Gair Rhydd - Issue 1109 - 11th of December 2017

gair rhydd

gair rhydd | free word Cardiff’s student weekly newspaper Papur wythnosol myfyrwyr Caerdydd Issue 1109 | Rhifyn 1109 11th December 2017 | 11eg o Ragfur 2017

Cardiff Uni’s student paper | est . 1972

Student ‘refused entry to Revs for being transgender’

Grenfell Tower: Six months on p.16&17 Sexual Assault Investigation p.6&7 Mindfulness: An exploration of the technique p.10

Cardiff Christmas Gift Guide p.20

R

evolution in Cardiff have been accused of refusing entry to an individual on Saturday night because they are transgender. Jamie Morse was with a friend at 9:40pm on Saturday 2nd December when they arrived at the club to see no queue. After arriving early before it got busy, Jamie and her friend got to the club sober.

Jamie then provided the security her ID, expecting to be allowed entry to Revolution. The bouncer then allegedly sniggered at the two individuals before calling over their colleague. His co-worker then walked over and said to Jamie and her friend that they were ‘too drunk’ and were subsequently refused entry, after allegedly being mocked.

Shocked at the incident, the pair

52%

remained in the vicinity of Revolution to see if others who appeared drunk were allowed entry. After a short while, Jamie and her friend saw three ladies enter the club despite appearing to be drunk, laughing to each other and struggling to walk. This confirmed their initial suspicions that they were refused entry because Jamie is transgender.

Both Revolution and the private security company, Bridgegate, have failed to comment on the incident, despite being given the opportunity to do so.

Cardiff University is an open and inclusive institution with many LGBT+ people in employment and elected officer roles. Last month, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan, sent an email to staff explaining that he was bisexual. He spoke of the importance to ‘speak out’ and increase visibility for LGBT+ people. Jamie has also taken the brave step to speak about the is-

According to Stonewall, 52% of transgender people in Wales have experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months.

1 in 5

sues encountered by LGBT+ people, particularly those who are transgender.

The LGBT+ Women’s Officer at Cardiff University, Taz Jones, said “Transphobia is something that is taken extremely seriously by myself, the university and the Students Union, and there are many avenues of support including Student Advice, Counselling, Wellbeing and Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity. If any student ever faces anything like this I would like to encourage them to come and talk to us, the LGBT+ officers email is: LGBTofficer@cardiff.ac.uk. We would love to hear your ideas of what you would like to support you in these times as well, be it a peer support group or one to one chats that can help you.” Nick Fox, VP Welfare, also said: “Thankfully, Cardiff University is rated very highly in the Stonewall rankings, and we have a successful and diverse LGBT+ Society

One in five LGBT+ people who visited a cafe, bar, restaurant or nightclub in the last 12 months have experienced discrimination.

and Association. The officer team are here to support all students throughout their time at University and encourage anyone facing discrimination of any kind to speak to the support services available.”

According to Stonewall, 52% of transgender people in Wales have experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months because of their gender identity. Only a small proportion of those who experience hate crime actually report the incident to the police, as many are fearful of the response they may receive. As well as this, one in five LGBT+ people who visited a cafe, bar, restaurant or nightclub in the last 12 months have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Jamie has taken the powerful decision to write an emotive piece about the incident in Gair Rhydd.

82%

82% of LGBT+ people who experienced a hate crime didn’t report the incident to the police.

Johns yn trechu Soto yn Vegas p.30

‘‘

We stay silent because we’re so used to this. For me at least, that silence ends today.

Read Jamie’s Story on page 9.

‘‘

EXCLUSIVE George Cook

2

EDITORIAL Gair Rhydd Coordinator Elaine Morgan Editor-in-Chief Liam Ketcher Deputy Editors Gareth Axenderrie Tanya Harrington

the free word

Where we’ve come so far and our plans for the future

News George Watkins Emma Videan Rimante Bivainyte Comment George Cook Jessica Warren Silvia Martelli Unsafe Space Harry Heath Politics Gareth Axenderrie Tanya Harrington Conor Holohan Hannah Woodward Science Louange Lubangu Stephanie Ma Advice Sarah Harris Lydia Caunce Accidental Advice Alice Dent Campus Life Laura Price Taf-od Elen Davies Osian Wyn Morgan Aled Huw Russell Sport Rich Jones Mark Wyatt Molly Ambler Rhys Thomas Digital Media Editors Alice Dent Reece Chambers Cartoonist Louis Mertens Copy Editors Eva Kwatek Alys Hewitt Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, we may make some mistakes. 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 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.

Liam Ketcher

I

’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first term as the editor, and I’m so proud of the issues that we’ve produced as a team. One of my favourite stories that we’ve covered is the investigation into SU club nights, where we discovered that 75% of drinks sold on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the SU are VKs - a student’s favourite drink.

Our coverage of topics such as mental health, whether we should have the right to chose when we die, and the transphobia article as seen in this issue, have offered a range of new perspectives on important and often undiscussed issues.

This issue is testament to the hard work that students journalists put into

their publications. You’ll see two features this week, one of these includes the News Desk’s investigation into sexual assaults at Cardiff University.

The results are shocking and demonstrate that changes need to be made.

The second feature is a reflection six months on from the Grenfell Tower fire. We were fortunate enough to interview the emotive and inspiring Moyra Samuels of the Justice4Grenfell campaign. In this interview, she discusses the media and political response to the atrocity and what the future holds for those affected.

Furthermore, this week we were contacted by an individual who was willing to share her story of the negative treatment she received at a club in the city centre. Jamie, who’s experience you can read about in the Comment Section, is transgender and

unfortunately has first hand experience of Transphobia by members of the public. I feel it is important she has contacted us because it can raise awareness of issues around equality for the LGBT+ community. Her account of the events is powerful and significant contribution to this week’s issue.

Changes made in September have developed the content and design of the paper over the last few weeks.

Campus Life has introduced a wellrounded summary of all things Cardiff Uni from Cathays Campus to Heath Park. We were lucky enough see my all time favourite band, Stereophonics. I have truly taken advantage of my position as editor, I truly had a nice day!

With the new year comes new changes, as we welcome new members to the Gair Rhydd family in Janu-

ary and a reshuffle of the cabinet. We also say goodbye and thank Gareth Axenderrie, Deputy Editor, and Silvia Martelli, Comment Editor, as they go on a semester abroad. I would like to wish you both the best of luck from Cardiff Student Media and hope you continue with CSM when you return for your final years. I would also like to congratulate and wish all the best of luck to George Cook who will take on the position as the second Deputy Editor in Gareth’s absence.

I hope you have enjoyed reading Gair Rhydd so far this year. Next term I intend to increase digital media content in order to create a bigger online presence, as we recognise the accessibility of online articles. I also hope that we continue to offer exclusive content and a new perspective on issues that affect us all here at Cardiff University.

GOLYGYDDOL

What’s occurred...? i n n u m b e r s

27th November-3rd December Christmas and 2017 Special

C H R I S T M A S 150

Number of years since the first Robin appeared on a Christmas card, originally as a joke.

1938

What’s On? Dance Winter Showcase The Great Hall 12th December 7-10pm

Destination: Winter WonderLASH Y Plas

15th December 11am-3am

Paul Chowdhry Glee Club

13th December 6-11pm

Liam Gallagher Motorpoint Arena 13th December

grBIG TWEET 54%

Fairytale of New York

21%

All I Want for Christmas is You

17%

Other

8%

Do they know it’s Christmas

This week Gair Rhydd conducted a poll on Twitter to see what the favourite Christmas song is. The winner was Fairytale of New York with over half of the vote. The ‘other’ votes included Christmas Lights by Coldplay and Feliz Navidad by the legend himself, Jose Feliciano.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was first invented by a US company in 1938.

3

57%

57% of adults said they would sacrifice spending time with family on Christmas Day so they could spend more time on Facebook.

82%

82% of people own a Christmas jumper, according to Matalan.

25-34 year olds are most likely to own one.

2017 in review Trump inaugurated At the start of the year, Donald Trump was inaugurated as 45th President of the United States of America. His first year has been full of FAKE NEWS!

ARTICLE 50 TRIGGERED On 29th March 2017 Theresa May triggered Article 50.

This formally started the process of Britain leaving the European Union. Since then little has been achieved so far.

COLoMBIA PEACE DEAL In June, Farc rebels in Colombia secured an historic peace deal. Thousands of guerrillas agreed to hand over weapons in a process of disarmament. Soldiers held hands to signify the new era of peace.

General Election Theresa May called an early general election in April for June 8th. The Conservatives lost their majority under-estimating Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Australia gay marriage Australia has voted to legalise same-sex marriage, providing equality for millions of citizens. Australia has now followed in the footsteps of other Western nations.

gRENFELL fire Sadly, June also included the Grenfell Tower Fire. The atrocity claimed the lives of 71 people, affecting many others. People from around the country have come together to support residents.

NEWS

4

news

#GRNews news@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/news

Rugby matches create crime surge once again

Pictured: Millennium Stadium (Source: Alan via Flickr)

O

n aturday 2nd December during the Wales vs South Africa match, the Chief police officer reported another series of crimes.

Just after 12pm in the early afternoon Chief Inspector Mark Cleland, of British Transport Police, tweeted that police officers already encountered sexual assault, assault, four alcoholrelated injuries, drug use and verbal abuse as well as reported about one person being arrested for a public disorder.

This follows the complaints and comments made during the Wales vs New Zealand match concerning the drunk abuse towards a disabled man reported inside the Principality Stadium and on the streets of Car-

diff. One of the fans who witnessed the abuse, Geraint Evans wrote a letter of complaint to Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chairman Gareth Davies where he mentions seeing a group of men drinking eight pints of beer in the first half of the match and making a complaint about serving alcohol to visibly unstable, drunk people in the stadium.

Moreover, after the match of Wales and New Zealand Chief Inspector already raised this kind of issue on Twitter and expressed a need for the change in the law. He tweeted: “Always a disappointment to review the post-incident crime and see that yet again rugby fans were worse than football fans in Cardiff this weekend

On Campus

Cardiff University’s success at the Oscars of Higher Education

C

Emma Videan

ardiff University enjoyed a successful night at what has been called the Oscars of Higher Education, otherwise known as the Times Higher Education Awards. The university won two major honors. The first success was with the International Collaboration of the Year award for the university’s partnership with the University of Namibia in order to maintain the Phoenix Project. This project seeks to reduce poverty and improve health in Namibia. The project was described as being the stand out entry for the award. Thanks to the Phoenix project, there is now over 100 medical students and medical officers that are trained in anesthesia and the Cardiff Trauma Pack has been set up to save lives following road accidents. Not only this, but the project has driven a project to study and support languages in Namibia.

The second success came from the Local Community award that was achieved through a collaborative partnership between the university, community development charity, Action in Caerau and Ely, local schools, community groups and major heritage organisations in Wales. The project, focused on Caerau Hillfort, where there are two Cardiff Housing estates that are among the most socially and economically challenged areas in Wales.

