podium Potential, and Olympic Relay Categories.

However, there is some concern whether UK Athletics are making the right decision due to the 34 year old’s high training and medical costs. Whilst Farah has succeeded in his funding grant, 24 other British athletes have lost their lottery money.

A list of eminent names in the Athletic sector includes World championship medallists Tiffany Porter and Shara Proctor, who have both struggled this year in the

Photo: Tim Hipps, Wikimedia 100m hurdles and long jump events, and the sprinters Harry AikinesAryeetey and James Ellington.

Whilst these big names on the list miss out, UK Athletics’ Performance Director, Neil Black

Hamilton harassed at gunpoint in Sao Paulo Andrew Mackenzie Sport Reporter

Mercedes’ celebrations were cut short as Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team were dragged back down to Earth. At gun point. Before the weekend had begun in earnest, a minibus full of Mercedes personnel was stopped and robbed by armed assailants. The people involved were shaken but nobody was injured.

This is not the first time that events such as this have taken place at Sao Paulo. There has been a string of incidents involving high profile drivers like Jenson Button, who was threatened by gunmen ahead of the 2010 race. A few years ago, the mother-in-law of the then Formula One Supremo Bernie Ecclestone was taken hostage and held for several days. The problem is not limited to Brazil, in fact this wasn’t the first time in the last twelve months that Mercedes personnel have been robbed at gun-point; an incident occurring at the Mexican Grand Prix last season in which an armed gunman robbed a Mercedes team member.

This is a problem that F1 has, through no fault of their own, created for themselves. The reputation of the sport, the glamour, and the money are part of the sport. The problem is possibly exacerbated by the fact that many of the incidents involving teams and personnel have resulted from the fact they are transported to and from their hospitality in minibuses.

However, the continuation of these incidents and their unfortunate propensity to happen to the less protected members of the team personnel indicates the host countries could do more to protect the mechanics and other less highprofile people that surround the teams as they go around the world.

It is out of the question that the F1 circus should have to leave circuits off the calendar in favour of socalled ‘safer venues.’

“There has been a string of incidents involving high profile drivers like Jenson Button” Sao Paulo is one of the greatest venues and its place on the calendar is not under threat, but if the teams’ safety continues to be threatened in such violent ways, I am afraid that one day something worse might happen that would put it, or any other venues, under threat.

This is a problem that needs to be sorted out at all venues around the world, to avoid events such as what befell the Mercedes team in Sao Paulo, from overshadowing the racing on track. According to Sky Sports News, Hamilton said that he exceeded his expectations by narrowly missing out on a podium finish at Interlagos.

affirms his decision to maintain the performance funding: “Mo is very positive about Tokyo. He has always said he loves competing for his country and is passionate about winning medals. And as we

all know he is pretty good at both of those.” This positive statement is supported by claims that Farah is able to run much faster than his marathon personal best of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 21 seconds.

Black has continued to show his support for the formidable runner and stated: “There’s absolutely no doubt in our minds that he can be competitive in a championship race.”

On the premise that Farah can perform at a competitive and professional level, Black dismissed any allegations that UK Athletics should not be paying for Farah’s training, despite the knowledge that he has not tied himself to running for Britain in the following year’s European Championships or the subsequent 2019 World Championships.

Taking into consideration that Farah will be 38 years of age when the Olympics takes place in the next four years, Black said: “Mo doesn’t have an expectation that British Athletics or UK Sport should pay for everything he does.

He is a realist. He understands the world. He is grateful for support and is enthusiastic to compete.”

Whilst there were some protestations that Farah’s previous coach, Alberto Salazar will remain as a hidden puppet manipulator, pulling the strings behind the scenes, Black maintained that this was “100 percent not the case” and that he had a “good relationship” with his new coach Gary Lough.

Farah will appear on podiumlevel funding alongside the young marathon runner, Callum Hawkins, who finished fourth at the recent World Championships in London.

It is nevertheless not surprising that the four-time Olympic Games gold medallist and six-time World Champion still remains on top of his game, despite narrowly missing a triple-double of World Championship 5,000 and 10,000m titles.

