Palatinate 810

Palatinate Officially the UK’s Best Student Publication, 2018

Thursday 1st November 2018 | No. 810

Profile speak to this year’s Durham University Challenge team about the key to quiz success

www.palatinate.org.uk | FREE

Features analyses the success of Durfess, a year on from its creation

PhD student released on bail in UAE Clara Gaspar News Editor

▲ Hundreds of Durham students descended upon Palace Green on Friday to protest the 3.38% accommodation fee increase (Maddie Flisher)

Delayed Erasmus grant payments leave Durham students abroad without key funds • One student who waited two months to receive his grant described the process as “fairly shambolic” • The University maintains that “the process has gone smoothly” Anna Tatham News Editor Delayed Erasmus grant payments from Durham University have left many students living abroad with no additional funding.

Grants can be up to €450 per month for those undertaking work placements, some of which are unpaid, and many use this as method to pay rental costs and additional expenses associated with living in a foreign country.

The University website claims “students will normally receive their grant at the start of their placement or as soon as funds become available.”

Tom Mitchell had been living in

Paris for two months before receiving his grant last week and calls the process “fairly shambolic”.

He told Palatinate: “I just think they risk putting people in really difficult positions and it’s part of a trend of Durham being completely oblivious about students’ finances.”

Erasmus grants differ depending on the duration and type of year abroad placement, as well as the cost of living in the country.

For a typical nine month study period in the academic year 2017/18, students received a grant of €2,520, which equates to €280 per month.

Maddy Wattles has been study-

ing in Toulouse since 1st October, but has been told she will not receive her grant until mid-November. “[It] is inconvenient given that my Student Loan doesn’t cover my daily expenses here.

“But I haven’t had it as bad as people who arrived in September, or even earlier, who have had to wait months to receive their grant.

“I think the problem lies with my host university in Toulouse as well, because it took a long time for them to sign all the necessary documents. There should be better communication between Erasmus and the universities abroad.”

The Erasmus+ grant is provided by the European Commission how-

ever payments are made by the home institution.

Last year many students encountered similar issues with Erasmus grant payments, which, at the time, the University said was due to a staff member leaving the Exchanges & Study Abroad Team.

Students at other Universities, such as York, have told Palatinate they received their grants within two weeks of arriving abroad.

Professor Claire O’Malley, ProVice-Chancellor (Global) told Palatinate: “All students taking part in the Erasmus programme are advised that payment of the Erasmus Grant can take up to a month after a student has met...

Continued on page 5

A Durham University PhD student charged with spying by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been released on bail.

Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old Hatfield student, was reportedly held in solitary confinement for nearly six months, after being arrested on May 5th at Dubai Airport.

Hedges, who denies accusations of spying for the UK government, has been released but must remain in the UAE until his next trial on 21st November.

He has not been given his passport and must wear an ankle monitor.

Hedges’ wife, Daniela Tejada, said her husband was tired and “shocked by everything” but was in good spirits and is “glad to be breathing fresh air”.

The PhD student had travelled to the United Arab Emirates to conduct interviews regarding the Arab Spring’s impact on the UAE’s foreign policy and security strategy when he was accused of spying.

Hedges and his family have maintained that he is entirely innocent of these charges.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office has said it is “monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns”.

“Our staff are in close contact with Matthew’s wife, Daniela, offering her all possible support at what we appreciate is a hugely difficult time.”

A joint statement published last week by Durham and Exeter Universities said: “Durham and Exeter Universities are deeply concerned about the welfare of Matthew (Matt) Hedges, following his detention and impending trial in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Matt is suffering from significant health issues after more than five months in detention. His welfare and right to a fair trial are now the overriding concerns of both Durham and Exeter Universities. “

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Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

Editorial Students, customers or something in-between?

A

s you will have seen dominating our less than subtle front-page, accommodation fees are once again the centre of conversation on campus.

They are on the rise, and students are angry. A familiar situation. In fact, one which has faced Durham students every year for the best part of a decade.

Of the dozens of banners displayed during the protest on Palace Green last week, one which particularly caught my attention read “Students Not Customers”.

(See page 3 for photos).