The scheme put the local people at the heart of both the archaeological and historical research that takes place on the national heritage site of Caerau Hillfort and the events have engaged nearly 15,000 visitors. Cardiff University, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: “I’m very proud of our engagement work so it’s pleasing to see the commitment and dedication of so many people being recognised in this way.”

with their post-Wales v New Zealand drunken violent behaviour.”

However, a lawyer who spent years on cases regarding banning orders on football fans opposed to the chief inspector’s idea for a change in the law, saying: “The reason that football banning orders were put in place was mainly to deal with opposing hooligan fans who were fighting as a result of football rivalries. What we are talking about is general rugby fans and specifically Welsh rugby fans who are becoming antisocial because of drinking. That is a totally different concept.”

Furthermore, the Chief police officer was asked about antisocial behaviour and if it is linked with highly

increased drinking culture rather than particular rugby audience, he stated: “Rugby draws the crowd.

Crowd drinks excessively. Crowd behaves anti-socially. I don’t have the same dynamics with football right now, or theatre-goers or cricketers.

So, yes, for me rugby is a problem, but not rugby the sport, rugby the drinking culture.” Cleland mentioned that comparing rugby Saturdays to the regular ones there was a noticeable increase in violent crime offences during the rugby day. In front of the Saturday’s match the Wales team representative sent a strong message to the fans who are causing troubles at the stadium by saying “don’t bother coming at all.”

‘‘

For me rugby is a problem, but not rugby the sport, rugby the drinking culture.

In The City

‘‘

Rimante Bivanyte

Thousands has been spent on restoring War Memorials in Cardiff Rimante Bivanyte

T

Pictured: War memorial in Alexandra Gardens (Source: benjgiibbs viaFlickr)

hree war memorials in Cardiff are planning to be refurbished after obtaining thousands of pound worth funding from CADW. The historic environment service provided funds to the War Memorials Bereavement Services to the value of the 85% to renovate Radyr and Rumney war memorials.

Councillor Rod McKerlich mentioned the Radyr memorial and said:“The memorial is about 100 years old now and I think it’s the first time it’s going to be cleaned up. The pathways will be cleaned up as will the soldiers names. It forms an important part of our parade every year on Remembrance Day.” Councillor Jacqueline Parry told that renovation works in Rumney might begin after Christmas time even though the official date has not yet been confirmed. Councillor Parry stated: “People have spent time doing it up in the past by doing things like painting it - it’s very much used in the community. But I feel this is the first time it’s actually been refurbished. It will be very, very nice and will be a welcome addition to Rumney.”

The third war memorial located in Cathays Park has received different bid. The funding has been approved and thorough report is now being completed. Generally, the memorial has been unveiled in June 1928 by the King Edward VIII when he was still Prince of Wales. The memorial is an annual place of the National Service of Remembrance for Wales All of these projects will be handled in 2018 and will be finished by the time the significant commemorations will be held to mark the 100year anniversary of the end of World War I.

NEWYDDION National

Organ opt-out law sees rise in donation consent

5

In the City

Santa Dash attracts thousands to Cardiff Bay Emma Videan

Emma Videan Pictured: Above: Organ Donation Wales (Source: gemmahelyer. co.uk) On right side: Santa dash run (Photographer: Terry Kearney via Flickr) Below: Birmingham University (Source: Slilin via Flickr

T

he new law, introduced in December 2015, ensured that adults are automatically consented to organ donation.

The law had meant that each Welsh person has to actively opt-out of organ donation if they wish to not be on the Organ Donation registration.

Wales is the first UK country to change its law in order to create a soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation, and in October Theresa May announced plans for England to introduce a similar system. This came after government consultation found 82% of people were in favour.

New data has found that in 2014, 44.4% of families consented for donation but this statistic has risen to 64.4% in 2017. Additionally, more than half of the people involved had discussed their preferences for organ donations with the family, suggesting that the new law has increased the open discussion of organ dona-

National

Emma Videan

‘‘

ViceChancellor’s paychecks have been revealed to reach over £450,000 per annum.

T

tion.

The new law has also increased in popularity amongst health service staff since it’s implementation. Before the law was passed, 71% of staff said that they were in favour of it, however this has now increased to 85%.

Between 2015/16, there were 27 deaths from the transplant waiting list, but between 2016/17 this number had decreased to 22. The donation activity for 2016/2017 showed that the number of patients on a waiting list for organs decreased by 18.5%.

In November, a new advertising campaign was launched to increase the public awareness of the law change, which focused on the role of families within the organ donation process. This advertising campaign aimed to inform families as in 2016/17 there were twenty-one cases where families overrode their relative’s decision to remain on the

organ donation register, and this could have resulted in the lost of as many 65 additional transplants. For every donor, there is an average of 3.1 transplants in Wales.

On the other hand during the twenty-one months prior to the law change, there had been 101 deceased donors, however in the twenty-one months after the law change there were only 104 deceased donors.

This piece of data, published by the Welsh Government, suggests that the impact of the law change may not have been as great as suggested.

However health secretary, Vaughan Gething, suggested that it was, “too early to know the true impact.” He also said that, “I congratulate the healthcare professionals involved in making this a success, however none of what we have achieved would have been possible without the support of the Welsh population.

I

n Cardiff Bay, the Santa and Elf Dash took part on Sunday 3rd December and attracted hundreds of runners, showing off their fancy dress during a 5km race around Mermaid Quay. For this run, the money was being raised to fund Welsh Hearts’ heart screening Wales programme that who help to place defibrillators across Wales’ schools and sports clubs.

The registration cost £10 per person and all that completed received a t-shirt, water and certificate. Participants were able to get 10% of their final bill at Costa and Carluccios if they turned up in their festive fancy dress.

Thousands ran to show their support for Welsh Heart’s programme that aims to provide defibrillators across the nation.

With hundreds dying each year from an undiagnosed heart condition, a simple heart screening, known as an electrocardiogram, would identify most abnormalities and help to manage and treat conditions. The quick and painless sessions take only 5-10 minutes.

In Whitchurch, a one-mile Reindeer Run was held aiming to raise £12,000 for Cancer Research Wales. At the end of the race, there was a night of family entertainment with food stalls and rides set up throughout the village.

Vice-Chancellor paychecks cause controversy across the UK

he paychecks of vice chancellors has been the topic of much debate, particularly that at Southampton, Birmingham and Bath University. The annual salaries of this job have been criticised over the past week, leading to resignations and protests. Union leaders have said that university open days have been ‘embarrassing’ with many questions raised about the yearly salaries reported to be over £400,000.

The controversy began when it was revealed that Prof. Dame Glynis Breakwell had a salary of £468,000 that ultimately led to her resignation. Despite her stepping down from her position as vice-chancellor, she will remain on her full salary until February 2019. At this salary, Prof. Breakwell was the highest paid vice-chancellor in the UK. Not only did the outrage stem from her annual salary, but also it was found that she was using her expenses account to cover confectionary items, including a £2 packet

of biscuits.

Students were outraged by these revelations and marched through the university grounds, setting off smoke bombs and demanding the vice-chancellor’s resignation.

Clementine Boucher, a final year politics student, organised the march and said: “There hasn’t been a demonstration at this campus since the 1980s which shows just how angry people are about this.”

The news from Bath University then highlighted the salary of Southampton University’s vice-chancellor, Sir Christopher Snowden. News has broken that the vicechancellor was on the senior salaries committee that awarded him the pay package worth £433,000.

A spokesperson for Southampton University said that although Snowden sat on the committee, he was not at the meetings in which his pay was set. However, the University and College Union (UCU) announced that this was not unusual and

over two thirds of vice-chancellors were on the committees responsible for setting their pay.

Meanwhile, at Birmingham University, over 160 academics have protested over the high salary and extra benefits that are received by vicechancellor, Sir David Eastwood. His salary was revealed to be £426,000, and since taking the job in 2009 Sir Eastwood has received nearly £3m in salary. His benefits include having a university-funded chauffer driven car.

Sir Eastwood, Sir Snowden and Dame Breakwell have some of the most desir-

able jobs in education due to their extreme paychecks and seemingly extensive benefits package, however are much higher than that of Cardiff University’s vice-chancellor pays a comparatively lower salary at £294,000.

‘‘

6

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INVESTIGTION

Stigma, Security, Silence

Gair Rhydd Investigates: Sexual misconduct

George Watkins

Pictured: Above: Cardiff (Photographer: George Watkins) Below: Gair Rhydd issue 1073

F

resher’s 2015 was a difficult period that sticks in the mind for many students. Over the course of 5 days, three women were sexually assaulted on the Cardiff University campus, leading to mass confusion and anxiety among many students about how safe they were in town, being encouraged to walk in groups.

The perpetrator of one of the incidents involving the assault of a 20-year-old student, was arrested and imprisoned in early 2016 (which was reported on by Gair Rhydd), but many memories still remained for many students.

Despite the incidents being resolved, it was clear that sexual assault and harassment have hit the headlines both nationally and internationally over the past few months, with many high-profile cases involving figures from Harvey Weinstein to Kevin Spacey. Time Magazine elected their Person of the Year to be those courageous enough to report on their personal experiences of sexual misconduct across the globe, including celebrities like Taylor Swift.

Across universities, too, over the past few years, the issue has been gaining increasing prominence, after a number of incidents at universities in Britain and abroad. Resolutions have been difficult to truly implement in many incidents, with the introduction of Consent Classes at some institutions being largely ridiculed, with those held at Cambridge being completely unattended.

The National Union of Students (NUS) conducted research into the issue back in 2010, in their Hidden Marks study, specifically examining women’s experiences of sexual assault, harassment, stalking and sexual violence, in conjunction with charities such as Women’s Aid. Its key findings were concerning. Over a third of respondents felt unsafe about visiting university buildings in the evenings, compared to 3% in the daytime.1 in 7 had experienced serious physical or sexual assault during their time as student, whilst over two thirds experienced some kind of verbal or non-verbal harassment in or around their institution. Perpetrators were profiled as being predominantly other students in most categories.

Clearly this is extremely concerning, but much has been done at Cardiff University to try to tackle sexual misconduct. The Students’ Union has a Zero Tolerance Policy to Sexual Harassment called Can’t Touch This, designed to raise awareness, as well as encouraging students to report it.

Also, since the 2015 Fresher’s incidents, a Safe

Walk Scheme has been implemented across campus, helping students return home safely from club nights, as well as the Safe Taxi Scheme in partnership with Dragon Taxi.

It is important to stress that this is not a problem going under the radar. Our aim in producing a survey was to both assess students’ attitudes after these schemes had been introduced, as well as to gauge general experiences. While the sample size is smaller than the NUS survey, at 250 respondents, the results are intriguing, and highlight clear areas for improvement, by both students and authorities.

The key findings were that:

• •

•

•

• • •

Students tended to feel safer at a club night in the Students’ Union than on a night out in town.

Opinions varied hugely about the ability of Cardiff University authorities to handle cases of sexual misconduct adequately, as well as perceived support ranking at only 5/10.

Students seemed unsure about whether other Cardiff students would intervene if they witnessed an incident of sexual misconduct take place, seeing a spread from 1-10.

A clear lack of information had been disseminated on the topic, with most students replying in the region of 1-3 of their satisfaction.