Despite this small set back, British Athletics has kept Farah on its list of podium athletes, amongst other world renowned sporting contestants.

Norfolk youngster makes Leicester Tigers debut Beth Papworth Sport Reporter Gresham’s school rugby player, Harry Simmons feasts his eyes on a Premiership debut after becoming the latest Norfolk player to have the opportunity to earn a place on Leicester Tigers first team.

The 18-year-old stood out from the rest of his team when playing the opening hour of a 26-24 home win over Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Harry Simmons, the up and coming rugby player said: “It was something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid, so it was pretty special for me and the family.”

He continued: “Obviously I was very nervous, but as soon as soon as you get into the swing of things it’s the same as any other game, it’s about getting your hands on the ball and then you forget about the crowd and the TV cameras and all that stuff.”

The young athlete was raised in Lenwade and had been with Tigers ever since the under-16 level, moving to Leicester after finishing his A-Levels at Gresham’s School in Holt.

In his working career as a rugby player, he followed in his father’s footsteps, Mark, who captained Norfolk, Eastern Counties and Holt.

Simmons added, “Mum and Dad were here for the game and I had a few mates from school here as well.

Also some of the Holt boys were here for the Prima Cup, the under10s competition after the game.”

Simmons aspires to be following closely behind England’s scrumhalf Ben Yo u n g s ,

Image: Vecteezy who was recently presented with an engraved silver picture frame following the success of Leicester’s home game against Newcastle.

Simmons said that he has “worked together lots” with the high-profile Tigers team-mate and is constantly picking his brains when they are kicking and passing to each other.

“So he’s probably been my main idol, it’s quite cool to get the

opportunity to pick his brains and he’s been brilliant for me,” Simmons added. Approximately 5ft 11ins and 90kg in weight, Simmons appears ready to prove that he can handle rugby at a professional level.

While Youngs is away with England for the autumn internationals, Simmons has the chance to show that he can handle the top-level demands of a rugby player.

Simmons’ hopes were raised last month when 25-year-old New Zealander Jono Kitto was released.

Head Coach, Matt O’Connor said: “Ben White and Harry Simmons have both come through our academy and are at a stage in their careers where we need to be able to provide those opportunities in senior rugby.”

Kitto also said that he sees both White and Simmons playing a significant role in the club’s future success and is excited to see their progress alongside senior scrum-halves Ben Youngs and Sam Harrison. Geordan Murphy, Tigers’ Coach said he was pleased with Simmons’ debut against Gloucester.

“He played really well. We are very lucky that we have two very good young nines.”

Simmons is aware that this is his lucky break in professional rugby and is excited about rising to the challenge and proving that he can succeed.

24

21st November 2017

Sport

Women’s Rugby tri-umph Hannah Shaw Sport Reporter

This past Wednesday saw UEA Women’s Rugby 1s and 2s teams take to the field, the 1s with a home game against Nottingham Trent and the 2s with their first game of the season away to Northampton.

The first team stormed onto the pitch on Wednesday with something to prove after a narrow loss to Nottingham the previous week. This was shown by a stellar performance ending with a 34-17 win.

The first try set the pace for the rest of the game, Sophie Sibley playing at fly-half made a great carry and popped the ball to Sophia Skinner playing inside centre.

Sophia spotted the space and scored the first try of the game to a roar of cheers.

Photo: UEA Women’s Rugby First team, Richard Polley

“The team made some excellent gains in attack, turning the ball over and fighting through the defence” Following this, the team made some excellent gains in attack, turning the ball over and fighting through the defence. The second try came from a sensational break made by second row Emma Potter, who, after beating off the defence, ran half the pitch to score.

Shortly after this, another try came from second row Anna Moorhead.

This game was dominated by the hard work of the

Photo: UEA Women’s Rugby Second team forwards, and this could be seen winning most scrums and rucks.