This first struck me as straightforward and uncontroversial statement. But, upon closer reflection, I think it raises interesting questions about what exactly our status is as students. Are we merely consumers paying the University for a service in a business transaction? Or is there something more to higher education than that?

I think we can all agree with our Vice-Chancellor that “it’s a very expensive enterprise, university” and few would disagree that the higher education sector has undergone a radical transformation since the days Professor Corbridge attended University.

Tuition fees, which barely existed a generation earlier, now exceed £9,000 annually and, to add insult to injury, we are asked to pay nearly £8,000 for the privilege of living in one of Durham’s outdated, and sometimes rat-infested (see front-page), college rooms.

Clearly, we are living with the consequences of the marketisation initiative that has taken hold of the university sector. But with the increasing costs of attending University, can it really be said that we are getting more for our money?

Inside 810 News pages 4-6 Comment pages 7-10 Profile page 11 Politics pages 13-15 SciTech page 16 Sport pages 18-20

indigo ▲Palatinate was Highly Commended in the Best Student Publication category by the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme (The Today Programme) In Durham, the pursuit of University expansion has put a strain on the resources available to us all as students. We are paying the price for the drive to increase the size, and therefore profitability, of the student body.

In this sense, we are customers.

However, when it comes to the normal rights of a customer, we seem to be short-changed. Last year four weeks of the teaching timetable were disrupted by strike action undertaken by University lecturers and staff. This represented a University-wide failure to reach a compromise with the unions over pensions. And yet, it was us as students who paid the price. We didn’t get the teaching we paid for, but the prospect of any compensation was quickly dashed despite 5,000 Durham students signing a national petition.

It seems that we are customers only when it suits the University.

The accommodation fees do not match the quality or price that can be found in the private market because the University operates as a monopoly over first-year housing. Everyone wants to live in college and so everyone is forced to pay the ever-increasing rates.

Unfortunately, there seems to be

little prospect of this changing any time soon, despite the wellintentioned protests.

On page 10, Comment feature an interesting article on the value of accommodation protests which is well worth consideration.

On pages 13-15, Politics put all things Brexit under the microscope , while Profile speak to the University Challenge team on page 11.

I would like to round off this editorial on a congratulatory note. Last week this newspaper was Highly Commended in the ‘Best Student Publication’ category of the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme’s inaugural student journalism awards.

This achievement builds upon our remarkable success in the past year and we would like to thank each and every writer, editor and reader for making this happen.

Cameron McIntosh

Editorial page 2 Food and Drink page 3 Fashion pages 4 -5 Visual Arts page 6 Feautres page 7 Creative Writing pages 8 - 9 Stage page 9 Food & Drink pages 10-11 Visual arts pages 12-13 Creative writing page 14 Books page 15 Interview page 16

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NEWS: St Chad’s College renames Senior Man as JCR President Josh Barker, told Palatinate: “I think it demonstrates our commitment at Chad’s to being an inclusive community”.

FASHION: A first look at DU charity fashion show 2019 Palatinate Fashion spoke to President Pippa Tatton-Brown and other key members to get the finer details on what to look forward to.

POLITICS: Party conferences: the platform for future leaders Sophie Blitz argues that September’s Party Conferences sought to restore confidence between political leaders and the British electorate.

CREATIVE WRITING: Palatinate prose: Jack and Jill “But my favourite way to remember you by is the day we sat on the hill. Beneath us, trees shrugged their shoulders”

Palatinate is published by Durham Students’ Union on a fortnightly basis during term and is editorially independent. All contributors and editors are full-time students at Durham University. Send letters to: Editor, Palatinate, Durham Students’ Union, Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AN. Alternatively, send an e-mail to editor@palatinate.org.uk