72.4% of respondents confirmed that they had experienced sexual harassment.

33.6% had experienced sexual assault.

Only 7.6% reported the incident.

It is worth noting that when asking students about their experiences, the survey was completely anonymous, and offered a trigger warning at both the beginning of the survey and before the questions discussing experiences. We advised students to answer only if they felt comfortable doing so, and to seek help from Student Support if needed.

Overall, the results demonstrated a need for a cultural change across campus, with both an increase of information available, as well as perhaps more accessible reporting. Clearly, more needs to be done to tackle this head on.

“At the moment, women students are too often being forced to pick themselves up and carry on, without any help or support from their institution.

Many women students are left feeling alone, and feeling like they are to blame for the violence committed against them.”

Olivia Bailey, NUS Hidden Marks Report 2010

YMCHWIL CAMYMDDWYN RHYWIOL

7

What does the data mean?

64%

30%

26.4%

33.6%

72.4%

Yes No Prefer not to say

62.4%

Yes No Prefer not to say

7.6% Yes No Not applicable

Fig.1 Have you been sexually harassed?

Fig.2 Have you been sexually assaulted?

Fig.3 Did you report the incident?

Out of 250 responses, 72.4% stated they have, equating to 181 students. This overwhelming majority suggests that a vast number of students (the majority female) have been harassed in the past. Sexual harassment constitutes as unwanted sexual contact, including verbal behaviours, nonverbal behaviors eg. nude photos, or brief, unwanted physical contact. Only 1.2% refused to comment, which could be read either way, although this does not make a significant enough impact on the other data.

64% of respondents stated they had been sexually assaulted, defined as forms of sexual contact you did not explicitly give consent to, or want to participate in, such as touching of a sexual nature, oral sex and penetrative sex.

This shows a difference of 8.4% when contrasted to sexual harassment, which was not the expected result. The small percentage difference in responses to the the two questions as much as a difference as expected. Fig.2 shows that 160 students have experienced sexual assault in their life, a figure that is over than half of respondents.

Out of the respondents, only 7.6% of them reported the incident. Interestingly, 30% deemed it not applicable to do so. This brings into question when it is deemed appropriate to report some cases of sexual assault/harassment and not others. The shockingly high number of non-reported cases, and does not align with the other data, which details whether students would trust Cardiff University authorities to handle the matter adequately.

Jess Warren

W

ith slightly more dispersed results, the majority of students stated they felt safe at an SU club night, although over 72% of students reported they have been victims of sexual assault.

The location of this assault was not requested, and as such, we cannot say whether this occurs more in clubs and venues in the City, or in the SU. We allowed respondents to give their own voice at the end, which provided some interesting data.

Where some students stated they felt safest in the SU, this was not the case for everyone.

Reported were cases where security staff had failed to assist women who were drunk and distressed, resulting in them being sexually assaulted on their way home alone.

Reports of this nature are shocking, and highlight the importance of security staff facilitating the needs and concerns of students whilst in the SU. Arguably, the SU has attempted to boost student safety at night, with the trial of a Night Bus last year, the safe taxi scheme carried out in partnership with Dragon Taxis, the Safety Walk provided by Cardiff Volunteering, and the Safety Bus, which has the local police involved. How-

ever, for events of this nature to still take place, and students not always knowing they have these safety options available, the message of student safety needs to be better communicated.

Respondents also placed an emphasis on the huge crowds at an SU club night, and how this meant that Security were less likely to take claims of harassment seriously, as well as a lack of evidence that can be found from CCTV cameras if the rooms are busy.

Reported were cases where security staff failed to assist women who were drunk and distressed, resulting in them being sexually assaulted on their way home alone.

Other experiences within the SU resulted in the union sending out a link to the “correct” way to report on the assault, following this, they had no involvement. This suggests that students desire a more involved approach from the SU to help them access appropriate support if they are a victim on assault/harassment.

There was also mention of a taboo surrounding sexual assault, whereby

one respondent said that by telling her friends, she was ostracised from the group, and as such, would not tell her current friends.

This response is of importance, as it suggests that more open dialogue is needed surrounding the issue of sexual harassment and assault among peers. If students cannot turn to their own friends for support after facing an instance of sexual assault, the question needs to be asked as to why, and how can we alter this to create a more supportive community.

In regards to counselling services for victims, students felt as though compulsory education around the topic should be provided to students. Yet there was a positive response to the SU counselling services, although the limited number of sessions was seen as negative, and the fact that students were then left to rely on charities with long waiting lists.

From the provided data, this suggests that the majority of students responding have been sexually harassed and/or assaulted. Arguably, this shows that there are issues that need to be addressed surrounding the presence of sexual assault/harassment among the student population. More needs to be done by both

Where can you get help?

On Campus: Student Support at 50 Park Place can offer emotional support. They run Wellbeing Walk-Ins every weekday, as well as counselling and wellbeing appointments. See the Intranet for more, or go in for more information.

Nightline: Call them every term night form 8pm-8am for a confidential listenng ear: 02920870555/ instant message through their website

Women’s Aid/ Refuge: Call on 08082000247 for con-

fidential advice, or visit their website for information about what your next steps should be.

If it’s an emergency, report the incident to the police immediately. Visit the Student Intranet for details of how to report an issue, or to seek further advice.

Why are people struggling to report incidents?

Laura Price As the results of the survey began to unfold we noticed a disparity between the percentage of those who’d experienced misconduct and those who’d reported the incident. The final figures showed that 72.4% had experienced harassment and 33.6% sexual assault, with only 7.6% of those reporting the incident. That’s just nineteen of the people surveyed who reported their experience to authorities.

So why are people not reporting these incidents? There are many reasons why a person might not report it, but I feel the most pressing are the negative stigma that comes with being a victim of sexual misconduct as well as the strength it takes to confront your experience and share it with another person.

19

The number of people reporting incidents of sexual misconduct It is clear something needs to be done to tackle the reasons why someone might not report an instance of sexual misconduct, it’s important that justice is served for the safety of others, but not only that it’s important that the victim is heard and respected and something is done to make them feel safe enough to be able to continue with their life.

Many of those surveyed left compelling testimonies about their experience, one said “When I told my friends they didn’t believe me and I was ostracised for it.” It is reactions to victims like this one that amplify the stigma surrounding reporting sexual misconduct.

If a person feels ridiculed or isn’t validated they will repress their experience most likely damaging their own wellbeing. We must attack this issue head on and moving forward with these figures make a safer environment for victims to come forward.

8 COMMENT

comment

#GRComment comment@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/comment

The Royal Family

Do we need a monarchy in today’s society?

Ross Singleton FOR:

‘‘

The Queen is...ideal for uncertain times...as a reasult of Brexit

‘‘

Ryan Jones Matthews AGAINST:

‘‘

Britain also has a strong tradition of exploitative imperialism

G

iven the recent news of the engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the debate about the benefits of the royal family in modern Britain has been reignited with extreme vigour. The figure that has been most quoted is that the last royal wedding cost the British taxpayer £26 million, a hefty amount of money.

Further to that point, each year the Queen receives the “sovereign grant”, which for 2017 is a figure of £82.2 million. Further ammunition for those who are anti royal is the massive cost of the 10 year refurbishment of Buckingham Palace, which comes in at a not so insignificant £369 million.

Immediately, I am going to discount any notion of the royal family being a

B

y now, it’s impossible not to have heard the news that Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle are getting married. This is because – despite Britain spiralling deeper into what is probably its most meaningful political crisis since the Iraq War – since its announcement, their engagement and all its juicy details have been one of the mainstream media’s main concerns.

The announcement was immediately met with article after article telling us the sorts of things we should be caring about: who Markle is, what the engagement ring is like, etc. These were followed by yet more articles telling us what important people such as the Prime Minister thought. Because if there’s one thing I care less about than Prince Harry’s engagement, it’s what Theresa May has to say about it.

financial drain on the British taxpayer.

Even if you take the figures presented at face value, the royal family costs the British taxpayer 62 pence a year, the same price as a first class stamp. I don’t think that’s an unreasonable price to pay, but that is besides the point, given the fact that the royal family actually produces net income for the British economy.

In 2017, 2.7 million people visited the different establishments of the royal estate, and each and every one of those tourists had to pay for travel, food, and potentially accommodation. It is impossible to calculate how much money this generates, but tourism is the 3rd highest grossing industry in Britain, earing £16 billion total and £3 billion for the government. To me, this completely invalidates any anti royal argument of the

royal family being a net drain on the taxpayer, and proves quite conclusively that the royal family are quite serious money earners for Britain.

Of course, one could make the argument that people would still travel to see Buckingham Palace even if we didn’t have a royal family anymore, but I would argue that part of the appeal of the palace is that the Queen lives there for parts of the year.

Another argument that is made by those who feel the crown is an antiquated idea is that it is an old and anti democratic system, with the Queen still being head of state and having final say on any laws that are passed. To those that believe that, I would suggest they attempt to find examples of the Queen overruling any laws during her time on

the throne.

To me, this is such a ridiculous notion that it is almost laughable. At the end of the day, the royal family, and specifically the Queen, is a figurehead of stability for the nation, that wields no actual power.

Currently the Queen has the perfect role of being above politics, and therefore away from most dividing issues, and can stand to be a figure of unity for the nation.

A person like the Queen is, in my opinion, ideal for uncertain times like we are going through currently as a result of Brexit and anti government sentiment. I cannot personally agree with anyone who believes that any minor downside of the royal family is not massively outweighed by the positives, both fiscally and morally.

However, as is the case with most stories involving the royal family, the news did somewhat rekindle a debate that has been left to smoulder on the fringe of British society for some years: whether the country should continue to be a monarchy, or reform into a republic.

The main royalist arguments are fairly straight-forward: Britain has a strong royal tradition, the government and parliament are the ones who hold all of the true political power, and it’s a successful selling point for British tourism.

Traditionalism is the most problematic of these arguments. Britain also had a strong tradition of exploitative imperialism, yet the Empire was dissolved decades ago. Today, most people agree that this was a good thing. Just because we’ve had something for a long time doesn’t mean we should continue to have it.

Royalist traditionalism is also part of the reason why Markle being an American divorcee from a mixed-race background is somehow relevant enough to warrant media scrutiny, when such scrutiny over anyone else marrying someone similar would be seen as oldfashioned and racist.

The other arguments are slightly more valid, but demeaning to democracy and to Britain. Monty Python said it best: “Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses!” Yet when a British political party receives a democratic mandate, its leader must go to Buckingham Palace to ask the monarch’s permission to form a government.

Finally, the tourism argument suggests Britain has nothing to offer its visitors but its royal family. What about our art galleries, museums, architecture,

national parks? Conversely, the main argument for republicanism is, simply, that monarchy is inherently illiberal, so we should get rid of it.

The monarch’s mandate to rule as Britain’s head of state is not given by the people through democratic means, but by the apparent blessing of God. This absurd idea suggests that the layer of inequality that exists in society between ‘commoners’ and ‘royalty’ is fundamentally unchangeable. Therefore, their royal status is totally unjustifiable.

