Issue 1153 - Monday 16 March by Cardiff Student Media

rhifyn 1153 issue 1153

gair rhydd

16 mawrth 2020 16 march 2020

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Inside: Gair Rhydd looks into Extinction Rebellion and climate change activism (pages 8, 9 and 10)

Cardiff University sets out their response to the Covid-19 outbreak

Mustakim Hasnath Features Editor Charlotte King Head of News

n March 11, Cardiff University students in the School of Chemistry received an email from their School informing them that they are following the Government’s advice with regards to the Covid-19 outbreak and that they “are planning for a range of scenarios including University closure.” Towards the end of last week, the British Government announced that the UK was officially entering the ‘delay’ phase in the battle against Covid-19, moving away from trying to contain the spread of the virus and are now aiming to delay widespread infection. At the same time, more and more countries began to introduce lockdown measures in an attempt to protect their citizens from the illness. Ireland, Denmark, Austria and Israel closed all schools, Italy intensified its lockdown measures, and the US announced it is refusing entry to all travellers from Europe bar the UK and Ireland. However, despite increasing school closures across the continent, the British Government have made it clear that they do not plan to close schools or universities at this stage. Colin Riordan, Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, reached out to Cardiff University students last week to update them on the University’s response to the developing Covid-19 outbreak. “As some of you will be aware”, Riordan stated, “a University-wide contingency group has been meeting regularly since this issue first emerged in December. “I want to assure everyone that the safety of our students, staff and the wider Cardiff community is paramount. With that in mind we should continue to conduct our daily lives in the light of the advice we are receiving from public health authorities.” The University is reportedly already working through “various scenarios”

which include “alternative forms of working and teaching.” Cardiff University has currently cancelled or postponed all student field trips and placements outside of the UK, students on placement in international locations will be contacted and offered support if they wish to return home, all workrelated travel outside of the UK for staff-members has been postponed, and those organising large-scale conferences and events are encouraged to consider virtual alternatives. When considering the response from universities across the entire country, a mixed picture emerges. Last Thursday, Durham University announced that it was cancelling all classroom lectures and teaching will be conducted online. Manchester Metropolitan University also announced that it is ending face-to-face lectures a week before the end of term with no contact teaching taking place after March 27, but have said that if the Government requests lectures to end earlier then the University will comply. On Thursday last week, after a meeting with the Government’s emergency COBRA committee, Boris Johnson urged anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, to stay at home for seven days in what is described as “the worst public health crisis in a generation.” Earlier last week, vice-chancellors from universities across the UK informed the Government that shutting universities down completely would be “impossible” because there are thousands of students across the country who have nowhere else to go. A Cardiff University spokesperson told Gair Rhydd: “The safety of our students, staff and the wider Cardiff community in which we live is paramount. Since Coronavirus first emerged, the University’s Incident Response Team has been closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds” and “for those following Government or University advice to return [from abroad] we will ensure that that there is no financial disadvantage”.

The Norwegian Church: The future of the iconic landmark is in doubt. Source: Craig Williams

The future of Cardiff Bay’s iconic Norwegian Church in doubt

ardiff Bay’s Norwegian Church, is facing doubts over its future ownership. Last year, Cardiff Council suggested making the Church

into a commercial centre which prompted a critical response from the Welsh Norwegian Society, accusing the Council of “financial mismanagement”. The Church is currently owned and managed by the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust and the site is re-

Chancellor announces return to borrowing

Celebrating the Cardiff University women of Welsh part of climate history change study

Tom-Henry Jones Politics Editor

Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

Siôn Ford Contributor

C T

he Government announced their first budget on Wednesday May 11. Gair Rhydd’s Politics desk has broken down the key pledges. Announcing plans for a number of key areas including the environment and taxation, the new budget includes large increases in borrowing, while other money-making policies have been scrapped. More money is also being given to the Welsh Government in light of the recent flooding that has occurred throughout the UK. To read more on the budget’s key promises, turn to page 16. 16

eople all over the world recently celebrated International Women’s Day, and took the opportunity to reflect on some of the iconic women in Welsh history. From Frances Hoggan to Megan Lloyd-George, our country’s rich history is full of inspiring women, and in this week’s @Caerdydd, we take a look at the stories of some of the women who have contributed so much to our country’s culture. To read more about some of the iconic women in Welsh history, head over to page 34. 34

garded as being important both historically and culturally. Whilst there are talks of the Church being transferred to community ownership, the final decision resides with the Preservation Trust. Turn to page 4 to read more on the Church’s future.

Jo Field Contributor

new survey has revealed that climate change is now ranked the second-most important issue in the public eye. The survey was carried out by researchers from Cardiff University and Climate Outreach. It demonstrates the shifting attitudes of the public towards climate change and how it is a real concern amongst many. A large proportion of people believed that the recent flooding and storm events were caused because of climate change. Read more on page 31 on what the study entailed. 31

EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd 2019/20 Coordinator Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief Tomos Evans

Deputy Editors

Charlotte King Sam Tilley George Willoughby

News

Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

Features

Mustakim Hasnath Sam Tilley

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com

A note from the Editor Nodyn gan y Golygydd Global response to Ymateb i’r coronafeirws coronavirus intensifies yn cynyddu

Taf-od

Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones

Politics

Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Comment

Adam Clarke Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Tehreem Sultan

Column Road Indigo Jones

Advice

Molly Govus Rhiannon James

Satwik Speaks Satwik Shivoham

Science

Liv Davies Holly Giles

@Caerdydd

Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

Sport

Reece Chambers Olly Allen Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling Tom Walker George Willoughby

Head of Digital Media Aliraza Manji

Social Media Manager Lottie Draycott

Digital Media Editors Sophia Grace Matt Hancock-Bruce Daniel O’Callaghan

Graphics Editor

Oli King

Copy Editors Boadicea Dowd Anurag Hegde

Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. We may occasionally make mistakes, however if you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd.com. You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints. Opinions expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are not reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a Post Office registered newspaper.

COVID-19: The Government has increased its response to the coronavirus. Source: Tumisu (via Pixabay) Tomos Evans Editor-in-Chief

he last few weeks has seen the number of COVID-19 cases increase in countries all over the world. At the time of writing, there are over 450 cases in the United Kingdom, 19 of those in Wales. The advice from the Welsh Government is clear. Continue to wash your hands regularly in soapy water, for at least 20 seconds at a time, and cough and sneeze into a tissue, or your sleeve. The international response to the coronavirus has been varied. Italy continues to be in lockdown and, as of last week, Ireland has decided to join them by closing all schools, universities, and childcare services in the country until at least the end of the month. The scale of the virus has escalated suddenly and dramatically and there has been an international response to its spread. Last week, Donald Trump announced that flights to and from most European countries were to be suspended in the US in an attempt to prevent the virus’ spread. Nadine Dorries, a Health Minister in the government, was the first UK MP to test positive for COVID-19, whilst Tom Hanks and his wife also announced that they had tested positive for the virus in Australia.

Sporting fixtures and mass gatherings in many countries across the world have been suspended, with the Premier League suspened until the beginning of April, and several Six Nations fixtures postponed until later in the year. We must make sure that if we feel any flu-like symptoms that we selfisolate for seven days and in Wales we can contact 111 for advice. Paying particular care to the most vulnerable in society, including older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, is of paramount importance. We can all do our bit by making sure that we take the necessary precautions when visiting older relatives, for example. The important thing is that everyone takes extra care over the next few weeks and months. Maintaining good hygiene is key and never has it been more important that we continue to obtain our information from verified sources so as not to be misinformed by unsubstantiated claims on social media. In this week’s issue of Gair Rhydd, our News section looks at what steps Cardiff University is considering to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the student population. Our Poltics desk also takes a look at the political response to the outbreak and our Sport section evaluate the coronavirus’ impact on events around the world.

COVID-19: Mae’r Llywodraeth wedi cynyddu ei ymateb i’r coronafeirws. Tarddiad: Tumisu (drwy Pixabay) Tomos Evans Prif Olygydd

ae’r wythnosau diwethaf wedi gweld y nifer o achosion COVID-19 yn cynyddu mewn gwledydd ar draws y byd. Wrth ysgrifennu’r nodyn hwn, mae dros 450 o achosion yn y DU, gyda 19 ohonynt yng Nghymru. Mae’r cyngor gan Lywodraeth Cymru yn glir, i barhau i olchi ein dwylo yn aml mewn dŵr a sebon, am o leiaf 20 eiliad bob tro, a pheswch a thisian i mewn i hances, neu i lewys. Mae’r ymateb ryngwladol i’r coronafeirws wedi bod yn amrywiol. Mae’r Eidal yn parhau i fod mewn ‘lockdown’ ac, ers wythnos diwethaf, mae Iwerddon wedi ymuno â nhw gan gau holl ysgolion, prifysgolion a gwasanaethau cyhoeddus am sawl wythnos. Mae graddfa’r feirws wedi cynyddu’n gyflym ac yn ddramatig ac mae ymateb wedi bod o bob cwr o’r byd. Cyhoeddodd Donald Trump yr wythnos diwethaf fod hediadau i ac o nifer o wledydd Ewrop i gael eu hatal yn America er mwyn ceisio rhwystro’r feirws rhag lledu ymhellach. Nadine Dorries, gweinidog iechyd yn y llywodraeth, oedd yr Aelod Seneddol cyntaf yn y Deyrnas Unedig i dderbyn canlyniad positif am COVID-19, wrth i Tom Hanks a’i wraig gyhoeddi eu bod hwythau hefyd wedi derbyn canlyniad positif am y feirws yn Awstralia.

Mae cystadlaethau chwaraeon a digwyddiadau i dros 500 o bobl wedi eu hatal yn yr Alban, tra bo’r Uwch Gynghrair wedi ei ohirio tan ddechrau Ebrill a nifer o gemau’r Chwe Gwlad wedi eu gohirio am sawl mis. Rhaid inni sicrhau os ydym yn teimlo unrhyw symptomau o’r ffliw ein bod yn ynysu ein hunain am saith diwrnod ac yng Nghymru gallwn ffonio 111 am gymorth. Mae talu gofal penodol i’r bobl fwyaf bregus yn ein cymdeithas, megis pobl hŷn a phobl sydd eisoes yn dioddef o gyflyrau meddygol, yn hynod o bwysig. Medrwn ni oll wneud ein rhan drwy sicrhau ein bod ni’n cymryd gofal ychwanegol wrth ymweld â perthnasau hŷn, er enghraifft. Y peth pwysicaf y fod pobl yn cymryd gofal manwl dros yr wythnosau a’r misoedd nesaf. Mae sicrhau hylendid da yn allweddol a dydy hi byth wedi bod mor bwysig ein bod yn derbyn ein newyddion drwy ddulliau y gallwch ymddiried ynddynt fel nad ydynt yn cael ein camarwain gan sïon di-sail ar gyfryngau cymdeithaso. Yn rhifyn yr wythnos hon o Gair Rhydd, mae ein hadran newyddion yn edrych ar ba gamau mae Prifysgol Caerdydd yn eu cymryd i leihau effaith COVID-19 ar fyfyrwyr, mae’r adran Wleidyddiaeth yn taro golwg ar yr ymateb wleidyddol i’r coronafeirws ac mae’r adran Chwaraeon yn dadansoddi effaith y coronafeirws ar fyd y campau.

Zoe Kramer News Editor

ardiff University Students’ Union’s Great Hall might be receiving an extensive makeover in the near future. The Great Hall is a versatile space in the SU, hosting freshers’ fairs, beer festivals and dodgeball tournaments by day, and a range of concerts by night. The Great Hall will be receiving new lighting and sound systems, as well as expanding its capacity from the current limit of 1500. The redevelopment plans will also connect the Great Hall to the Taf, the Students’ Union’s pub on the second floor. To pay for the restoration, the SU have imposed a levy of 75p a ticket for live music and 50p for DJ events. The Great Hall was originally opened 45 years ago in 1975. Since then, it has hosted many prominent acts such as The Clash, The Smiths,

Oasis, Coldplay and The Killers. “The last year has been one of our busiest for live shows, giving us the opportunity to work with lots of different promoters to bring diverse acts to the city, covering a variety of genres and production levels,” assistant Head of Venues, Nathan Walker, told WalesOnline. “The live music scene in Cardiff has faced a period of flux in recent years with well-known venues closing their doors, so we are particularly pleased to have maintained our commitment to live music in the city and to have built such a great relationship with the local music fans and students who come to our shows. “As well as having one of our busiest years for gigs, we have also been working on some exciting developments to the building and our event spaces.” The plans for the venue are split into two phases; the first phase will involve replacing the current staging, installing a glass balustrade on the

balcony, and installing a new rigging system in the ceiling. The second phase includes replacing lite trusses with more heavy duty alternatives, investing in more eco-friendly LED lights, and expanding the bar. “This is a really exciting time for live music at Cardiff University Students’ Union. I loved coming to concerts here as a student and I can’t wait to come to more,” added Jackie Yip, Students’ Union President. “Over the next few years, we will be focusing on exciting redevelopments to our Great Hall to increase capacity and improve the customer experience. We can’t wait to host more amazing artists in the years to come and to welcome you all through the doors to share in the moment.” Speaking to Gair Rhydd, Yip stated: “We are in current talks with Cardiff University to develop the SU Welcome Centre to fit with the new look and feel of the Centre for Student Life building. It is hoped that in addition to this, we can gain invest-

ment to carry out vital work in The Great Hall. The focus of the improvements is to enhance the student experience - the proposed development will increase the capacity of the venue for events, enable a greater range of activities in the space (including access for clubs and societies) and improve the connectivity to the SU reception and the CSL. The project, if funded, will be planned in times that will have the least disruption on students and events, and will also be carried out in a phased manner to ensure the continuation of activity where possible. We are proud of the memorable events The Great Hall has housed since it’s opening, everything from Cher to the Stereophonics, we are hoping that gaining this investment will ensure the venue can deliver for another 45 iconic years.” If you have any feedback or ideas for how to further improve the venue, email BoxOffice@Cardiff.ac.uk.

Charlotte King Head of News

nd just like that, Cardiff University Students’ Union Spring Elections 2020 have come to a close. From March 2 to March 6, students had the opportunity to vote for new officers for an array of positions, from VP Welfare and Campaigns to Women’s Officer, and from International Students’ Officer to Students’ Union President, a variety of positions are up for grabs every year. This year, Tomos Evans, current VP Education, was elected to become the next SU President with a grand total of 1671 votes. For the current academic year, as VP Education in the Students’ Union, Evans has been “[representing] all students on academic interests” through working with the Union itself and lobbying and negotiating with Cardiff University to make changes which will benefit students. Throughout the past year, objectives completed by Evans as VP Education include: providing kettles and microwaves in library buildings, providing a bus to drive University Halls students to and from exams, and improving the Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL). As part of improving the ASSL, Evans has increased the number of water fountains, introduced a hot water point, provided blankets and provided charging ports. Other projects which are still in progress are improving international student support, improving lecture and study spaces, improving the Students’ Union’s sustainability, and he is also working on ensuring student voices are

heard with regards to the University’s decision to merge the Science, Music and Aberonway libraries into study spaces. In this year’s Students’ Union Elections, Tomos Evans was up against a number of nominees. Orla Tarn, current VP Societies and Volunteering, Jacob Turnbull, and George Moore. Tarn came in second in the Elections, Turnbull third and Moore fourth. In Evans’ ‘menufesto’, he made a wide array of promises to students as the next SU President. For example, he has pledged to provide free transport across all campuses, offer further support for international students, reduce waiting times for counselling, prioritise sustainability and hold lettings agents to account. He also pledged to increase Welshlanguage representation, create food bank donation points in libraries across campus, provide better support for joint honours students, allow study rooms to be booked in the Students’ Union, formalise postgraduate research contracts, and organise a winter graduation ceremony. Last week, Gair Rhydd spoke to Tomos Evans about becoming the next Students’ Union President.

How do you feel to have been elected as the next Students’ Union President?

Honestly, I think I’m still in shock! It was such a tough week of campaigning for everyone involved and just to have gotten through it, I feel very relieved. But the overall feeling is of absolute excitement. I have the opportunity to do something that I love for another year and I’m just so excited for what’s

to come! What are your aims for next year policy-wise? I think in general I want to make sure that every student feels included, supported and heard. In terms of actual policy though, a few of my priorities include student safety and transport across campus, making sure that people can have a fantastic night out and get home safe and then get into their 9am without having to sprint through town, for example. Another area of focus would be as a world-leading research institution I want to make sure that we are making sustainability a priority not just for our university and campus but also for the wider world. I also think it’s incredibly important that we support students who require mental health support and that there is enough funding and resources to ensure that they actually get the support that they need. Those are just a few of my top priorities but the rest can be found the SU website. Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? Absolutely! One of the reasons that I ran for President was because I felt that one year wasn’t enough time to do all the things I wanted to do. One of these is making sure that international students are supported entirely. Making sure that from day one of them arriving they feel that they are part of the Cardiff community and not just a visitor. So this year I’ve been working very closely with the university to improve the provisions on offer within the crucial first few weeks where being away from home and in a completely different environ-

To contact our news desk, drop us an email at news@gairrhydd.com

From VP Education to SU President, Tomos Evans lays out his vision for next year

NEWS

Meet your new Students’ Union President

NEWYDDION

The plans include eco-friendly LED lights and expanding the bar

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/news

Plans to revamp the Students’ Union’s Great Hall have been announced

ment can be so difficult. I hope to improve on this further next year. Another would be the quality of assessments and also the quantity of assessments, making sure that the university isn’t having assessing purely because it has to but using assessments to further our learning as well. This has been a long journey and there is some really great work being done in partnership with the university on this so I’m super excited to be able to carry on working on it! What would you like to say to those students who voted for you? The only thing I can say is thank you! Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your words of encouragement throughout the year as well as on the campaign trail. And thank you for the opportunity to represent you again this coming year, I am so grateful. My door will always be open so please come and ask me questions, give me feedback or just come for a chat. Thanks. Tomos Evans will assume the role at the end of the academic year.

Your news desk Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

4 NEWS The uncertain future of Cardiff Bay’s famous Norwegian Church Siôn Ford Contributor

he Norwegian Church has stood in Cardiff Bay for decades and has always provided an opportunity for culture and integration, originally offering travelling Norwegian sailors a place for prayer. An historic remnant of the bygone era of Tiger Bay and the Cardiff Docks, the Norwegian Church has more recently functioned as an arts centre. Last year, Cardiff Council signalled its interest in making the Church available for a new commercial opportunity in an effort to combat budgetary challenges. The Church is owned and managed by the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust, although Cardiff Council is the sole trustee and has been accused by members of the Welsh Norwegian Society of mismanagement. In a detailed statement, the Welsh Norwegian Society accused the Council of negligent financial management, citing a “pattern of non-compliance”. In addition, they advised that multiple requests to allow an advisory committee to assist in the management of the Church have been refused by the Council: “We have repeatedly called for the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust to reinstate the Norwegian Church Advisory Committee which was created when Cardiff Council became sole trustee, to provide independent oversight of the Trust, and to enable conflicts of interest to be identified and managed. Cardiff Council [has] ignored our requests and the Advisory Committee has not met for at least four years, possibly even longer.” Aside from its cultural and historic importance, the Church has received multiple grants and donations to assist in refurbishment and maintenance. Supporters of the campaign to transfer the Church to public ownership argue that it would be morally wrong of Cardiff Council to seek to benefit from this via commercial opportunities. However, there has been a more positive development recently. Council Leader, Councillor Huw Thomas, has discussed the possibility of initiating a Community Asset Transfer (CAT). This process could see the Norwegian Church being transferred in ownership from the Council to community ownership, but is dependent on the new Trust demonstrating their project’s feasibility. The Welsh Norwegian Society is in the process of trying to secure the necessary funding to conduct a feasibility study. Whilst they have applied for funding through the Architectural Heritage Fund, the group says that it still needs to raise an additional £4,000 and has appealed to the public for support.

Who are the SU’s new Sabbatical Officers? Gair Rhydd spoke to the new Sabb Officers about their visions for next year

ardiff University Students’ Union’s 2020 Spring Elections came to a close on Friday, March 6 with the results announced last weekend. Following a week of fervent campaigning, more than 5,000 votes were cast in this year’s elections for seven Sabbatical Officer positions and ten Campaign Of-

ficer positions. Across the week, students had the opportunity to vote for new Officers across a wide range of positions. The Sabbatical Officer positions being voted on were: Students’ Union President, VP Sports and Athletic Union, VP Welfare and Campaigns, VP Postgraduate Students,

VP Education, VP Societies and Volunteering, and VP Heath Park Campus. The Campaign Officer positions which were up for grabs were: Students with Disabilities’ Officer, Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer, International Students’ Officer, Mental Health Officer, Mature Students’ Officer, Women’s Of-

ficer, Ethical and Environmental Officer, LGBT+ Officer (Open), LGBT+ Women’s Place Officer, and Welsh Language Officer. This week, Gair Rhydd News has been in contact with each newly elected Sabbatical Officer to find out more about what they hope to achieve next year.

Jude Pickett, VP Sports and Athletic Union President

How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Sports and AU President? I am really excited. Doing two years in the same role will enable me to use my experience last year to really make change. I can approach tasks confidently and effectively. I really think that we can see some proper improvements and transformation in the AU.

What are your aims for next year policy-wise? I want to improve the fairness of facility allocation. In partnership with the Uni-

versity I want to increase the available spaces for clubs and societies to use for their activities. Although not a policy as such, this will have a direct influence on many of the students that play sport at Cardiff University. I want to make our behaviour policies and expectations clearer and more digestible to students and committees. This is so they know what is expected of them ensuring that sport is as inclusive as it should be. I want to work with BUCS and other universities to develop the policies around trans inclusion in sport. Ensuring that there are opportunities for everyone to get involved and feel part of the sporting community.

Do you plan to continue any pol-

icies implemented this year? I want to continue to make sure what we do is fair. I have increased the transparency of the Budget allocation of the AU and I want to continue to do so. I want to work with sports to make sure they have enough resource to be able give the best experience to their members.

What would you like to say to those students for you? Thank you and thank you again!! There is much more to come! I am the first (known of) Sports Sabb to do two years here at Cardiff. I know that this means I can achieve great things.

Georgie East, VP Welfare and Campaigns How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Welfare and Campaigns? Ecstatic! But I was so so surprised. I had to campaign remotely from New Orleans as I was on my final year field trip and I’d completely convinced myself I hadn’t got it. We watched the results on live steam in our hostel and all of us just burst into tears when my name was called! I’d worked so hard before campaign week to get everything sorted and my campaign team were amazing throughout the week. And it paid off! I’m so excited to work as hard as I can next year to improve welfare and campaigns across our university.

What are your aims for next year policy-wise? I have so many policy ideas for next year! A number were highlighted on my manifesto but

there are plenty more where they came from. I’m excited to share these when I get into post! I would like to promise that I will do everything I can to not only maintain the welfare and campaign provisions across the university but also work my socks off to improve the facilities. Regarding campaigns, I want to work closely alongside Student Lead Services (SLSs) to push ideas that these students believe to be important. That way, the student experience can still be at the heart of what I’m doing throughout the year to improve welfare.

Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? There have been a number of policies implemented this year that I will carry on, and some that are still in the works. I’m really looking forward to having a chat with the current VP Welfare James to discuss what we can

push forward!

What would you like to say to those students for you? The biggest thank you I can. Again I was so shocked with the result. I’m so grateful that my manifesto and campaign spread to that many students, that actually gave up their time to vote for me. I’m so appreciative that I’ve been given the opportunity to pursue something I’m so passionate about, and I will do my best to do everyone proud. Even if people don’t directly follow the process made this year, I want to be able to end the year having made a significant difference that people can really notice.

Jane Chukwu, VP Postgraduate Students How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Sports and AU President? (smiles) It is a good feeling. Really. It is pretty satisfying knowing that despite all odds, they were people who connected with me; people who wanted me to be here as much as I wanted to be here. It is almost validating. Like, nothing else matters. It would not have been if it were not to be, you know. What are your aims for next year policy-wise? Before the official handing over in June, I hope to have a one-on-one meeting with the

three other contestants. That is Janet Williams, Noah Akhimien, and Abbie Fridlington. I believe there’s a lot to learn from every candidate who didn’t win the election. Much to understand behind the passion and stories that birthed their manifestos. I want to key into that and see how all three can blend into mine, based on priorities and feasibility. They were all made for the common good of the students and institution at the end of the day.

Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? I haven’t been made aware of all the policies implemented this year, so I can’t give a definite answer to this question. But, one thing I do know is that if a system is a functional and good one, it is practical and useful and should be kept that way OR reevaluated and improved. It’s pretty

straight forward. Consistency and sustainability are fundamental keys to maintaining high performances in any organization. Otherwise, every year, there would be a system overhaul and baby projects by newly elected Officers and little or no progress.

What would you like to say to those students for you? Thank you for casting your vote, for believing in me, and for voting for that belief. It’s a privilege for me that you shared your time for my cause, and that’s the most significant gift any human can ever give to another - Time. For that, I am grateful. I do wish I can know you by name or meet up, but I can’t because I am just one person. However, I hope that you would say Hi or Smile when you see me. I am always in the mood for a chat even when it looks like I am not.

Hannah Doe, VP Education

How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Education?

It has not quite sunk in yet. The weekend was overwhelming yet amazing, and now I am home for a little while, back to studying and the usual routine. Occasionally I am reminded of the fact that I am the next VP Education and I cannot quite believe it. I am so excited for what is to come and starting in the role.

What are your aims for next year policy-wise? My biggest focus is going to be working

on action from the University regarding strikes. The strikes have been directly affecting us all, however, all the time our lecturers face a large workload, poor pensions and pay. This will always have an impact on us. Additionally, I am looking forward to working on making sure our lectures are to the high standard they should be, making sure there are trained tutors supporting us academically and personally, and so much more.

Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? I plan to continue on as many of the current policies as possible. It is important to me to continue to improve the SU sustainability. Additionally, I want to continue

NEWYDDION 5 Tiger Tiger closes its doors for the last time

work that is also being done on the personal tutor/supervisor system, make sure we have quality assessment feedback, provide free sanitary products across campus and review student accommodation. This is all very important to me and I would love to continue the hard work that has already been put into them. My goal is to do everything I can to make big impacts and change.

What would you like to say to those students who voted for you? A massive thank you, I still cannot believe over 1700 students voted for me. I want everyone to know that I am taking this very seriously and want you to trust that I will do my absolute best to get what I said I would do, done.

Luke Evans, VP Societies and Volunteering How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Societies and Volunteering? I feel ecstatic, humbled and so privileged to have been elected; and really excited to get stuck into the role. I’m very eager to get started - although for now, the focus is on actually graduating! I’m so looking forward to representing all students, societies and volunteering activities/groups!

What are your aims for next year policy-wise? The biggest point for me, as was focal in my manifesto, is the personal connection with the societies. I want to make sure that I am reachable and seen as someone who can be easily approached.

I’ll be working closely on the ground with societies and volunteering groups to make sure that everything done is tailored to their expectations; and that their voice is not only being heard, but also acted upon. I’ll also be working to implement my manifesto which covers areas such as: fairer venue access, streamlined resources and the tiering system (and more).

Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? I think Orla has done a fantastic job this year in championing societies and volunteering, and there are many things that I think work really well. For example, I really like the implementation of wellbeing officers into the society tiering structure and am a firm believer of not chang-

ing things for the sake of change. That said, where improvements can be made, I’ll be closely working with students to further enhance their experience.

What would you like to say to those students who voted for you? As mentioned earlier, I’m really humbled, and I completely appreciate this incredible opportunity to make a difference. I thank you all for your vote of confidence; It was a truly warming experience to be able to talk to so many students during election week. I look forward to representing you in the next academic year!

Sebastian Ripley, VP Heath Park Campus How do you feel to have been elected as the next VP Heath Park Campus? I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to work for the Union. Although a cliché, it still hasn’t sunk in really. I am really enjoying my course but can’t wait to get stuck into a full year of helping the students at the Heath Park Campus!

What are your aims for next year policy-wise? I have tried to design policies to tackle the issues that Heath students face, as well

as improving the student experience. Through research and my own experiences, the main problems we face are to do with welfare, placement expenses/ support and SU presence around campus. I believe my policies tackle these issues on several levels, as the solution is not a quick fix. I want students to know exactly who they can turn to when they have a problem. Similarly, whoever they turn to must be able to listen, answer their questions and direct them to the best solution.

Do you plan to continue any policies implemented this year? I currently volunteer for Shekina, and wholeheartedly believe in her policies and work ethic. In terms of continuing her policies, I hope

to complete projects she is unable to before the end of her term, while implementing my own. I feel that having worked with her this year, it puts me in good stead to seamlessly continue her good work.

What would you like to say to those students who voted for you? Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to start. Secondly, I must thank everyone who campaigned for me in Cardiff while I was away on placement. Particularly my housemates, course mates and Cardiff Medicals RFC. I would not have this fantastic opportunity if I wasn’t for both my voters and my campaign team.

Cardiff University Students’ Union Spring Elections 2020 results Tomos Evans, Students’ Union President: 1671 Jude Pickett, VP Sports and AU President: 1985 Georgie East, VP Welfare and Campaigns: 1227

Jane Chukwu, VP Postgraduate: 764 Hannah Doe, VP Education: 1760 Luke Evans, VP Societies and Volunteering: 1086 Sebastian Ripley, VP Heath Park Campus: 1126

Olly Davies News Editor

n Saturday 14 March, Tiger Tiger opened its doors to customers for the last time after being sold. The prime placed nightclub on Greyfriars Road has closed after nearly two decades. In a comment on their social media, management said: “Tiger Tiger Cardiff has been sold to the Shoreditch Bar Group who will comment soon on what the future has in store for the site.” The Shoreditch Bar Group are a well established London firm who own and run many venues across the country, many of which are in London. Both Tiger Tiger and the Shoreditch Bar Group are owned by Novus. A spokesperson for Novus confirmed the closure of Tiger Tiger, but was unable to comment on the future of the site at this early stage. The Shoreditch Bar Group bought out the remainder of Novus’ late-night establishments in June 2019. Novus Chief Executive, Sharon Badelek, said at the time: “We are thrilled to be selling this incredible estate to such a vibrant and passionate company. “It was important to me [that] these venues and, more importantly, our teams ended up in safe hands with an exciting future, which I believe we have found in Shoreditch Bar Group. We wish them every success with the future of the estate.” Shoreditch Bar Group Operations Director, Mark McEvoy, added: “Cardiff is a welcome addition. The team and I look forward to meeting and working with the teams to continue to take these venues forward. It’s going to be a lot of fun!” Tiger Tiger has become a staple part of the Cardiff student nightlife over the last 15 years. Running a lot of events during Freshers’ Week, Tiger Tiger helped forge many friendships. Tom a second-year Biological Sciences student at Cardiff University, said: “I am sad Tiger Tiger is closing down. It always provided options for a night out. “It was never too busy in there. You go to places like Pryzm and you can barely move. And [not to mention] the price of drinks!” Chris, a student in her final year at Cardiff University, also fondly reminisced about “those rogue nights out” where she and her friends made the spontaneous decision to go out. “Tiger Tiger always provided a venue.” Other students, however, do not have such fond memories. Ed, now a postgraduate student, felt it lacked atmosphere and that Cardiff had “so many more better places to go!” Ultimately, in recent years, the face of Cardiff ’s night scene has been changing dramatically. In just the past year, both Gwdihw and Buffalo have closed down. Also, the closure of Glam led to the arrival of Story, a new nightclub venue in the city centre. Further changes are also set to occur as 10 Feet Tall/Undertone are in the process of closing down. The latenight music and club scene in Cardiff has changed irrevocably in a very short space of time.

6 NEWS

On an unrelated note...

Harvey Weinstein has been jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of rape

arvey Weinstein was found guilty of rape and assault in a New York court last month after he was put on trial. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, despite dozens of women coming forward with accusations since 2017. He also still faces criminal charges in Los Angeles for rape and sexual assault.

Harvey Weinstein. Source: GabboT (via Flickr)

Blue whales spotted off the coast of Antarctica following whaling ban

or the first time since whaling was banned in Antarctica in 1980, dozens of blue whales have been spotted off the coast. Before the ban, 60 years of whaling caused a serious decline in numbers. Following an effort to conserve the species, a number of blue whales have returned to Antartica’s shores.

XR protesters attempt to protect historic trees What else have XR been up to around campus and in Cardiff?

Eva Rodericks Contributor

n Sunday, March 8, over a hundred protesters from Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Suffolk House Campaign gathered in Canton, Cardiff outside of Suffolk House in the hope of preventing the felling of two historic trees. One XR protestor climbed up one of the trees and sat in the branches whilst workers proceeded to cut down the tree’s limbs. He was later removed from the tree and arrested and both trees were cut down. A Cardiff-based firm applied to have the trees cut down as they claimed the trees are damaging the wall surrounding the Suffolk House property, which is soon to be renovated into 17 new homes. Protesters criticised the decision, however, arguing that the trees were perfectly healthy. XR is a non-violent rebellion protesting for global ‘climate and ecological justice’. At the beginning of this academic year, Cardiff University students set up ‘XR Society’. What have they been up to this year? XR Society hold weekly meetings in the Students’ Union which are used as a chance to discuss any “meetings

or protests that people have been to during the week”, a society member told Gair Rhydd. It describes itself as a “non-hierarchical society, so anyone is welcome to express ideas and then start putting them into action. We like to gather into smaller groups during the second half of the meeting to talk about specifics, the groups that meet are things like Outreach, Wellbeing and Arts.” So far, XR Society has participated in a Black Friday protest in St. David’s Shopping Centre, marching

peacefully around the Centre before performing a ‘die-in’, an XR tactic which involves laying on the floor whilst holding up placards. A member from XR said the aim of this action was to “raise awareness about the impact fast fashion and big tech are having on our planet because big companies are prioritising profit over the environment.” The fashion industry is one of the top polluters globally. Back in November 2019, Matt Tomlinson, President of XR Society,

Extinction Rebellion: What have they been up to on campus? Source: visualsumo (viaPixabay)

also represented the society at the Students’ Union’s Annual General Meeting where he proposed a motion calling on the University and Students’ Union to carry out a ‘tell the truth campaign’ on campus by April. The motion passed. XR Society has informed Gair Rhydd that preparations are currently being put in place for this campaign but it has not yet started. Speaking about the motion, the Society said: “The reasoning behind the mandate for the Students’ Union to run this campaign is simple. All around us we see the effects of climate change and ecological breakdown. “From the wildfires in Australia, California, the Amazon and the Russian tundra, to flooding in Indonesia and the UK... our only option is to tackle this problem head-on and to do this we need to be informed of all the issues we face regarding climate change and ecological breakdown, as unfortunately, there are many.” Another motion proposed by XR Society was also passed at this year’s AGM, calling on the Students’ Union to be carbon neutral by 2030. Ultimately, XR Society believes “it is our future at risk, we need to come together to work towards a more desirable outcome.”

TheUniversities Superannuation Scheme continues to invest in fossil fuel companies Some are calling for divestment, but it’s never been on the list of strike demands

Nina White and Taher Esufali Contributors

A welcome visitor. Source: Gregory ‘Slobidr’ Smith (via Wikimedia Commons)

Bill Gates invests in company aiming to tackle rainforest decline

ill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has invested in a company which grows palm oil in laboratories in an attempt to save the rainforests. New York start-up C16 Biosciences are producing an oil with very similar properties to palm oil; it is a sustainable alternative. The company hope to enter the market soon, relieving some of the demand for palm oil.

Fighting palm oil deforestation. Source: glennhuorowitz (via Flickr)

n February 20, Lawyers Without Borders Society and Cardiff University Amnesty Society hosted a climate change panel event called ‘2020: The Climate Decade.’ A representative from Extinction Rebellion and panellist at the event pointed out that the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), which has £68 billion in assets, invests huge amounts in fossil fuel companies. One of the USS’ largest investments - £499 million - is in Royal Dutch Shell, one of the largest oil companies in the world and colloquially known as one of the six ‘big oil’ companies. They also invest in Exxon Mobil, another ‘big oil’ company, and the Russian state-owned oil and gas company ‘Gazprom’, of which they have £50million invested. Speaking to Gair Rhydd about these investments, a spokesperson for USS emphasised that they are committed to “responsible investments”.

In fact, they are “supporters of the Paris Climate Agreement” and a “founding member of the Transition Pathway Initiative.” They did not indicate any intention to divest from fossil fuels in the near future. Following last month’s event, we also decided to contact Cardiff University and the University Colleges Union (UCU). UCU, one of the trade unions representing university and academic staff across the UK, have stated that they are “fully behind global action against the climate crisis, including the call for more ethical investments.” However, the most recent bout of UCU strike action, which ended on Friday, March 13, did not demand divestment by USS. Speaking to Gair Rhydd, UCU explained that they cannot include divestment in their strike demands due to the nature of UK trade union law. We asked a representative from UCU to further expand upon this, who explained that UCU members can only strike against issues relating to staff terms and conditions. UCU state that universities do not

have any direct influence over decisions on what USS invest in and divest from, which includes fossil fuels, despite most universities having declared a climate emergency. In November 2019, Cardiff University declared a climate emergency and announced it aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, having also appointed the first Dean for Environmental Sustainability. Cardiff University also revealed its full divestment from fossil fuels. According to the University’s ViceChancellor, Professor Colin Riordan: “Our move to full divestment from fossil fuels sends a clear and positive message that we are committed to responsible investment, social responsibility and tackling climate change”, emphasising how important divestment is to staff and students alike. Speaking to Gair Rhydd about USS’ fossil fuel company investments, a University spokesperson said: “Whilst the investment decisions of the USS pension scheme are ultimately a matter for the USS trustees we hope our move to full divestment from fossil fuels sends a clear message to others.”

The University then referred to declaring a climate emergency in November, explaining that by doing so they have “added their weight” to the global response to the climate emergency. They also made it clear that they will use their voice in the fight against climate change, “drawing on [their] pioneering research to leverage discussions, action and solutions to the climate crisis.” Some of the funds stored in the USS pension scheme comes directly from lecturer and university staff wages, something students pay a proportion of through tuition fees. Speaking about this, one student who would like to remain anonymous, said: “To me, the usage of my payments to be invested into fossil fuel companies is quite jarring”. The same student stated that whilst universities are at the forefront of tackling environmental issues and are “beacons of science”, questioned why they are not “striving for change?” Ultimately, it doesn’t sound like USS are planning to divest from fossil fuel companies at any point in the near future.

STUDENT SENATE

SPECIAL MEETING WE NEED TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING US ALL Got a great idea to improve your Union?

cardiffstudents.com/ideas TUESDAY 24 MARCH, 18.00 AT THE STUDENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UNION, ROOM 4J.

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FEATURE

NODWEDD

Inside Extinction Rebellion I

n this week’s feature, Gair Rhydd looks into the climate change pressure group Extinction Rebellion (XR). The group are distributed across the country and first came about after their initial assembly on Parliament Square in London, to announce the declaration of a rebellion against the UK Government. Extinction Rebellion believes that our world is in crisis, “life itself is under threat. Yet every crisis contains the possibility of transformation. Across the world, heralded by the young, people are waking up and coming together”, the group’s website advocates. Extinction Rebellion has three demands and describe themselves on their website as an “international apolitical network using non-violent direct action to persuade governments”. The demands the organisation sets forward include ordering the Government to tell the truth, to act now to achieve a net zero emissions rate by 2025, and to create and lead decisions by a citizen’s assembly.

Mustakim Hasnath

Staying Put: The co-founder of XR protesting on a trailer in Trafalgar Square. Credit: Harry Ramsay.

Are we really headed for extinction?

Gair Rhydd breaks down the science of the climate emergency

he issue of climate change is one which dominates our way of life. The prospect of being at the defining moment of our future and the environment we create for ourselves is one which is met by a complex balance of fear, anger and blame. From shifting weather patterns which threaten food production, to the rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the global impact of climate change is at an all-time unprecedented scale.

Political Action: Politicians gather at COP25 Source: Wikimedia Commons

Feature this week by

In this edition, we look into the significance of the problem of Climate Change, assessing whether this really is the emergency pressure groups such as Extinction Rebellion sets it out to be. For this feature, we also explore the methods XR use to campaign and spread the urgency of the climate emergency. We speak to Matt Tomlin, the President of Extinction Rebellion Cardiff Students, a Cardiff University Students’ Union society. Gair Rhydd explores how such a society operates, particularly as it is subjected to the codes of practice by both the SU and University, speaking to spokespeople from the SU and the Univeristy, including SU President Jackie Yip. Our reporter visits the October 2019 protests for Extinction Rebellion, which saw thousands demonstrate as a means of climate change activism. There, Gair Rhydd interviewed over forty protesters, as well as the co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, Stuart Basden, who helped establish the organisation in April 2018.

With what many (including those who campaign as part of environmental pressure groups) claim to be a heavy-handed and desperate attempt at raising awareness of the drastic action which is required to reduce the long term im-

pacts of climate change, it is often hard to understand the truth behind the climate change crisis. Asides from the road closures, gluing of hands and spraying of fake blood, Gair Rhydd investigates to what extent the concept of ‘mass extinction’, which stands as one of the greatest motivating factors of XR, is, based on the evidence there is, a possible reality. After almost two centuries of industrialisation, deforestation and the mass scaled agricultural sectors, the quantities of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have risen to record levels. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the quantities of greenhouse gases are believed to have risen to record levels not seen in three million years. This is due to increase significantly as the populations, economies and standard of living for civilisation increases. IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report, provides a detailed assessment about the rise in sea levels and its causes, cumulative CO2 emissions predictions and other indicators about the extent of climate change. The findings in this report have suggested that between 1880 to 2012, the average global temperature increased by 0.85 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, oceans have evidently warmed, and the amount of snow or ice diminishing has significantly caused sea levels to rise; from 1901 to 2010 the global aver-

age sea level rose by 19cm as oceans expanded as a result of warming and subsequent melting of ice.

Tent City: A busy road in Central London. Credit: Mustakim Hasnath Whilst these differences at first glance may be perceived to be incremental, the average sea level rise is predicted to be 24-30cm by 2065 and 40-63cm by 2100, according to the same report. The concern here, is that even if emissions are stopped, the impact on climate change will continue for centuries. According to the IPCC’s report on impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, “global

net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) would need to fall by about 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching ‘net zero’ around 2050”. This means that any remaining emissions would need to be balanced by removing CO2 from the air. Whilst at the XR demonstrations across London in October 2019, Gair Rhydd spoke to Rodger, a college lecturer from Salisbury, who argued that the discourse used by environmental pressure groups, though being based on “very serious matters”, is “not as urgent as it’s thought to be as”. Rodger added, “I totally understand [that] it’s scary that people are worried about greenhouse gases but blocking roads and claiming this is an emergency in the way in which Extinction Rebellion are, is ridiculous”.

Blocking roads and claiming this is an emergency... is ridiculous

Rodger, Lecturer

This is a statement which conflicts with the words of Matt Tomlin, the President of XR Cardiff Students, who spoke to Gair Rhydd after one of the first meetings of the group after it was formed earlier this year saying, “…this really is an emergency; we’ve

tried happy clappy tactics for years and it’s just not working… We need people to listen and hear that

ARCHWILIO

The people behind Extinction Rebellion in Cardiff

Gair Rhydd explores the people behind Extinction Rebellion by sending a reporter to XR meet-ups and introductory sessions and by visiting one of the largest national demonstrations XR has ever run

rospective members of XR have a choice of either volunteering as ‘arrestable’ or ‘nonarrestable’ activists. From speaking to a member of Extinction Rebellion Bristol Students, who we have given the pseudonym Natalie, Gair Rhydd understands that structure of people within the organisation is deliberately not hierarchical. Natalie told Gair Rhydd, “it’s not just because of how we want to include everyone, but I know for a fact people do it to try and hide themselves”. When prompted about whether she acknowledged that XR engage in often illegal activities in the name of climate change activism, Natalie told Gair Rhydd, “for most people, especially if you’re a uni student and you’re building your career, as much as people say they care more about the survival of themselves and the planet, of course they’re concerned about whether they get arrested or not”. Natalie continued, “it’s great that people can choose not to be arrestable volunteers, but as an arrestable volunteer myself, I can tell you for a fact that I am always worried of getting caught. Yes, there are measures in place, like post arrest liaisons, people who will prepare you for if you do get arrested and what the process will be like, mental health support and wellbeing volunteers and so on”. Natalie, like other XR members Gair Rhydd have interviewed, attended the London protests as an arrestee who was eventually detained by police overnight. Like others we interviewed, Natalie had a ‘burner phone’ and left her personal mobile phone where she lives in Bristol. When asked why Natalie had a ‘burner phone’, Natalie argued that it was the only way of her being able to successfully carry out her demonstration, “as I said to you, I think it’s important that I’m able to take part in the protests here without worrying about being tracked down or questioned about it too much. I am a student after all and helping save the planet shouldn’t have to be at the cost of my own professional future”. Gair Rhydd understands that Extinction Rebellion uses an online cloud for sharing materials and discussions about upcoming demonstrations, called Basecamp. From speaking to three members of XR, Basecamp is encrypted and is preferred instead of social media as it reduces the chances of police gaining information about future demonstrations. Similarly, many XR volunteers purchase cheap, pay as you go ‘burner phones’ in order to avoid just this. Members of the group, who Gair Rhydd followed across London during the October 2019 demonstrations, also frequently used aliases to disguise their true identities from police in the event of being arrested. Matt Tomlin, President of

Extinction Rebellion Cardiff Students used a burner phone during the London protests in October, leaving his personal mobile device in Cardiff where he lives. Tomlin also told Gair Rhydd he, like other arrestable volunteers for XR, has a psudonym/alias name. Gair Rhydd understands that XR have a procedure in place for arrestable volunteers and how they conduct themselves if they are arrested. This includes not revealing any information about their identity, or as Gair Rhydd understands, providing false information to police such as through the use of psuedonyms in order to reduce the likelihood of a successful charge. In Cardiff, Extinction Rebellion currently has two groups. One being the society which is part of the Students’ Union Guild of Societies. As a society, it is bound by a set of guidelines, which are set by the Students’ Union in parallel to the procedures of the university. Within the codes of behaviour which are set by Cardiff University

Rebellion in London in October. 3 students, all of whom had already

Rebel: Tomlin told Gair Rhydd that his decision to miss university was supported by lecturers and teaching staff. Credit: Harry Ramsay. been involved in XR before this group was created, were arrested”. Commenting on these arrests, Tomlin added, “I’m uncertain as to what is happening with those students’ charges given that the Section 14 blanket ban on London by the Met Police was ruled as having been illegal a few weeks after the Autumn Rebellion finished”. Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 gives the police powers to impose conditions on those who partake in static protests; that is, protests that stay in one place. The use of this act by the police was deemed unlawful due to the police treating the individual cluster protests as one.

We haven’t broken the Code of Conduct Matt Tomlin President of XR Cardiff Students

Activist: Matt Tomlin is the President of XR Cardiff Students. Credit: Matt Tomlin and shared by Cardiff University Students’ Union, it states “a student shall not engage in conduct which may involve an offence against a person; cause a nuisance, damage, deface, misappropriate or misuse any property of the University and the Students’ Union; or otherwise behave in a manner likely to bring the University into disrepute”. Gair Rhydd understands that members of this society have, and continue to, attend non-violent protests across the country, demonstrating via engaging in roadblocks and other means of activism as part of the XR initiative. Gair Rhydd also understands that at least three members of the society have been arrested since its formation, due to participating in non-violent protests for Extinction Rebellion. Responding to whether Extinction Rebellion Cardiff Students acknowledge their group contravening this code, Tomlin told Gair Rhydd, “We haven’t broken the Code of Conduct. Some of us from the group attended the Autumn

and is reported to us, we will investigate and take action as

The group have also taken part in other non-violent demonstrations such as the youth strike marches in Cardiff and the ‘die-in’ in St David’s Shopping Centre on Black Friday. Tomlin told Gair Rhydd that whilst “these things were low key actions and haven’t resulted in any trouble, although in the latter case there were a couple of quite angry shoppers who confronted our leafleters”. Tomlin who, despite being the President of the society prefers not to be associated with this position due to the lack of hierarchical structure in XR, told Gair Rhydd, “In XR there is no hierarchy and we’re all responsible for our own actions”. Gair Rhydd also asked Tomlin about why he also used a ‘burner phone’, to which he responded, “I left my normal phone in Cardiff today and am using a burner phone more than anything else so I can protect myself ”. He continued, “it might seem a bit dodgy but the safety of its members is something XR prioritises a lot”. A Cardiff University spokesperson told Gair Rhydd, “where student behaviour contravenes the University’s expectations

appropriate in accordance with our Student Conduct Procedure”. A Cardiff University Students’ Union spokesperson told Gair Rhydd that whilst the Students’ Union “recognises the strength of feeling around this matter, it does not and cannot defend the actions of any individual who participates in behaviour that involves or promotes breaking the law”. A spokesperson for the union continued ”where individuals are doing so as a representative of the society, Union, or University, we will investigate and where appropriate take action with individuals involved”. Jackie Yip, Cardiff ’s SU President, told Gair Rhydd, “The law is there to protect society, community and you. I would never compromise the safety of students and those around them in and around the university for this. I think you can go as close to the boundary as you can, but there are boundaries for a reason. I would never sacrifice the reputation of our students for any cause. On the back of this, I have asked the relevant people to look into this and investigate and would urge any students to come forward and speak to us if they feel they’re cultured in any way to take on these behaviours”. Gair Rhydd sent reporters to a number of introductory sessions of Extinction Rebellion’s Cardiff, a seperate entity to the university society, and events hosted by various divisions of XR to find out

what it takes to join. From these sessions, Gair Rhydd reporters felt that the notion of togetherness and inclusivity was at the heart of the organisation’s ethos, with an emphasis on the member. Athian Akec, an opinion writer for The Guardian has persistently argued that “XR must realise its lack of diversity, middle-class image and glamorisation of arrest puts young black and brown people off ”. In all of the meetings and events for XR our reporters attended, all eight but one had representation from BME people.

I have asked the relevant people to look into this and investigation

Jackie Yip, SU President

Commenting on the diversity of the group, members who spoke to our reporters acknowledged that this is a significant problem in XR and were hopeful for communities from diverse backgrounds to join. When prompted about the representation of BME people in the Cardiff XR Students group, Tomlin told Gair Rhydd, “XR Cardiff Students has BME members. We are only a small group so I wouldn’t say there’s anything our group specifically needs to do to be more inclusive which Extinction Rebellion groups more generally shouldn’t acknowledge”. Tomlin added that most roles in XR are non-arrestable. While the arrest tactic is still a core part of Extinction Rebellion, and people of different backgrounds and ethnicities have taken part in it, there is the issue it brings of BME people being concerned over police treatment.

There is the issue it brings of BME people being concerned over police treatment Tomlin stressed that especially in XR Cardiff, the emphasis has been made on “not just being tokenistic about building a really inclusive movement”.

Precision: Specialist officers from South Wales Police seperating a glued protester. Credit: Mustakim Hasnath

10 FEATURES

Gair Rhydd meets demonstrators at an XR Rally in London Our reporter interviewed over 30 protesters at the XR London protests

With over 1,000 arrested before the start of their fourth day, activists demonstrating as part of the Extinction Rebellion protests across the capital saw thousands cause disruption, affecting Londoners. The demonstrations led to blocked roads, activists gluing and chaining themselves to each other and monuments. They have also disrupted some services on the London Underground and other Transport for London services. Gair Rhydd interviewed demonstrators across the capital on one of the days when hundreds of protesters were arrested.

“The Government declared a climate emergency but nothing has been done about that. It’s a completely name-only thing, they haven’t done anything to reduce carbon emissions. They’re continuing fracking, they’re continuing fossil fuel subsidies, they’re continuing 5% VAT on coal compared to 20% VAT on renewables. They won’t even put a one pence tax on every fast fashion item. The Government is terrified of spending money on issues like these and we need to do something about it.

“We’ll admit we’re not entirely fans of how this protest is coming about. If you’re anti fast-food and fast-production, then why not protest outside the headquarters of a big company, and why London? I get that... Well I guess the reason we’re here today is to show our support because this really is the biggest movement of its kind. And that’s why we’re here to support Extinction Rebellion specifically. Yes, loads of Londoners will be p***ed off, but at the end of the day I couldn’t give a fu****g s**t”. Jude, 17

“I should technically be in a seminar, but I spoke to my seminar tutors about it and the two tutors who I spoke to are very supportive about protest action. They think it’s healthy for me to come out here and educate myself about protests and being around like-minded people and were happy to give me the week off. They’ve given me the advice on how to catch up next week too.

“I’m here with a few of my friends and we’ve set up camp here now for a few days. We’ve been here since Sunday evening and we’re going to stay here for as long as I can. Our parents do know that we’re here and they’re really supportive about it all. It’s our future and if we do nothing about it then nobody else will”.

“The problem is that many mass movements over the years have had to break the law. They’ve had to stand in the middle of roads and that’s what we unfortunately have to do. We’ve tried happy clappy, civil protest campaigning and nothing has been done about it.

“So we all go to the same school and a lot of our friends are thinking about doing this too. If we don’t do this. People have to remember that if we’re not here doing this then there may not be a tomorrow. I’d rather help save our planet than leave the Xander, 16

“By happy clappy I’m talking about an organised march which has been planned in advance liaised with the police whereby the road is blocked off for a day or so. For those events, essentially it makes you feel good but nothing comes out of it and the Government doesn’t do anything. If we want to get something done, we have got to be a rebellion. We’re entirely non-violent but we’ve got to be a rebellion, breaking a few eggs to make an omelette.” Matt, 21 “They can arrest me all they want; it doesn’t change the fact that we’re about to experience mass extinction at an unprecendented level“.” Natalie, 25

2025

The year when the group aims for zero carbon emissions

“The reason we’re here is to get more people behind this movement and to force the Government to do something about this. We are very sympathetic about the inconvenience that we’ve caused a lot of Londoners. However, I think it’s justified enough give how much of an emergency this really is. It’s definitely worth being arrested; I’m strongly Richard, 34 Our reporter spent a day visiting the key London landmarks where some demonstrators had travelled for hundreds of miles to protest. The demonstrators varied in age and ranged from school children to professionals and academics. Source: Harry Ramsay

2018

Was when the group was founded

£37m

Spent by the Met Police to police the October demonstrations

“I only came here because my mum made me, but yeah it is kind of important as well” Sam, 8

70,000+ 130

Online media reports of XR during the October protests worldwide

Groups of the organisation across the UK

An interview with XR’s Co-Founder

Our reporter interviewed Stu Basden, one of the co-founders of Extinction Rebellion. Basden told Gair Rhydd about what made him join XR and why he felt so compelled to block one of the city’s most popular roads in the name of environmental activism.