Editorial Board Editors-in-Chief Cameron McIntosh & Julia Atherley editor@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Editors Millie Fender & Oscar Elmon deputy.editor@palatinate.org.uk News Editors Clara Gaspar & Anna Tatham news@palatinate.org.uk Deputy News Editors Madeleine Horton, Melissa Tutesigensi, Lydia Blundell & Naomi Clarke deputy.news@palatinate.org.uk Investigations Editor Joe Banfield investigations@palatinate.org.uk Comment Editor Madeleine Cater comment@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Comment Editors Holly Adams & Jacob Whitehead Profile Editor Ella Catherall profile@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Profile Editor Jamima Westermann Science & Technology Editors Ewan Jones & Charlie Hetherington scitech@palatinate.org.uk Politics Editors Alice Lassman & Sarina Rivlin-Sanders politics@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Politics Editors Jack Taylor & Matthew Spivey Sport Editor James Smith sport@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Sport Editors Ed Lord & Finlay Smart Indigo Editor Adele Cooke indigo@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Indigo Editor Alex Leggatt deputy.indigo@palatinate.org.uk Features Editor Kleopatra Olympiou features@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Features Editor Imogen Usherwood deputy.features@palatinate.org.uk Food & Drink Editors Rebecca Russell & Piers Eaton food@palatinate.org.uk Travel Editor Vacant travel@palatinate.org.uk Fashion Editor Anna Gibbs fashion@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Fashion Editors Ana Hamilton & Frankie Reffell Film & Television Editor Hugh Johnson film@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Film & Television Editor Alexander Priston Stage Editor Kishore Thiagarajan stage@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Stage Editor Martha Wrench Music Editors Tom Watling & Francesca Howard music@palatinate.org.uk Creative Writing Editor Rhiannon Morris creative.writing@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Creative Writing Editor Susie Bradley Books Editors Freya Neason & Shauna Lewis books@palatinate.org.uk Visual Arts Editor Stella Botes visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Visual Arts Editor Jo Chandler Interview Editor Zue Leong and Nathan Kelly Chief Sub-Editor Daisy Robinson Sub-Editors Heather Craddock, Ines Pandzic, Isabella Beaumont, Constance Castle & Freya Ellingsen Photography Editor Madeleine Flisher photography@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Photography Editors Claire Cortese and Yangjia Lin Deputy Illustrations Editors Charlotte Way, Akansha Naraindas & Holly Murphy Website Administrator Bilal Mohd web.admin@palatinate.org.uk Advertising Officer Harriet Willis

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PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

3

#RippedOff?

Hundreds attend protest against rising accommodation fees Lydia Blundell Deputy News Editor

Last Friday saw Durham’s largest #RippedOff protest yet.

It was fantastic to stand with hundreds of students, staff and local residents united in condemning the rip-off college fees that are pricing so many out of Durham. Special shout-out to the colleges that descended on Palace Green banging their pots and pans in a parody of matriculation! The size of the protest and the amount of press coverage (you may have spotted us on Look North), is a really strong demonstration to the University that they cannot ignore us. But this protest was only the beginning.

Keep following the Ripped Off Facebook page for updates on the campaign.

This week your Welfare and Liberation Officer Meg is relaunching our Pincident tool, so that those of you who have arrived in Durham this year can find out about this valuable resource. Pincident is an anonymous mapping tool which can be used by Durham students to record experiences of harassment, violence, assault or discrimination, as well as incidences of bystander intervention. Not everyone feels safe in Durham and Pincident gives us the tools to start doing something about it.

Find Pincident at durhamsu. com/pincident, grab a flyer from the giant pins wandering around Durham this week, or visit our stall outside the library on Friday 2 November.

And finally, just a quick update regarding last year’s UCU strike action. The docked pay of striking staff was placed in a fund to be used ‘directly for student benefit’. Some of the money has already been allocated to the University’s hardship fund and there’s £350,000 of this pot still to be allocated to spend this year.

This is a great opportunity to invest in improving the student experience and we’ll be seeking your feedback as to how that money might be spent. Let’s make sure this money is used in the best way for students!

George Walker

Hundreds congregated on Palace Green this afternoon for the “biggest ever” protest against rising accommodation fees, as part of the Ripped Off campaign.

A variety of livers-in, livers out and staff were seen carrying banners and clanging pots and pans.

The protests were in response to the University’s decision to raise college residence fees by 3.5% to £7,672 for the 2019/20 academic year.

One sign read, ‘Even Hatfield can’t afford these prices’ A number of speeches were heard before the crowds headed into the city to march against rising accommodation fees at the University.