As previously mentioned, Britain has far more pressing issues to worry about at the moment. However, this doesn’t mean that we should simply concede to and continue to normalise living in a country with an unneeded and unelected head of state. We should strive to have a proper public debate on monarchy versus republicanism.

Pictured: Buckingham Palace is a contested building of greed but tourism Source: shining.darkness (Via Flickr)

‘‘

SYLWADAU

EXCLUSIVE Jamie Morse

‘‘

Coming out wasn’t about changing my perception of myself.

Jamie Morse: ‘My struggle against Transphobic bouncers’ T wo months ago, I made the decision to go public with something that was by that time already old news to me, something that I had hidden and fought with for the previous two years. I came out as transgender.

Coming out wasn’t about changing my perception of myself. It didn’t make me feel more feminine, as I already knew I was a girl inside. In truth I felt safe in the closet. I snuck through life without every interaction having to double up as an interrogation of my femininity. I knew that coming out meant I would no longer be able to gain solace by hiding in the crowd - for I would never again be a man, a boy, a ‘lad’. I would be a mysterious other, a third that didn’t fit in.

Last weekend a bouncer at Revolution in Cardiff saw it fit to remind me of that last point. A housemate and I went to Revolution to meet up with a close childhood friend of mine, who had asked for my comments for an article he was intending to write on homophobia in football. We arrived to find no queue, 9.40pm on a Saturday evening being a while before the venue would get busy. We had also not been drinking – one of the first

facts I have learned as a girl being that putting on eyeliner after a couple cans of Strongbow Dark Fruit is a recipe for disaster.

I was blanked as I offered the man my ID. He meekly pointed to the side and sniggered as I walked past.

It took a few seconds of staring before the man whispered something to his colleague, who walked over and although staring directly at me, addressed my housemate saying we were “far too drunk, and had to go”.

I asked my friend if we could watch for a while before leaving so I could confirm my suspicion – which was that the bouncers were going to happily allow the trio of ladies behind us in the line to enter, as they babbled incoherently, supporting each other to avoid collapsing on the pavement.

If this was just an issue of two bouncers being unable to tell how drunk both us and the trio of cisgender ladies were, then the only problem here would be their inability to perform their job. It is clear to me that the matter is far more disgraceful than this. I am 100% certain I was only denied entry to Revolution because of my appearance, because I was a trans woman wearing a skirt, a

frilly top and heavy eyeliner.

This kind of discrimination does not get talked about. However, the lack of awareness around treatment of transgender people by bar staff cannot continue. The actions of peo-

9

Pictured: Jamie Morse.

(Via Facebook)

ple like the bouncers who discriminated against me are perpetuated by victims not going public with their experiences. We stay silent because we’re so used to this. For me at least, that silence ends today.

‘‘

Depressed in the Valleys

1 in 3 in Welsh town on anti-depressants indicative of wider ranging issue Gareth Axenderrie

‘‘

This staggering figure is a sad illustration of a UK wide issue, exacerbated in the Welsh Valleys, where mental health is approached with a lack of cohesion.

T

he Valleys were once the centre of the world, literally. As Britain was expanding its empire to all corners of the globe, the South Wales Valleys were the driving force.

Coal was being dug from rich seams deep underground, before powering ships and trains that carried iron and steel in every direction. As natural resources were being exploited at breakneck speed, so were people. The British empire was built on the back of the labour of an exploited workforce, and via ports like Cardiff and Barry, people from across the world flocked to the work abundant Welsh coalfields.

The figure is a sad illustration of a UK wide issue, exacerbated in the Welsh Valleys.

Now, the Valleys strike a very different feel. The closure of coal mines during the 1970s and 80s has left many of these once rich and vibrant communities void of work and opportunities. Many are living beneath the poverty line, whilst some households now contain three generations of unemployment.

Politically, an area that was once a hotbed of British politics is currently rife with apathy. Despite having pro-

duced politicians like Aneurin Bevan and established the National Health Service, ‘disengagement’ is now the buzz word thrown at communities.

The birth of devolution in Wales has done little to address this with voter turnout regularly well below 50%. The Assembly has introduced legislation that has gone some way toward breaking this cycle, but with a squeezed budget and the burden of inflated health spending, many of the initiatives have been mere sticking plasters.

Furthermore, many valley towns that voted overwhelmingly to leave the European Union last June may have in fact risked severing the last lifeline that funds any opportunity many have of rising out of the slump

of post-industrial poverty.

The extent of the impact this has had on mental health was laid bare last week when Assembly Member Vikki Howells revealed that, in the town of Mountain Ash, one in three people are on anti-depressants. This staggering figure is a sad illustration of a UK wide issue, exacerbated in the Welsh Valleys, where mental health is approached with a lack of cohesion and causes are painfully under addressed.

As psychologist Jacob Williams argues, “this is indicative of the overreliance on medical approaches to mental health which, in this example, suppress symptoms of depression but does not get to the core. In a finan-

cially constrained health care system, typified within this geographic area, antidepressants are a cheap, quick fix intervention. However, solely using pharmacology is a false economy which does not effectively break the cycle of depression for up to twothirds of cases.”

Williams continues, “There is sound, empirical evidence base for the combined use of specific psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and anti-depressants but, those living in lower socio-economic areas are unlikely to have quick access to the most effective interventions.

The area in question is a prime example of this.”

Again, Wales’ poorest areas are being neglected. Previously, they were neglected whilst being exploited for their hard labour, now it appears they’re simply being ignored, with complex issues swept under the carpet. The decent, kind, hospitable people of the South Wales Valleys drove change in the world for over two centuries. Most of that change directly benefitted Britain, and much of it is the reason we as a United Kingdom are still one of the world’s most powerful economies. These people are now at risk of sinking into a state of permanent depression. It’s time those who’ve profited from them start to take notice, and action.

Pictured: Merthyr Tudfil was once the centre of the industrialising world Source: Les Haines (via Flickr)

‘‘

10 COMMENT

Mindfullness: an exploration of the technique.

Jessica Warren

‘‘

It is thought that Mindfulness can improve our mental wellbeing by allowing us to understand ourselves better

M

indfulness has become increasingly well-known within the last decade, with apps, YouTube channels, Ted talks, and books dedicated to the topic.

Yet, it seems that only those that actively seek out this technique are clued in, when really it can benefit us all.

Mindfulness is the conscious practise of bringing your attention to the experiences happening at the present moment, and whilst traditionally done through meditation, this is not the only way. Let’s take a morning walk to lectures as an example. Strolling down the path, you pay attention to the sound of the morning birds, or seagulls. You appreciate the sight of the clouds patterning the sky, or the way the rain is bouncing off pavements. The taste of the coffee you’ve just downed to

keep you awake this morning still lingers in your mouth and you recognise the feel of your knitted gloves on your hands. These are ways that exploring the five senses can help ground you in the present moment.

Mindfulness originally comes from Buddhist practices, and is most prominent in Asia. However, within

recent years, the core practises have been adapted to suit a western lifestyle, mostly with the aim of helping ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. It is thought that Mindfulness can improve our mental wellbeing by allowing us to understand ourselves better, recognise when we are experiencing negative thoughts, and disrupting the day to day ‘autopilot’ we act out.

A positive aspect to the approach is that it can be practised anywhere from sitting on a train, to your daily

tasks, or a walk to lectures as previously mentioned. Apps such as buddhify market themselves as ‘modern mindfulness for busy lives’, aiming to integrate mindful practises into our everyday actions. I have known many students advocate for apps like these, as simple reminders to acknowledge the present moment can help to disrupt and notice negative thinking patterns.

Yet, there are also more formal practises associated with this technique. Mindfulness meditation is a process of sitting silently, in order to pay attention to the thoughts, sounds, and sensations of breathing within the body. And no, you don’t have to be sat with your legs crossed chanting ‘om’ for this to work. Although related to Buddhism, a mantra is not essential, and the recognition of the body, and breathing, can also be achieved through yoga and tai-chi.

This is supported by ongoing research into the benefits of mindful practises, with Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre advocating the practice. He says “it’s also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living ‘in our heads’ – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour”. By exploring this, if only for a matter of minutes across the day, we are able to step out from the daily monotony many of us experience. Being caught up by deadlines, readings, and lectures, as well as juggling sports, societies, and socialising- it is important to take a minute for yourself amid our chaotic daily lives.

In order to better understand the techniques of mindfulness, I have been engaging with the practice myself, alongside the guidance of my wellbeing counsellor. Taking the time to recognise thoughts of stress, anxiety, and depression have helped me to appreciate things I would otherwise take for granted, and explore the presence of negative thoughts.

Perhaps there is room for mindfulness practices to be taught in greater detail to students, as this relatively low-maintenance method can be easily employed throughout the day, with a bit of conscious thought. With student mental health being a topic of concern for many, being mindful of our stressors, and how we react to them can only be beneficial.

In order to better understand the techniques of mindfulness, I have been engaging with the practice myself, alongside the guidance of my wellbeing counsellor.

Pictured: We often travel through life on auto-pilot, barely recognising our sense or feelings.

Source: Nick Page (Via Flickr)

As this is a relatively new concept within the Western world, there is still research being conducted into the benefits of mindfulness practises, and who it can most benefit. Crucially, Professor Williams states that “it’s important that our enthusiasm doesn’t run ahead of the evidence,” as some mental illnesses will require a range of therapies. Yet the positive aspects to this practices should not be overlooked. Arguably, we should all take a little time to be mindful during the day - there’s no harm in trying.

‘‘

The Importance of Independent Venues Meg Sharma

‘‘

If Clwb, or any other welsh venue were to close, this would be detrimental to Cardiff nightlife.

W

ith independent venues week approaching fast, it is important to reflect on the importance of these culture hubs. On the 14th of November, ‘Save Womanby Street’ announced the success of their campaign, resulting in some protection of all Welsh music venues. The campaign was launched in March, after planning applications were submitted that would have threatened the livelihoods of independent venues on the street.

The government need to offer more for grassroot venues. The Welsh Government’s ‘Agent for Change’ means that if planning applications are put forward near a venue, the developers and landlord are responsible for putting measures in place to ensure the property is unaffected by the venue, and vice versa.

This protects venues from property applications and developments but not other issues. In many cases, independent venues are not profitable as they have to compete with bigger venues and nightclubs, leading to a loss in drinks sales, entry fees, and less pay for staff

and owners. Councils often see this, and seek to close venues to make them into something more viable, such as properties, resulting to a substantial loss in culture.

Clwb Ifor Bach is one of the main venues in Cardiff, and has seen acts such as Coldplay, Elbow, and George Ezra pass through their doors. Like the other venues of Womanby Street, it gives an affordable (if not free) platform for new artists and bands to start performing.

Also, it offers an incredible cultural and artistic space, with events that benefit the local community taking place there in the day. It creates essential nightlife and promotes night-time economy, offering an individuality to Cardiff and acts as an encapsulation of the community. If Clwb, or any other welsh venue were to close, this would be detrimental to Cardiff nightlife.