Basden stayed on the trailer for over six days. Source: Wikimedia Commons

“I’m here today, sat on top of a trailer in Trafalgar Square because we’re in the midst of an emergency. It really is urgent and we’ve only got a few more years to try and fix it. In my opinion it’s too late to fix things, we’re already headed towards mass extinction. “Soon humans will have to grow food themselves, but because harvests will fail and food prices will rocket, people just won’t be able to survive in ways comprehendible today. All of our lives are going to change radically and there’s nothing we can do about it. What’s even more worrying is that people aren’t aware of this. I’m hoping that me sitting here today and as I have been for the past few days, I’m getting the word out in a way people will hear me. I don’t think suggesting what we’re all preaching today is controversial at all. If you

consider a car driving down a road at a certain speed towards someone, it becomes more and more obvious that the person will be hit. “That’s the situation we’re in today. There’s nothing we can do about climate change and it’s certainly not clear whether or not we will survive as a species. Many species have already been run over and killed mercilessly, in fact, hundreds of species everyday. I was one of the 15 co-founders in April 2018 who had enough of there not being enough awareness going around about humanity’s extinction. “I became the coordinator of various workshops since then and have been living off my savings so don’t have to work, after quitting a job that paid me more than £1000 a week. “I think people need to remember the problems we see

today with climate change is not an unfortunate build up of natural consequences, but a tragic symptom of a toxic system of how humans and how they live their lives. Europeans in particular have spread their toxicity around the world, bringing torture and endless suffering to our earth. Here I’m talking about class hierarchy, white supremacy, patriarchy, Eurocentrism and heteronormativity. “Yes we’re causing disruption across the capital, but I really don’t think that’s a bad thing. The media doesn’t listen when we’ve told them about the dangers of climate change in the past. The BBC are a prime example of this. The only way we get coverage and are able to spread the word of who we are and the fact we’re heading towards mass extinction, is by rebelling”.

Basden spoke to Gair Rhydd whilst on top of a trailer. Source: Harry Ramsay

180

Edinburgh with Give it a Go!

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taf od

Barn y Bobol

Wedi lansiad ap gan y platfform digidol creadigol ‘A M’, Taf-od sy’n gofyn myfyrwyr Caerdydd am eu hargraffiadau i’r ap newydd.

Meleri Williams Myfyrwraig trydedd flwyddyn, Newyddiaduraeth a Chymraeg

Mae’r ap hwn yn blatfform cyffrous, arloesol a hynod arwyddocaol wrth arddangos yr hyn sydd gan gyfryngau creadigol Cymru i gynnig i’r maes yn ehangach. Mae’n ffordd wych o godi ymwybyddiaeth o’r cynnwys creadigol sydd ar gael yn ogystal â hybu ac annog mwy o gyfrannwyr i rannu’r hyn maent yn gwneud. Mae Cymru’n gyfoeth o greadigrwydd sy’n haeddiannol o sylw a dyma lwyfan sy’n crynhoi’r cyfan!

Alaw Mair

Myfyrwraig flwyddyn gyntaf Cymraeg proffesiynol a’r gweithle Dw i’n meddwl bod lansiad yr ap yma’n llwyfan da iawn i’r iaith Gymraeg gan ei fod yn codi ymwybyddiaeth am gerddoriaeth Cymraeg a rhai digwyddiadau sydd yn digwydd drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Yn ogystal â hyn mae’n dda er mwyn gwrando ar nifer o bodlediadau sydd ar gael. Mae yna 5 elfen gwahanol ar yr app yn cynnig amrywiaeth o wybodaeth am gigs, gwyliau a bandiau Cymraeg. Mae’r elfen weledol yn addo i fod yn un ddiddorol, gyda 2 ffilm yn barod wedi’i gyhoeddi gan gynnwys ffilm am y Manic Street Preachers.

Dewi Morris

Myfyriwr ail flwyddyn Newyddiaduraeth Mae’r ap newydd yn rhoi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y diwydiant creadigol yng Nghymru. Mae’n hen bryd bod gennym ni rywle i fynd i gael gwybod sut i fwynhau diddanwch o’r lefel uchaf drwy’r iaith Gymraeg. Bydd y digwyddiadau yng nghledr fy llaw a ni fyddaf yn colli unrhyw gyngerdd arall!

Yr unig gyhoeddiad myfyrwyr wythnosol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Sefydlwyd: 2003 Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

Eich hadran taf-od Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones tafod@gairrhydd.com

DIWYLLIANT

Lansio platform digidol creadigol ap ‘AM’

Bydd yr ap newydd yn darparu gwybodaeth ar gerddorioeth, celf a llawer mwy Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

ae platfform digidol creadigol ‘AM’ wedi lansio ap newydd, a fydd yn dod a holl wybodaeth o’r cyfryngau creadigol yng Nghymru mewn i un lle. Cafodd y lap ei lansio ar y 6 o Fawrth, ac yn cynnwys llu o adrannau gwahanol sydd yn cyflwyno newyddion ar gerddoriaeth, llenyddiaeth, celf a theatr Cymraeg. Gobaith ‘AM’ yw rhoi llwyfan i elfennau sydd yn cyfrannu at fwrlwm creadigol, ac adlewyrchu pethau sydd yn cael ei greu ar hyd a lled y wlad. Rhannwyd yr ap i pum adran wahanol, sef Gwrando, Gwylio, Geiriau, Gwyliau a Gigs. ‘PYST’ a ‘Tramshed Tech’ mewn partneriaeth, sydd yn gyfrifol am weithredu’r ap. Mae’r ap ei hun ar gael ar y farchnad apiau a hefyd ar y we. Dywedodd yr actor Rhys Ifans wrth BBC Cymru Fyw ei fod yn ‘wych gweld platfform fel ‘AM’ yn rhoi gofod amgen i grewyr Cymru ymgynnull, rhannu a chydweithio’. Yr eitem fawr cyntaf bydd ar gael ar yr ap yw ffilm newydd y Manic Street Preachers. Bydd y ffilm ar gael ar wefan ‘AM’, ac mae’r cyfarwyddwr wedi dewis darlledu’r ffilm ar yr ap dros wefannau darlledu mawr fel Amazon Prime a Netflix. Ar yr ap newydd, bydd

DIWYLLIANT

y ffilm yn cael ei ddarlledu am y tro cyntaf, camp fawr iddynt wrth ystyried mai ap newydd sbon yw hwn. Bydd y ffilm Be Pure, Be Vigilant, Behave hefyd yn cael ei ddarlledu ar yr ap, ac wedi cael ei rhyddhau ar y 13 o Fawrth. Dywedodd Alan Llwyd, Prif weithredwr ‘PYST’ i BBC Cymru Fyw, ‘Dyhead AM yw bod yn gyrchfan ddyddiol i bawb fynd i weld creadigrwydd Cymru gyfan. Ffilmiau newydd, cerddoriaeth newydd, celf newydd, llên newydd, syniadau newydd, ysbrydoliaeth newydd gofod newydd fydd gobeithio yn adlewyrchu hyder creadigol Cymru a gofod y gall pobol ymgolli ynddo am oriau..’ Dywedodd ef hefyd bod yr ap am gynnwys cyfle i gyfuno gwrando ar gerddoriaeth a gwylio fideos bandiau megis 3 Hwr Doeth a My Name is Ian. Un o nodweddion yr ap sydd yn obeithiol o brofi’n llwyddiant, yw’r nodwedd digwyddiadau fyw. Mae elfen ‘Gwylio’ ar yr ap yn cynnwys nifer o gigiau a gwyliau megis Tafwyl, a gall pobl edrych ar yr elfen yma er mwyn darganfod os oes yna gigiau sydd yn eu hymddiddori. Mae gigiau Clwb Ifor Bach ar gael ar yr ap, ac mae’r Idris Prize Festival ar gael i’w darlledu ar yr ap. Dywedodd Berwyn Rowlands, cyfarwyddwr yr ŵyl i BBC Cymru Fyw ‘O’r eiliad y clywsom am AM roeddem yn gyffrous ac yn sicr bod rhaid i ni gael presenoldeb ar y platfform. Rydym

Gigiau Cymreig: Bydd yr ap newydd yn hyrwyddo gigiau, fel yr un yma gan Y Bandana. Tarddiad: Deio Jones. yn edrych ymlaen o ganlyniad, i gyflwyno cynulleidfa newydd i ffilmiau byrion Iris drwy AM’. Mae’r ap wedi cael cefnogaeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru ac wedi derbyn nawdd gan Brifysgol Bangor a Phrifysgol De Cymru.. Nid dyma’r tro cyntaf i ‘AM’ dorri ar y sin. Mae eu cyfrif instagram wedi dangos nifer o fideos gwahanol o gigiau amrywiol dros y misoedd diweth-

af. Yn nodweddiadol o’r fideos yma mae yna fideo sydd yn crynhoi digwyddiadau gig ‘Plan B’ cafodd ei gynnal yn Wrecsam ym mis Rhagfyr. Yn y fideo yma gwelwyd crynhoad o’r holl bandiau oedd yn chwarae y noson yna, a hefyd safbwynt y gynulleidfa. Edrychaf ymlaen at weld cynnwys yr ap yn ffynnu dros y misoedd nesaf, gyda chynnwys amrywiol a diddorol o ddiwylliant Cymru.

Gwarchod Cofeb Tryweryn

Cynlluniau Newydd i gynnal a chadw un o dirnodau mwyaf adnabyddus Cymru Rhodri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

atgelwyd cynlluniau newydd i gynnal a chadw cofeb Cofiwch Dryweryn ger Llanrhystud, Aberystwyth. Mae’r wal yma sydd wedi bod yn destun i sawl ymosodiad yn y flwyddyn ddiwethaf bellach yn mynd i gael eu gwarchod gan gynllun cadwraeth newydd fydd yn golygu bod y wal yn mynd i gael eu paentio’n rheolaidd. Mae arbenigwyr yn y maes o gadwraeth adeiladau wedi sicrhau bydd y wal yn cael ei warchod yn y dyfodol. Yn ogystal â’i baentio’n rheolaidd, bydd y wal yn cael ei ail adeiladu er mwyn galluogi i’r neges sydd y tu ôl i’r wal yn aros am flynyddoedd i ddod. Cafwyd cyfarfod yn Neuadd Goffa Llanrhystud er mwyn trafod y ffordd orau o warantu dyfodol y wal. Elin Jones, Aelod Cynulliad Ceredigion a Llywydd Cynulliad Cymru a gynhaliodd y cyfarfod. Ms Jones gysylltodd gyda chyn-berchnogion y wal y llynedd gyda Dilys Davies a oedd yn benderfynol o brynu’r wal er mwyn

ei warchod ar gyfer genedlaethau’r dyfodol. Fe brynodd Dilys Davies y wal a gwblhawyd y gwerthiant ym Mis Gorffennaf y llynedd. Nathan Goss o Aberarth, sydd â phrofiad o weithio yn y maes cadwraeth adeiladu, sydd wedi ei benodi i reoli’r cynllun cadwraeth i ddiogelu’r wal. Dywedodd Elin Jones, yn ôl Golwg360, “Yn naturiol, mae gan nifer o bobl trwy Gymru a thu hwnt ddiddordeb mawr yn y gofeb i Dryweryn. Bydd y wal yn cael ei chodi yn agosach i’w maint gwreiddiol pan beintiwyd yn wreiddiol yn y 1960au, gan ddefnyddio’r cerrig sydd wedi cwympo ac sydd ar lawr.” “Yn dilyn y gwaith cadwraeth, mi fydd artist lleol yn gweithio gyda phlant Ysgol Myfenydd i beintio’r wal eto i’r cynllun eiconig. Yn y pen draw, y bwriad yw y bydd bwrdd dehongli yn cael ei godi i adrodd stori Tryweryn a’r wal.” Mae’r hanes y tu ôl i’r wal yn agos iawn at galonnau llawer o Gymru. Cafodd y wal ei baentio’n wreiddiol i gofio’r hyn a ddigwyddodd yng Nghapel Celyn yn y 60au. Bu protestio mawr yn y cyfnod hwnnw er mwyn ceisio atal

Cofiwch Dryweryn: Mae’r wal wedi gweld dyddiau gwell. Tarddiad Ceri Thomas (drwy Wikimedia Commons)

cynlluniau’r llywodraeth Brydeinig i foddi Cwm Tryweryn i wneud argae mawr. Byddai’r dŵr o’r argae hyn wedyn yn cyflenwi dinas Lerpwl gyda dŵr. Fe gollodd y frwydr Llyn Tryweryn sydd bellach yn y man lle’r oedd Capel Celyn. Mae llawer yn gweld hyn fel symbol o ormes Brydeinig ar Gymru. Mae’r wal wedi bod yn symbol o’r mudiad i gael Annibyniaeth i Gymru. Wedi difrod diweddar i’r wal, fe beintiwyd sawl atgynhyrchiad o’r gwreiddiol mewn lleolia-

dau ledled Cymru er mwyn dangos eu cefnogaeth tuag at y wal. Un o’r rheini oedd un o fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd, Sara James. “O’r diwedd, mae’r wal yn cael y parch mae’n haeddu. Fel nifer o bobl eraill ar draws Cymru, fe es i ati beintio murlun fy hun er mwyn gwneud yn siwr bod pawb yn cofio hanes Tryweryn. Mae’r mesurau i gynnal a chadw’r wal yn newyddion gwych gan obeithio bydd y wal yn cadw’r hanes yn fyw am flynyddoedd i ddod.”

Ennillwyr Newyddiaduraeth Gymraeg Orau - Gwobrau SPA Cymru 2019

Pryd o Daf-od

Catrin Lewis sydd yn Pryd o Daf-od wythnos yma, wrth iddi drafod Sul y Mamau, a sut yr ydym yn cymryd mamau yn ganiataol cyn symud i’r brifysgol.

ae Sul y Mamau ar y gorwel a phosteri’n ffenestr pob siop yn erfyn arnom i brynu anrhegion i ddiolch i’n mamau

Trafod gyda’r

taf-od 1. Pwy wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio? Ifan Prys Jones a dwi’n ‘studio Meddygaeth. 2. Beth yw’r digwyddiad sy’n codi’r mwyaf o embaras arnat? Llenwi’n nhrons yn y gwasanaeth yn yr ysgol gynradd. 3. Beth oedd dy air cyntaf? Dad. 4. Pe fyddet ti ar yr X-Factor, pa gân byddet ti’n ei chanu a pham? Rwy’n breuddwydio - clasur. 5. Beth fyddet ti’n ei archebu o’r bwyty Indiaidd lleol?

am yr holl maent yn ei wneud ar ein cyfer. Dw i’n siŵr bod y mwyafrif ohonom wedi cymryd y pethau hyn yn ganiataol dros y blynyddoedd boed yn lifft i dŷ ffrind, bwyd ar y bwrdd neu ddillad glân heb orfod gofyn dim. Fodd bynnag, mae mynd i’r brifysgol mewn dinas sydd bedair awr i ffwrdd wedi bod yn agoriad llygaid i mi ac wedi amlygu cymaint oedd mam yn ei wneud ar fy nghyfer pan oeddwn yn byw adref. Yn yr wythnosau cyn cychwyn yn y brifysgol roedd y syniad o orfod byw’n annibynnol yn rhywbeth a oedd yn codi pryder. Beth oeddwn i am ei goginio? Sut yr oeddwn i am wneud ffrindiau? Pwy oedd am wneud yr holl lanhau? A gyda phob cwestiwn gwirion roedd am yn fy nghysuro a dweud wrthyf am beidio â phoeni. Buaswn yn sicr wedi anghofio pacio hanner y pethau yr oeddwn eu hangen heb gymorth mam. Dw i’n cofio cyrraedd yng Nghaerdydd diwedd mis Medi a mynd i siopa gyda fy rhieni am yr hanfodion prifysgol. Gan fod mam yn lawer fwy trefnus na fi roedd hi wedi paratoi rhestr o bopeth y byddwn eu hangen ar gyfer y tymor nesaf, pethau na fy-

ddai wedi croesi fy meddwl i o offer coginio i bowdr golchi. Wrth i fy niwrnod cyntaf yn y brifysgol agosáu cychwynnodd fy nghyffro droi i ryw fath o banig. Roeddwn yn gofyn i fy hun a oeddwn wirioneddol yn barod i adael diogelwch adref a mentro i’r ddinas ar fy mhen fy hun. Ond unwaith eto, roedd mam yna i fy atgoffa nad oedd unrhyw achos poeni. Parhaodd fy mhryderon am y pythefnos cyntaf a dreuliais yng Nghaerdydd ond roedd cymorth mam ar gael ar unrhyw adeg i fy nghysuro. Er fy mod i wedi setlo yn y brifysgol erbyn hyn ac wedi cychwyn arfer gyda’r cyfrifoldebau o fyw’n annibynnol, byddaf dal yn rhoi galwad ffôn i mam o dro i dro gyda’r cwestiynau dibwys sydd gennyf y diwrnod hwnnw. Does dim ots pa mor wirion yw’r cwestiwn mae mam yn barod i wrando a cheisio datrys (neu chwerthin ar) y broblem ddiweddaraf sy’n fy ngwynebu. Yn sicr, mae bywyd prifysgol a bod oddi wrth mam am wythnosau ar y tro wedi amlygu pa mor ffodus yr wyf ac wedi gwneud i mi sylweddoli’r oll mae hi wedi ei wneud ar fy nghy-

Yn Trafod gyda’r Taf-od wythnos yma mae...

Ifan Prys Jones

8. Prosecco neu champagne? Prosecco, gan nad ydi’r ‘student budget’ yn ymestyn llawer pellach. 9. Beth oedd y diwrnod gorau iti ei gael erioed? Dydd Gwener yn ‘Steddfod Llanrwst ‘llynedd er gwaetha’r glaw. 10. Beth yw dy gas beth? Cymry sy’n medru Cymraeg yn iawn ond yn dewis siarad Saesneg hefo’i gilydd. 11. Beth fyddet ti’n gwneud yn ystod dy noson ddelfrydol?

Mentro’r Mynyddoedd: Mae ifan yn hoff o gerdded. Tarddiad: Ifan Prys Jones

Cerdded caeau yng nghwmni’r cŵn adre.

Dim byd! Dydi bwyd poeth a fi ddim yn cytuno’n dda iawn.

12. Pe taset gallu bod yn unrhyw anifail am ddiwrnod, pa un fyddet ti’n dewis, a pham?

6. Pwy oeddet ti’n ffansio pan oeddet ti’n iau?

Cath, fel bod neb yn gweld bai arnai am orweddian o flaen y tân am oriau.

Siân James.

13. Disgrifia dy hun mewn 3 gair.

7. Pwy yw dy hoff fand/artist?

Cymro i’r carn.

Gwerinos

14. Pwy fydd yn trafod ‘da’r Taf-od wythnos nesaf? Llywelyn ap Gwyn

Gwisgo fyny: Ifan a’i ffrindiau wed’u gwisgo fel pêl-droedwr C’mon Midff îld. Tarddiad: Ifan Prys Jones

Pleidlais i Garcharorion? Rhodri Davies

Golygydd Taf-Od

fer i a fy mrawd dros y blynyddoedd. Er bod gorfod byw’n annibynnol yn rhywbeth sy’n naturiol i mi erbyn hyn, does dim byd gwell na mynd adref dros y Nadolig neu wythnos ddarllen a chael mam yn gwneud popeth i mi am y tro. Ni fuasai fy nhymor cyntaf yn y brifysgol wedi bod mor hawdd heb ei pharodrwydd i fy helpu a fy nghefnogi. Mae’n rhaid cyfaddef, er fy mod i’n mwynhau i lawr yng Nghaerdydd mae rhan ohonof yn edrych ymlaen at ddychwelyd adref dros y Pasg a bod yng nghwmni mam unwaith eto.

Mamau: Mae Catrin yn ein hatgoffa i beidio cymryd mamau yn ganiataol. Tarddiad: Free Photos (drwy Pixabay)

ae disgwyl i Lywodraeth Cymru gyflwyno mesur bydd yn dilyn ôl troed yr Alban gan roi’r hawl i garcharorion yng Nghymru fwrw’i bleidlais mewn etholiadau lleol. Golyga hyn fyddai newid yn cael ei wneud i’r Mesur Llywodraeth Leol ac Etholiadau Cymru. Mae’r mesur hefyd yn mynd ymhellach na’r Alban o ran y meini prawf sy’n caniatâi i’r carcharorion i bleidleisio. Mae’r mesur yn yr Alban yn caniatâi i rai sydd â dedfryd o 12 mis neu lai i bleidleisio. Yma yng Nghymru, bydd y rhai a dedfryd o 4 mlynedd neu lai yn cael pleidleisio sy’n dipyn o wahaniaeth. Bydd hyn yn ychwanegu 1,900 o bleidleisiau posibl gan oedolion a 20 gan bobl ifanc sydd fel arfer yn byw yng Nghymru. Dyma’r etholiadau cyntaf y bydd pobl ifanc dros 16 yn cael pleidleisio felly ni fydd carcharorion yn cael eu neilltuo o’r broses. Er hyn, ni fydd pob carcharor mewn pob carchar yng Nghymru yn cael yr hawl i bleidleisio. Byddai’n rhaid iddynt brofi eu cysylltiad â Chymru a chyflwyno eu cyfeiriad i sicrhau bod eu pleidlais yn ddilys yng Nghymru. Ni fyddant yn cael defnyddio cyfeiriad y carchar. Pwrpas etholiad yn amlwg yw dewis pwy fydd yn cynrychioli ardal mewn modd democrataidd. Er mwyn medru dewis cynrychiolydd, fel rhan o’r cynlluniau bydd gan y carcharorion fynediad i’r ymgeiswyr. Byddant hefyd yn cael mynediad i ddeunydd etholiadol fel eu bod yn gwneud eu dewis eu hunain. Er mwyn gwneud hyn, bydd gofyn cael cydweithrediad y carchardai yn Lloegr. Golyga hyn felly bydd cydweithio rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth Lloegr er mwyn sicrhau bod y protocolau cywir yn cael eu cymryd. Mae ymateb mawr wedi bod i’r newid arfaethedig i’r mater hyn. Daw galw am ddarganfod cydbwysedd cywir ar y Mater gan Julie James, Gweinidog Llywodraeth Leol Cymru. Yn ôl Golwg 360, dywedodd James. “Fe wnaeth ymatebwyr i’r ymgynghoriadau cyhoeddus nodi hawliau dynol a dinasyddiaeth carcharorion, ochr yn ochr â manteision adfer o roi’r hawl i bleidleisio fel rhesymau pam y dylid ymestyn y bleidlais,” meddai. “Fodd bynnag, dydyn ni ddim yn ymestyn y bleidlais i’r holl garcharorion a phobol ifanc yn y ddalfa. “Rwy’n credu bod ein polisi yn taro’r cydbwysedd cywir rhwng anfon negeseuon cryf a phositif i garcharorion eu bod nhw’n parhau i gael rhan yn y gymdeithas ac adnabod natur, difrifoldeb ac amgylchiadau’r troseddu.” Mae cwestiynau’n cael eu crybwyll felly ynglyn a pa mor ddilys yw rhoi’r hawl i bobl sydd wedi dewis torri’r gyfraith i gael dweud eu dweud am faterion fel hyn. Ydy’r ffaith eu bod wedi mynd yn erbyn cyfraith yn golygu dylent golli eu hawl i ddemocratiaeth?

taf od

Catrin Lewis

TAF-OD 13

TAF-OD

Cardiff Devils yn colli Rownd Derfynol y Cwpan Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

ae’r Cardiff Devils wedi colli’r cyfle i ennill y ‘Challenge Cup’ ar ôl colli 4-3 i’r Sheffield Steelers yn y rownd derfynol. Dyma oedd y tro cyntaf i’r Steelers ennill y cwpan, wedi iddynt golli chwe gêm rownd derfynol yn y gorffennol, mewn gêm ddramatig iawn. Cyn y gêm yma, fe wnaeth y Devils ennill 7-3 yn erbyn y Steelers yn y gynghrair, canlyniad da iawn oedd wedi magu hyder ymysg y garfan cyn y gêm cwpan ar Fawrth 8. Ond nid oedd y gêm wedi mynd fel roedd y Devils yn gobeithio. Roedd goliau gan Michael Davies (2), Marc-Oliver Vallerand a Brendan Connolly wedi sgorio i’r Steelers, a Sam Jardine, Masi Marjamaki a Joey Haddad yn rhwydo i’r Devils. Ond roedd y momentwm gyda’r Steelers o’r cychwyn, gyda Davies yn rhwydo’n dda am ei ddegfed gôl tymor yma heibio Ben Brown, golgeidwad y Devils. Nid oedd y Steelers wedi stopio hefyd, munud wedyn fe wnaeth Vallerand rhwydo ar ôl chwarae dda gan Connolly, cyn i Connolly ei hun rhwydo. Fe wnaeth y Devils ceisio adfer y gêm yn yr ail chwarter gydag ergyd Jardine yn gorfodi arbediad da gan golgeidwad y Steelers, cyn i Marjamaki rhwydo. Sgoriodd Davies ei bedwerydd i’r Steelers cyn i Haddad rhydo munud cyn y diwedd, a oedd wedi sicrhau diweddglo dwys a diddorol i’r gêm llawn goliau a chwarae o safon uchel. Ond fe wnaeth y Steelers dal arno i ennill eu cwpan cyntaf o 2019/20. Dywedodd hyfforddwr y Steelers, Adam Fox wrth Chwaraeon y BBC ei fod yn deimlo’n wych i ennill y gwpan, ac ar ôl y gêm yn erbyn y Devils ar y dydd Gwener, mai ennill y cwpan oedd y ffordd gorau i ymateb. Mae Fox yn obeithiol bydd ei dîm gallu ennill mwy o gwpanau ymhellach mlaen y tymor yma. Ar y llaw arall dywedodd hyfforddwr y Devils, Andrew Lord, wrth Chwaraeon y BBC bod y golled yn brifo, a’i nod yw ennill pob gêm. Dywedodd ef i’w dîm ildio goliau, bod eu hysbryd heb fynd a bod yr ail chwarter yn gryf iawn gyda’r chwaraewyr yn chwarae o ansawdd dda. Mae’r Devils yn eistedd ar frig y gynghrair ar hyn o bryd, gyda 64 pwynt allan o’i 46 gêm tymor yma. Ei gobaith yw ennill y gynghrair, ac mae ganddynt tair gêm i ymestyn ei mantais ar frig y gynghrair dros y Steelers, sydd yn ail gyda 63 pwynt ond wedi chwarae 49 gêm. Mae’r tymor yma yn edrych yn addawol iawn i’r Devils, a gobeithio ar ddiwedd y tymor byddwn yn gweld tîm Andrew Lord yn codi’r gynghrair pan ddaw’r tymor i’w clo.