Speakers included Clara Ohayon (President of St. Aidan’s College) George Walker (Durham Students’ Union President), Victoria Ashfield (Parish Councillor for Elvet and Gilesgate), David Evans (Postgraduate Student Officer) and the Assistant Professor of Geography at Durham University.

One sign read, ‘Even Hatfield Can’t Afford these Prices,’ whilst another reported, ‘F*** the Vice Chancellor.’

Others alluded to the poor state of accommodation, with signs reading, ‘Do the rats cost extra?’ and ‘Do we pay extra for the mould?’.

Durham University Labour Club co-chair Kate McIntosh told Palatinate: “This is, without doubt, the biggest protest that Durham has seen for years and I think it really shows how angry and pissed off people are.

“Durham has consistently, as a University, chosen to exclude poorer students, students from working-class backgrounds and local students from attending the University.”

The protest follows the Parish Council meeting on 25th October which saw a unanimous vote

against the university’s planned increase in accommodation fees.

“I’m really encouraged to see the number of young people here today” “I’m really encouraged to see the number of young people here today… a huge number of people making very sensible comments… they’re seeing the bigger picture and the wider situation in the city.” Victoria Ashfield, representing the council, told Palatinate.

David Evans, who first became a student at Durham in 2009, has witnessed the rise of

accommodation prices over the last decade and said: “The success of this one has been in really working with the colleges.”

He said the campaign succeeded to “bring also the local community together and staff, to show that really, every member of this community is against these increases.”

Dr Siobhan McGrath, Assistant Professor of Geography and UCU member, praised the actions of students and commented on the poor treatment of staff by the University in relation to pension and pay.

In her speech, she told students, “this is your education right here,” and stated, “we are re-learning how to fight.”

“The biggest protest that Durham has seen in years” George Walker told Palatinate he felt “really positive” about the turnout.

“I’m really pleased with how today went… this is the biggest protest we’ve had for the Ripped Off campaign.

“There’s a lot of energy, a lot of optimism. I think people are really showing [that] they’ve had enough about the rise in college fees, and that they won’t accept this any

Photographs by Maddie Flisher longer.”

Walker promised that this would not be the end of the process, and the campaign would continue to lobby against the University until they get a response.

“

This is your education right here

”

He anticipates “bigger” action on future open days.

Over 250 have signed the Ripped Off petition thus far, and a book is to be left out in Riverside Bar in the Students’ Union for students to add their signature.

A Durham University spokesperson said: “The University is listening to both students and applicants and this is why it has developed The Durham Grant – available to home undergraduates from lowincome families. We are constantly seeking to expand these forms of support, as much as possible.”

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Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

News

Durham Students’ Union apologises for “unfair and undemocratic” dismissal of student editor in transphobia row Clara Gaspar News Editor Durham Students’ Union has deemed the firing of assistant editor of Critique and General Editor of The Bubble “unfair and undemocratic”.

In September, Angelos Sofocleous was removed from his roles at Durham’s Philosophy Society journal, Critique, and The Bubble after posting a tweet that read: “RT (retweet) if women don’t have penises” linked to an article on the same subject in The Spectator.

He was later sent an email from the President of the Philosophy society notifying him that he had been removed from his position following a vote by the society. The email stated that his comments were “transphobic” and served to “belittle trans experiences” while

leaving “no room for or to promote any fair discussions.”

After his dismissal from his offices as assistant editor of Critique and General Editor of The Bubble, Sofocleous filed a formal complaint to Durham’s Students’ Union regarding his “unfair treatment”.

The matter was subsequently investigated, and in a letter addressed to Angelos Sofocleous from the Chief Executive of Durham Students’ Union, Sofocleous’ dismissal from the institutions was deemed “procedurally incorrect”, “unfair and undemocratic”.

In the letter from Durham Students’ Union, Sofocleous was told:

“I make no judgement as to the merits of your statements or actions in this complaint outcome.

“You are entitled to hold and express these views.

“The Societies were also entitled to react to your free speech with their own expression of free speech, including a vote of no confidence.”