These venues give an alternative to mainstream nightclubs, offering a range of different club nights which appeal to more people and encourage the development of sub-cultures which gives

Cardiff more cultural diversity. Many of the clubs on Womanby street have a ‘safe space’ policy, where the staff including security will help those who feel unsafe in a venue, something which is not implemented in most mainstream clubs.

This is important for those who have anxiety, or have suffered from sexual abuse, as they can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. This is resultant of the community independent venues form, which is unlike anything a big nightclub could offer.

The ‘Save Womanby Street’ was somewhat successful; support was given from MPs across parties, the residential application was unsuccessful, and the derelict building on Womanby street was bought by the council so it could not be converted into a derelict building, and are developing a plan to protect all live venues. This is a step forward, but the government need to offer more protection from planning applications for live venues, as well as safeguarding against other threats that could lead to a cultural loss.

Pictured: Womanby Street in the evening.

Source: Neil Schofield (Via Flickr)

‘‘

SYLWADAU

11

Human microchipping: a futuristic utopia?

Sillvia Martelli

‘‘

Microchips can be extremely useful when used for medical and safety reasons.

B

ritish scientist Kevin Warwick is the very first human to have a microchip in his body. He injected it into his own hand in 1998, with an operation that took him around 20 minutes - easy as. The chip emitted an identifying signal that computers could recognise to then activate various electronic devices in his house, such as door locks, room lights, or lifts.

Since then, thousands of biohackers have been experimenting with this new technology and all its possible uses, from domestic to medical. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are currently between 30,000 and 50,000 humans who already have a microchip in their body. It seems that the invention is now further expanding to the professional environment, with Three Square Market, a technology company in Wisconsin, recently offering its employees to have a rice grain-sized chip injected between their thumb and index finger. Over 50 of its 80 employees agreed to it, believing the chip would make their life more practical - paying for food in the cafeteria, swiping into the office building, all with a simple wave of hand.

Making life easier seems the motto of many of the existing human microchips. Biohacker Hannes Sjöblad knows this well, with the microchip in his hand replacing all the keys and

cards he used to carry with him. The young man no longer needs to worry about forgetting the keys at home or having his wallet stolen. So is it surpris-

ing that this innovative technology is now expanding quickly, and how it may be something that will become common and widely accepted in the society our kids will grow up in? Probably not: nowadays, engagement and fascination with technology are evident and contagious, and so are the craves for the latest innovations - whether that’s an

I-phone or an under-skin microchip.

So what are the possible uses of microchipping? As mentioned, microchips make cards, keys, and wallets

completely useless, by allowing you to pay in shops (after having your chip scanned, a computer will automatically debit your bank accounts), borrow books from the library, gain access to buildings, and take public transports.

Furthermore, they contain information such as that in passports, IDs and driving licences - rather than scanning your

documents, you’ll now walk through a reader. They are also becoming popular in clubs (especially in Spain) to avoid long queues and keep track of orders, to then pay them all in the end.

Yet, the real potential of microchips has nothing to do with activating devices, dismissing contactless cards (which are already quite efficient) and avoiding twenty minutes of queues. Rather, they can be extremely helpful when used for medical and safety reasons. For example, in cases of unconscious patients, microchips quickly give access to their medical history - medications, illnesses, previous episode. Microchips can therefore considerably increase safety of individuals suffering, for example, from diabetes, Alzheimer’s or cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, they can play a pivotal role in locating kids lost in crowds, elderly people who wandered out of care facilities, or in cases of kidnappings and more generally disappearances.

Surely, it must be questioned whether microchips limit our privacy and freedom. Despite this, on the whole, their pros cannot be ignored. Furthermore, although manywww argue having a chip injected is incredibly unnatural, it should be acknowledged that it is not much different from implanting any other devices we use today, such as pacemakers.

Pictured: Human microchipping has high potential for becoming widely accepted in society.

Source: Salvatore Vastano (via Flickr)

‘‘

Net Neutrality

Worries in the US and impact around the world

N

et Neutrality is currently part of a heated debate in the U.S, with its legal protections affecting Internet users worldwide. On December 14, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on whether to abolish current Net Neutrality rules. In the worst case scenario, internet service providers will be able to control which sites get high-speed access, and which do not.

In the future, they may able to select whose content deserves better speed or who pays the most.

It’s important to remember that if

America abolishes its Net Neutrality regulations, other countries will be affected too. The action will likely impact international businesses the most. When new firms will attempt to break out into America’s market, they will face different treatment depending on their policy - new regulations could seriously hinder the growth and innovations of growing businesses.

Silicon Valley, the biggest driving force in an innovation in technology and business, would be affected as well.

Much more indirect impact would be on consumers as opposed to businesses. Additionally worrying would be a scenario in which Internet Service Provider (ISPs) allows favoured sites not to impact a data

plan. This is called zero-ranting and it is a form of price discrimination. For example, let’s assume that an ISP owns a streaming service or another site: it could inure that there would be no impact on users’ data plan, while e running on the fastest speed. Contrary, a competitors’ services would still impact their own bill.

If the United States abolishes its Net Neutrality regulations, other countries will be affected too.

Many protests are currently taking place against FCC changing its regulations on Net Neutrality. People say that this is a fight about making sure that people have access to information without prejudice and that the internet is a free place. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said that he was “very concerned” with the situation regarding net neutrality in the United States. A big issue is that America is seen as a geopolitical leader, so other countries or regimes may perceive these new regulations as an excuse to weaken their own concerning freedom of the Internet. This is something that Canada might need

to worry about in the future.

In Europe, it is not only European consumers and companies at risk of being impacted - so are US companies.

Many American businesses have their branches in Europe, so if regulations in Europe change in a similar way to those in the US, meaning if ISPs were to charge more for better services, then Facebook or Google would face the same scenario as the one they try to avoid in America.

Here in the UK, the issue regarding net neutrality is less controversial.

This is mostly because the ISP market is much more competitive and the rules are protected by EU law. But even before that, the UK had its own regulations regarding internet safety, and all major Internet Service Providers had already signed up to a voluntary Open Internet Code. They promised that they will not block services of competitors. As one British politician has said “unlike in the UK, in some parts of the US consumers have no choice which ISP they use because only one offers a service in their area.”

This means that, without net neutrality, some US consumers could have no choice but to accept what packages their provider offers. So currently in the UK, we don’t have any reasons to worry.

Pictured: Net Neutrality affects internet users all over the world. Source: Scott Maxwell (via Flickr)

‘‘

Many protests are currently taking place against FFC changing its regulations on Net Neutrality.

‘‘

Agata Tylki

It’s time for more PhD rights, training and support. Your Students’ Union and many others across the country agree.

Join the UCU Union for FREE! The UCU Union provides targeted support for postgraduates who teach, on a wide range of topics including: Employment Rights, Representation, Professional Development, Training and Advice.

cardiffstudents.com/ucu In association with

column

UNSAFE SPACE

13

@harryheath__ | #UnsafeSpace gairrhydd.com/category/column

Trump’s diplomatic illiteracy sparks Israeli-Palestinian clashes

‘‘

When the leader of the free world comes down on one side of such a historically heated and emotionally charged feud, there are real-life consequences.

A

s far as predictions go, there are fewer more accurate than that of the American journalist H. L. Mencken. In a column for the Baltimore Sun, almost one hundred years ago, he wrote that “on some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron”. As we approach a year of Donald Trump’s presidency, the 20/20 clarity of Mencken’s foresight becomes evermore depressing.

Last week saw Trump express his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel. This represents a radical shift in America’s Middle-East policy, and once more casts considerable doubt over the president’s diplomatic credentials.

When the leader of the free world comes down on one side of such a historically heated and emotionally charged feud, there are real-life consequences.

It appeared that the levels of rage surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian divide were sufficient, and not especially wanting a divisive new policy from the US. We should not be surprised by the scenes that followed; they are all too familiar. Protesters threw rocks at Israeli authorities

outside major Palestinian cities, the army responded with volleys of teargas grenades and rubber bullets, the streets ablaze and injury figures rising.

Hamas, the terrorist organisation known for their firing of rockets into Israel from the Gaza strip and use of civilians as human shields, seldom require an invitation to commit their acts of political violence; for these militants, Trump’s announcement was as good as one. The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was not going to let such an opportunity pass him by, he referred to Trump’s decision as “a declaration of war” against the Palestinian people. The Palestinian leaders, in equally inflammatory style, called for three days of rage in protest, labelling Trump’s move the “kiss of death” to negotiations for the goal of a twostate solution in the region.

Speaking of the recent mayhem, an Israeli officer described “probably the most severe [rioting] we’ve had this year”, quite the achievement for the American president who has both undermined the desired outcome of a settlement and brought about even more conflict with one mindless policy objective. Such outright Western arrogance has been condemned

by Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Boris

Johnson, a man who in many ways shares Trump’s attitude to subtlety and the truth: he doesn’t care much for them either. Even Johnson, a man whose diplomacy has also been suspect on too many occasions, recognises how unhelpful this move has been.

In deciding to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Trump has either grossly miscalculated or simply doesn’t care for the repercussions of his crass behaviour.

Carelessness or indifference, whatever the case may be, this is only the latest in the growing list of controversies that reinforce the presumption of many that he is not a fit occupier of the Oval Office. I have long ceased to be surprised by the idiocy of the man, and find it difficult to sympathise with the ‘left-behind’, blue-collar American voters whose idea of a protest was to elect a reality TV personality into the presidency. Alas, they evidently aren’t the only ones who will suffer the consequences of ‘Trump first’ policies.

These policies are not ideological; there is no such thing as ‘Trumpism’.

On the contrary, they are wildly illconceived ideas that may appear attractive to his voter-base, gain him short-term media publicity, and reward him with vast retweets on

Twitter. To listen to these pledges, one could believe that the world is Trump’s playground: travel ban here, wall there, global warming not here but over there with the nuclear war, move that capital city over there. It is obvious that Trump enjoys thinking that he is omnipotent, and he is welcome to that; the reality of course is that his consistently infantile behaviour gives truth to David Cameron’s remark that “too many tweets make a twat”.

But still we find ourselves asking the same, exhausted questions regarding Trump. I wonder if he knows what he’s doing all along, whether we are underestimating his intelligence, whether he is characteristically just trying to provoke? Prior to his election, proponents of Trump asked these questions in his defence and it is a damning indictment on the voters that such questions do not automatically render him unfit for the office that he holds.

Leaders come and go, some achieve and some fail, but we had become accustomed to leader by liberal, by conservative, by socialist, by technocrat, by patriot; this trend has been replaced, in Trump’s case, with leader by tweeter, by provocateur, by bully, by narcissist, by moron.

Pictured: Jerusalem Source: archer10 (via Flickr)

‘‘

Trump has either grossly miscalculated or simply doesn’t care for the repercussions of his crass behaviour.

‘‘

Harry Heath

‘‘

14 POLITICS

politics

BREXIT

Sam Saunders and Gareth Axenderrie

#GRPolitics politics@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/poltics

May pulls all nighter to deliver deal following farcical week

N

egotiations between the United Kingdom and European Union ground to an embarassing halt last week as issues surrounding the Irish border remained a thorn in the side of the UK’s negotiating team.