Dianc o’r Diafol: Y Devils yn herio yn y gynghrair Tarddiad: Cardiff Potter (drwy Flickr)

CHWARAEON

Canlyniadau ac emosiynau cymysg i Gymru yn erbyn Lloegr Roedd tair gêm rhwng Cymru a Lloegr wrth i dimau’r dynion, menywod a dan-20 herio’r hen elyn

Llion Carbis

Pennaeth y Gymraeg

r benwythnos Mawrth 6 a 7, roedd wledd o rygbi ar gael i gefnogwyr y gêm hirgron wrth i dimau dan-20, dynion a menywod Cymru herio Lloegr. Dechreuodd y cyfan gyda thîm dan20 Cymru yn herio Lloger yn stadiwm Kingsholm, yng Nghaerloyw. Nid oedd Cymru yn dechrau’r gêm mewn sefyllfa ddelfrydol wedi ennill ond un o’i tair gêm agoriadol yn y Chwe Gwlad eleni – gan gynnwys colli yn erbyn yr Eidal yn y gêm gychwynnol. Serch hynny, roedd buddugoliaeth tîm Gareth Williams dros Ffrainc – a oedd wedi ennill Cwpan y Byd dan-20 llynedd – yn amlwg wedi sbarduno’r chwaraewyr. Cafwyd perfformiad anhygoel gan faswr Cymru, Sam Costelow a sgoriodd 18 pwynt – gan gynnwys cais, trosi ceisiau, ciciau cosb a gôl gosb dyngedfennol – i sicrhau buddugoliaeth (22-23) cyntaf i Gymru dros Loegr am bedair blynedd ar y lefel hynny. Ychydig ddyddiau wedi’r fuddugoliaeth, cyhoeddodd y Sgarlets ei bod wedi arwyddo Costelow o Leicester Tigers – hwb enfawr i’r rhanbarth gorllewinol.

Cymru methu Curo: Nad oedd Cymru gallu ail-adrodd perfformiad Twickenham yn 2015, eleni. Tarddiad: Marc (drwy Flickr) Yn dilyn y tîm dan-20 oedd menywod Cymru yn herio’r Saeson yn Twickenham Stoop ar 7 Mawrth. Nid yw Cymru wedi llwyddo i ennill un o’u gemau yn y bencampwriaeth eleni, ac yn ddisgwyliedig, enillodd menywod Lloger yn hawdd wedi iddynt sgorio deg o geisiau i sicrhau buddugoliaeth gyfforddus, 667. Rhaid parchu a gwerthfawrogi ymdrechion tîm Cymru wrth ystyried bod carfan Lloegr llawn chwaraewyr prof-

fesiynol sydd yn ymarfer yn ddyddiol. Yn gyferbyniol, nid oes gan Gymru garfan o chwaraewyr proffesiynol, sy’n esbonio’r bwlch sylweddol yng ngallu Cymru a Lloger. Llynedd y sgôr oedd 51-12 i Loegr ac mae’r ffaith bod Lloegr wedi cynyddu ei goruchafiaeth eleni yn awgrymu bod rhaid i’r bencampwriaeth weithredu rhywsut i sicrhau bod y gemau yn fwy cystadleuol. Aeth pethau o ddrwg i waeth i’r Cymry wedi canlyniad siomedig yn Twick-

enham gyda tîm Wayne Pivac yn colli o 33-30. Mewn gem lawn ceisiau, drama a phenderfyniadau dadleuol; roedd hi’n anodd prosesu popeth a digwyddodd yn yr ornest. Lloegr oedd y gwell tîm o lawer, gyda Chymru yn gwneud gormod o gamgymeriadau, fodd bynnag, dim ond tri phwynt oedd y gwahaniaeth wedi 80 munud o chwarae. Er gwaethaf y ffaith roedd Lloegr yn ennill yn gyfforddus, 20-9, ar yr hanner; gorffennodd Cymru’r ornest gyda’r un nifer o geisiau, fwy o feddiant. Nid oes modd osgoi trafod cerdyn coch Manu Tuillagi am dacl beryglus ar George North – digwyddiad oedd wedi arwain at Gymru yn sgorio 14 pwynt yn chwe munud olaf yr ornest. Ac er, yn nodweddiadol, roedd Eddie Jones yn cwyno am y dyfarnwr ar ddiwedd yr ornest, dylai Joe Marler wedi cael ei hel o’r cae am afael yn organau rhyw Alun Wyn Jones. Hefyd, dylai Courtney Lawes wedi gweld coch am dacl beryglus ar Alun Wyn Jones. Yn rhesymegol, felly, gyda phenderfyniadau gwahanol gan y dyfarnwr a llai o esgeulustod gan Gymru, gall y canlyniad wedi bod yn dra gwahanol – gan sicrhau buddugoliaeth gyntaf i Gymru yn Twickenham yn y Chwe Gwlad ers 2012.

Breuddwydion Ewro 2020 Joe Allen yn deilchion Mae’r chwaraewr canol cae wedi rhwygo gweyllen y ffêr

Deio Jones Golygydd Taf-od

n ddiweddar, mae un o chwaraewyr mwyaf allweddol Cymru, Joe Allen wedi cael anaf sydd yn golygu na fydd yn gallu trafeilio gyda carfan Cymru i Ewro 2020. Mae Allen wedi rhwygo gweyllen y ffêr ac felly yn gorfod camu oddi wrth pêl-droed tan ddiwedd y tymor. Digwyddodd yr anaf yng ngêm Stoke City yn erbyn Hull City, wrth i Allen gael ei faglu gan Dan Batty ar ganiad hanner amser. Dywed rheolwr Stoke, Martin O’Neill wrth y BBC, “He’s ruptured his Achilles, he had to be helped off at half time. You fear the worst, you hope for the player it is not the case, but the news is not what we hoped for and he will need surgery this week.” Pan gofynnir iddo am ddyfodol Allen yn yr Ewros, dywedodd, ”It’s a huge loss, he’s a terrific player and a terrific lad. I am gutted for him, he had so much to look forward to with Euro 2020 as well.” Dywedodd O’Neill yn ddiweddarach fod Allen yn ôl yn y gampfa yn cryfhau ei gorff-uwch ac fod aeth y lawdriniaeth yn llwyddiannus. Mae Allen nawr mewn hwyliau gwell yn ôl O’Neill. Roedd Allen yn aelod allweddol o garfan Cymru yn Ewro 2016, sydd yn golygu bydd rhaid i Ryan Giggs, rheolwr Cymru feddwl yn graff am sut mae strwythuro’r garfan yn absenoldeb Allen. Roedd Allen yn ‘tîm y twrnament’ yn Ewro 2016 ac felly fydd ei sgiliau profiadol yn golled mawr i’r garfan. Erbyn hyn, mae gan Allen 56 o gapiau dros ei wlad ac

Colli allan: Bydd colled Joe Allen yn gonsyrn i Ryan Giggs a Chymru. Tarddiad: Aled Biston. wedi bod yn y garfan ers 2009. Rhai o’r opsiynau canolog eraill sydd gan Giggs yw Aaron Ramsey, Will Vaulks a Matthew Smith. Gyda’r COVID-19 yn peri gofidion os byddai’r twrnament yn cael ei chynnal neu beidio, mae’n bosib iawn bydd rhaid gohurio tan 2021, a fyddai’n newyddion boddhaol i Allen gan y bydd yn cael digon o amser i wella’r anaf a chael cyfle i ddechrau hyfforddi eto cyn y gemau.

Mae Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru erbyn hyn wedi canslo’r gemau gyfeillgar yn erbyn yr UDA oedd fod i gymryd rhan ar y 30 o Fawrth yng Nghaerdyd, a’r gêm yn erbyn Awstria yn Stadiwm Liberty ar y 27 o Fawrth oherwydd y tŵf yn nifer y bobl sydd wedi cael y feirws yng Nghymru erbyn hyn. Mae nifer o gefnogwyr yn disgwyl eu harian yn ôl. Mi fydd UEFA yn cyfarfod yn ystod yr wythnos er mwyn trafod beth yw

dyfodol y twrnament a twrnamentau pêl-droed eraill fel y Champions League a’r Europa League. Mae cylchgrawn L’Equipe wedi rhagdybio y byddai’r twrnament yn cael ei ohurio tan 2021 ac nawr mae’r penderfyniad yn nwylo bwrdd rheoli UEFA. Bydd rhaid i ni aros i weld dros y dyddiau nesaf os bydd y twrnament yn cael ei ohurio. A chaiff yr ‘Xavi Cymraeg’ un cyfle arall i chwarae yn yr Ewros? Amser a ddengys.

FEEL UNSAFE AND HAVEN’T GOT THE CASH TO GET HOME? Call Dragon Taxis on 029 20 333 333 quoting ‘Cardiff University Safe Taxi Scheme’, giving your name and student number.

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To contact our politics desk, drop us an email at politics@gairrhydd.com

POLITICS

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

Chancellor announces return to borrowing in ‘Coronavirus Budget’

In Rishi Sunak’s first budget, emergency measures have been put in place to protect the economy from the Covid-19 outbreak

Tom-Henry Jones Politics Editor

ishi Sunak, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the first budget for the new Conservative Government last week on Wednesday, March 12. It was a budget that announced a return to large borrowing, meaning Conservative austerity was definitively brought to an end. However, the budget was marred by the coronavirus outbreak. Tackling the crisis was at the centre of many of the announcements. Most notably the Chancellor is suspending business rates for many firms in England, extending sick pay and boosting NHS funding. Since the Coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, the Government has aimed to take control of the spread and enact measures designed to contain and delay the outbreak. In addition to a general increase in spending, a £5 billion emergency response fund has been announced to support the NHS and other public services in England. The Chancellor in his budget speech to the House of Commons said that “whatever extra resources our NHS needs to cope with Covid-19, it will get.” The headline policy was an overall £30 billion stimulus into the economy. The figure has been financed by a large uptick in Government borrowing, an increase of 1.8% of GDP in 2019 to 2.4% in 2021. It equates to £125 billion of extra borrowing by 2024. It is this figure that ultimately defines the end of 10 years of Tory austerity. The budget also confirmed an announcement by Boris Johnson two weeks ago regarding proposals to extend sick pay for those self-isolating. All those advised to self-isolate because of Covid-19 will be entitled to statutory sick pay. Self-employed

workers who are not eligible will also be able to claim employment allowance after day one rather than a week, as it was previously set. The Government hopes these measures will help mitigate the expected temporary downturn the UK economy will take as a result of the impact of Covid-19. Sunak himself stated “there is likely to be a temporary disruption to our economy” adding that “for a period, it’s going to be tough.” Despite the Covid-19 measures garnering much of the attention on the budget, there were other stand out policies announced. The tax threshold for National Insurance contributions will rise from £8,632 to £9,500. Previously announced in November, the move will take 500,000 employees out of needing to pay tax altogether. This means it is the largest tax giveaway for lower-paid workers in the whole budget, and represents a tax cut for 31 million people saving the typical employee approximately £100. The ‘tampon tax’, after a contin-

Whatever extra resources our NHS needs to cope with Coronavirus, it will get.

Rishi Sunak MP Chancellor of the Exchequer

ued campaign by pressure groups, is to be scrapped. The 5% VAT on women’s sanitary products has often caused widespread negative attention and has often been cited as a contributor to an increase in period poverty across the UK. In a move to support businesses, the Government announced that business rates in England will also be abolished for firms in retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. With

Downing Street: Rishi Sunak has delivered his first budget after only being Chancellor for four weeks. Source: Public Domain Files landmarks such as pubs struggling to remain profitable, and Covid-19 is expected to further reduce the number of pub-goers, duties on spirits, beer, cider and wine are also to be frozen. Pubs will also benefit from business rate discounts, set to rise from £1,000 to £5,000 this year. Environmental policies were also the focus of the Chancellor’s budget. A plastic packaging tax is set to come into force from April 2022. This means manufacturers will be charged £200 per tonne if the products produced have less than 30% recyclable material. There was also £120 million in emergency relief to support English communities affected by this year’s winter flooding. The total investment in flood defences in England is also to be doubled to £5.2 billion over the next five years. Ultimately it is the Governments large infrastructure policies that symbolise the wider vision of Boris Johnson’s majority government. An eye-watering £600 billion is to set

Your politics desk Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Alcohol Duty: The Chancellor freezes tax on alcohol. Source: George Hodan (via NeedPix.com)

to be invested on roads, rail broadband and housing by 2025. There is a commitment to provide gigabit broadband across the whole nation coming at a cost of £5 billion. Alongside the Governments renewed commitment to HS2, the budget proposals are projected to be the largest stimulus in the country’s infrastructure ever announced. There will also be £27 billion for motorways and an additional £2.5 billion available to fix potholes and resurface roads in England over the next five years. The increased amount of spending is part of the Governments wider aim of ‘levelling up’ and tackling the North-South divide. The Treasury’s Green Book rules are to be reviewed to factor regional prosperity into spending decisions. Another policy is designed to devolve power and influence to the deprived regions outside of London and the South East of England. Many of the headline policies that have been announced were originally part of the Conservative Party manifesto from the 2019 General Election. The budget simply confirms that the policies are officially part of the Government’s spending plans. The Labour Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, criticised the budget for “offering nothing on social care.” The Government has promised to reach a cross-party consensus on how to tackle the growing issue of how to fund social care, with social care services expected to be under increased strain due to Covid-19. McDonnell added that he was therefore “absolutely worried” about the state of the social care system in the UK. Health Secretary Matt Hancock responded by saying that social care will get “everything it needs” to respond to the outbreak. The budget has come at a time when tackling the outbreak of Covid-19 is at the centre of the world’s attention. With the Government attempting to appear in control of the outbreak, they now hope that the emergency measures announced in the budget will provide adequate security for an economy that is predicted to shrink.

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 17

A closer look at the policies...

From abolishing the tampon tax to freezing duties on all types of alcohol, we take a look at some of the Government’s announcments from last Wednesday’s budget Tampon tax scraped

rom January 2021, the so-called ‘Tampon Tax’ will be scrapped, meaning there will be no VAT whatsoever on women’s sanitary products. Since 2015, the Tampon Tax has been put into a fund by the government, and distributed to women’s charities. £47 million was given to charities through this scheme. However, this scheme also attracted criticism when it came to light the money was not just being given to women’s causes. £250,000 of the fund was given to Life, a charity which campaigns against abortion. Both

Investments in enviroment

MPs and women’s groups have campaigned for the tax to be scrapped for 20 years, but under EU laws sanitary products are considered as luxury items. As a consequence, EU member states are unable to lower the tax rate to below 5%. This change is expected to save the average woman around £40 in her lifetime. On a pack of 20 tampons, the new law would reduce the price by 7p, and on a pack of 12 pads, the price would reduce by 5p. This will come into effect at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.

he Government has brought in a number of new policies to tackle environmental problems. The largest of these is the additional £640m for protecting natural habitats in England which includes planting around 30,000 hectares of new trees. Flooding has been a key issue in recent years and the Government has chosen to respond by allocating an extra £120m for English communities affected by flooding. The budget also introduced a plastic packaging tax where products being imported and manufactured which contain less than 30% recyclable material

will be charged £200 per tonne. Another new policy is the allocation of another £900m for the development of space and electric vehicles as well as the development of nuclear fusion. The Government has also removed the tax break on red diesel for industrial vehicles except agriculture and rail. The budget also includes plans to reduce tax on electricity from renewable energy sources while increasing tax on electricity from non-renewable sources. Additionally the government is going to fund carbon capture clusters in the north of England at a cost of £800m.

What were the key promises made? £360m for the Welsh Government to tackle “exceptional circumstances”

£5bn for the NHS as a response to COVID-19

£500m for local

councils most at risk from COVID-19 Increased Spending: The Government has increased spending by borrowing approximately £600bn. Source: George Hodan (via Needpix)

National Insurance threshold raised

Alchohol duties frozen

plan to increase the duty on beer and spirits has been scrapped, and tax on all other alcoholic drinks will also be frozen. In addition, the Chancellor has announced that small pub business rates discount will be increased from £1,000 to £5,000, a measure which has been partly implemented to deal with the “possible impact of coronavirus”. A £1m support fund to Scottish whiskey makers is also on offer, and £10m for research and development to make distilleries greener. Sunak’s measures have attracted contrasting responses from those within the alcohol in-

dustry, and those from alcohol harm charities. The British Beer and Pub Association said it was “a great Budget for pubs, pub-goers and Britain’s world-class brewing industry”. The association also said that the new rules would save people who go to the pub £80M and protect 2,000 jobs. However, Lucy Holmes, Director of Research Policy at Alcohol Change UK has said that the charity was “disappointed to hear that alcohol duties will once again be frozen this time on all alcohol”. She said, “evidence shows that when affordability increases, so does the harm alcohol causes.”

rom the beginning of the new tax year on April 6, there will be an increase in the National Insurance threshold from £8,632 to £9,500. This will mean 31 million people are given a tax cut, and the typical employee will save £104 whilst self-employed people will save £78. According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS), 500,000 people will no longer have to pay the national insurance tax. This is the first part of the Government’s plan to raise the national insurance threshold to £12,500, which was originally promised by Boris Johnson during the 2019 Gen-

eral Election campaign. If you are employed or self-employed you have to pay National Insurance, but the amount you pay is dependent on your employment status and what you earn. You pay it in order to qualify for certain benefits and also to recieve a state pension. Speaking to MPs, Sunak claimed; “Taking into account the changes to the national living wage, income tax and now National Insurance, mean that someone working full time on the minimum wage will be more than £5,200 better off than in 2010.”

National Insurance threshold will rise from

£8,632 to £9,500

5% VAT on women’s

sanitary products to be removed

Pledges for Wales

ales is set to receive an extra £360 million in extra funding from the Treasury, meaning that new funding for Wales will rise to £1 billion in the 2020-21 financial year. Secretary of State for Welsh Affairs Simon Hart said that the support was being provided to help deal with “exceptional circumstances.” One of the most anticipated issues that the Welsh population wanted to be addressed during the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s speech was whether the Government would be committing any money towards flood recovery or flood defence measures. While Mr Sunak said the Treasury will pro-

vide an “estimated £300M” in “longterm Welsh Government funding to spend on flood prevention”; Mr Hart stated that “as soon as the Welsh Government can come up with a number on the flood damage, [it should] come to me or the Chancellor and we’ll look at that and take it seriously”. Now that the UK has left the European Union, it will now fall on the UK Treasury to ensure that structural funds from the EU are maintained in Wales. According to the Budget document: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will replace the overly bureaucratic EU structural funds, levelling up opportunity in each of the four nations of the country. Funding will

be realigned to match domestic priorities, not the EU’s, with a focus on investing in people. At a minimum, it will match current levels of funding for each nation from EU structural funds.” In terms of transport, the Government has announced a £50 million package of investment for accessibility improvements at railway stations with Newtown in Powys named as one of the 12 beneficiary stations. Additionally, the Conservatives have committed to developing the A483 bypass in Pan-Llanymynech which should benefit cross-border transport. Given that the justice system is not a devolved power in Wales, Wednes-

day’s budget announced an extra £5 million to trial integrated domestic abuse courts in England in Wales, an extra £3 million to launch a Royal Commission on the Criminal Justice process in English and Wales, and an extra £15 million to improve the justice system’s offer to victims, among other measures. Another commitment made set to benefit Wales includes around £15 million worth of VAT refunds each year for the Welsh language broadcaster S4C. This means that S4C’s VAT arrangements will be brought into line with UK-wide broadcasters, and it will be able to recover its VAT payments from April 2021.

Alcohol duty to be frozen

£900m more

funding for nuclear fusion, space and electric vehicles

18 POLITICS Disclaimer: All information is correct at the time of writing (March 12) Prisoners may have right to Welsh Government responds to increase in vote in 2022 coronavirus cases the first community transmitted case confirmed in South Wales and supermarkets local elections With selling out of products, what is the Welsh Government doing to handle the situation? Hallum Cowell Politics Editor

he Welsh Government announced plans in early March to give some prisoners the right to vote in the upcoming 2022 local elections in Wales. The new law would see prisoners serving less than four years being able to vote either by proxy or postal ballot. The prisoners would be registered to either a family address or an address they have lived in previously. This change would mean that nearly 2,000 prisoners would be able to vote in the next local election. This law follows similar legislation in the Republic of Ireland where all prisoners are given the right to vote in elections and Scotland recently gave prisoners who have a sentence under a year the right to vote too. This change in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill, if passed, would see Wales become the most lenient country in the UK on prisoner voting. If the legislation is approved, a problem for the Welsh Government will be how to make sure prisoners are engaged and informed when it comes to polling day. Local Government Minister Julie James said, “candidate information can be posted out with ballot papers, and when electoral registers send out the information, they can send out candidate statements, so [prisoners] have information about what they are voting on.” There are also plans to give those in prison more media access so individuals can make more informed choices when voting. It is estimated that the new law would cost around £6,600 in order to update the electoral law and ensure that Welsh language provision is provided. Critics of the potential legislation include the Welsh Conservative group in the Assembly. Conservative AM Mark Isherwood questioned whether each prisoner would have the right to attend a husting, for example. Welsh prisoners who are imprisoned outside of Wales would have to prove that they have a connection to an address within Wales. Given that 37% of Welsh prisoners are held in prisons in England, ensuring that all eligible Welsh prisoners can vote is an important aspect when considering the implementation of the new legislation. Julie James also said “our policy strikes the right balance between sending strong and positive messages to prisoners that they continue to have a stake in society and acknowledge the nature, gravity and circumstances of the offending” adding that “the sentence threshold of four years means that the most serious offenders will not be enfranchised.” Ex-prisoners spoke to the BBC about the potential new legislation. One exoffender Jared told the BBC “I think everyone’s going to jump at the chance to vote,” and that “it’s going to make a big difference - but the freedom of information, and the information that people get, is a problem.” Other exoffenders pointed to other issues, including political apathy among younger prison populations as well as the potential for prospective AMs to canvas inside prisons.

Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

ith 15 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Wales registered in areas including Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, Newport and Port Talbot, measures to curb the spread of the virus and mitigate the consequences of the illness have been taken across Wales. In terms of securing that the Government has sufficient powers to respond to the probable increase in the number of confirmed cases, Welsh Government Health Minister Vaughan Gething stated he will be “looking to take new powers for Wales through the UK-wide coronavirus Bill to be introduced in the House of Commons, to be able to help systems and services work more effectively in tackling the outbreak. “The Bill will strengthen quarantine and mass gathering powers and will allow for the closure of schools and colleges, if necessary, to contain the spread of coronavirus. All four UK Governments across the UK have agreed on a single piece of UK-wide legislation as the right approach.” It is expected that this Bill is expected to be introduced in the House of Com-

mons sometime this month according to the BBC. Some of the response measures which have already been implemented include establishing drive-through Covid-19 testing facilities. In Wrexham, an old medical facility has been transformed into the country’s first drive-through coronavirus testing centre. The Welsh Government stated that: “People who meet the criteria for suspected coronavirus cases should contact the NHS on 111 before attending any testing centre. They will be assessed and directed to attend a centre, if appropriate.” It is hoped that a drive-through centre will reduce the likelihood of people presenting symptoms of the illness going to A&E or to their local GP practice. Similarly, the Welsh NHS launched an online symptom checker nearly two weeks ago which allows users to receive advice on how to proceed if they believe they may have the virus. A video GP-consultation service is being fast-tracked and rolled out across Wales, again so that people self-isolating can see a doctor without visiting a surgery. On Tuesday, March 10, Welsh Government Health Minister, Vaughan Gething addressed AMs of the steps currently being taken by the Welsh

Government in dealing with the virus. He said that he has “authorised the supply of personal protective equipment to all GP practices across Wales.” He also added that supplies of personal protective equipment to community pharmacies were later distributed too. In addition, in order to secure an adequate provision of sufficient healthcare goods, the Welsh Government would also be mobilising its pandemic stockpiles of health and social care goods.

“The Bill will strengthen quarantine and mass gathering powers and will allow for the closure of schools and colleges, if necessary”

Vaughan Gething, Health Minister

Elsewhere, one of the most noticeable changes seen across the community due to the virus is the shortage in products such as toilet roll, hand soap and antibacterial gel in local supermarkets. Shops across Wales have noted a sharp incline in the number of shoppers who have been stockpiling certain items should they need to self-

quarantine for up to 14 days as could be recommended by the Government in the coming weeks, this, in turn, is said to produce panic which leads to other consumers also buying the rapidly depleting products. In response, supermarket chain Tesco has now imposed a rationing system on certain goods which limits items including bleach, dried pasta, UHT milk, tinned veg and anti-bacterial sprays to 5 per customer. Meanwhile, with 15 cases of the virus confirmed in Wales, the first case of community transmitted Covid-19 (where the individual had not recently returned from another country or had contact with somebody who had a confirmed case of the virus) was confirmed in the Caerphilly council area on Wednesday, March 11. This, alongside the World Health Organisation’s decision to class the illness as a ‘pandemic’, means that we can now expect the number of confirmed cases in both Wales and the UK as a whole to increase considerably in the foreseeable future. Both the Welsh and UK Governments have confirmed that any further action, such as closing schools or mass public gatherings will be decided upon in light of the scientific evidence provided to them.

Welsh Conservative Party spring conference promises reform

Paul Davies, leader of the Conservative Group in the Assembly has vowed to cut the cost of politics in Wales Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

he Welsh Conservative Party’s spring conference took place in Llangollen on March 6-7. Over the course of the weekend, various party members announced new plans and renewed previously pledged commitments. These ranged from a vow to change the structure of the Assembly should the party gain power, to a pledge to introduce a clean air act, which would be brought about within 100 days of the party’s rise to power. During his speech, the leader of the Welsh Conservative group in the Assembly announced that “A Welsh Conservative Government will cut the cost of politics. We will seek to freeze the Assembly Commission’s budget for the full five-year term, and there will be no increase in the number of politicians in Wales under my leadership.” He added that he “will reshape the government too. I will reduce the size of the Welsh Government from 14 ministers to a magnificent seven. A 50-percent saving on day one, and I will implement an immediate freeze on hiring more and more civil servants.” The keynote speech of the conference delivered by Prime Minister Boris Johnson marked the first time he had addressed the Welsh Conserva-

31: The number of seats to hold a majority in the Assembly, of which the Conservatives hold 11. Source: Gary Eldridge (via Geograph)

tives since coming into power. Making reference to the Conservative Party winning its largest share of the vote in Wales since 1918 during the general election in December, Johnson commended his party as being the “the great one-nation party of Disraeli and Thatcher speaking for every part and every socio-economic group in the whole of Britain… We speak proudly now for families who have never voted conservatives of entire generations, for places that haven’t been Conservative for over a century.” Johnson also gave his commitment to ensuring that education, infrastructure and technology is developed to

spread opportunity throughout the UK. Elsewhere, Shadow Minister for Environment and former party group leader, Andrew RT Davies, criticised Welsh Labour’s response to the recent widespread flooding seen across Wales which saw over a month’s worth of rainfall in 48 hours in some areas. During his address, he said: “It’s time we raised the bar, because what we’re seeing right now from Labour politicians in the Assembly is an unsavoury mess. We have a Labour Welsh Government that’s declared a climate emergency but delivered a real-terms cut in funding to Natural

Resources Wales, its primary body for ensuring the environment and natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained and enhanced.” His proposed reform plans entail overhauling the current Environment department and would ensure a minister responsible for growing prosperity in Wales’ agriculture and forestry industry. Similarly, he criticised the Labour Party for not having acted to implement a clean air act, a proposal to help solve a problem which is linked to more than 2000 deaths in Wales each year. Amid the new and recurring policy promises, throughout the course of the conference, one underpinning priority for members was clear: winning power in the Assembly in the upcoming elections in 2021. The Conservative Party has never held a majority in Cardiff Bay since the Government of Wales Act, transferring powers to the devolved Assembly was enacted in 1999. Of the 60 seats, the party currently holds 11. However, with a recent surge in the Conservative’s share of the vote in Wales during last year’s general election, alongside an increasing number of polls showing the Party to be closely following, or on a par with Labour, the Party remains in high spirits of their ambition to secure a position of greater power in Wales in 2021.