The letter added, “This is, in my view, an indication of a healthy democratic environment - as long as both sides are heard. This did not happen in your case.”

A post of apology has also been published on the Students’ Union website, reading, “After investigation, Durham SU wishes to apologise to Angelos Sofocleous for the process used to remove him from the roles of Deputy Editor of The Bubble and Assistant Editor of the Philosophy Society Journal, Critique, for which Durham SU is

Hughes said he would require both Critique and The Bubble to publish an apology for their actions on the Durham SU website.

Sofocleous told Palatinate: “It is encouraging to see that there are still mechanisms in place through which justice is delivered, securing that a person is free to exercise their freedom of thought and speech. Democratic principles have prevailed over authoritarian tactics.”

When asked if he would consider taking up his role at Critique again, Sofocleous stated, “It is doubtful that they will offer to

College Officers decided to close the College Bar on Wednesday 17th October following a routine police inspection.

University Liaison Officer Rebecca Carey of Durham Constabulary, told Palatinate: “We are working closely with Durham Uni-

versity to offer support and advice on this matter.”

In an email to students, Van Mildert College reiterated that the University does not allow any type of drinking games, which includes activities which encourage the consumption alcohol “at a rapid

rate” or pressurises individuals to drink.

It also stated that failure to comply with Bar regulations may result in being banned from the College Bar, and College or University disciplinary action being taken.

The dismissal was deemed “procedurally incorrect” and “unfair and undemocratic”

the controlling body and the publisher.”

Critique and The Bubble will both be required to publish an apology

put me back in position, but it is unlikely that I will accept such an offer.

“There is nothing personal with anyone involved in Critique or The Bubble, but since the firings I have been involved in other projects, including joining another university newspaper, and starting a philosophy podcast, and a philosophy journal.”

(Angelos Sofocleous via Facebook)

Van Mildert bar reopens a week after police recommended closure

Anna Tatham News Editor Van Mildert College Bar has reopened after its closure last week due to actions by a group of students which were “in breach of the University’s Codes of Practice and Conduct, as well as the College bar’s licensing conditions.”

Club or society socials are now forbidden from taking place in the College Bar or JCR for the rest of Michaelmas Term, and the Bar will only be available for use by Van Mildert College students until the end of this term.

The bar will no longer be serving pitchers, and wine will served by the glass only, other than for formal dinners.

▲ Van Mildert College (Durham University)

“Following police advice, College officers decided to close the College bar”

The College Officers said: “Van Mildert Bar has a reputation of being welcoming and very well run.

“It is incumbent on us all to ensure the continuance of an inclusive and safe environment and to re-establish our excellent reputa-

tion for the benefit of College now and in the future.

“The closure was to ensure that measures are in place which clearly demonstrate that we are fulfilling our licensing objectives.”

Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience), previously told Palatinate: “We take these matters extremely seriously, as we strive to ensure our University environments and college communities are friendly, safe, and respectful for all students, staff, and visitors.

“Following police advice, College Officers decided to close the College Bar, which will remain closed while investigations continue. We cannot comment further while investigations are underway.”

Parish Council votes unanimously against accommodation fee increase

Clara Gaspar News Editor Durham City Parish Council voted unanimously for a motion that condemned Durham University’s proposal to further increase accommodation fees.

The full motion was from Councillor Carole Reeves for Neville’s Cross Ward, and it proposed, “Durham University have recently announced a further increase in college accommodation fees. Rising to £8,149 per year for catered en-suite, this means Durham will continue to have amongst the highest accommodation fees in the country outside of London.

Alongside the impact this has

in terms of pricing out low income students and many of the local area who might otherwise aspire to attending the university, this increase will only further fuel the overheated market in HMOs, risking more houses on our residential streets converted for student occupancy. This both undermines the strength of the community in the City of Durham and makes it harder for young local residents to find housing within the City.

The City of Durham Parish Council condemns this increase and commits to write to Durham University to express our opposition to this rise and our belief that only a freeze in college accommodation fees can address the crisis in affordability for Durham students and the crisis in housing for

local residents.”