Even by the standard of Brexit negotiations to date, the events of Monday the 4th of December took the negotiations to a new level of farcical.

Early Friday morning however, a dischevelled looking Theresa May finally appeared following an all nighter to announce an agreement on this phase of negotiations.

A confusing week began as rumours emerged that the UK government had conceded to the EU’s position, this time on the Irish border, so that the talks could move on to ‘Phase Two’, the hugely important and complex issue of trade.

A leaked document had suggested that Downing Street had agreed to effectively keep Northern Ireland in the Single Market and the Customs Union after a withdrawal from the EU by mirroring EU regulations, hence avoiding the need for a hard border. This was dressed up as continued membership in all but name,

the new phrase: ‘Regulatory Alignment’.

This was an even more significant concession than usual. Theresa May and European Commission President JeanClaude Junker were now expected to announce that both sides were in agreement that talks could progress. It appeared nobody had bothered to consult the DUP however.

The Brexit-supporting DUP had already made it known that they would reject any deal that would lead to Northern Ireland having different regulations post-Brexit than the rest of the UK. Whilst this would ensure there was no hard border on the island of Ireland, the border would instead be the Irish Sea. It is difficult to see why the Prime Minister decided to not consult the proUnionist party, given that their 10 MPs allow Theresa May to govern through a confidence and supply arrangement agreed back in June.

May was forced to call a halt to her lunch with Mr Juncker to take a phone call from the DUP’s leader, Arlene Foster, who (as she had to journalists earlier) made her position very clear.

It was after this latest setback that

the work was abandoned for the day.

A rather sombre press conference with Juncker and May followed, the former having flown in especially to announce that trade talks could begin, but now found herself reduced to a brief ninety second appearance.

Rushing back to Prime Minister’s Questions, May recieved a grilling from both her own and opposition and benches, whilst the media from both sides of the Irish sea mocked the U-turn to trump all U-turns.

On Friday however, it was confirmed that a deal had been met, with three guarentees agreed.

What has been agreed?

No hard border between Northern and Southern Ireland.

EU citizens living in the UK (and vice versa) will have their rights protected.

Pictured: Theresa pulled a hell of an all nighter Source: UK Government (via Flickr)

A financial settllement, but no agreement on figure

Devolved parliments object to ‘unequal treatment’

Pictured: Carwyn Jones Source: DJ EMPL (via Twitter)

C

arwyn Jones, on responding to reports about possible concessions on the Irish border, outlined that: “For me the way to deal with this is to say ‘look, the UK will stay in the customs union - and that means of course the border can remain as it is’ It was a mistake for the prime minister to rule out keeping the whole

of the UK in the single market early in the process,” later noting that “at the time of the referendum, nobody talked about the customs union at all”.

The First Minister compared the proposed model to Norway, a country that has access to the single market, and as a result Jones is clearly proposing a soft Brexit for the United Kingdom.

George Osborne argued that a hard Brexit type of deal would reduce Britain’s GDP by 6.2% and most likely result in Britain being poorer by £4,300 per household.

Osborne pointed out that a net loss of £36bn a year was the equivalent of a third of the annual budget for NHS England, thus for the sake of the United Kingdom a soft Brexit must happen.

Access to the single mar-

ket in a post Brexit society would be crucial to whether admission to the current Irish border system would be permissible for the United Kingdom.

In true Trump style, Jones later took his views on this to Twitter, tweeting: “We cannot allow different parts of the UK to be more favourably treated than others”.

Jones was clearly concerned about the futurity of the Irish border, considering relations between Holyhead in Wales and Ireland. Plaid Cymru stated, in agreement with Jones, that “any special deals” made available to one part of the UK must also be available to others, including Wales.The

party said that any deal to “shift the hard border to Wales’s coast” could be “catastrophic” for Welsh ports like Holyhead.

Wales, which has a heavy agriculture industry, has witnessed this industry express concern for the state of Brexit negotiations, with Brian Thomas, deputy President of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, stating “Whilst we recognise that the Irish border situation presents some unique challenges that need to be overcome, rural Wales has challenges of its own”. He pointed to its “heavy reliance” on red meat exports to the EU.

‘‘

Any deal to “shift the hard border to Wales’ coast” could be “catastrophic” for Welsh ports like Holyhead.

‘‘

Hannah Woodawrd

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 15 U.K.

Conor Holohan

‘‘

The questions of globalisation, national identity and security are still as pertinent as they were in 2016

‘‘

Tanya Harrington

2017 defined by the issues of 2016

I

n many ways, 2017 has mainly been defined by issues decided in 2016.

The majority of noteworthy ongoing stories of the year are largely concerned with the electoral revolutions of last year.

On January 20, Donald J Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States of America. On the day of his inauguration, as he promised to put America first on Capitol Hill, gangs of protesters ran through Washington breaking shop windows and causing unrest. A week later the newly inaugurated President published Executive Order 13769.

The Order suspended the USA’s Syrian refugee programme indefinitely and also suspended travel to the US by citizens of seven Middle Eastern countries for 90 days. The Order was met with furious protests across the world, including in Cardiff.

Executive Order 13769 was then suspended by various courts, but has in recent days been allowed into effect while legal cases against the Order proceed.

Along the way, President Trump regularly used twitter to grandstand against Kim Jong Un who has this year conducted a series provocative missile tests. The Presidents twitter feed is a source of constant amusement to his opposers who fail to see how successfully he has managed to delegitimise the mainstream media in the eyes of

R

his supporters.

Meanwhile here in the UK the Government started the year with a 12 seat majority, and will end the year 8 seats short of a Parliamentary majority.

The Prime Minister announced a snap General Election while the polls were in her favour and, along with her now politically deceased chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, ran what has been described as many as the worst Tory election campaign ever.

Their strategy included shutting away popular ministers from debates, shutting the Prime Minister out of television debates and, crucially, taking their core voters for granted with proposed measures such as the so-called ‘Dementia Tax’.

Since the election Mrs May has again and again, including at the Conservative Party conference, grovelled to angry and activists, begging for forgiveness for the campaign which lost many Tories their jobs, such as Cardiff North’s Craig Williams.

Jeremy Corbyn who led the Labour Party to a loss has in fact solidified his position as Leader of the Opposition as he outperformed many of the critics within his party by gaining 30 seats. Since then his brand of politics has gripped the upper echelons of the party. Momentum activists plan to flood the party’s National Executive Committee, and Labour MPs loyalties are regularly tested by the new leader-

ship circle.

May’s calamitous campaign has significantly weakened her government’s position in the Brexit negotiations. After months of David Davis and Michel Barnier being at loggerheads over the Divorce Bill, the UK Government is now reportedly on the verge of offering a settlement of up to €49 million.

It is also more than likely that the UK Government will accept the jurisdiction of European Courts on the matter of citizens rights which, for many Brexiteers, is not a characteristic

of the Brexit the British people voted for on June 23rd 2016.

Alongside this May is having to rely on her whips to steer Brexit-related legislation through Parliament as a list of Conservative MPs prepared to vote for a leadership contest grows by the week.

Meanwhile, in Holland, Germany, France and elsewhere, the far-right have made significant electoral ground, and the questions of globalisation, national identity and of security are still as pertinent as they were in 2016.

Pictured: President Donald Trump Source: Gage Skidmore (via Flirck)

Russia brands nine US media outlets “foreign agents”

ussia has declared nine US media outlets as foreign agents. The move comes following President Putin’s signing of a bill allowing the government to list any foreign-funded media as a foreign agent. The new law impacts those outlets with branches which operate in Russia but are funded by foreign governments. Websites, television and radio stations are among the nine media outlets to face this law.

The law was rushed through Parliament following terse communica-

tions with the United States as to whether Russia interfered with the US Presidential election of 2016.

American intelligence agencies have made accusations to this effect, but both Russian officials and associated media outlets have denied these claims.

However, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), originally put in place in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda in the US, has still required that RT register as a foreign agent. As well as this, Russian-funded outlets RT and Sputnik have also been banned from advertising on Twitter amidst similar concerns, sparking further conflict.

Now these nine outlets will be forced to meet extra conditions to broadcast in Russia. Any “malicious,” failure to comply may lead to suspension of production, followed by a fine or even up to two years of imprisonment.

As well as disclosing where their funding comes from and how it is spent, these outlets must now present their content as the work of foreign agents.

The Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, has also stated that it may ban US media outlets from accessing parliament, in direct retalia-

tion to the US not allowing certain Russian outlets to enter Congress.

Duma Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy said, “the decision not to allow [Sputnik and Russia Today] to work in Congress is clearly not a friendly step toward the Russian Federation,” and that “Russia is not the kind of power that can let such actions go unanswered.”

Andrey Klimov, State Sovereignty Protection Committee chairman, stated that “our measures were completely reciprocal in response to the oppression of the Russian media in the US.” He also claimed that “if Washington comes to its senses and stops pressure on Russian media, in this case we will think about adjusting our decisions.” Whether it is right for one country to establish laws based only on the actions of another, and not on independently gathered evidence, remains to be seen.

The Russian Service Director of now foreign-branded outlet Radio Free Europe provided an optimistic outlook on the bill. She told ABC, “our audience is well aware that we’re foreign. That gives us more objectivity in the eyes of our audience,” and stated that “it won’t change how we work in any way.”

U.S.

Pictured: Above: President Vladamir Putin Source: Vborodinova (via Flickr) Left: RussiaToday (via Flickr)

16 GRENFELL: SIX MONTHS ON

“Atrocity�: Grenfell Tower fire kills 71

Farah Hamdan

Victoria King

Omar Belkadi

Alexandra Atala

Malak Belkadi

Amna Mahmud Idris

Leena Belkadi

Gary Maunders

Mariem Elgwahry

Rania Ibrahim

Eslah Elgwahry

Hania Ibrahim

Mohamednur Tuccu

Fethia Ibrahim

Amalahmedin Tuccu

Gloria Trevisan

Amaya Tuccu

Marco Gottardi

Hesham Rahman

Fathia Ahmed

Berkti Haftom

Abufars Ibrahim

Biruk Haftom

Isra Ibrahim

Sakina Afrasahabi

Raymond Bernard

Fatima Afrasahabi

Mohamed Neda

Isaac Paulos

Nadia Choucair

Khadija Khalloufi

Bassem Choucair

Vincent Chiejina

Mierna Choucair

Kamru Miah

Fatima Choucair

Mohammed Hamid

Zeinab Choucair

Mohammed Hanif

Sirria Choucair

Husna Begum

Hashim Kedir

Rabeya Begum

Nura Jemal

Josef Daniels

Firdows Hashim

Deborah Lamprell

Yahya Hashim

Majorie Vital

Yaqub Hashim

Ernie Vital

Logan Gomes

Sheilia Smith

Abdulaziz El-Wahabi

Hamid Kani

Faouzia El-Wahabi

Steve Power

Yasin El-Wahabi

Mohammed Al-Haj Ali

Nur Huda El-Wahabi

Denis Murphy

Mehdi El-Wahabi

Zainab Deen

Ligaya Moore Khadija Saye Mary Mendy Jessica Urbano Ramirez

Those who are living are now dead Those who were breathing are from the living earth fled.