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 19 Thousands attempt to cross the Turkish In other border as Greece-Turkey row continues news... Tensions escalate in the Baltic as Turkey opens borders to the European Union

Maisie Marston Politics Editor

mid tensions over the Syria conflict, on February 28 Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, announced that the country would stop controlling its land and sea borders with the European Union. This measure has long been threatened. In September 2019, Erdogan said that Turkey was in need of “logistical support” to create a safe zone in Syria’s north-east, “either this happens” he said, “or we will be forced to open the gates.” In a recent televised speech, the

President expressed discontent over what he sees as unfair burden sharing, saying “the European Union has to keep its promises.” By opening the borders, Turkey breaks the 2016 EUTurkey deal which exchanged Turkey ensuring migrants did not reach the EU in return, the country was given billions of euros and other benefits. After the announcement was made, large numbers of migrants began travelling toward the border in the hope of crossing into the EU. By the evening of February 29, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) staff had reported at least 13,000 people had gathered at the formal border cross-

Refugee Camps: Turkey has been host to many refugee camps since the Syrian civil war began. Source: Fabio Sola Penna (via Flickr)

ing points at Pazarkule and Ipsala, and groups of between several dozen and over 3,000 at other, informal border crossings. Clashes have erupted at the land border between Greece and Turkey, with the Greek army firing water cannons and tear gas at migrants attempting to cross. Greece has also accused Turkish troops of firing gas and smoke bombs. Others tried to reach Greek Islands in dinghies. IOM mobile response teams deployed in Izmir and Edirne are currently distributing essentials and providing humanitarian relief. In under a week, the IOM reported they distributed over 8,000 relief items including food kits, blankets and clothing. The Organisation has since stepped up its humanitarian response to reach more migrants who are in need. It is also urging states to “exercise restraint and adopt a balanced, humane approach to population movements across the EUTurkey border.” On Saturday, March 7, Erdogan changed his position slightly, ordering the Turkish coast guard to prevent migrants from travelling across the Aegean Sea to Greece as the crossing is dangerous. On the same day, the One Happy Family Centre, a refugee shelter on the Greek island of Lesbos, caught fire. At the time of writing, no casualties have been reported and it is still not clear how the fire started.

The Greek Migration Minister, Notis Mitarachi, also put new restrictions on asylum seekers in order to deter migrants from coming from Turkey. He said “Accommodation and benefits for those granted asylum will be interrupted within a month. From then on, they will have to work for a living”. He added, “This makes our country a less attractive destination for migration flows.” A few days later, on March 9, crisis talks between Erdogan, the EU and NATO took place in Brussels. The day before, Erdogan did not decrease tensions, pleading Greece to “open the gates as well and be free of this burden… let [those crossing the border] go to other European countries.” The EU has been critical of Erdogan’s move, criticising the President for using migrants for political gain, and they have insisted that its doors remain “closed.” However, migrants remain free to travel to the Greek land border. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is similarly supporting “an easing of tensions on Turkey’s borders with the European Union in light of the present increased movements of people there - including refugees and asylumseekers.” Five EU countries - Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal have since agreed to take in some migrant children who are currently stuck in Greece.

Saudi Crown Prince imprisons rivals in bid to consolidate power

Three individuals have been arrested including the youngest brother of the current King and the former Crown Prince Sam Tilley Deputy Editor

audi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) took further steps last week to consolidate power by arresting a wave of senior royals and top officials, including two close family members. Among those arrested were the youngest brother of the King, Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz, and Mohammad bin Nayef, the former Crown Prince and interior minister. It remains unclear as to why the Crown Prince struck at this specific time, but experts have pointed to the increasing age of King Salman and the possibility of American President Donald Trump, one of bin Salman’s closest international allies, not being re-elected in November. Bin Salman was first nominated as Crown Prince in 2017, shortly after the death of King Abdullah. His predecessor was bin Nayef and there were rumours perpetuating from opponents of the Crown Prince that any attempt to topple bin Salman would come from the two who were arrested. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Saad alFaqih, Head of the Movement of Reform in Arabia and a staunch critic of bin Salman, theorised that the

reason bin Abdul Aziz was arrested by his nephew was that he refused on multiple occasions to swear allegiance to the Crown Prince. He said “Prince Ahmed was summoned twice to the royal court in recent months, in an attempt to coerce him to accept MBS’s ascent to the throne. But he refused”, further adding that “Ahmed may have been speaking to his nephews about his rejection of MBS as king, looking for them to do the same. Even though all his communication is monitored because he is under MBS’s surveillance, these conversations may have been regarded by the palace as a coup attempt or amounting to treason” During his reign as effectual ruler of Saudi Arabia, bin Salman has made several sweeping domestic reforms. These have included the removal of bans on women drivers, opening up the country to Western cultural exports and the implementation of the Saudi 2030 programme; a multi-billion-dollar attempt to modernise Saudi Arabia and to extrapolate the tourism industry. He has however faced a number of controversies during his short reign. The two most prominent have received particular global press attention; the involvement of Saudi forces in the Yemeni Civil War and the as-

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Prince has been embroiled in controversy and this latest moves seems set to cause more.Source: US Department of State (via Flickr) sassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. There have also been allegations that bin Salman personally forced the Prime Minister of Lebanon to resign, in addition to a number of high-profile hacking scandals targeting multi-billionaires like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. The latest arrests have prompted speculation that the 84-year-old monarch, King Salman, is getting

increasingly ill. This in particular matters to bin Salman as, without the clear public pledge of allegiance from bin Abdul Aziz, there is not a clear path to the Saudi throne. Bin Abdul Aziz is seen by some within the kingdom as the legitimate heir to the throne so it is perhaps unsurprising that he has been inconspicuously removed from the public eye by his rival.

Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok, survived an assassination attempt on Monday, March 9. Thus far nobody has claimed responsibility for the explosion which detonated near Hamdok’s convoy. Sudan’s security council stated it would be opening an investigation and seeking help from its allies to bring the responsible party[ies] to justice.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin backed an amendment to the constitution which would allow him to seek two more terms in the Kremlin. A member of the ruling party, United Russia, proposed the change which would set Putin’s presidential term-limit clock back to zero. Usually, the presidential term limit means Putin would be required to step down in 2024, but now it is possible he could stay in the role until 2036.

The UN Refugee Agency has warned that over 100,000 people have fled Nicaragua since the country fell into social and economic crisis two years ago. Following the crackdown on anti-government protests in April 2019, groups of students, human rights activists and journalists are known to have left the country.

Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco has risen its maximum production to 13 million barrels a day. The state-owned company is the world’s most profitable company and this rise constitutes its highest production rate to date. Mid-March saw the steepest oil price crash since 1991 forcing the large oil companies to make changes to survive.

A British man has become the second ever person in the world to be cured of HIV. Londoner Adam Castillejo, 40, was cured last year. He went public with the announcement last week. He was diagnosed in 2003 but was cured via a bone marrow stem cell donor.

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Your comment desk Adam Clarke Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Tehreem Sultan Columnist Indigo Jones

International Women’s Day

What more can be done to achieve equality for minorities? Giula Ionescu Contributor

arch 8th marked international women’s day, a day created by German delegates, best known is Clara Zetkin who proposed at the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference a “special Women’s day”. This year’s theme was #EachforEqual, challenging people to begin to create global change by starting with their own thoughts and actions. One of the very important points on the IWD website is saying that this is a feminist movement that goes on all year long not only on international women’s day. From a western point of view, it would be easy to say that feminism has achieved equality, but feminism is not just about women being equal to men, in the past few years having a lot more impact on intersectionality. Feminism is about minorities, LBGT members, working class people and not just about privileged sections of society having equal privilege amongst themselves. The pay gap is still very much real, as it has only decreased by 0.3% since 2018. But often the fight for equal wages is only visible in Hollywood, very popular with the public but not seeming to create a big change

for people who depend on those few pounds or pence extra an hour. The Hollywood equality fight however, started the #Timesup movement, which achieved a victory last week with Harvey Weinstein’s conviction of sexual assault, after various celebrities gathered money and lawyers to help Weinstein’s victims. There’s still some way to go though, with Woody Allen still making movies and receiving a lot of support from various women who still feel comfortable working with him despite allegations against him. Allen’s supporter Scarlett Johansson has been often accused of showing ‘white feminism’, which has nothing to do with race and just means supporting equality as long as it benefits you and showing no regard for other’s needs, as she supported #Timesup but not the movement against Allen. Johansson has also been involved in a scandal regarding her taking over a Japanese character for the movie ‘Ghost in the shell’, which takes opportunities away from Japanese actresses and shows a lack of representation. Her approach to feminism is that of someone who believes equality has been achieved. For rich, influential people equality between women and men has probably been achieved. But if you look beneath the media and entertainment, people are dy-

Women’s Day March: The battle for equality, for all minorities, is far from over. Source: Molly Adams via Flickr

ing because of the lack of support they receive and how society still perceives them. By November 2019 20 trans or gender non-confirming women of colour have been murdered in the US (as per HRC investigation) while Trans women of colour have a nurder rate seven times as high as the average American. These women were killed by their families, partners or even by complete strangers. Naomi Hersi was murdered in London in 2018, by Jesse McDonald who lured her using a swingers’ website, showing people actively seek these women so they can hurt them, and they need feminism more than

ever. Everyday there’s news of women suffering all over the world, and so often it comes from the top. Pakistani courts ruled girls who start their period can be married off, the US president made remarks about grabbing women and dating his own daughter, the UK prime-minister said to “just pat [female publisher] on the bottom and send her on her way” voted against cutting the tampon-tax and avoided any abortion related vote. Overall, the problems start from the top, therefore change can’t come solely from individuals, and must reach the leaders too.

Take women’s health seriously

Why are endometriosis and other health conditions often ignored Sarah Harris Contributor

was 12 years old the first time a doctor suggested that my pain was “all in my head”. That was the beginning of my continuing battle to get people to take my health seriously. In 2016, during my second year of university, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis. My condition was so advanced that it had spread to not just my reproductive organs but also my bowels and bladder. After a second, 7-hour surgery to fix what he could, my doctor said to my parents: “she must have been in pain for years.” My story is just one of thousands. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women in the UK and is one of the most painful illnesses to live with according to the NHS, yet it takes an average of seven years for women to get a diagnosis. So why does it take so long? Pain in women has been normalised for so long, largely in part due to myths surrounding the female body that date back centuries. Women are expected to be in pain and are often told to ‘just deal with it’ or that it’s ‘part of being a woman’ that even we start to doubt our own bodies when something is really wrong. It took me about six weeks of being unable to leave my room and missing lectures before I finally convinced my GP to send me to an emergency gynaecologist and even then, he was hesitant. I often wonder how different things

would have been if I had been diagnosed earlier on in my youth. I probably wouldn’t have had to waste two years needing to get various surgeries and having to take a break from university. I probably wouldn’t have had to cancel on so many friends at the last minute or apply for extenuating circumstances for practically every deadline. Thankfully, the media has raised some particular concern over this particular issue in the last few months and as a result, the government and healthcare boards are under increasing pressure to tackle disparity within patient treatment. As you read this article, we’re in Endometriosis Awareness Month, where dozens of my fellow sufferers are doing what they can to vocalise the severity and impact of the disease. Towards the end of the month, women in Cardiff will be marching through Queen Street to raise awareness about the disease.

doctors understand that the pain we experience, be it related to endometriosis or not, is not just ‘in our heads’? Despite the fact that women tend to outlive men, studies have shown they in fact suffer from more health problems during their lifetime. Women’s health is one of the most underfunded departments in medical research. Obviously, we can’t expect anything to change when doctors themselves barely understand the female body and the anatomy of these conditions. Since my diagnosis, I’ve had doctors suggest to me that having a child will cure me of my chronic illness or to try

losing a little weight to see if it helps. All of these false claims that are based on no medical research and are often wildly inaccurate, can lead to women feeling hopeless and abandoning faith in the medical community. Moving forward, the only real way to make change is by understanding our body and believing ourselves when we feel like something is wrong. We shouldn’t need to fight to be heard. But sadly, women have been shouting to get their voices heard for centuries now and the only way for things to change, is to continue doing so.

We shouldn’t need to fight to be heard. But why do we have to stomp through town in bright yellow shirts for our voices to be heard? Why don’t

Why are women expected to be in pain? Source: Vladialav Muslakov

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The SU cannot uphold its role if it is apolitical Tomos Lloyd looks at the on-going debate surrounding abortion

Tomos Lloyd Contributor

ur democratic vote is a key component in our social structure. From government to local councils, to even smaller organisations, voting is essential to decision-making. As such, the Cardiff University Students’ Union (SU) held an annual meeting on the 21st November last year in which a debate would be held to decide the official stance the SU should take regarding abortion rights and bodily autonomy. Over 800 students participated in the pro-choice motion debate, in which the motion was passed for the SU to take an official pro-choice position. This proposed motion allowed for members from both sides of the debate to voice their opinions and for voters to make their own informed decision. A democratic vote decided through civil debate. Surely nobody could take issue with this? Except, they did. Following the result, many individuals took issue with the motion being passed, claiming that this motion served to censor freedom of expression for those with opposing views. Shortly after, the Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK (CBR UK), an anti-abortion group, began protesting outside the University’s Main Building. Not only are CBR UK potentially

dishonest in their portrayal of abortion, they also semm to hold little empathy for those that have been through the traumatic decision and procedure. The graphic images used on their posters are acquired from real procedures from abortion clinics. This method of obtaining images is not only illegal but is done without any consent from the individual having the procedure. So, what is CBR UK’s position? I would like to make it immediately clear that regarding cases of rape, many members of CBR UK argue that abortion is still unjustified. To reiterate, they argue that even if an individual is a victim of perhaps the most heinous crime, that they should be left with no option but to parent the child conceived during the trauma. Even if it were possible to concede that CBR UK’s position is not immoral, the claim that the SU should not be taking official political stances is another problematic argument. I contend that apathy to this discussion is a failure to uphold the role of the SU to protect and represent those that use its services. Simply put, the SU exists for the students, thus should be representative of the students. This debate is deeper than a matter of opinion, it is a matter of evidence. In countries where abortion is illegal, the abortion rate is practically iden-

Sitting on the fence?: Some say that the SU should be more forceful on their pro-life position on abortion. Soure: Charlotte King tical to countries where it is legal. In countries where it is illegal, those that wish to have the procedure will find a way, and if they do not die from the procedure, they will be charged for criminal offences. To make abortion illegal is to punish individuals and to force them into unfavourable circumstances. The pro-life stance is not truly pro-life, it is pro-control. The control over another person’s body, under the guise of moral superiority. It is a baf-

fling position to decide that a person must have their autonomy regulated and to shame them for failing to adhere to that authority. Many have taken a pacifist approach to this debate, and whilst I understand the need to remain civil, I fully sympathise with those that are angry at the retaliation from CBR UK and their supporters. This is not a topic that should be approached lightly. Do not resort to violence, but do not suppress your anger.

Bigots only prove the importance of Malorie Blackman’s timeless story

alorie Blackman in the introduction to her 2001 novel says, ”Noughts & Crosses wasn’t so much a book I wanted to write as a book I needed to write.” Nineteen years on, we still need it. When the BBC adaptation of the bestseller premiered, my first instinct was to see what the complex and unpredictable world of Twitter was saying. On one hand, there were people elated with the representation and grateful for the story. But, this wasn’t every tweet - as expected, the bigots came out to play. One accused it of being an attack on the white working class, many criticised it as being ‘woke s**t’ and Malorie Blackman has been accused of being ‘anti-white’. I wish I could say that I was left shocked and surprised at the comments left by the baby boomers armed with Union Jack emojis and furrowed brows. But in the current political climate, it’s pretty much come to be expected. I remember my older brother explaining the book to me over a decade ago, floored and deeply affected by the message. It’s almost comical that young teenagers can read and watch the show and understand the significance, while fully-grown adults throw their toys out of the pram whenever they are asked to

wise up to their own privilege. At least, it would be comical if it wasn’t so infuriating. But negative reactions to it only serve to show how much it is needed. As a white woman, it is easy to be blind to privileges, both small and large. I can easily go and buy a ‘skin-coloured’ plaster that matches my skin. No one ever pronounces my name wrong. I have never had to worry about how the police might treat me. I have never felt that the colour of my skin leads to particular perceptions of my character.

to be racist to engage with Noughts & Crosses and be changed by it, but it is ridiculously ignorant to think it’s nothing more than an attempt by the BBC to be ‘woke’. This is not to say that reading or watching Noughts & Crosses makes me or any other white person completely understand the experience of people of colour. Research and empathy, no matter how extensive and genuine, are no substitute for real ex-

perience. And, I hope that no one pretends that centuries of systemic racism will be solved by a six-part BBC One drama. If only it was that simple. I know that many of the internet users in question are stuck in an echochamber of hate, ignorance and selfpity, but I have hope that the younger generation will continue to absorb the intended, important message of Blackman’s masterpiece.

As a white woman, it is easy to be blind to privileges, both small and large. White people need to engage with this story, no matter how tolerant we think we are. It is not an attack on white people, and to think it is, is to completely miss the mark. By subverting the narrative and putting white people as the oppressed, Noughts & Crosses confronts us with these things many probably haven’t even considered. It gives some exposure to experiences of oppression white people will never go through. You don’t have

Is the UK London-centric? Wiliam Rees Contributor

Noughts & Crosses

Kat Smith Comment Editor

Crossing the line: backlash at the BBC adaptation is completely unwarranted. Source: Kat Smith

entre-right think tank Onward recently published a report showing that, whilst in government, the Conservatives have spent more on London alone than the rest of the UK’s regions and nations combined. With Boris Johnson just having been swept to Downing Street following a near-clean sweep of ‘Red Wall’ constituencies; seats stretching from the North East of Wales all across the North of England, his government is under pressure to ensure they aren’t seen as too ‘Londoncentric’, a label that could be tacked to all Westminster governments this century. Sadly, I do not think he’s up to the job and, like his predecessors, will fall into the trap of leaving vulnerable communities in Wales and the North of England behind. Growing up in rural Wales, and even from my current location in Cardiff, it’s clear to me that the UK has become too London-centric, with London and the South-East of England receiving preferential treatment on a range of things from economic investment, transport infrastructure and housing. Whilst London gets Crossrail, a multi-billion pound transport system, with a sequel likely on the way, the South Wales train line was only electrified over Christmas 2019. Promises to electrify the North Wales train line haven’t come to fruition and the South Wales metro remains years away. Additionally, Johnson has just approved HS2, a new high-speed rail line which just makes it quicker to get to London and, according to the Treasury, it comes in at an estimated cost of £106 billion. Welsh taxpayers will have to pay for it, whilst not receiving any of the benefits. Even Teesside Mayor Ben Houchen, a prominent Northern Tory, has said that North East England won’t benefit from HS2. This ‘London-centricism’ can also clearly be seen when looking at gross disposable household income per head across the nations and regions of the UK. Whilst London has upwards of £21,000 gross disposable household income per head according to the ONS, Wales’ comparative figure is only £14,000, whilst the figure for the North East of England is even lower at £13,000. As a result of this, the UK has higher levels of inequality amongst its constituent nations and regions than any other large wealthy country in the world. In Wales, some may argue it was the job of devolution to fix this, however Welsh Labour have been in power here for 20 years and have clearly shown they are not up to the task. We’d do well to learn the lessons of failed London rule, and avoid becoming too ‘Cardiff-centric’; a charge frequently levelled at the administration in the Bay. As a member of Plaid Cymru, it will come as no surprise therefore that I believe having a Plaid Cymru-led Welsh government that will always put the interests of the people of Wales first is the answer, and upcoming marches for Welsh independence in ‘left behind’ areas, such as Wrexham, will show that there is indeed an appetite for this antidote to ‘London-centricism’.

24 COLUMN

Indigo Jones

COLUMN ROAD

Scaremongering and the media C

Scaring the public: The media thrives off a good headline, and they overexaggerate current affairs to fit their agenda. Source: pixel2013 (via pixabay)

oronavirus, it’s been the topic of conversation for weeks, and the word is constantly on the tip of everyone’s tongue. It has led to racial abuse being thrown around and as a result, divides us as a country. Perhaps whilst walking through Cardiff you’ve spotted people wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus, or maybe you’ve witnessed how the illness has caused a lack of soap or anti-bacterial gel within shops. Coronavirus has well and truly sent the country into a crisis, and that crisis resulting in the diminishing level of toilet paper in shops across the UK. The thought of a new virus which has caused several deaths is rather scary and rightfully so. We face one of the biggest pandemics in recent years. Although, perhaps it’s worth considering, are we scared of the virus itself or are we scared of how the media has presented the it? The media over-exaggerates certain disasters, viruses and weather forecasts; any sane person with a dash of common sense should realise this by now. Whether you were coaxed in to believing that the world was going to end during the millennium, or whether you were fooled in to believing that the world was going to end during 2012, or whether you will inevitably believe the next prediction of the world ending, you have to admit the influence that the

media’s scaremongering has on the public. At the time, doomsdayers and believers of both Y2K and the end of the world were fed information by the media to encourage their beliefs of these events.

The media has a tendency to do the opposite of sugarcoating things, I’ll call it salt-coating, where they inevitably make things look worse. Perhaps it isn’t just the media who are scaremongering, but perhaps companies who have the intention of gaining from the fear of consumers. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have banned “alarmist” and “scaremongering” ads for face masks as they play on the public’s fear of the new virus. They stated that it was “likely to cause fear without reasonable justification”. The media has a tendency to do the opposite of sugar-coating things, I’ll call it salt-coating, where they inevitably make things look worse. Following the scaremongering of the floods after Storm Ciara, Dennis, and Jorge within the UK, Covid-19 couldn’t have come at a better time to pique the interest of readers of

tabloid news outlets. Audiences who love disasters and panic buying bread and milk would have been thrilled at the thought of a new crisis to plan for. Those panicking have isolated themselves and are vigorously washing their hands with hand sanitiser as we speak. They are stocking up on pasta and canned food as they worry that the country will be on lockdown and the shops will run out of tins of soup or beans. I’m not saying don’t be cautious, we can only do what we are advised, which is for us to ensure we wash our hands to prevent spreading and to self-isolate if necessary. This doesn’t mean we should be bulk buying soap and toilet paper because it’s redundant if not everyone can buy it. What we shouldn’t do on the other hand is live in fear and constantly be paranoid about whether or not we’ll get this virus. Instead we should carry out our normal lives but perhaps be more cautious. Although, self-isolation is something that our elderly relatives, or those close to us who would be extensively affected should take into consideration. Many of us probably won’t even see the consequences of the virus. Universities closing, travel bans and the cancellations of mass gatherings seems pretty extreme, although if it ensures the safety of those at high risk then perhaps it’s for the best. Personally, I’m only bitter because

I’m disappointed at the likelihood of Eurovision being cancelled, which is usually the highlight of my year. It’s a heart-breaking idea that I won’t be able to visit my friends and family that are at high risk, especially my grandparents who at the ages of 87 and 89 are extremely at risk.

At the end of the day, there is a fine line between being informed and being overwhelmedy the likes of push notifications and constant updates. On the other hand, you could also argue that media downplays certain events or issues, often in relation to political news or terror attacks. The government often attempts to bury news that they don’t want the public to see. Famously in 2002 Jo Moore, the former Labour spin doctor, was found to have said that on September 11th, 2001 “It’s a good day to bury bad news,” suggesting that as a result of the high-profile news of the terror attacks, they could bury any news that they wanted to hide on that day. Public relations teams

are experts in downplaying the news for their own agenda. Perhaps it is worth considering that their current scaremongering might also be working towards their own agenda, whatever that agenda may be. They usually avoid discussing climate change, a topic that we should probably discuss more especially following recent discussion of it being an emergency. At the end of the day, there is a fine line between being informed and being overwhelmed by the likes of push notifications and constant updates. Whether that be from the recent news or with overdramatised weather predictions. Every year we read articles that state that we are to have “the WORST snow”, it’s always worse that the year before, and often following that we don’t have snow. Perhaps this demonstrates the media’s need for a good headline, or their intent to scare the British public over correctly educating them. Hopefully, for the sake of future generations, the media will become more self-aware of their tendencies to scaremonger and put more pressure on themselves to work as a public watchdog and take on their original job as a fourth estate. To conclude, be stressed, but not so stressed enough you stop yourself from living your lives. Be cautious, and frankly wash your hands. Good luck and stay safe.

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CYNGOR

The perfect self-care day

How should we look after ourselves when we need it most? Maja Metera Contributor

ocially sanctioned workaholism makes us forget that we are not robots but human beings with valid emotions. Therefore, the need for self-care days is a call home to check on our wellbeing and mental health. I start with slowing down by waking up in the morning without the alarm. Then, when I am ready to bet out of bed, I journal for a bit to write down all the nagging thoughts that have been floating around in my mind for weeks. But the purpose of this day is not to feel worse. Thus, as every therapist would tell you, it is vital to get dressed in something that makes us feel most true to ourselves, eat breakfast and go for a walk. It is a great opportunity to practise mindfulness by noticing the smallest things around, or listen to audiobooks. In my case, it fulfils the pressuring need to be productive. Afterwards, I do a body scan – just lying down and releasing cumulated tension from head to toes. If you need some help with doing this, Headspace is a brilliant app filled with guided meditations and body scans. To finish off – meet with a therapist, do a face mask, take a bubble bath for an abundance of glowing and healthy skin and plenty of endorphins. Do what makes you feel good about your body and mind.