The motion was proposed in the light of Durham University’s announcement that college residence fees will rise by 3.5% to £7,672 for the 2019/20 academic year.

“

Durham will continue to have the highest accommodation fees in the country outside of London

”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Jonathan Elmer of Neville’s Cross Ward.

Councillor Reeves said that students in Durham “tend to be seen as ‘the other’” but told councillors that “this will affect you as well”.

Although the University has stated that the 3.5% increase in charges is in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a standard rate estimate of inflation, Reeves argued that “the University is duplicitously using the wrong type of inflation to measure” fee increases.

Councillor Saul Cahill for Durham South, also Undergraduate Academic Officer at Durham Students’ Union, added, “I’m from Washington, from a working-class family with a single mother and I’d just like to state the fact that I

wouldn’t be able to afford to come to Durham now.”

Councillor Reeves said students in Durham “tend to be seen as ‘the other’” but told councillors that “this will affect you as well”

George Walker, President of Durham Students’ Union, attending the meeting, stated: “When the University is the biggest landlord in the City, and they’re charging such high fees for college accommodation, that is what allows landlords to get away with charging, still, incredibly high rents for completely substandard accommodation in the City.”

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

5

News

Only 44% turnout for Durham UCU in strike ballot Madeleine Horton Deputy News Editor University and College Union (UCU) members at Durham University have failed to reach the required turnout for strike action in their recent ballot over pay due to a voter turnout of 44%.

Despite this, 66.5% of votes cast were in favour of industrial action.

Just 44% of the 992 University of Durham UCU members voted in the ballot. This was 64 votes short of the required 50% mandated by trade union law. The result means that the proposed industrial action is unlikely to take place.

On Twitter, Durham UCU said that they were “disappointed” by the result.

The proposed strike was to protest issues of low pay, casualisation, workload, and the gender pay gap within educational institutions.

The University and College Union, which works to represent academic and university staff, held the Higher Education ballot nationally

among UCU members within 110 colleges in England and 147 UK universities.

Members of the UCU took to Twitter to voice their anger at the ‘restrictively high’ threshold required for ballot results, which was set by the 2016 Trade Union Act. A swell in membership on the USS strike was also blamed for making the threshold harder to achieve.

Nationally, 69% of UCU members voted to back the proposed strike action, however only 7 institutions had managed to reach the 50% threshold. These institu-

tions were; Brighton, Courtauld, Herriot-Watt, Huddersfield, Leeds Arts, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

It appears unlikely that UCU will initiate strike action at these institutions following the low voting turnout.

Pay for academics has been the primary point of protest for the UCU, with members arguing for a wage rise to match the 3.5% offered to school teachers by the government.

The Universities and Colleges’ Employers Association made a (Chris Bertram via Flickr)

final offer of 2% during pay talks back in May. In response, the Union said that the offer does little to address the falling value of higher education pay, which has declined in real terms by 21% since 2009.

66.5% of votes were cast in favour of strike action, however the threshold of 50% turnout was not met

Student groups have responded by expressing their relief that disruption to teaching will not take place, while remaining sympathetic to the difficulties suffered by academics.

Lewis MacKenzie, Chemistry Department Representative for Durham UCU, said: “I think that it is very pertinent to note that the ballot turnout was actually really good from a historic level.

“The problem is that laws introduced by the Tory government have meant that any ballot requires 50% returns from all members before any industrial action can be taken.”

Jon Bryan, Regional Support

Official for UCU, stated, “It was disappointing that we were were not able to reach the 50% turnout needed to take industrial action at Durham University.

“However, 4 out of every 5 members who voted indicated that they wished to take some form of action in support our national claim on pay, equality and casualisation issues.

“This shows a good strength of feeling, but one which sadly was unable to push us past the thresholds set by the trade union laws, which were designed to frustrate attempts to take action, which we can see quite clearly from this result.”

He added, “UCU Representatives and active members will have been disappointed by the result, but that does not indicate that our membership are content with the way things are.

“Our representatives at Durham University will be feeding into the national discussions taking place about where we go next, as the result of this industrial action ballot does not mean that we have accepted what is on the table.”