But they could not get complacent, Trent came back with three more tries, but the team

banded together, holding that brick wall defence, with Ella Watson taking out any girls that braved to run past them. UEA went onto to score two more tries thanks to

Hannah Shaw, and then another from Robyn Hopewell who scored a beautiful try under the posts. India Gilmore and Sophie Sibley linked up for some kicks and conversions

that changed the dynamics of the game allowing the 1st to keep their dominance on the pitch.

The second team’s last season made huge amounts of progress and climbed three places in the rankings, this was due to a win against Northampton. So playing them on their home ground this year, Northamptonhad a debt to settle…

The game started with an injury to experienced scrum-half Mia Wilkinson. This meant four girls trying the position of scrum-half, and a great case of learning on the job! Ellena Jansen played her first game, playing hooker, she hooked every ball in every scrum and made some amazing tackles. With the lack of scrum-half throwing off the seconds game, Captain Lucy Riseborough pulled the team aside for a talk, asking them to throw in all they had.

The girls returned in full colours, this was their game to win now.

The forwards made committed and fantastic tackles, allowing the backs to run some great lines. Considering the girls had never played together before they banded together to win 15-12, with the tries of the game coming from Ellie Bokor-Ingram and Ella Walledge.

Northampton is one of the only clubs left with a bath, so afterwards all the players donned their briefs and hit the bubble bath.

We asked the seconds what their favourite moments from the game were, and all of them said the same thing. Yes winning was great, but simply playing together and supporting one another, seeing the moral they had created and just generally how lovely they all were, was the best part.

This is an even bigger win than the game and is something the girls should all be proud they created.

England vs Germany: The goalless friendly Patrick Wiseman Sport Reporter England played host to Germany last Friday in the first of their two friendlies during the international break (the last one until March, thank God). Prior to the game, both sides observed a minute’s silence to honour the fallen of the wars gone by, which was impeccably observed by both sets of fans. Wreaths were also laid on the centre circle by members of the British and German Armed Forces.

With regards to the game itself, Gareth Southgate chose a largely inexperienced side, although this might have had something to do with the fact that not much experience

was actually available; the national team had been shorn of a lot of its experience by a raft of late injuries.

Germany themselves may have been missing a few players, but it was the lack of instantly recognisable names on the Three Lions’ team sheet that really stood out. In fact, this was England’s least experience starting XI since 1980. Phil Jones, replaced after 25 minutes, was England’s most capped player that night, with a measly 24 caps to his name.

However, whilst this seemed unfortunate on paper, it gave Gareth Southgate the chance to hand debuts to five Lions; two of which, Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (MOTM), proved to be serious contenders for spots in the starting line-up next summer

in Russia; particularly so, with England in such desperate need of quality players in their positions.

Furthermore, players such as Kieran Trippier, Phil Jones (for the time he was on) and John Stones all had a good game.

“England need to work on set pieces if we are to go on a decent run in Russia” England started on the back foot, with Harry Maguire’s wayward under-hit back-pass putting Timo Werner in through on goal, only to

be stopped by Pickford. Not shortly afterwards, Tammy Abraham made the first of a series of blunders that night, missing his kick inside the six-yard box. Often, he got into good positions but failed to capitalise.

In his defence though, he is inexperienced, and had very much been thrust down the deep end. A German break soon after almost led to a goal, with three attempts in quick succession on goal; the first saved by Pickford, then by Jones – his last action, being replaced by Joe Gomez – before Draxler skied the third shot.

One thing that did become clear is that England need to work on set pieces if we are to go on a decent run in Russia, with numerous chances spurned. Despite this,

England could very nearly have won the game in the dying seconds with a set piece no less; a last minute corner was whipped into the box, only for Jesse Lingard to blast it into Row Z with a disastrous first-time shot.

Despite the entertainment on show – rare, especially from an England game, and a friendly at that – the score ultimately ended goalless. Although, given we were playing the world champions, with a hugely weakened XI at that, that is nothing to turn your nose up at.

There is still work to be done, of course, but the England squad that played on Friday largely showed positive signs – I only hope they manage to replicate that positive performance in Russia next year.