Hannah Penwright Contributor

or me, the perfect self-care day is all about doing things that better the mind and body. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before is essential so you wake up feeling refreshed. If, like me, you know you could sleep in until lunchtime every day, set an alarm that means you get a lie in still, but you don’t oversleep. When you wake up, spend 5-10 minutes listing all the things that bring you happiness. I like to do this whilst doing some yoga, because it makes me feel great mentally and physically. I find that dressing up in clothes that make me feel good give me a boost, but if your favourite clothes are a pair of pyjamas, then go for it. The day is all about you and making yourself feel comfortable; there should be no pressure to ‘feel’ a certain way or to ‘be’ a certain way. Whatever feels good for you is right. Ultimately, whatever makes you feel best is what’s most important. When it comes to food, I find that cooking something from scratch such as a vegetable curry and Naan bread is great, because it’s comforting, nourishing, and you’ve achieved something too. After dinner, why not start that book you’ve been meaning to for ages. I often tell myself I’ve got to wait until I’ve finished my current book, but life is short. If you want to start something new, why wait? Make your self-care day a day of self-exploration and lots of selflove.

y perfect self-care day would start by waking up early between half eight and nine with a filling breakfast and a big mug of hot tea. I would then get my diary out and make a big list of all the things that I wanted to achieve in the day, such as attend specific lectures or seminars, do work, and attend extra-curricular activities such as sporting, creative engagements etc. I try to space out the things I need to do by adding in down time such as chilling with housemates by watching tv, having a chat, going to a coffee shop with a friend and having a 10 minute walk to refresh my mind and to allow a less stressed head space. I find that having some down time to myself is as satisfying as spending time with friends, as usually I am surrounded by people and I notice that I spend a lot of time doing other things that could be more productive. In the evenings, I will work out whether it is best to either cook a nice meal or a snack in case I end up going out, or have a proper deep clean of my room if in the day I have left it in a chaotic mess (which is true for a large proportion of the time). I also try and reduce the amount of time that I spend using my phone when trying to work through my to do list besides breaks, as I find using prolonged time on social media makes me feel a bit more deflated.

Self-care: It’s important to take time our for yourself. Source: PlushDesignStudio (via Pixabay)

Dealing with divorce

Muskan Arora Contributor

The harsh reality that one in three couples face today

ivorces cause more emotional trauma to a child than people may realise. Divorce used to be considered a taboo in society and it still is in some parts of the world. According to ONS, around one in three marriages end up in divorce; there are both pros and cons to this. Is the institu-

tion of marriage considered so vague and simple that if you have slight arguments, you end up taking divorce as an option? Maybe it has become a normalised option. In this world where divorcees are not always easily accepted in the society. I believe that divorce is the best option to go for if one cannot live with another peacefully. I remember in primary school I had a friend whose parents got divorced

Your advice desk Molly Govus Rhiannon James Columnist Satwik Shivoham

Megan Evans Contributor

Remeber that there is support:. Source: @zorianast(via Unsplash)

and she was asked numerous questions by all the teachers; she had to take multiple leaves from school as she had to endure visits to the courts and judges with both parents. Imagine someone asking you at the age of ten to choose the side of either your mother or father. From a young age, these children are expected to take such big and emotionally taxing life decisions. Children like this inevitably go through a stage of shock mixed with fear where they are unable to comprehend the situation and all they know is that they potentially don’t have the same structure of family anymore. The reality is that they won’t go back to both their parents everyday, and one of them will potentially miss out on the child’s vital learning years. Arguably, divorce is necessary and right in the long run in some situations, and as Sara Ali Khan said on Koffee With Karan, no matter how young the child is, it is always important to keep them in the loop - talk to them and be honest with them. She now has two happy families instead of one unhappy family. If you are honest and make them un-

derstand the reason for the divorce, the child becomes more supported. Communication is key in this situation. As a child, if you hear about your parents getting a divorce, there are numerous questions and allegations against them. You may be baffled as to why they can’t solve issues between themselves and whether they even consider the impact of their actions on you? You may also be nervous about other people’s reactions; it is very difficult for a child to understand that the problem is bigger than what people at school think. Parents at this point should understand that their child needs comfort and a dedication of time. In some cases of divorce, parents can be self-involved that they forget the pain and trauma that the child is going through at an emotional, social and mental level. At this stage, both the parents should focus on the wellbeing and effect on the child - overall, it is something that many children and adults have to cope with, and it is important that we empathise with the pain and trauma of this.

CYNGOR 27 The rise of the Bullet Planning for your future career and maintaining your wellbeing Journal

Preparing for graduation Marie Chan Contributor

s the end of year approaches, it has been easy to get lost in the flurry of deadlines, part-time jobs, and social activities to think about what the future holds and the prospect of post-graduation life. Reality hasn’t kicked in that in a few months, all final year students at Cardiff University, including myself, would be graduating and saying goodbye to the student life and the routines we become accustomed to. Some of us have been able to secure that all important graduate job or a place on a prestigious graduate scheme, whilst others have committed to further study. But what about those of us who haven’t secured anything or who don’t quite yet know what to do? Graduating with nothing planned can be a daunting prospect, but there are still some ways to ensure you have prepared the best you can and to put your mind at ease. Students should definitely try out the wide range of services at Careers and Employability. Perhaps when you hear of the careers service you might realise you’ve only been to a careers fair or two, but did you know that Cardiff University’s career service offers so much more. Such as; short-term insights/work experience and paid internship opportunities through Careers and Employability Jobs Board, accessed via your Careers Account. Addition-

ally, large and small campus events with potential empolyers, alumni panel events, skills sessions, interview practice, CV reviewing and individual career appointments. Being proactive and taking advantage of the different services available will certainly guarantee that you are the best placed candidate to apply for the role or industry you want to work for. If you’re like me how-

ever, you might have already tried out a wide range of experiences, such as volunteering with a charity, being a brand ambassador for a start-up company, doing an internship abroad, and contributing to a society through a committee role. Therefore, you might feel rather overwhelmed with the prospect of graduating without yet securing a job offer. Or, you might already have

Graduation: The prospect of graduating can be daunting. The University’s Careers and Employability team are here to help. Source: Pixabay (via Pexels)

secured a job role but wondering about preparing to transition into your new role and workplace. Whatever stage you are at with your job-hunting, this is where Careers and Employability can help. Over this month, we are hosting a series of five workshops, four aimed at final year under graduates and one for post graduate students. These will focus on the topic of transitioning from a student to a professional, whilst giving you practical tips on how to manage your well-being throughout the process. These workshops will be running on the 20 March from 1-4pm, 23 and 24 March from 9-12, and Friday 27 March from 11-2pm. You will be able to learn about how to develop your resilience and deal with stress and anxiety after graduating, create and develop a future-proof career action plan, and have the opportunity to network with recent alumni who have navigated the job hunting process and transitioning stage. The guest alumni are Hazel Gambles (We should create), Laura Carter (Cardiff Capital Region), George Edwards (Leaders Roman Group), and Roisin Oldroyd (Purolite Life Sciences). Book a place at one of these workshops via the events section at your Careers Account, search ‘careers account’ on the student intranet. Come along with your friends and join us to ensure you are fully prepared to #workwell and become work-ready before you graduate.

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Muskan Arora Contributor

How to show your appreciation on a student budget

emember as children we used to look for our mothers in the audience during a stage performance or how when we were unwell, our mothers would be by our side, taking care of us or how she had those happy tears in her eyes every time we won or achieved something? I vividly remember these incidents as a child, specifically when I saw my mother from the stage during a dance performance and I was so elated that I jumped off the stage to hug her. Now that Mother’s Day is approaching, most of us are hunting for that perfect gift to make our mothers smile and show our appreciation for all she has done for us. But has anyone thought why we only celebrate our mothers on one day of the year? Why is our aim of making her smile dedicated to a single day? We should be celebrating mothers all year round. But going back to Mother’s Day, it can be tricky to find the perfect present on a student budget, sometimes we end up disappointed with our choice of gift. But, in my experience, my mother is joyous at the fact that I

A bunch of flowers: Student budget friendly gift if you’re unable to be with your mother on the day. Source: iriser (via Unsplash) am trying to make her feel special and it’s not what present I buy for her but the thought behind it. Some ideas for those of us with little to spend on a gift; why not write her a letter or make something for her

yourself, get all your colour pencils and paints and draw her a picture or maybe order a pastry or a cake that you know is her favourite flavour. But no matter how many gifts

we get her, the greatest present we can gift her is the gift of time. Spend the whole day with her, go out shopping or grab a cup of coffee together or just sit inside and watch a movie and gossip. When I think about it, my mother has sacrficed a lot for me and her love and appreciation isn’t reserved for ‘Children’s Day’, she makes me feel important throughout the year. A mother is someone who celebrates our victories more than we do and cries with us in our misery. This Mother’s Day, let us all show respect to the woman who thinks about our benefit at every moment and let us give her the extra love she deserves and not just make Mother’s Day about one day in a year where we buy her presents. Let’s give her the priceless presents everyday, such as honesty, love and time which she wants. Little do we realise that as we are growing up, our parents are growing older and just like we needed them as a little baby, they need us now. They need our time and not our money or materialistic goods. The more I’ve grown up, the more I’ve appreciated my mother and I see Mother’s Day as an opportunity to show her what she means to me.

Darcy Servais Contributor

he craze of the bullet journal started back in 2015, and has only grown in interest and participation since then. Originally created by Ryder Carroll, it is used to ’track the past, organise the present, and plan the future’. The idea of the journal is to keep record and organise absolutely anything and everything in your life, from thoughts, to plans, to ideas. However, this is not restrictive. Speaking from my own experience, the bullet journal can become whatever you make it. In order to start a bullet journal, you need the initial motivation to do so. Designating a minimum of five minutes of your day to sit back and take some time to organise your thoughts is extremely important not only from an organisational point of view, but also for your mental wellbeing. If you are someone that enjoys structure, then plan out how you want to organise your journal. Will it have a theme? Will you use it specifically for organising work? It is entirely up to you. The journal itself doesn’t have to be anything fancy; you can make it what you want. Invest in a notebook that is set up for the bullet journal with an index and page numbers, and simply let your imagination run wild. One of the most appealing things about the bullet journal is the fact that the pages consist of bullet points rather than lines. This allows it’s creator to create their own style and organise their ideas exactly how they want without being restricted. Starting a journal can be daunting, and you may find it difficult to find the time to wind down and take time to write in it. However, a bullet journal is something to be enjoyed, so if you don’t like the way it looks, change it. If you are anything like me, then you will have lists, post-it notes and numerous random pieces of paper with rather vital information fluttering about in a big, unorganised mess. Starting a bullet journal was the best thing to do for me as it allowed me to put all my important information in one place all whilst being creative and having fun in the process. I found that organising my life in one place was incredibly soothing as I could see my deadlines and important dates right in front of me. After I got used to journalling every couple of days, it soon became every day, and I found myself writing down my thoughts, feelings and emotions as well as drawing. My bullet journal became much more than a place to organise my life; it became a safe space for me to express my emotions in a healthy and healing way. I found that I became proud of my bullet journal, as it was something that I created from the heart. I truly believe that any form of creativity, whether it be journal, writing, making music or poetry, is extremely important in keeping a level head and aid your mental stability. So go ahead, pick up an old notebook, and see where your mind takes you.

COLUMN

SATWIK Speaks

Satwik Shivoham

Freelancing 101: 3 tips to consider

Should I freelance?: Here are some tips to help your decision. Header: Geralt (via Pixabay). Left: Lukasbieri (via pixabay). Right: Startupstockphotos (via Pixabay).

lot of us have probably thought of earning some extra money on the side through freelancing, and it is undoubtedly a great stream of income for students. We have extra time on our hands, and this is the safest time to explore different career streams. For most, it is an attractive career path because one gets to work case-by-case and according to strict personal preferences. As a freelancer, you aren’t bound by any contracts and other obligations- you work at your own pace, and you can choose the work to begin with. I’ve personally found it to be quite well-paying, but I’ve learned some things the hard way over the two years I’ve been freelancing. There comes a lot of risk with it, so before you begin your freelancer journey, take a little while to reflect if its best-suited for you. I hope this column acts as a step-by-step beginners’ guide for anyone aspiring to earn more, learn more, or simply add more to their CVs through freelancing. There’s a three-point-checklist you could follow which would’ve helped me a lot had I considered all of it before I began freelancing. First, figuring out what services you can offer (and how you can differentiate yourself from other freelancers) is crucial. We all possess a mix of many

different skills and having a vaguelydefined expertise is not desirable in a professional setting - you wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t know themself.

It is an attractive career path because one gets to work case-by-case and according to strict personal preferences For instance, being a journalism student, people assume I possess “communication skills”, and that really comprises a plethora of intricate things like grasp over written and spoken word, but unless I identify very specific things I can do with those skills, it won’t be of any use to me. Here’s the thing: everyone has skills, but not everyone is able to make their skills encashable. Learn what skills you can sell to someone. Pinpoint and identify specialised and specific skills which are in demand. For example, if you have good voice modulation, sell that skill as that of a voice artist. If you know all about cracking university applications, sell that skill as that of an education coun-

sellor. If you know all about the sociopolitical landscape in your country, you can’t sell yourself as a political thinker. So bluntly put, none of the skills you’ve developed over time matter unless you learn to sell them and make others appreciate them. Also, it is important to understand and be able to portray what makes you different. You will face cutthroat competitionthere is an overload of freelancers on the market, and skills are very rarely “unique”, but maybe you do certain things exceptionally fast? Maybe conversely, you are observant and able to form long-term ideas by taking your time to formulate them? Either way, there is a need for your skills provided you know where to sell them at. Thirdly, whatever service you choose to provide has to be something you’ve mastered. By “mastered”, I don’t mean you have to be as good as LeBron James to be a freelance basketball coach but coaching someone mustn’t be a process too mentally/physically demanding and should fit well within your schedule. You should know your art well enough to not cause you any extra stress- you shouldn’t struggle yourself with it. If it takes up too much time and effort, you won’t be able to strike a healthy balance between work and uni. There’s also the risk of under-

delivering, in which you probably won’t be paid fully. So never offer a service you yourself haven’t fully mastered, because thrice the effort for half the money is (obviously) not a good deal! Ensure that with your freelancing, you aren’t just following your passions. In the same manner you reflected seriously to decide a career path, reflect to understand what side-hustles are best suited for you. If it works out well, it is something you can carry out for a long time and reap significant rewards through. Think rationally about how much time (and effort) it’d extort out of your day. Could it potentially hamper your “primary goals”- sleep, studies, leisure? Are a mere fifty pounds worth three whole days of effort to you? You must understand where you place yourself, your skills and your time on the pay graph. In the beginning, I found it to be quite exciting- being able to follow my passions and earning an extra buck or two, but it soon became really difficult to manage. It affected my sleep, attendance and everything else that I had going on in my life because I didn’t think it through. Whatever extra few-hundred pounds I earned in that month didn’t seem to be worth it, because while the money kept coming in, I unknow-

ingly side-lined all the other important things. I remember not focusing on my assessments, getting bad grades and feeling terribly low at the end of it, so first, don’t forget to do what you’re supposed to do as a student. All freelancing, working and part-timing comes on the peripheries of your university life (unless of course it is an absolute necessity).

When money starts pouring in, it inspires you and you begin to sacrifice sleep, friends and your balance in general. The biggest risk is that it could become a distraction for you, rather than an occupation. When money starts pouring in, it inspires you and you begin to sacrifice sleep, friends and your balance in general. It seems like a temporary phase, with prosperity by your side, but it can really shift your lifestyle upside-down, and for the worse too. Be careful, and reflect on!

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GWYDDONIAETH

How to prevent the spread of Covid-19 Governments around the world advise their citizens on how to prevent a possible pandemic

Liv Davies Science Editor

he outbreak of Coronavirus has dominated the news in 2020. The latest strand, Covid-19, has been causing worldwide disruption, but do you know how to prevent it? The COVID-19 virus causes a disease closely related to SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome. This disease causes similar respiratory symptoms to COVD-19, and the virus is also closely related. The COVID-19 virus is supposedly spread through respiratory droplets that are expelled during coughing or sneezing. However, the full mechanisms by which the spread occurs is unknown. After a person is infected there is usually an incubation time of around 2-14 days - this is when the patient will have no symptoms, but is infected with the virus. At the end of January, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of March of this year, coronavirus has been found in all six WHO regions. This has caused many people to be concerned about the possibility of a pandemic. However, WHO have not officially declared this level of severity. Symptoms of coronavirus include a cough, shortness of breath, and a high temperature. However it is known that a sore throat and runny rose are less common symptoms. If the virus develops into a serious condition patients usually develop pneumonia and

kidney failure. This can lead to death in some vulnerable people. Viruses invade cells and hijack the cell’s own replicating ability in order to create more viruses, causing it to spread around the body and to other people. The COVID-19 virus accesses the host cells via an enzyme called ACE2 that is located mainly in the lungs and kidneys. Which explains the respiratory symptoms in most patients, and pneumonia and kidney failure in some. The density of ACE2 enzymes can vary between individuals, and from this it can be understood how two similarly healthy individuals can be affected differently by the same disease. To prevent this disease from spreading, public health organisations around the world have been giving guidelines to citizens. The NHS has issued a statement suggesting that the greatest way to prevent the spread of this disease is by handwashing. The NHS recommends 20 seconds of handwashing, especially before eating or cooking, or after you sneeze or cough. They also recommend not to touch your eyes, mouth unless your hands are washed. Disposable tissues should be used once and then discarded. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus including a cough, shortness of breath, and a high temperature, you must NOT go to your GP surgery. This will be endangering the health of both the doctors and the patients at the surgery. You must call 111 which is the NHS helpline and they will provide you with the correct information on what to do next. If the NHS health

Washing hands to prevent a pandemic: Hand washing is the most advised precaution in order to prevnt the spread of COVID-19 Source: David Stewart (via Flickr)

workers believe you have Coronavirus, they will ask you to self-isolate. This is to contain the spread, and stop you spreading it to other members of the public. Self-isolation means you must stay at home and not attend work, or education. You must not use any form of public transport, including taxi services, and you must avoid visitors to your home as much as possible. Using shared accommodation may be tricky when you are self isolating. However the NHS recommends staying in your room with the door close,

only using the bathroom and kitchen when necessary. They also recommend that the self-isolator cleans the bathroom or kitchen thoroughly after use. These guidelines are put in place to prevent the spread of this virus, in order to stop vulnerable people from catching COVID-19. Vulnerable people include the elderly and the immunocompromised - it is important to follow guidelines even if the symptoms you have are mild.

Research shows low-carb diet may be the link to preventing age-related brain deterioration But the scientific community stresses that the link is not certain

Holly Giles Science Editor

utrition is an ever-expanding area of science with new guidelines into superfoods and foods to be avoiding being published every week. However this week a team in New York have found the diet you need to prevent brain deterioration. As part of the study the team performed brain scans of nearly 1,000 people across all age groups to observe their brain function. They supplemented this with a food diary so could see the intake correlating to brain performance. Looking at the results it appears the biggest impact is the source of energy the brain uses; glucose or ketones. Glucose is the normal food source of the brain, obtained from foods and

carried in the blood. However, when carbohydrates are removed from the diet this limits glucose intake and leads to the liver producing ketones. From these scans it suggests that ketones are a more stable energy source for the brain so means a low-carb diet increases neurogenic stability and improves brain function. Lilianne R Mukica-Parodi, lead researcher from Stony Brook University in New York, explained these results further; “We think that, as people get older, their brains start to lose the ability to metabolise glucose efficiently, causing neurones to slowly starve, and brin networks to destabilise. So we tested whether giving the brain a more efficient fuel source, in the form of ketones, either by following a low-carb diet or drinking ketone supplements

could provide the brain with greater energy. Even in younger individuals, this added energy further stabilised brain networks”. Before you go removing all carbohydrates from your diet it is important to realise the limitations of this research; we do not currently know the risks of a ketogenic (or low-carb) diet. Dr Katy Stubbs from Alzheimer’s Research UK highlighted this in her statement; “It has been shown that eating such high levels of fat, which generally goes with people eating less fruit and vegetables, has a detrimental impact on your heart, which has dangerous side effects. Also, there is a huge amount of evidence showing that the Mediterranean diet is the best diet we’ve got so far for the brain and heart. That includes a lot of wholegrains. We’re going to need a lot more research

if the ketogenic diet is going to be widely recommended as an alternative to that approach as a prevention against dementia”. In light of this it is safe to conclude that while this new research suggests a diet including little to no carbohydrates may increase neurostability and lead to a decreased prevalence of degenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, it is too early for any dietary changes to be recommended. Whilst the advantages have been highlighted in this paper, the scientific community do not currently know enough of the safety and impact of the alternative diets available. It is an exciting topic with many prospective avenues for more research to be done but until those avenues have been ventured down you are safe to eat carbs, although maybe not too many.

Word of the week: Carbohydrate Your science desk Liv Davies Hollly Giles

• • • •

Carbohydrates are a type of sugar found in foods including fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products They are named because they only contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen The most common carbohydrate is glucose They are vital to provide energy to the body, particularly in brain function

GWYDDONIAETH 31

Cardiff University part of study into climate change attitudes

Badgers offered refuge from culling with New survey reveals that climate change is ranked as the second most new vaccinaimportant issue in the public eye tion discovered for climate risks and their impacts”, Jo Field to combat TB Pidgeon stated. Contributor

he survey of over 1400 nationally-representative adults revealed that climate change was now ranked the second most important issue facing the UK, after Brexit. Professor Nick Pidgeon, of Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and leader of the project, said that “this is a remarkable shift in British public opinion – the biggest change we’ve seen in recent years,” The survey was carried out by researchers from Cardiff University and Climate Outreach and results were compared to previous studies conducted in 2010, 2013 and 2016, to see how public attitudes are changing. Since 2016, climate change has risen from 13th to second place in terms of importance to the UK, overtaking immigration and the economy. Concern about climate change has doubled in the past four years, with 40% of respondents saying they were now “very or extremely worried”. “With climate policy entering a critical phase, as the UK prepares to host the UN climate summit - and as many areas seek to recover from winter flooding - these survey results provide strong evidence of a shift in perceptions among the British public towards greater concern

The results of this research come in the wake of recent flooding and storm events, which were rated as the highest perceived risks of climate change. The majority believe climate change has played a role in recent extreme weather events, and nearly two-thirds (64%) thought the effects of climate change were already being felt in Britain. The survey found that flooding and storms are thought to likely increase in the future and that they prompt high levels of concern. There was also a surge in concern over heatwaves, with 72% believing that they are a severe problem for the UK. The study also looked at public support for climate action, following nationwide protesting by Extinction Rebellion, School Strikes for Climate and the declaration of a climate emergency by the UK government. It found strong support for public spending on measures to help the UK adapt to climate change, such as improved flood defences. There was support for subsidising renewable energy and improving public transport to cut CO2 emissions, however almost half of the respondents (48%) opposed increasing electricity bills to reduce consumption.

Mili Jayadeep Contributor

Climate change ticks all the boxes: Climate change ranks high in the public’s worries Source: Creative Commons (via Pikrepo) The research has been conducted as part of the UK Climate Resilience Programme, an £18.7m inter-multidisciplinary collaboration, led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Met Office. Dr Kate Lonsdale, of the UK Climate Resilience Programme, said that “The scientific consensus is increasingly clear that climate risks are increasing in likelihood and se-

verity. Now we have evidence that people in Britain see these risks are relevant to their lives today rather than something that will happen in the future and in other places.” It is unclear how this change in attitudes will be reflected in our actions but it sends a clear message to politicians and leaders; people are concerned about climate change and that concern is increasing.

Amazon’s “till free shopping” could become commonplace in the UK

Amazon enables a checkout free shopping experience where users face the possibilty of no human interaction Kirstin Winter Contributor

ince 2018, Amazon has offered shoppers a till-free experience in their 26 “Amazon Go” stores in the United States. On February 25 2020, Amazon opened its largest and most recent “Go Grocery” store in Seattle. The “just walk out” slogan entices shoppers with the promise of no queues and, potentially, no human interaction. This opening was accompanied by the announcement that Amazon would license the technology to its high street competitors. Despite initial teething problems, the technology appears to work with great efficacy. Initial problems arose regarding people of the same body size or when children moved items around the shelves. These problems were resolved in 2016 when the store was opened, and the technology was tested on Amazon employees. The existing “Go Grocery” stores operate using barriers akin to the

London Underground barriers. Shoppers use the “Amazon go” app to scan a QR code on their smartphone. This connects to their Amazon accounts so that anything the shopper picks up and keeps-will be billed straight to their account. The technology can discriminate between items picked up and put back, and items kept; a receipt is issued on exit to reassure sceptical shoppers. Whilst Amazon do not share the specifics of how the technology works, it involves hundreds of cameras and depth sensors, that they claim can be installed in a matter of weeks; “Our checkout-free shopping experience is made possible by the same types of technologies used in self-driving cars: computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning”. The data is remotely analysed using algorithms on Amazon computers. According to Amazon’s website, the data collected is only used to produce an accurate receipt, and shoppers should think of the cameras like they would security cameras. The announcement of Amazon

licensing the software for other retailers did not come as a surprise to experts in the field. There are however still concerns regarding the technology’s efficacy on a large scale. The “Go Grocery” Seattlebased store measures 29 sq. m; UK supermarkets can be up to 17,233 sq. m. Job losses with a technology of this manner are an ever-increasing concern. The till-free technology could circumvent any human interaction- providing the shopper does not buy any alcohol or items that need age verification. However, supporters argue that the workers would instead be involved in more meaningful tasks, such as: “to greet and answer shoppers’ questions, stock the shelves, check IDs for the purchasing of certain goods, and more - their roles have simply shifted to focus on more valuable activities”. The nature of retailer sector jobs will inevitably reflect the shift towards automation, Ms Berg- NBK Retail consultancy founder- ex-

plains: “the skills required across the retail sector are going to evolve massively over the next decade”. Customer-assistant roles may therefore become more customer-orientated at the point of browsing with the possible mainstream emergence of this technology. Overall this technology offers an intresting insight into the way our shopping could change over the next ten years, it suggests that online shopping and shopping in store may be more overlapped than previously thought.

A new kind of store with no check out required...all the necessary technology to enable checkout-free shopping” Amazon Go Amazon

ovine tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease affecting cattle. This heavily harmed the farming industry as cattle infected by TB had to be consequently culled, reducing business for the beef and dairy industries. It was believed to be spread by infected badgers hence culling practices were used to control the infection spread. Recent research has revealed that the infection is spread from cow-tocow rather than from badgers. This means that culling is not an effective method of preventing the infection spread. Animal welfare supporters would argue that methods of culling are merciless, which have been practiced in about 40 regions in the UK. The methods of culling are usually cruel, such as controlled shooting, which is discredited by the British Veterinary Association due to its inhumanity to animals. Today, alternate methods of preventing the infection have finally received government support. A new policy of trialing vaccines on cattle will take place over the next couple of years. Previously, vaccinating cattle was not an option as it would hinder the results of the diagnostic test on cattle for TB. The Animal and Plant Health Agency have made advances on a test that wouldn’t be affected by the vaccine. This could mean that the cruel methods of culling could be replaced by the ethical practice of vaccination, if these methods are successful. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss has said: “Whilst there is no single way to combat this damaging and complex disease, cattle vaccination will be a new tool for our multi-pronged approach to tackle it” Evidence and research shows that no valid scientific conclusions can be drawn from the badger culling pilot trials, which shows that badger culling does little to prevent the spread of infection. The way forward is learning from the results of these trials and developing better diagnostic techniques.