University does “not tolerate initiation ceremonies of any sort”

Clara Gaspar News Editor Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, has said that Durham University does “not tolerate initiation ceremonies of any sort.”

The comment was made in light of the death of Newcastle University student Ed Farmer, 20, who died in hospital in December 2016 following a cardiac arrest caused by the consumption of excess alcohol.

Farmer was taken into hospital following an “initiation-style” bar crawl for the Newcastle Univer-

sity’s Agricultural Society, during which a round of 100 triple vodkas had been ordered at one of the pubs on the bar crawl.

Mr Farmer’s family have criticised Newcastle University over its stance towards initiation-style events.

“Ed’s is not the first utterly needless and wasteful death to come about through this potentially fatal practice,” he said.

Newcastle University said it would be “reflecting carefully on all that we have learned at the inquest.”

An anonymous student told Pa-

latinate of a “humiliating” initiations experience back in May, which involved head shaving, incidents of nudity and forced consumption of large quantities of alcohol.

“The events of preseason almost led me to drop out of the University before I had even experienced freshers’ week”.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor added that the club that organised said initiation ceremony, in which a student had oil poured into his eye, had been fined and players were suspended from playing competitively.

The rankings reveal that Law is 42nd following from last year’s 51st place.

Social Science subjects including Geography, Sociology and Government and International Affairs now place at 45 on the rankings.

tional outlook’.

To ensure independent and balanced judgement, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit the calculations of the rankings.

Professor Tim Clark, Pro-ViceChancellor for Social Sciences & Health, at Durham University, states: “I am extremely proud that Durham’s subjects continue to improve and are ranked among the very best in the world.”

▲ Newcastle University are “reflecting carefully” (Wikimedia Commons)

Law and Social Sciences in global top 50

Melissa Tutesigensi Deputy News Editor The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2019 places University faculties such as Law and Social Sciences within the top 50 in the recent global subject rankings.

▲ The School of Education (Durham University)

“I am extremely proud that Durham’s subjects continue to improve”

Education remains in the World Top 100 having retained 51st place in the rankings.

The ranking system is devised to judge ‘research-intensive universities’ across various parameters including: ‘teaching, research, knowledge transfer and interna-

Education remains in the world top 100

“The latest league table results build upon our continued success in world subject rankings and demonstrate the value to students

of a Durham University education by recognising our strengths in key areas such as research and teaching.”

Earlier this year Durham achieved a record number of subjects in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2018 with nine in the World Top 50 and a further seven in the World Top 100.

“

The latest league table results build upon our continued success

”

...Continued from front page the requirements - through submitting the full grant documentation.“The process has gone smoothly and we are pleased to say that students can expect their grant instalments within the stipulated timeframe, once all the required documentation has been received by the International Office.

“We offer important financial support to all students who wish to study abroad to help them realise their ambition.

The Erasmus Grant contributes to the additional costs incurred by living abroad, however all students taking part in the programme are made aware that it will not cover the full cost of this.”

6

Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

News

Student health campaigner honoured by Prime Minister Naomi Clarke Deputy News Editor Durham University student Sophie Ainsworth, who campaigns to raise awareness of invisible illnesses in schools and education, has been honoured by the Prime Minister Theresa May with the ‘Points of Light’ volunteering award.

Sophie, 19, an English literature undergraduate, founded the Raising Awareness of Invisible Illnesses in Schools and Education (RAiISE) project, after being diagnosed with lupus at age 14.

Over 11 million people have a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability

Lupus is an autoimmune disease which causes the body’s immune system to attack a person’s own tissues and organs. This can lead to joint pain, making it difficult to walk or write, chest pain and breathing difficulties, and serious fatigue. These issues - and a lack of support from school - can render daily life a challenge.

Sophie told Palatinate that she faced an all too familiar situation for many students with invisible illnesses.

She was seen as “lazy” and had “many complaints about my attendance but in reality, I was just really unwell.”

She noted how she “spent a lot of time at the hospital and when I was able to make it in, the lack of support made the situation even more stressful.”

A 2015 report showed that there are over 11 million people with a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability.

Many impairments are not immediately visible.

Sophie used her experience as the drive to make a change.