If you want to see how the poor die, come see Grenfell Tower.

See the tower, and let a world-changing deed flower.

Ben Okri

Jeremiah Deen Abdeslam Sebbar Ali Yawar Jafari Anthony Disson

GRENFELL: CHWECH MIS AR ÔL

17

“Grenfell is a turning point not just for our communnity, but for communities right across the country.”

An interview with Moyra Samuels of Justice 4 Grenfell

A

COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Pictured: Left: Grenfell Tower. Source: PaulSHird (Via Flickr).

Right: Credit: Justice4Grenfell

Moyra first stated how much of the support in the immediate aftermath of the fire came from the community, as “people from across London,” came together in aid of those affected. She noted that it was community members who organised and set up donation centres, filling “40 warehouses,” with food, clothing and personal care products.

Community members housed the

£274m Kensington and Chelsea Town Council has around £274 million in reserves.

4,500

There are 4,500 children living in poverty in Kensington and Chelsea, many of these are working families.

MEDIA

Samuels described the community as struggling to deal with the immediate “trauma,” of the fire alongside the intrusive and harrassing nature of some media professionals, which led to a sense of distrust and hostility between the two groups. However, “people like Jon Snow, particular journalists from The Guardian, have been very sympathetic and put out very powerful stories.” This has highlighted the predicament in which residents were put, as “the nature and impact of the fire was not clear,” to journalists, who may not have realised the effect their questioning would have.

The media had been slow in responding to particular narratives emerging from the atrocity, and were criticised for being “so focused on politicians and celebrities that the voices of ordinary working class people were ignored.”

Samuels also highlighted how to the general public that it may appear as though the survivors were being “ungrateful” due to the “enormous climate of Islamophobia and anti-immigration” rhetoric. She also was keen to point out the impact that the atrocity has had on

local schools and the families of children, which deserves more attention.

It is not just the media who has continued to focus on the Grenfell. Immediately after the fire, celebrities such as Akala were quick to offer their support.

Samuels was extremely supportive and complimentary of how these figures have sustained their support for those affected. She added “Akala has supported from the beginning and people like Stormzy have made comments in some of his performances”. Such comforting actions by celebrities has been a welcome relief, and Samuels praised others like Lowkey “who was actually there on the night”.

At the end of the interview, we asked Moyra if she had anything in particular that she would say to the Government or to the KCTMO. If given the chance she would say “you have failed in your duty of care, you are indifferent to the needs of our community, you have shown persistent disdain for us, and you will not be allowed to continue in this way because we are a community that has found our voice and we realise that our lives are just as valuable as rich people”.

As a final closing remark, Moyra states how students should not take safety for granted and think that ‘things won’t happen to them’, because Grenfell has proven that atrocities can happen despite the efforts of people who campaign to highlight possible dangers.

40 Only 40 families made homeless have been permanately rehoused.

‘‘

We are a community that has found our voice and we realise that our lives are just as valuable as rich peoples’ lives.

The political response

Justice 4 Grenfell The campaign has four main objectives: 1) To remember and honour the victims.

2) Co-ordinate information about legal rights.

3) Campaign to hold all those responsible to account.

4) Create a unified community voice.

questioned “the imagination or willpower of the council to change.”

She added, “I don’t know how we can change a particular culture within a council [...] we want to see deeds being done which demonstrate a new culture is developing from the council toward social housing tenants.”

‘‘

Tanya Harrington and George Cook

s we approach six months since the Grenfell Tower Atrocity, the death toll has been revealed to be 71 and only 40 families made homeless have been permanently rehoused. There are still 203 displaced households who remain in hotels or B&Bs, including 40 children.

Gair Rhydd was fortunate enough to secure an interview with Justice4Grenfell Co-ordinator Moyra Samuels on the topics of the media and political response to the fire, as well as her thoughts on the future of the community.

affected for days before the council stepped in to formally organise places for people to stay. A few days after the fire occurred, the Red Cross were also called in to provide assistance to the pre-established community effort.

Moyra felt that communication efforts from the government were “appalling,” noting that they had to create a taskforce when they weren’t communicating effectively and had to deal with “chaos on the ground.” Information was either conflicting or not delivered at all, which led to confused residents facing negative treatment at the hands of officials who expected them to have been better informed. Despite Theresa May inviting residents to speak with her, actual community liaison officers have only recently been sent out to deliver information to survivors and evacuees. Some residents are doubtful as to how helpful interaction with May can be if practical state support is only now being implemented.

This political response has faced a mixed response from those affected.

With the memorial event on Thursday, there are concerns regarding the welcome some politicians may receive.

Samuels labelled it a “disgrace,” that Pagett-Brown and other councillors are still being paid despite ‘resigning.’

She was very pleased about the election of a Labour MP to the constituency for the first time in 44 years, which she said made her feel as though there had been some change. However, she

Mark Wyatt

T

he immediate fallout from the Grenfell fire was a surge in overwhelming public support for the victims and all affected by the tragic event.

But eyes were immediately drawn to Downing Street and the response of the country’s leadership as well as its leading politicians.

Theresa May promised that everyone affected would be rehoused within three weeks of the fire when

she visited the shell of Grenfell Tower on 15 June.

Fast-forward to six months later and four out of five families are still yet to be rehoused, according to support group Grenfell United.

May’s immediate response was to launch a public enquiry into the fire, but petitions still circulate across the internet demanding for the investigation to be led by a panel rather than Sir Moore-Bick and a legal team.

On the other side of the spectrum was leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn.

He openly condemned May’s response in his letter to her and spent a lot of his time working with support groups and calling for the empty private homes in Kensington to be “requisitioned if necessary” to home the survivors of the fire.

Corbyn visited the site of the fire on 14 June and followed this up with several visits to local community centres to talk to volunteers and victims.

Corbyn’s ‘ground work’ was largely popular with the public, who saw the Labour leader taking a much more active role in the community compared

Moving forward...

vided to even an adequate level. This

T

Jessica Warren week there is a national memorial to be

he tragic events of Grenfell may have faded into the past for some, but for the residents of the Tower, the future feels uncertain.

Six months on, and over 100 households have still not been housed, in a borough where there are over 1,000 empty properties; one of the richest boroughs in the country. The issue of housing is recognised as one of utmost importance by Justice4Grenell, as the services and help is not being pro-

held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, in order to commemorate the loss of over 70 lives.

Here, survivors and bereaved families, as well as senior church members and politicians have been invited, in the hopes that alongside respecting families, it will also push forward the media coverage over the forthcoming inquiry.

It is important to note that people of all ages have been affected by this atrocity, and those with PTSD from the night, especially children who witnessed the fire, will struggle into the

future. Many children have gone back to things like bed-wetting and not sleeping properly, from both PTSD and the instability of a lack of routine.

It is issues like these, the widespread, immeasurable impacts of the Grenfell atrocity that will take a long time to heal. Other issues that have been thrown into this uncertain future is the terrible school cuts occuring in the borough that nobody is focusing on.

By spending money on mental health, as due, cuts are being experienced by teaching assistants, and school services. The same services that know how

to Mrs May. London Mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement on the day of the fire expressing his devastation and praising the emergency services, but he was very concerned about what it meant for residents of buildings identical to Grenfell.

“These are some of the questions that have to be answered. We have lots of people in London living in tower blocks.

“We can’t have people’s lives being put at risk because of bad advice or lack of maintenance.”

to support these children who have experienced trauma.

Moving forward, it is important not to forget the atrocities of Grenfell, and the importance of the inquiry. People must be held accountable for the victims of the tower, for the families and children, but to ensure that events to this degree never occur again. Justice4Grenfell state that the atrocity is a “revelation to all of us of a neoliberal system in crisis”, revealing cuts in mental health services and fire services alike. The future cannot forget this.

18 SCIENCE

science NEWS

#GRScience science@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/science

‘Gotta catch ‘em all’?

Recent reports show that ‘Pokemon go!’ has led to an increase in car accidents in the US Ashavari Baral

P

okémon Go, the game that focuses around capturing Pokémon i.e. - cartoon creatures that overlaid onto the players’ surroundings via their smartphone has been one of the world’s most popular games since its launch in July 2016.

The games main aim is to engage the players with their surroundings and promote physical activity through catching Pokémon. This is leading to many disturbing side effects particularly – road accidents.

The game has been the cause of over 150,000 traffic accidents leading to the loss of two lives and not to mention up to $25.5 million worth of destruction. A recent study from researchers at Purdue University documented that there was a disproportionate increase in vehicular crashes and associated vehicular damage, personal injuries, and fatalities near locations called PokéStops, where users can play the game while driving. The study was conducted in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. It was found that half the accidents in the county had occurred at Pokéstops, despite developer Niantic doing their best to combat this by making the game unplayable at certain speeds.

Though the county is not accountable for the rest of the United States- as it has a majority of student population and therefore more unexperienced drivers, it is safe to say that localities where the game was played showed more unusual road activity with 134 crashes. Similar amounts of damage in counties throughout the U.S. are estimated to lead to $7.3 billion worth of destruction.

The effects have become so serious that the police have found young children trespassing on railway lines and on the road searching for Pokémon.

However, the main danger of the game was the increase in distracted drivers as well as pedestrians. Studies through Twitter and other social media platforms estimated that a total of 113,993 incidents had been reported where drivers and pedestrians had been distracted by the game.

Local thieves have also taken advantage of these distracted players by targeting them.

Other events include, road accidents, teenagers getting lost in

caves, a knife point robbery, multiple shootouts and many more disturbing incidents due to game that people are playing so addictively.

Researchers conclude by saying that “on an even sadder note, our analyses indicate that the county would have experienced two fewer traffic fatalities had Pokémon Go not been introduced”.

Police in both the US and the UK have advised people to not play the game when they are behind the wheel to avoid these accidents to themselves and people around them.

Breakthrough in canine communication Ever wondered why dogs lick their mouths?

Anna Dutton

F

or those who own a dog, or even a furry companion, they will notice that mouth-licking occurs very frequently. There has been a lot of discussion focusing on why dogs exhibit this behaviour, but recent research has brought a new interpretation to light. These findings suggest that our cute companions may be communicating with us more than we think.

In the past, this behaviour has been attributed to a canine stress-coping mechanism, a display of arousal, or a form of communication that signifies how our furry friends want to play with a toy or have a treat. Building on this, researchers in the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil have discovered that this common trait could be a dog’s best asset in assessing and communicating with their owners.

They created a study in which 17

healthy adult dogs were exposed to a series of video and audio cues that symbolise both negative and positive emotions. There were 2 screens, and the dogs were shown both happy and angry human faces, along with angry and happy dog faces. Audio cues all accompanied this. Any sign of mouth-licking was recorded as the dogs watched the presentation.

Results of the experiment found that, ‘visual cues triggered mouthlicking only’ as noted by Natalie Albuquerque. The dogs licked their mouths more when looking at humans as a response to negative human emotions.

The mouth-licking as much as doubled when unhappy behaviour was shown. These findings were published in Behavioural Processes, a journal in the field.