Whilst there is no single way to combat this damaging and complex disease, cattle vaccination will be a new tool Christine Middlemiss UK Chief Veterinary Officer

SCIENCE

Hedgehod numbers are falling, studies show Shannon Budden Contributor

esearchers at Nottingham Trent University are assessing how many hedgehogs are killed on UK roads in an attempt to aid their declining population. Conservationists believe that hedgehog numbers are falling due to a loss of habitats, increased competition and road deaths. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) reported in 2018 that hedgehog numbers in urban areas had fallen by 30%. Citizen science surveys also revealed that the hedgehog had suffered a population loss of 50% since the turn of the century. The new study by Nottingham Trent University is part funded by the PTES and will provide numbers of hedgehogs lost to our roads and how many remain in the area. The study will help experts to gain a clearer view on whether some areas risk losing their local hedgehog populations, and which members of the hedgehog population are most at risk. Research will also be conducted into potential solutions, such as whether building tunnels under roads can help reduce this decline. Of the twelve sites that will be studied, six already have tunnels of different sizes which allow animals to pass safely under the roads. So far, there has been a lack of research into the effect of these tunnels or what can be done to maximise their impact. There is also a lack of understanding of whether traffic affects the long-term viability of hedgehogs. Whilst this study will provide potential solutions, there are also things that the public can do to stop the decline in hedgehog populations: creating access holes in garden fences, planting hedges, making hedgehog houses, checking long grass before strimming and avoiding the use of slug pellets are all things that experts say can help protect our hedgehogs.

Nature’s prickly friends: Nottingham Trent Uni assesses how many hedgehogs are roadkill. Source: Denis Defreyne (via Flickr)

Scientists find fastest fall in carbon dioxide emissions in thirty years CO2 emissions from electricity have fallen by 2% worldwide, but scientists say this is not enough

Will Howell Contributor

t has been announced that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from electricity production fell by 2% worldwide in 2019, which follows from a 3% drop in coal-powered electricity generation. Both of these falls are the biggest since 1990, providing hope in the fight against climate change. However, the think-tank Ember, who published the 2020 Global Electricity Review that reported the findings, stress falling coal emissions “is not yet the new normal”. The fall is in part due to structural changes, such as a shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, which in 2019 rose by 15% and now accounts for 8% of worldwide electricity. Compound growth of renewables of 15% a year is required for the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty designed to foster global cooperation in the fight against climate change. It is hoped that further drops in prices of renewable energy will help to encourage this target to be met. However, the drop in CO2 also relied on “many other one-off factors”, such as the EU’s decision to switch from coal to renewable energy, leading to a 24% drop in coal generation but cannot be replicated. This suggests that the sharper decline in CO2 emissions seen last year may not be part of a larger pattern, but

CO2 emissions are decreasing: Global emission have decreased by 2%. Source: Benita5 (via Needpix) rather an anomaly. Furthermore, this is nowhere near a level of drop in emissions required to avoid the worst of climate change. Global coal generation is needed to drop at a rate of 11% a year to avoid global temperatures rising over 1.5 degrees, the amount recommended by scientists to minimise the effects of climate change. While there was an overall decrease in coal usage and emissions, many countries saw a rise. For example, China’s coal generation rose in 2019, and it now accounts for 50.2% of worldwide

coal use. Additionally, Indonesia (11%), Malaysia (5%), the Philippines (12%), and Vietnam (34%) all increased their coal consumption. Even the US who saw a drop of 16% of coal usage, largely offset this by increasing gas consumption. The lead author of the report, Dave Jones, said “The global decline of coal and power sector emissions is good news for the climate but governments have to dramatically accelerate the electricity transition so that global coal generation collapses throughout the 2020s.” Jones, who works as Ember’s electric-

ity analyst, added: “To switch from coal into gas is just swapping one fossil fuel for another. “The cheapest and quickest way to end coal generation is through a rapid roll-out of wind and solar.” While this is promising news and a much-needed step in the right direction, much more drastic action is needed if we are to avoid the worst of global temperature rises and the accompanying catastrophic damage to our world. Governments must do more to tackle this important issue.

Animal biodiversity emphasised over human needs A letter, signed by Cardiff University researchers, has emphasised that it is important to maintain biodiversity in all species, not just ones useful to humans

Lydia Fowler Contributor

iodiversity and animal populations are essential for life. However, factors such as climate change, poaching and increased industrialisation has led to many species becoming endangered or even extinct. In order to combat this and prevent further extinction, conservation methods in zoos are used to prevent further death within the species and potentially increase numbers through breeding programmes. However, even with current methods to prevent inbreeding including stud books, the use of limited numbers of males in a species to increase the population reduces the genetic diversity due to inbreeding. An international treaty called the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been created under the UN and signed by 195 nations including European Union member

states. A plan which has been called the Post-2020 Global Diversity Framework was released in January by the Secretariat of the Convention detailing goals and targets for biodiversity conservation. This includes highlighting the need to stop biodiversity loss and “live in harmony with biodiversity” by 2050. Objectives set out within this framework are: protecting ecosystems, species and genes; advancing sustainable development; and “ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Scientists have found that, although genetic diversity maintenance is one of the main objectives, it appears as if the goals are focused on only maintaining domesticated and cultivated species, and in the wild relatives of species that are “useful”. This has led to a letter being as-

sembled, signed by researchers at Cardiff University, and published in the journal Science stating the importance of maintaining genetic diversity in all species and not just ones that are seen as useful to humans. It also mentions the importance of implementing “strategies to halt genetic erosion and preserve the adaptive potential of populations of wild and domesticated species”. To ensure this, the letter proposes better use of indicators to monitor genetic diversity in order to prevent the loss of genetic differentiation within populations. On the purpose of the letter, Professor Mike Bruford, who is the cochair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Conservation Genetics Specialist Group at Cardiff University, said “This letter is a timely warning that at a time when the world’s conservation community is taking critical steps to halt the further loss of global biodiversity, ge-

netic variation must be maintained and enhanced where possible. If not, we risk a world where genetically inviable, poorly adapted and vulnerable populations will increasingly struggle to avoid extinction.” It is hoped that this letter will be taken into account when looking at measures to improve the biodiversity of all animals, useful or otherwise.

This letter is a timely warning that at a time when the world’s conservation community is taking critical steps to halt the further loss of global biodiversity, genetic variation must be maintained.

Mike Bruford Cardiff University

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Your @Caerdydd desk Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

The women of Welsh history

It's time to remember the Welsh women history forgot She would become the first woman in Britain to receive a doctorate in medicine in any university in Europe. She was also the first female doctor to be registered in Britain and opened the first husband-and-wife medical practice in Britain. Frances was also a campaigner for sanitary education, the suffrage movement, female education and even civil rights in America.

Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

nternational Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the amazing women in history. From women in science to activists, everyone can appreciate a woman who has changed the world. Within Welsh history, it’s often that women get left in the shadows. There are women in Welsh history with influential pasts but who are very rarely recognised as important figures. A statue of Betty Campbell will be erected outside of Central Square’s BBC building in Spring of this year, marking the statue as the first in Wales to feature an influential woman in history. Although there are various statues of women across Wales, including one on Cardiff Queen Street, none depict historical women. Cardiff ’s City Hall is home to numerous statues depicting Welsh figures in history, including Welsh rebellion leader Owain Glyndwr and 12th century poet Dafydd ap Gwilym and a statue of Aneurin Bevan, who was instrumental in creating the NHS in Britain stands proudly at the bottom of Cardiff ’s Queen Street overlooking Cardiff Castle. These statues are incredibly important in remembering the people who changed the course of history in Wales, but these are all the men who changed Wales. It seems about time the women who were also incredibly important in Welsh history receive the recognition they deserve. Women in Welsh history are not few and far between, but it’s unlikely you’ll meet many people who are able to name more than two or three. Here is the run-down on the many women history forgot, and who we hope they will not forget again.

6. Margaret Mackworth, 2nd Viscountess Rhondda

Welsh women: Welsh Suffragists in national dress during a procession in June 1911. Source: unkown author (via WikimediaCommons) 2. Bridget Bevan aka Madam Bevan

Bridget Bevan (1698 – 1779) was chief supporter of Griffith Jones and his system of circulating schools, The Circulating Welsh Charity School. The system moved from village to village throughout Wales, offering education for underprivileged children and adults in the Welsh language. Madam Bevan used a majority of her considerable wealth to support these free schools, and she even took over managing the project for over 18 years. Between 1736 and 1776, 6,321

1. Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd – Princess Consort of Deheubarth

A key figure in Welsh battle and Welsh Medieval history, Gwenllian was the daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan, Prince of Gwynedd, and was married to Gruffydd ap Rhys of the ancient Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth in 1116. At the beginning of the Welsh uprising in 1136, in her husband’s absence and with her sons in the army, Gwenllian led an attack on the Norman fortress fo Kidwelly. She was deemed the best leader for the army and no one stopped her claim as leader. She was captured during the battle and was executed (despite it being abnormal for a woman of the time to be executed). The spot where it happened is still known today as Maes Gwenllian. Gwenllian is the only known example of a medieval woman to lead a Welsh army into battle. Her story henceforth became legendary and for centuries following her death, Welshmen would cry out ‘Revenge for Gwenllian’ during battle in her honour. Her patriotic revolt and subsequent murder sparked several further uprisings.

Welsh coal trade. Following her husband’s death in 1833, Lucy took over her husband’s business. Her husband had discovered a rich coal seam in Merthyr but Lucy was the one to turn it into one of the most successful mines in Wales. Lucy once attended the coal exchange in Cardiff, only to be told she was not permitted entry. She sent a male clerk into the exchange with a note from Lucy, informing the coal exchange ‘My coal is equal to any mans, failure to grant entry will lead to my business lining another’s pockets’. Despite the fact Lucy was illiterate, she was the first person to export steam coal from Wales. By her death in 1847, Lucy had increased the value of her husband’s business to over £11,000.

4. Lady Charlotte Guest

Madam Bevan: A portrait of Bridget Bevan. Source: Botaurus (via WikimediaCommons) schools were founded by Bevan and Jones, with 304, 475 scholars taught. Wales achieved one of the highest literacy rates in Europe, and news of theschool’s success even reached Catherine the Great in Russia, who ordered her ministers to make enquiries.

3. Lucy Thomas

Lucy Thomas (1781 – 1847) is known by many as the mother of the

Lady Charlotte Guest is most well-known in Wales for her translation of the Welsh Mabinogion. Born in 1812 and later married to Welsh ironmaster Josiah John Guest (who ran the vast Dowlais Iron Company, which became the largest ironworks in the world), Charlotte was incredibly intelligent and educated. Charlotte’s translation of the 11 stories of the Mabinogion and the Tale of Taliesin was the only English translation of the Welsh prose until the mid 20th century. Lady Charlotte Guest’s work is incredibly impressive, in particular as she taught herself Middle Welsh from scratch in order to complete the translation.

5. Frances Hoggan

Frances Hoggan (1843 – 1927) was a doctor from Brecon who played a significant role in the battle for women in Britain to study medicine in the nineteenth century. After being barred from sitting exams to become a doctor in Britain, Frances travelled to Zurich to study medicine.

Born Margaret Haig-Thomas (1883 – 1958), Margaret Mackworth is Wales’ most famous suffragette. In her youth, Margaret brought Emmeline Pankhurst to Wales, confronted Prime Minister Aquith after jumping on his car and even set fire to a post box. In the First World War, she ensured women were able to play a vital role – recruiting them into women’s services. She became Chief Controller of women’s recruitment at the Ministry of National Service in London and even survived the sinking of the Lusitania when it was torpedoed during the war, claiming over 1,100 lives. Margaret sat on the board of 33 companies, chairing seven of them, and oversaw an industrial empire of mines, shipping and newspapers; she was the first and only woman to become President of the Institute of Directors. Lady Rhondda is the reason women of today are able to sit on the House of Lords, having campaigned for female peers for 40 years, although she unfortunately died before she was able to see the law come into effect.

7. Megan Lloyd-George

Megan Lloyd-George (1902 – 1966) was the daughter of David Lloyd-George, but she was a political hero in her own right. In 1929, Megan Lloyd-George campaigned successfully (in Welsh, as she always did) as part of the constituency of Anglesey to join her father and brother in the House of Commons, becoming Wales’ first ever female MP. She was also Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. This list is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible women Wales has produced. Women of modern Wales have made significant impact on the world. Between Grace Coddington. Catherine Zeta Jones, Tani GreyThompson and Julia Gillard and many more, Welsh women continue to make an impact on the wider world. For this list, however, the women included were women history had seemed to forget, as opposed to all the Welsh women across history who have been impactful. In order to name and offer enough information on all of the incredible women from Wales, the entire newspaper would need to be utilised.

To see a far longer list of Welsh women worth researching, visit the ‘Hidden Heroines’ page on BBC.

Welsh for refugees

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Joseph Gnagbo and the asylum seekers who are learning Welsh Natalie Graham @Caerdydd Editor

n a week which the news is horrendously bleak, I bring you a story of a man trying to improve the lives of other refugees like himself. Joseph Gnagbo escaped his Ivory Coast home when it became the centre of a war zone and it was no longer safe. He had to leave his life behind for his own safety in order to seek out a new place he could call home. When Gnagbo and fellow activists recorded a rap video warning against forces challenging their country’s president in Ivory Coast, they had no fear performing it in public. As Joseph performed his rap Attention Vigilance, a song which urged his fellow Ivorians to resist the coup, many in the crowds cheered. Others, however, stood silent, observing and remembering faces. Rebel forces took over Abidjan, those same people began to point out Joseph's most vocal supporters. Joseph went from being a public figure to moving from house to house, keeping a low profile and watching out of windows for armed men. He had to live in the shadows and hope he was never caught. Speaking to the BBC in 2019 Gnagbo recalls that “death was around the corner at this time”, on two occasions armed men came for him. The atrocities committed in Ivory Coast resulted in the deaths of at least 3,000 people in the aftermath of the disputed election, including Gnabgo's 15 year old cousin. Eventually Joseph Gnagbo left Abidjan for Morocco where he lived for 6 years before the country strengthened its military and political ties with Ivory Coast. Once again. Joseph Gnagbo had to hide and hope he was never caught whilst he was in search of a new home. In 2017 Gnagbo left Morocco seeking asylum in Britain. After gaining asylum, Gnagbo ended up here, in Wales; a country he knew nothing about. Discovering Wales had a language of its own was a surprise to Gnagbo.

Events - March 2020 Holi Colour Powder Party 2020 Friday, March 20, 11pm Shamrocks and Shenanigans - St. Patrick's Day at DEPOT Saturday, March 21

F Bahn refugee camp: The refugee camp on the border between Liberia and Ivory Coast, where many Ivory Coast refugees travelled for safety. Source: UK Department of International Development (via Flickr) But after a little research, he chose to Welsh, with Gnagbo stating in the BBC interview "I thought, ok, I am going to stay here so I will learn it. I have always had a passion for languages and I've made lots of friends thanks to speaking Welsh". His belief is that if you live in a country, it is normal practice to speak the national language of the country you have made your home. Gnagbo began to learn Welsh at the Oasis centre for refugees and asylum seekers in Cardiff. Now, he works as a carer and a teacher, as well as volunteering for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the group who campaign on behalf of the Welsh language). Gnagbo also gives half-hour Welsh language taster sessions at the Welsh Refugee Council – after learners have had an hour of English tuition - to boost the numbers of refugees choosing to learn Welsh. Britons have become renowned for their inability or lack of interest in learning a foreign language. According to a survey published by the European Commission, 62% of people surveyed cannot speak any other language with the exception of English. This is a stark

PRYZM: QUIDS IN: Willy Wonka Chocolate Party Monday March 16, 10pm

Agenda Saturdays Saturday, March 21, 10pm Rhod Gilbert:

Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John Wales Millennium Centre Saturday, March 21, 7:30pm

Fundraising gigs for Valleys flood victims earn support from music stars Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

Fix Fridays Friday, March 20, 10pm

Cardiff Deaf Arts Source: Pwyll (via Festival 2020 Wikipedia) Wales Millennium Centre Friday, March 20, 9am

New Theatre:

Friendsical From Tuesday March 17 until Saturday 21 March

Porters: Music HQ Showcase Presenting Festival Heart Saturday, March 21, 9pm

contrast from the average European of which 56% speak at least one foreign language. As of last Friday a group of organisations including the Welsh language society, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and the Welsh Refugee council have started trialling a scheme which allows 300 adult asylum seekers and refugees the chance to learn Welsh for free. The scheme will involve online as well as face to face learning, the underlying benefit is that not only will refugees pick up useful skills, but that they will also be provided with an opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about a culture they previously didn’t know had existed. Gnagbo has recently backed moves to give asylum seekers and refugees in Wales the opportunity to learn the language. However there has been frustration from various language campaigners over lack of provisions in Wales for refugees to learn the native language. Funding has been made available for free English lessons for asylum seekers, and refugees. Welsh lessons are offered however only for asylum seekers, not refugees.

Tramshed Cardiff:

Little Friends: St Patrick's Day Fundraiser Tuesday, March 17, 7pm Palace + Special Guests Friday, March 20, 7pm Mungos Hi Fi Soundsystem ft. Gardna Saturday March 21, 9pm Magnum Sunday March 22, 7:30pm 808 State Live + Special Guests Saturday, March 28, 7pm

St Patrick's Day: Source: ClkerFree-Vector-Images (via Pixabay)

Refugees are expected to seek out free classes taught by volunteers, these are few and far between. Gnagbo has stated “The policy must change if the Welsh government is going to stick to its commitment to make Wales a genuine sanctuary nation”. Dr Gwennan Higham, welsh teacher and lecturer at Swansea University stated in The Guardian there was a school of thought that resources should be focused on teaching newcomers English. “But we are a bilingual nation. Every person has the right to learn Welsh as well as English”. The scheme is very much in its adolescence and the impact on the refugee and asylum seekers won’t be known for some time, however Osian Rhys, of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said the new scheme added to the important voluntary work happening on the ground to extend Welsh language opportunities to refugees and asylum seekers. I’llleaveyoutocontemplatesomewords fromJosephGnagbo."Tobeabletolivein acountrywherethereisnowar,it'ssomethingthatmanypeopletakeforgranted.I feelpeace,howgooditistobeinapeaceful place and to be free.

Clwb Ifor Bach: Gaffa Tape Sandy Clwb Ifor Bach Tuesday, March 17, 7:30pm Focus Wales at SXSW (Not in Austin) Clwb Ifor Bach Wednesday, March 18, 7pm Suddenly Funk comes to Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach Thursday, March 19, 10pm

ollowing heavy rainfall and flooding which severely affected many in the South Wales Valleys in February, gigs in aid of the flood victims have been set up. The gigs at the Pop Factory in Porth will last for two nights, with the first taking place on Friday, 13 March. In collaboration with Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taff, Welsh language gigs will also take place in Clwb y Bont in Pontypridd, with leading Welsh language artists taking the stage to raise funds for victims. Since the announcement of the gigs, they've earned support from many famous Welsh musicians. The first name listed to play at the Valley Aid gigs is Amy Wade, the Grammy award-winning songwriter who is best known for co-writing some of Ed Sheeran's biggest hits, inlcuding 'Thinking Out Loud'. Other acts set to play at the gigs include James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers. Welsh acts including Sir Tom Jones and Stereophonics have also pledged their support to the Valley Aid flood fundraising. Sir Tom Jones, from Treforest, is offering a package as part of a rock auction to raise money for the flood-hit communities, whilst the Stereophonics, who were formed in Cwmaman, will hold a bucket collection at their shows at the Cardiff Motorpoint. A third gig will follow, in association with the Valley-based Young Promoters Network, to feature rising stars and a headliner to be announced in due course. Many of the communities across the Welsh Valleys were affected by the floods. With water levels rising to the point of covering cars, and even causing massive potholes in areas such as Cwmbach and MountainAsh. Numerous residents across the Valleys were evacuated via rescue boats, as the banks of the River Taf burst in numerous areas, causing disastrous aftermaths. The support given to the Valley Flood Aid means the area will receive the support they need to rebuild and repair damage worth hundreds of pounds. The gigs will also be available via Facebook Live.

Slotface Clwb Ifor Bach Friday, March 20, 8pm Battle of the Bands Clwb Ifor Bach Friday, March 20, 7pm

Tom Jones: The singer is pledging to help the funds. Source: Nick Webb (via Flickr)

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To contact our sport desk, drop us an email at sport@gairrhydd.com

SPORT

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CHWARAEON

Your sport desk Reece Chambers George Willoughby Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling Olly Allen Tom Walker

Gerwyn Price falls short in the UK Open and Premier League The Iceman has played some excellent darts but has struggled for winning form in the ongoing league competition

George Willoughby

Deputy Head of Sport

ne of the most consistent performers in world darts right now is Gerwyn Price. The Iceman has been performing at a world class level. Currently ranked third in the world, the man from Markham is flying the flag high for Wales. Price is still very early in his career in the sport - earning his first tour card back in 2014 - but that has not stopped him from competing against some of darts’ best. Just recently, Gerywn Price came runner-up in this year’s UK Open. His appearance in the final marked the second time he has competed for the title. Unfortunately, as was the case in 2017, he fell just short of glory. Losing to world number one Michael Van Gerwen is nothing to be

ashamed of, but the standards Price sets himself meant he left the Minehead stage in frustration. Seemingly in control, The Iceman missed a dart at double 20 to extend his lead to 6-2. He followed this up by also squandering an opportunity on double 16 for 7-3. Synonymous with Michael Van Gerwen’s success is his ability to capitalise on his opponents’ mistakes. So, when Price continued to miss darts at doubles, MVG worked his way back into the match. The Dutchman had led the game just once after winning the opening leg of the match. He regained control at 8-7 punishing Price’s inability to take advantage of his opportunities. The Iceman had it all to do when MVG checked out a scintillating 136. However, just as it seemed the match was over, Price never gave up and hit back with a break of the Van Gerwen

throw. He gave himself just one dart at the bullseye to send the match to a decider, but to his agony, the dart strayed into the bed of the 25. As expected, MVG closed the match out with the relief on his face to clear to see. Gerwyn Price had a double percentage of just 28%. Not many players can have 32 darts at doubles against the world number one, but Price’s scoring was superb throughout. Price would have to quickly forget the opportunity missed at Minehead as he would be back in Premier League action. He would have the chance for vengeance against Michael Van Gerwen, who entered Thursday evening third in the table. Both players came out quickly averaging over 100 through the first three legs of the match. As expected, either player trying to find a break of throw was a troublesome task. MVG thought he would secure the first of

Price has struggled to put together a spell of winning form in the Premier League. the game, but Price took out 157 to go into a 4-3 lead. It was a back-and-forth affair with some high quality darts, but the turning point in the match came in the 11th leg. Van Gerwen took the lead and would close out the match in style. MVG averaged an impressive 106.27 with Price the victim of another great performance from the previously crowned UK Open champion. The Welshman will face Nathan Aspinall in round seven in Newcastle.

Carabao Cup: could we see a new format involving all British clubs?

Sports Editor Tom Walker examines whether or not a competition involving all top British leagues could make it more engaging for fans Tom Walker

Sport Editor

uccess in English football always seems to be defined by three trophies: the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League - yet there are four competitive tournaments in the English game. The Carabao Cup, previously known as the Capital One Cup, the Carling Cup and even the Milk Cup back in the 1980s, has generally been disregarded by the teams competing in it over the recent decades. The cup’s legitimacy was again called into question recently after UEFA’s president Aleksander Ceferin said “it would be better for everyone” if the competition was scrapped completely. Since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992, and the gradual expansion of the European competitions into something involving up to seven English teams, the priorities have changed for the teams in the top division, meaning the domestic

cups have taken a back seat. Even one of the competition’s serial winner of the last decade, Pep Guardiola, has been on record saying that the League Cup should be dispensed with for the good of English football. The problem with the League Cup is that it lacks the identity and prestige of the FA Cup, whilst also not being able to offer the teams competing the same financial incentives as winning their league, getting promoted or simply staying in their current division. The format probably requires a rethink, whether that is to make it something more interesting for the fans, or to quiet the likes of Pep and Jose Mourinho who seem to be whining more and more about fixture congestion, despite having access to more resources than most in the Football League. On this issue, West Ham manager David Moyes had an interesting proposition, saying “My opinion on it is I’ve always thought we should have included Scotland. “Call it the British Cup. A couple of

teams from Northern Ireland, maybe two of the Welsh League clubs. That would give us something different.” The only meetings in recent times between two British teams not from the same countries have come in European competitions. Most recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers travelled to Northern Ireland to face Crusaders in the Europa League qualifying stage. More memorably, back in 2016 Manchester City travelled to Celtic Park to take on the Scottish champions in a Champions League group stage tie that proved to be a scintillating contest, finishing in a three-all draw. Whenever anyone attempts to evaluate the quality of the likes of Celtic and Rangers, the credibility of the Scottish league is always called into question and arguably rightly so. The British Cup format would certainly prove a good indicator for the quality of the Scottish teams as well as Welsh and Northern Ireland teams alike. In much the same way the FA Cup does, the new format would give more clubs the once in a lifetime op-

portunity to host one of the Premier League or Championship’s elite, not only creating a great footballing spectacle for the fans and neutrals and a potential chance of an upset or memorable result, but the huge financial purse that comes with that sort of occasion.

British football could be far better off with a competition that involves all domestic leagues. I believe it is only a matter of time before there are major changes to the League Cup, but whether this comes in the form of a British Cup remains to be seen. But it is an idea that holds real substance and the potential footballing narratives that could arise are something extremely interesting to consider. Who would turn down a local derby between Barry Town vs Cardiff City? Not me.

CHWARAEON

ToTo contact contact our our sport sport desk, desk, drop drop usus anan email email atat sport@gairrhydd.com sport@gairrhydd.c

Would delaying the Euros hinder Ryan Giggs’ squad? Reece Chambers and Olly Allen debate the pros and cons for the European Championships being suspended from a Welsh viewpoint

Reece Chambers Head of Sport

uspending the Euros until 2021 obviously has a lot of scientific evidence to back up the decision. However, from a footballing perspective, it couldn’t come at a worse time for this Wales squad. Ryan Giggs has been commended for his subtle blend of youth and experience during his managerial reign. That effective mix looked to reach its optimum level in the summer with the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James being combined with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Creating a squad which has a fine balance is often a task that many managers fail to create. Giggs, therefore, should be credited for creating an environment that allows players to reach their peak. As a result, Euro 2020 appeared to be the perfect opportunity for the wellbalanced mixture of experience and

youth to showcase their talents on the world stage. However, at the time of writing, it appears that the European Championships could be suspended until next summer. Keeping this at pure speculation, moving the tournament to next summer would see a very different Welsh squad. The continued uncertainty of Bale’s career means that he may well be past his best next summer. Indeed, the youthful element of Giggs’ squad could be in a better place by next summer. But, crucially, the amount of unpredictability that rests on the shoulders of young talent is hardly a place to rely on come next year’s tournament. On top of that, the injury to Joe Allen is arguably the only one that would affect Giggs’ preparation this summer. The midfielder is certainly replaceable given the plethora of talent in midfield and their recent record without him. Would next summer see more key injuries than right now? Possibly.