These findings are not new, but they suggest a heightened element of intimacy between man and his best friend. The researchers ventured a

step further and suggested that this behavioural trait surfaced as a consequence of canine domestication. They argue it has come about, as an evolution in communication between dogs and their co-habitants.

The group emphasise the importance of facial communication, and suggest it plays ‘a crucial role’ in the cognition of several creatures. Being able to distinguish between negative and positive facial expressions, is an important step in communication, as visual signs are relied on ‘extensively’ as the only way of talking to an animal.

The results of the above study follow the findings of a 2016 study, that found dogs can match recorded speech patterns, to a corresponding facial expression, another example of how communication between canines and humans, is more complex than we think.

In summary, these findings, and those of the 2016 study, highlight how

the relationship between dogs and humans is a very special one; both parties can understand messages.

Learning this is a very useful thing for dog owners, or even pet owners as it means our furry friends can understand us far more than we give them credit for!

Pictured: top right: pokemon by TAMHSC Photos via pixabay center: pokemon ball by 2funki4 wheelz via pixabay bottom: Dog (simple drawing)

by Gerald_G on openclipart

GWYDDONIAETH

19

Omega 3 to help management of diabetes and cut cardiovascular disease risk

Harry Bligh

S

cientists from Leeds Beckett University are undergoing research into whether omega 3 fatty acid supplements may help people with diabetes better control their condition.

The study is focussing on whether taking omega 3 supplements may help reduce risk factors of cardio vascular disease (CVD) of people with type 1 diabetes.

Scientists will look at how the body will respond to a diet of high fat and carbohydrate after six months of taking omega 3 supplements. Previous to this, taking the supplements has shown that taking supplements can reduce risk factors for CVD in people with type 2 diabetes. The team in Leeds seek to prove the same benefits occur with those living with type 1.

People with type 1 diabetes are at a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, a very serious illness that can reduce life expectancy and quality of life.

This is due to abnormalities in the metabolic and vascular functions which can be common with those suffering from diabetes and can be susceptible to diets that are high in carbohydrates and fat.

Previous research concluded that the n3-FA fatty acids in omega 3 supplements were successful in reducing CVD biomarkers in people with

CVD and type 2 diabetes.

“People living with type 1 diabetes can often find it a challenge to manage their diabetes at mealtimes, especially when eating some of their favourite foods.

This can have a negate impact on their cardiovascular disease risk, so its important that we investigate now, cost effective and pragmatic strategies that are accessible” - Lauren O’Mahoney The study, undertaken by Dr Matthew Campbell and Lauren O’Mahoney, will examine the glycaemic, lipaemic, inflammatory and vascular responses after a high fat/ carbohydrate diet over 6 months.

Over this six month period, volunteers will be split into two groups, first group taking omega 3 supplements during the test and the other group taking placebo supplements.

The volunteers will visit the testing laboratory after 3 and 6 months and then 3 months post-supplementation.

Blood samples will be taken from volunteers for 8 hours on each visit to analyse the blood content// and ultrasound scanning techniques on the neck and arm.

The team at Leeds Beckett hope that this study will have the potential to benefit people with type 1 diabetes to improve their long-term mealtime self-management strategies and help prevent their risk of cardiovascular disease.

20

ADVICE

advice

#GRAdvice advice@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/advice

The Christmas Present Guide Sarah Harris

C

hristmas is just around the corner and that means it’s about time to start buying gifts for everyone.

However, being students we’re somewhat limited to what we can buy with the £10 in our bank account. Especially when you have about a dozen people to buy presents for. However, the Advice team is here to help you make sure you get the perfect present for everyone on your list. We’ve got you covered.

1

Of course, the first thing on anyone’s list is a good old pair of socks. How can you go wrong?

In my opinion, you can never have too many pairs of socks. Last year my boyfriend got given a pair of striped red and white fluffy socks with little reindeer heads sticking out at the top. It’s safe to stay I stole them and they’re officially the comfiest pair of socks I now own.

2

Food. When I asked my friends what they would like for Christmas, 90% of them said they wanted something edible. Get them all a bag of chocolates from Poundland and I guarantee they will be satisfied. If they have a particularly acquired taste, Wally’s in the Royal Arcade has a huge range of snacks from all over the world and they’re prices are pretty decent too!

3

Gift cards are the best thing to get for people who are especially difficult to buy for. If you have no clue what to get them whatsoever, put £10 on an Amazon gift card or you could get a Post Office one which you can use in a wide number of stores or online. Being the makeup fanatic I am, I’m the happiest when I get MAC gift cards (hint, hint).

5

‘‘

We’re limited to what we can buy with the £10 in our bank account

4

Anything from Tiger! If you’ve been to Tiger in St David’s, you’ll know they have the weirdest and wackiest things. For my birthday, a friend got me a cookie mug, which is basically a mug with a hole in it to store your biscuits for dunking. I mean, you could use a plate but why would you when you have this mug?

Other items you find there include fake poo and miniature desk chairs. If you’ve never been, now is the time.

The older you get, the more you start to realise that sentimental gifts make the best kind of presents. Sometimes it’s better to put in the effort and give someone something meaningful rather than spend a load of money on them. For my friends 21st I gave her a box of letters she should open at various points in her life e.g. ‘read this when you’re sad’ or ‘read this when you graduate.’ Although it took a fair bit of time, she loved it.

Getting presents for people is probably the most stressful part of Christmas but once you get everyone out of the way, you can go back to enjoying the mulled wine and turkey.

Illustrations:

By Sammy Caps and Elliott Stubbs

‘‘

CYNGOR

21

A Cheerful Christmas in Cardiff

Emma Ogao

‘‘

There’s something for everyone under the traditional wooden stalls

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Cardiff has made its transformation into a glittering and sparkling city boasting an exciting array of events where you can soak up the festive atmosphere and get in to the Christmas spirit. From getting your skate on at Winter Wonderland, to singing your heart out with some Christmas carols, ‘tis the season for some fun, so here’s a short guide to all things Christmassy in Cardiff.

First up is Cardiff ’s Christmas Market! With over 200 exhibitors taking part, and over 80 stalls, the annual Christmas market promises to be vibrant and fun.

The market hosts both local and independent Welsh producers, who are selling beautiful and authentic hand crafted items that would make perfect Christmas presents!

There is also an extensive range of delicious food and drink available - From churros, welsh cakes and freshly made crepes, to bratwurst , mulled wine, chocolates and cheese. You will definitely not leave hungry! Whether you’re a foodie, or just looking to buy some last minute presents , there’s something for everyone

under the traditional wooden stalls and twinkling lights, so you should definitely head to the city center for some unique bargains and mouthwatering snacks (p.s: it’s only open until the 23rd of December!, so get there quick)

The markets host both local and independent Welsh producers, who are selling beautiful, hand crafted items.

If you need a break from browsing the Christmas market, you can take a short stroll over to Winter Wonderland, because Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without making your annual laps around the ice rink! Featuring a huge fun fair, even more scrumptious food and drink, live music and of course, a Ferris wheel - Winter Wonderland is a must-go this festive season. Even better, It’s very picturesque so you’re bound to snap some beautiful photos with the backdrop of City Hall. Entry is absolutely free so make sure you take a trip to winter wonderland this season , you’ve no excuse not to!

Fancy singing your heart out or soaking up the magic of Christmas carols? The Jazz society will be giving their annual festive showcase on the 6th of December from 7pm, at Cardiff University’s School of Music! It is one of the highlights of the year, so hop along for a lovely evening of jazz music with a Christmas twist.

Similarly, St.David’s Hall will also be showcasing a plethora of musical events this season, such as BBC Wales’ Carols for Christmas, and A Christmas Concert of Seasonal Music and Carols (in aid of CLIC Sergeant children’s charity). For more details on these events visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk and www.cardiffstudents.co.uk.

If you’re athletic, or missed the Reindeer run/Elf Dash, then don’t worry. You can lace up your trainers because the Light Up Christmas run is back! Dressed in your finest Christmas dress, this fun 5 kilometer run starts from the WaterGuard pub, and routes around the city. All runners receive a festive snack and a medal at the finish line. Plus, it’s all for a good cause! It’s on the 10th of December, and tickets go for £8.50 - the perfect event to go

to top of your Christmas extravaganza.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pictured: Cardiff christmas Source: Dai Lygad (via Flickr)

‘‘

How to have a successful Secret Santa Lydia Caunce

S

The secret isn’t such a secret anymore...

ecret Santa. A term that inflicts either happiness or dread in all that hear it. Those that love it clearly seem to know something that the rest of us don’t, and therefore these simple tips will make this festive season of giving so much easier.

When secret Santa is suggested, always make sure that you’ve established whether it’s a comical or personal gift that you are buying. You don’t want to be opening a thoughtful gift that is obviously catered just for you, whilst someone down the table is opening the ‘basketball net for the

back of the toilet door’ you bought from Tiger last minute. There’s no shame in simply asking if it’s a funny or serious present, and in the long run it may save you a lot of embarrassment at that Christmas meal in a week’s time.

If funny secret Santa is the route that your friendship group or work colleagues have taken, you’re in luck!

If by some unfortunate event you have ended up with someone that you don’t really know in the office, this is your official ‘get out of jail free’ card. You’re able to get something

quite generically funny from the likes of Tiger or, if you’re really pushing it for time, Lidl, and you will be able to get through this ordeal with no injuries. Something that will get a slight chuckle around the table at the work Christmas do is a key for success. Don’t think too much into it - if it makes you laugh at first glance, it’s probably a winner! However, always be cautious and make sure that you don’t take the joke just that step too far. Simplicity is the key in secret Santa humour.

There’s no shame in just simply asking if its a funny or serious present

‘‘

Don’t spend too much time stressing over whether you’ve got the perfect gift

Always establish a budget. This is something that should be done as soon as those names are picked out of that hat, and if you notice that no one has mentioned it yet, immediately speak up! No one wants to be that person who spends too much or too little on their secret Santa gift, as it does set everyone up for disappointment. Establishing a budget of around five to ten pounds creates a common ground in which you can buy something substantial enough

to not be complete shit, but you’re also not breaking the bank for someone you may not necessarily know.

Christmas may be the time of giving, but it is an expensive time and we do not need to be spending more money than necessary!

Secret Santa has its name for a reason. It’s supposed to be a secret! Why be a scrooge and ruin the festivities by telling everyone who you’ve got, and trying to figure out who they’re buying for? If it’s an intimate secret Santa with close friends, I understand it may be tempting, but it’s just not worth it. Just because you may be intrigued to find out who everyone is buying for doesn’t mean that they want you to know, and why ruin it if you’ll find out in a few weeks anyway?

When it all comes down to it, secret Santa is supposed to be fun. Don’t spend too much time stressing over whether you’ve got the perfect gift for someone, or panicking that you have no idea who you’re even buying for, because at the end of the day it’s a small present that you’re buying in exchange for another equally as small present. Have fun with it and act thrilled, even if you really didn’t need a back scratcher, as tis the season to be jolly and secret Santa is one of the many quirks that come with it.

Pictured: Christmas present Source: How I See Life (via Flickr)

‘‘