Olly Allen Sport Editor

f the Euros are postponed, I’m sure Ryan Giggs will wheel out the entirely predictable line that the health of players, supporters and officials is the most important thing. Deep down, he’ll also be delighted. The Championships have arguably come a year early for this Wales side, for who remain relatively embryonic as both a team and individuals. The likely centre-back pairing of Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham are both still only 22 and have just 20 caps between them. Of the 13 players who featured in Wales’ decisive qualifier against Hungary, eight had under 20 caps, whilst other young starlets such as Rabbi Matondo, Matt Smith and Tyler Roberts are still making their way in the game. Although you could suggest that youthful exuberance could be an

advantage for Cymru, another year’s experience at both domestic and international level will do them no harm at all. Many of the squad have struggled for game time with their respective clubs this season, so another campaign to improve is a positive, as are the Nations League fixtures against Ireland, Finland and Bulgaria in the Autumn. There is also the fact that two of Wales’ key players should be fully fit for the summer of 2021 as they would not be in three months’ time. Joe Allen, crucial in the make up of the midfield, has already been ruled out of the tournament because of a ruptured Achilles tendon, whilst exciting winger David Brooks has not played all season following an ankle injury sustained in July. Of course other players may pick up injuries in the meantime, but right now a postponement seems good news for Wales.

Coronavirus: how will the sporting world respond?

Competitions all around the world are being suspended to limit the spread Luke Wakeling

Sport Editor

porting fixtures worldwide are facing jeopardy from the outbreak of COVID-19. With over 100,000 cases worldwide and nearly 5000 deaths at the time of writing, and the number still rapidly growing, public health officials are taking strong action. Recently the sporting calendar has taken a toll, with an increase of cancellation and postponement of major sporting events. The morning of Friday 13 saw a host of announcements from various football governing bodies in the UK as the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League, as well as the respective FAs in Scotland and Wales postponed all action until April 3. The decision comes as the entire country enters the ‘delay’ phase of dealing with Covid-19. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi both tested positive for the virus last week. This has resulted in the two clubs and many others enforcing self-isolation amongst players and staff. This week’s Champions League and Europa League fixtures have also been postponed, along with a number of domestic leagues in Europe. These postponements and cancella-

tions will have huge consequences for the rest of the sporting year. The Italian football federation said the Serie A season may not finish, with alternative options including staging a play-offs, not having a champion for the 2019-20 season or declaring the current standings final. With Italy further along the ‘Coronavirus timeline’ than other countries in Europe, it would not be surprising if the same happens to other leagues if the outbreak cannot be contained more effectively than in Italy. French newspaper L’Equipe have reported that UEFA are set to move the European Championships to the summer of 2021. However, this could create a logistical nightmare for the federation, with the Nations League, Women’s European Championships, and Club World Cup all scheduled for that summer. After the Indian Wells got cancelled, one of the biggest tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams, the ATP tour has been suspended for six weeks. The NBA has also been suspended until further notice after two Utah Jazz players tested positive for the virus. Other postponements and cancellations, as of 13 March, include: Formula 1’s first four races of the season, Rugby Union’s Pro14, the NHL Ice Hockey Season, a number of Six

Infected: It has been confirmed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has the virus. Source: Alvin Leong (via Flickr) Nations matches including Wales vs Scotland, The Masters golf tournament and the new MLB season has been pushed back. There have been concerns of the viability of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Speculation of cancellation still remains up in the air. The IOC are currently staying positive for the running of the event in June, in hope that the outbreak has reached its current peak and will ease for the summer months. Postponing the Olympics would also have unparalleled consequences, specifically for Japan’s economy, spectators and the athletes themselves who train specifically in four year cycles for the Games. Further implications have already

been noticed; qualifying trials due to be held over the upcoming months have been postponed and cancelled. As the world begins to prepare for the effects of the current pandemic, sport’s struggle with COVID-19 seems relatively insignificant. However, the impact of sport cannot be understated on fans and participants worldwide, and many will hope normal service will resume soon to provide a well needed distraction from the bleak potentiality of Coronavirus. It is worth noting that all of the information above was correct as of Friday 13 March. Further announcements may have been made by the time of publication.

Olympic Spotlight: Lauren Price Olly Allen Sport Editor

here were many feel-good stories at the London Olympics in 2012, but few could top that of Nicola Adams, who claimed the first ever women’s gold medal in boxing in front of a home crowd at the ExCel Arena. It was a real breakthrough moment in the sport, as Adams inspired many other female boxers to believe that anything was possible. Caerphilly-born Lauren Price was just 18 at the time, and is now hoping to follow in her footsteps at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. “Nicola is absolutely massive for all of us,” Price said in 2018. “She is the person who showed us all it’s possible.” However, boxing has not always been Price’s destiny. As a kickboxer, she won a silver medal at the World Championships when she was just 13 and competing against opponents twice her age. Price went on to become a four-time world champion and six-time European champion in the sport and also trained with the British taekwondo squad. Meanwhile, she has been capped a remarkable 52 times by the Wales national football team, having been part of the Cardiff City side that won the inaugural Welsh Premier Women’s Football League title in 2013. But in 2014, she made the difficult decision to hang up her boots to concentrate on boxing. It was a choice that has massively paid off. Later that year, she became the first Welsh woman to claim a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games with a bronze in Glasgow. The last two years have seen her become one of the best amateur female middleweight boxers, with three gold medals in the space of 19 months. First, Price won the 2018 Commonwealth title after beating Australian Caitlin Parker via split decision. Glory at the European Championships followed in June 2019 before her greatest achievement to date - gold at the World Championships in Russia. The 25-yearold initially lost the final to the Netherlands’ Nouchka Fontijn on a split decision, but the result was overturned by appeal. It meant Price remained unbeaten in the whole of 2019 and finished the year as the number one ranked female middleweight in the world. Unsurprisingly, she is now one of the favourites to top the podium in Tokyo. Speaking to Sky Sports News in November, Price said: “From the age of eight, my dream has always been to go to the Olympic Games. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even when I was in school, I used to say ‘it doesn’t matter, I’m going to become an athlete or go to the Olympics’.” Price will have a chance to achieve this dream on Friday, when she is in action in qualifying for the GB team at the Copper Box Arena in London. Wales is expectant, but should Price succeed, she will become the country’s first female Olympic boxing representative. She is not alone in her pursuit of Welsh history, with compatriot Rosie Eccles, who won silver at the Commonwealth Games two years ago, also hoping to make the squad this week.

38 SPORT

Bluebirds season in doubt, but was it ever in motion?

James Miller brings home silver in European Championships Sports editor Ella Fenwick spoke to James Miller on his recent success in pistol shooting

Reece Chambers Head of Sport

ow do you begin to explain a situation where games across the top European leagues are being banned yet teams across the United Kingdom carry on in some shape or form? You probably don’t, so let’s not start with that. Instead, let’s look at how Cardiff City’s curious season has just got that bit more curious. The campaign started with the Bluebirds being ranked as one of the favourites to be promoted after they held onto most of their talent from the Premier League. Fast forward to November and Neil Warnock’s departure from the club after a first home league defeat of the season – a 1-0 loss against local rivals Bristol City – left the club looking in all directions for a new sense of direction. In Neil Harris, it’s debatable as to whether or not they have found that direction and we’re currently sat in mid March. His time in the Welsh capital has been an incredibly confusing period for most people involved; from the dark shadow of Emiliano Sala’s controversial death looming over the club to, at the time of writing, a rather confusing Coronavirus event. Quite simply put, the club, the EFL and supporters don’t know where they stand. For Cardiff City, that means their race towards the play-off places has been put into jeopardy. Nevertheless, there should be no taking away from the job that Harris has done at the Cardiff City Stadium amid noticeable criticism from some fanbases, injuries to key players and a squad that he has no influence on assembling. Such hard work to get the results required for a play-off push means that the Bluebirds manager needs to be viewed as a success this season. He had very little option but to use the loan market in January and did so to great success with the additions of Dion Sanderson and Albert Adomah. The versatility that Harris has shown to get his head down and move this Cardiff City side forward indicates that the Board should give him sufficient funds to spend on his players in the summer. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but there’s certainly a lot that remains to be seen at this moment in time. So, let’s see.

Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

ames Miller had a fantastic result in the Junior European Championships in the 10m Air Pistol. Sports editor Ella Fenwick had the opportunity to talk to the Cardiff University High Performance athlete about his success. On February 26, Miller competed in the Junior 10m Air Pistol in Poland, bringing home an impressive silver medal for GB. Miller has had a successful shooting career and currently represents GB and Wales in domestic and international competitions. Miller began shooting in 2014 at his local scouts club which had a weekly shooting range set up. “I just went with my friends for a casual go,” said Miller. “Shooting as a boy we were all excited to do it. We all went along and I really enjoyed it so kept on going back every week. At that point, it was rifle shooting over pistol shooting, but I just preferred pistol shooting.” “Everyone wanted to shoot rifles which meant the rifles were always taken up so a pistol was the only one available to me.”

In 2015, he began competing in small regional competitions and was eventually picked to join the national scout squad. Miller talked about how his shooting career progressed. “This led to competing in regional teams, and went onto the school championships. When I started to get a bit better I entered into my school, I won the first year I entered then won again the next year, but then unfortunately I was too old. “Everything was sling-shotted into perspective because I was really enjoying it and then people started coming up to me, encouraging me.” After being selected to compete for GB, Miller’s first competition representing was in the 10m European Championships in Hungary in 2010. Soon after, the pace of Miller’s career increased. “Shortly after I won the British Championships as a Junior I became British Junior Champion. My ranking also became number one in 2018,” Miller told Gair Rhydd Sport. “Later that year I was selected for the world championships which was pretty amazing. It was a bit of a fight but I managed to get selected for the Olympic Games, when people started recognizing who I was in the sport.

I would say this was a really big moment for me.” When joining Cardiff University, Miller began to train at Sophia Gardens and started to compete for Wales at domestics.

I was really enjoying it and then people started coming up to me, encouraging me. Miller has had a successful career while competing for GB over the years, but his biggest accolade was “winning the silver at the European championships.” “I have never really done very well before because I think I was a bit too young. Going into it I switched up my training programme because I wanted to hit it hard, I became the first ever medallist for pistol shooting at the European championships which is why I am very happy and it is a huge thing for me and for pistol shooting.” In his 60 shots, Miller came out scoring 577 out of 600 in the qualification which landed him a place in the final top eight. Miller went on to talk about the dis-

cipline and mental strength needed in shooting. Competing in championships can be daunting with 20 to 30 competitors on the range at one time and only the top scoring eight to go through to the finals. “You are less than a metre from the person next to you and there are people behind you. You have to do a lot of psychological training to focus when competing, it is hard to blank out everything happening around you. You can’t talk to the people next to you, you can’t distract anyone, it is all very surreal. Once you have shot the shot you are shown your score and you can’t react.” A qualification takes an hour and fifteen minutes, where competitors can take as long as they need to shoot all 60 pellets. Miller described his techniques for concentration when competing saying: “When people ask what I think about, it is hard because when it comes to my shooting I have my own thought process and how I work through it but in between shots you do rest a bit, so your mind can skip to anything.” Despite this, it is clear Miller’s mind was on the prize when he brought home silver from Poland.

Nick Tompkins latest international to sign for Cardiff Blues Ben Lovell-Smith takes a look at how the outside centre can become a top Pro14 player in the Welsh capital

Ben Lovell-Smith Contributor

ales international centre Nick Tompkins is the latest Cardiff Blues signing to be announced for the 2020/21 season. Tompkins, who has started three out of five of Wales’ Guinness Six Nations matches so far, had been expected to sign with the Scarlets. But, he has instead opted for the Capital where he will not have to fight into a World Cup semi-final centre partnership of Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes. The Blues have also signed highlyrated number eight Sam Moore from Sale and Wales U20s fly-half Luke Scully from Worcester this season. But, Tompkins will be the most high profile player to cross the Severn Bridge since Liam Williams returned to Scarlets from Saracens in February. The signing comes amid Saracens’ salary cap scandal, which has seen them relegated from England’s Gal-

lagher Premiership after an investigation by Premier Rugby. Tompkins is contracted to Saracen’s until 2022, however with such a huge change in circumstances, a number of key players have already arranged their exit. It is not yet clear whether the deal will be permanent or a one year loan deal, like that arranged by Bristol for England’s Ben Earl. Tompkins will have to relocate to South Wales at the end of his Saracen’s deal regardless in order to continue playing for Wales under the WRU’s 60 cap rule. It is likely that Tompkins will become centrally contracted by the WRU, with the Union paying eighty percent of his wages which is another bonus for the Blues. This is a real coup for the Blues, who failed to qualify out of their European Challenge Cup pool and are currently languishing in fifth place of conference B of the Pro 14. Alongside international teammates such as Josh Navidi, Tomos Williams and Hallam Amos, Tomp-

kins will be part of an exciting side who will hope to improve their fortunes next season. Tompkins was born in Sidcup, South-East London and grew up playing for Old Elthamians as a flanker. Combining his tackling prowess and hard lines with pace, Tompkins switched to centre. He went on to represent Kent and then London & South East Under16s before joining the Saracens academy in 2012. International honours followed, with caps at under-18 and under-20s level for England. Tompkins won the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship alongside the likes of Maro Itoje, Charlie Ewels, and Wales back row Ross Moriarty. At senior level, Tompkins helped Saracens to win the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2014/15 and grafted to work his way into the first team. The 2018/19 season was his breakthrough year where he played a vital role in Saracens’ european and domestic double winning season. However, Alex Lozowksi holds the

thirteen shirt at Saracens meaning a move to the Blues could be the first chance Tompkins has had to start week-in-week out in domestic rugby. Tompkins qualifies for Wales via his Wrexham born Grandmother. Wayne Pivac was aware of his eligibility, having previously tried to tempt Tomkins to the Scarlets. His arrival has been particularly timely for Wales, as stalwart Jonathan Davies was ruled out for the season with a knee injury after the Rugby World Cup which left Wales short of a replacement at centre. Tompkins has stepped up and played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, performing especially well against England where he was instrumental in setting up a length of the field try. Being six years Davies’ junior, the future is exciting for Wales, who now have a master and very capable apprentice at outside centre. For Mulvihill, it will be a case of allowing Tompkins the creative freedom to replicate his Six Nations form in Blues colours.

BUCS Highlights

CHWARAEON 39

A round-up of Cardiff University’s sporting action from the latest BUCS Wednesday

UWE 1s 0 -2 Cardiff 2s Men’s Hockey

Olly Davies News Editor

he Cardiff University Men’s 2nd XI Hockey team faced University of West England’s 1st XI in the Western Conference Cup final. The game was played at University of Gloucester’s ground, with Cardiff bringing a large contingent of supporters. The match commenced at a frenetic speed as players from both sides tried to settle into the game. The crowd, lining one side of the playing area, were also in fine voice. Students began chanting from the first whistle. Cardiff began to establish a foothold early in the first half as their press began to push the UWE players back. Not being able to break down the press, UWE resulted to playing crash balls through the middle of the pitch. These balls were easily dealt with by the Cardiff back line. The period of pressure paid off as Cardiff were rewarded with a succession of short corners. UWE held firm, until a slap from Ben Harris from the left of the D, breached the defence. A VAR review after the game showed the goal was touched in by Tomma Boulanger on the line. Unfortunately, this goal did not seem to settle the Cardiff nerves. UWE edged their way back into the game, attempting to spring quick

counter attacks. However, the heroics of Andrew Jenson in goal denied UWE anything resembling a definitive chance. Cardiff went into halftime with a one goal cushion. The second half proceeded in a similar fashion, both sides playing quick hockey. Nonetheless Cardiff were clearly the dominant team. With large periods of possession, Boulanger proved to be too much for the UWE back line to cope with. Despite this, Cardiff could not translate the on-field pressure to the scoreboard. With the only first half goal separating the teams the game seemed destined to end one - nil. Entering the final five minutes of the game, tensions were running high. Cardiff were aware one small error could allow UWE back into the game. After another imperious run by Boulanger, Willie Ashpole managed to hook the ball into the back of the net to secure the victory for the men from Cardiff. A shot sailed past the UWE goalkeeper and was met with great clamour from the Cardiff supporters. With the win secured, the Cardiff team worked hard to shut out the game. In the end UWE did not manage to get on the scoresheet, except for their green cards. The win was hard fought, but allowed the Cardiff team to complete the BUCS double. The team are also poised to replicate this feat in their Saturday league.

Southampton 1s 4 - 8 Cardiff 2s Women’s Tennis

Philippa Wisdom Contributor

t was a fantastic finish to the season for Cardiff Women’s second tennis team. They achieved a 4-2 win over Southampton women’s first team, making Cardiff Western Women’s Conference Cup champions for the second year running. In the doubles, Cardiff ’s first pair Alex Boardman and Rebecca Astill demonstrated a strong partnership in a comfortable 6-4 6-4 win. Pippa Wisdom and Alexia Rodway, playing as the second pair, had a closer match but kept calm and steady in the tiebreak to secure a 6-2 4-6 11-9 win. This meant that Cardiff entered the singles matches with a 2-0 advantage. This was an extremely good start to the final, considering it was the Women’s second team playing the Southampton first team. Winning in the singles appeared to be more elusive than the doubles, with Cardiff losing the first two matches. Alex Boardman lost

0-6 1-6 against a strong Southampton opponent who has proven to be a very talented player throughout the season. Pippa Wisdom also lost 4-6 4-6 to draw the tie at two wins apiece. This meant that Cardiff needed to win the following two singles matches to secure the win over Southampton. Cardiff got off to a good start with a win for Alexia Rodway, who continued her unbeaten season to finish with a comprehensive 6-0 6-4 victory. With Cardiff still in need of one win after the first three singles matches, the pressure was firmly on Rebecca Astill. Astill fought back after losing the first set to finish with a closely fought 0-6 7-6 (7-4) 10-8 win. Her nail-biting third set tiebreak secured the overall win for the Women’s 2s. This win for Cardiff means that they have successfully defended their title as Women’s Western Conference Cup champions. For the final years, the win was the perfect way to round off their time with Cardiff University tennis club.

Cardiff 6s 2 - 0 Aberystwyth 1s Ladies’ Hockey Rosie Hopley Contributor

he Women’s Cardiff Medics second team’s last BUCS match of the season was against Aberystwyth at Talybont with a 13:00pm pushback. Cardiff played well securing a 2-0 victory and second place in the league overall. After a lot of hustling and a green card from Laura Galloway, Lydia Potter successfully put away the first goal towards the end of the first half. This was shortly followed by a strong penalty flick into the bottom left hand corner of the opposition goal from Olli Eke. Cardiff went into half-time with a solid two goal lead after a strong first half performance. After a well needed half-time break, including a bit of banter, too many sweets and an inspirational team talk from coach Ash, the team headed back on to the pitch hoping to replicate their first half performance and dominate the last 35 minutes of the game. Despite having most of the posses-

sion in Aberystwyth’s half and commanding the play, the Medics struggled to put anymore goals away. Lots of shots on goal were had and unsurprisingly Laura secured herself some time out with another card, this time making it a yellow. With one player down and a lot of players out of position, the 2’s managed to hold it together despite a couple of risky breaks from Aberystwyth. As the clock winded down, Captain Lizzie Adcock made a last ditch attempt to put one more point on the board with an impressive run into the D. Unfortunately, the team could not finish the game off with a final goal but they left having played some cracking hockey. Player of the match went to Lizzie for her stand out performance. Sadly, it was Rosie Hopley, Kate Postlethwaite, Eve Catterall and Jemima Sanders last BUCS match at university, so they celebrated with a photo shoot and some Prosecco before their evening in the lash. All in all a great day of hockey and another winning Wednesday for the second team!

Cardiff 2s 7 - 2 Cardiff Met 1’s Korfball Daniel Onafuwa Contributor

ardiff University’s korfball teams headed to the BUCS nationals in Manchester taking multiple teams and coming back with some great victories. The Cardiff ’s mixed second team played against Cardiff Met’s mixed team in an intense match, both teams relentlessly scoring throughout the thirty minute match. The match kicked off with a goal within the first ten seconds with an assist from Chan Choei Jiat, with Chanelle Nagra sinking the first goal. Cardiff Met looked disheartened from the Cardiff team conceding the game strongly. Soon after Daniel Onafuwa passed another goal onto Jiat who scored the next point for the team. Cardiff ’s team were in a dominating position, with the ball being held in Cardiff ’s control with unrelenting attack. In the sixth minute Zoe Bell passed the ball to Chinns Yam near the halfway line who then proceeded to score an amazing goal, leaving the Met team in shock as Cardiff gained a steady lead on a strong defence and solid plays. Despite Cardiff Met stepping up their defence, Bell was left to use her initiative to work around heavy marking, but scored yet another fan-

tastic goal, putting a strong dent in Cardiff Met’s confidence for a comeback. This encouraged the spirit of the Cardiff ’s team, tightening their defences and responding with better blocks and counters. In the ninth minute, Jiat took a feed position making a feint instead of passing to the runner to get past a defender leading to a quick shot extending the lead even further. Another five minutes passed and Onafuwa set another goal up for Nagra to plunge into the net. However, play from Cardiff lead to a penalty to the opposition, with Cardiff Met scoring their first goal of the match. This led to Cardiff Met building momentum, to get another in from the back of the korf. Cardiff ’s team was not left taken aback from this but instead used it as an opportunity to work harder. Coming back with a vengeance with a swift two man team play with Onafuwa sending a quick through ball to the right spot for Jiat to fling one in from the side of the korf. The pace was high for the rest of the game, with another penalty scored by Cardiff Met, Cardiff were still left miles ahead and confidently playing the remainder of the game. As the whistle blew at the end of the match, Bell played one final penalty goal. The final score was 7-2, with Cardiff leaving the game on a high.

Getting to know: Jess Odogwu Tom Walker Sport Editor

n this week’s edition of Getting to Know, sports editor Tom Walker spoke to the captain of the Ladies Basketball team Jess Odogwu. From a young age, Odogwu made a big decision to pursue basketball over football. “My earliest memory was my first practice when I was ten years old after deciding to switch from football to basketball.” At University Odogwu carried on with basketball and discussed further what role she plays within the team: “I started playing basketball for the university last year (during my first year). I always knew I wanted to play the sport at university and so signed up for it at the freshers fair, went to trials and made the team.” “This year I have been the captain of the team, which basically just involves leading the team and making sure all the players are okay.” However, responsibility is shared throughout the team Odogwu explains: “Even though I am the captain, it’s very much a team sport and therefore we have all contributed to our performance this year. Everybody helps out to lead the team.” Odogwu talked about what her personal highlight has been since playing for the University basketball team and whether team performance or social life is more important within University sport. “I would say my highlight is all the socials we have had. It has been a great way to bond and have fun together as a team. I have also loved all the games we have won; they are always very close which means when we come out on top, they feel extra special and rewarding. “I think a balance of both. A good social life and planning many events with the team often leads to a great team performance.” University sport is a big commitment for students, as balancing university work, competing and training in sport weekly can be quite a challenge, however Odogwu does not feel this struggle: “I find that playing sports makes me more productive with my work and therefore in many ways it’s easier to play a sport at university. It’s a good way to take a break from all the work. “I’ve loved playing basketball at university, and I think it’s been a great way to meet people from different years and doing different degrees.” When asked whether she would rather win the BUCS league or beat Swansea at the Welsh Varsity, Odogwu said. “I would rather win the BUCS league as it means we get to stay in the most competitive league for next year, and I love playing against teams that are challenging as it always makes a more interesting and fun game. However, of course everybody wants to win varsity too. So both are ideal.” Despite all of her personal and team successes, Odogwu wishes she could tell her Fresher-self to get involved with other sports. “I would tell myself to try something new on top of basketball, as I think it would have been great to learn a new skill or sport on top of basketball.”

To contact our sport desk, drop us an email at sport@gairrhydd.com

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elshman and professional darts player Gerwyn Price is currently number three in the world. Even only having a short career in the sport, The Iceman has won two televised titles and continues to compete with the best. 36

Coronavirus: how will the sporting world react? Luke Wakeling Sport Editor

Hole in one: Cardiff University Golf Club have teamed up with The Club to improve mental health awareness in golf. Source: CUGC

Cardiff Uni Golf Club first of its kind to join mental health awareness campaign Reece Chambers Head of Sport

ardiff University Golf Club is the first university club to team up with The Club, a golfrelated mental health awareness campaign. The Club aims to promote awareness for how golf can improve mental health for people of all abilities and ages. As a sport that can often harbour criticism in its traditional form, the campaign looks at changing that representation by creating a more accessible image of golf. In recent years, using sport to improve mental health awareness has been a key focus for many sporting organisations. Football, amongst other sports, has received support through high profile names such as the Duke of Cambridge who partnered with the Football Association to kickstart the Heads Up campaign. At Cardiff University, the Golf Club

leads the way in terms of creating a sporting environment that allows people to open up and express their feelings. President of Cardiff University Golf Club, James Geaves, believes that teaming up with The Club can only help to boost mental health awareness within the university club and wider afield too. “The initiative is an effort to boost mental health awareness through Golf. The Club’s aim is to reach young people across the UK, normalising discussion about Mental Health. “It is an attempt to highlight the huge benefits the sport can have for everyone, whether or not they have picked up a Golf Club before,” said Geaves. The Golf Club President also stated that it is ‘hugely encouraging’ to be seeing other university golf clubs around the UK following suit. “It is hugely encouraging, our ultimate goal would be to get every University Golf Club in the UK to get be-

hind the campaign.” Last week, Queen’s University Golf Club was the latest club to fundraise on behalf of The Club. They raised over £280 for the charity. For Geaves, it makes him ‘proud’ to see other clubs following the trend that his club started. “It makes us proud to see golf clubs from other Universities organising fundraisers and building awareness for the cause. It is a very exciting prospect to see how far TheClubTalks initiative could progress over the coming years,” said the President. With over 200,000 followers across their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook platforms, The Club has rapidly risen in popularity over the last year. However, no matter how much The Club continues to gain momentum, Geaves’ club will always be the first university team to join the campaign. He believes that the partnership provides the perfect platform to improve mental health awareness. “After chatting to The Club about

the Campaign we agreed it was a fantastic cause - the perfect campaign for CUGC to get behind. University golf clubs provide the perfect environment to promote the initiative. “CUGC wants to have a positive effect on people’s university lives. It can be a stressful environment at times we wholeheartedly believe that Golf is the perfect remedy for this. Whether you are an aspiring professional or complete beginner, golf really can benefit everyone.” In essence, that is exactly what the campaign has aimed to achieve for both Cardiff University Golf Club and The Club. Above all, Geaves believes that golf has the ability to improve mental health on a number of different levels. “Golf is a unique sport, it can be hugely beneficial for Mental Health. it requires calm and focus. It is a chance to have long chat with mates, often for four hours - something you don’t often get in other sports or even social situations for that matter,” said Geaves.

number of sporting events have been postponed or cancelled in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. At the time of writing, major sporting events and leagues such as the Premier League, the NBA, the, Serie A and La Liga have been postponed with further changes expected as countries prepare for the rise of COVID-19 cases. There are current talks about the Euros being postponed until 2021 and although the IOC are talking confidently about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 37 its future is in doubt.

Can the Carabao Cup be rebranded to become more engaging? Tom Walker Sport Editor

fter UEFA’s President said “it would be better for everyone” if the League Cup was scrapped completely, West Ham manager David Moyes proposed that the competition should undergo a complete revamp and renamed the British Cup. He believed it should include club teams from all four British nations, including those in the top divisions in England. Sport Editor, Tom Walker, explores the legitimacy of this idea and looks at what makes the League Cup so unpopular among Premier League managers and fans across 36 the English game.