Shortly after leaving high school she founded RAiISE, an organisation which aims to empower those with an invisible illness to “take control of their own health”.

RAiISE aspires to “improve the standard of care given to young people with invisible illnesses in school, college, and university”.

They also plan to create education resources to teach education professionals a series of strategies and techniques in order to support affected students.

These will include booklets and providing training sessions on subjects such as Middle Health Frist Aid, hopefully to be piloted in the Spring.

“I’ve had brilliant support from the university disability services, as well as my own department”

This work has been recognised

by Prime Minister Theresa May, who in a letter to Sophie, said: “The Points of Light programme recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a real difference in their communities.

“Through RAiISE you are changing the mindset of teachers and peers who misunderstood your lupus diagnosis. Your organisation is challenging the misconceptions

of invisible illnesses and giving young patients and their families invaluable support.

“Up and down the UK volunteers like you are helping to build a country that works for everyone.

The Point of Light award is a small thank you on behalf of the whole country, in recognition of your exceptional service.”

“Up and down the UK volunteers like you are helping to build a country that works for everyone”

In response to receiving the reward Sophie told Palatinate “I’m so excited about the award and for my work to be recognised at such a high level. It’s vital that we get visibility for so many conditions which are ‘invisible’ and hopefully receiving this award will be a fantastic step in the right direction to achieving this.’

Sophie is a member of Josephine Butler College, Durham University.

The college Principal, Professor Adrian Simpson, said that: “Everyone in the College will be very proud of Sophie’s achievement.

“The award she has received is not only apt recognition of her efforts, but will inspire all our other students and staff who undertake volunteering and charitable activities in the local community and nationally.”

Sophie noted that university life was a “huge challenge”, especially for someone with a chronic illness; “There are definitely difficult days with balancing work load and all the social aspects of uni, but it’s

▲ Sophie is a member of Josephine Butler College (Sophie Ainsworth) all about learning about your body and knowing your limits.”

Moreover, Sophie told Palatinate: “I’ve had brilliant support from the university disability services, as well as my own department who have put in a place a lot

Gilesgate to University bus service relaunched

Lydia Blundell Deputy News Editor

▲ The pink bus is running up to every 20 minutes, 6 days a week (Bill Free Homes)

adjustments. Most importantly for me is that I have understanding from my tutors.”

The S1 Durham bus service has been relaunched as the Pink Bus service, connecting Gilesgate, Claypath and Elvet with the University.

Students from the residential areas of Ernest Place, Chapel Heights and Kepier Court in Gilesgate will be able to get to their lectures within ten minutes as a result of the new scheme.

The availability of this route will open up housing options as accommodation further afield is made more feasible by the new service.

For students living more centrally or in college, the bus is ideal for shopping trips to Tesco Extra, Lidl and Aldi, with the bus running up to every 20 minutes 6 days a week.

A variety of payment options are in place for using the Pink Bus service. Stu-

dents can opt for a pay as you go option of £30, or you can commit to a monthly fare of £23.

To encourage students to make this investment, the service is offering free student taster weeks on the weeks commencing 15th October, 22nd October and 29th October. You can register for this taster online, but there are only 250 places available.

The new service has the support of Bill Free Homes, Mansion Student, Studious IM and Durham County Council, as well as the university’s Green Travel Office. Peter Smith, director of Bill Free Homes told Palatinate: “This is more of a community service than a commercial operation and we are proud to assist the operators in their efforts, we hope that with a good uptake it will run for years to come!”

More details can be found at www. thepinkbus.co.uk and apps can be downloaded at Android and Apple app stores.

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November

How effective is protest in the social media age?

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You’re not inadequate: My experience with imposter syndrome Oscar Elmon

Prior to arriving at Durham, I saw my university experience as a sort of end goal; the one summit on which all of my hopes, not to mention hours of revision, were pinned. It came as a surprise to me, therefore, that upon starting university, I questioned whether I had made a mistake.

After the blur of Freshers’ week had ceased and term was truly under way, any sense of achievement I held having secured my place at Durham was instantly replaced with a burning sense of inadequacy.

There was no plausible way that I could be good at everything I don’t doubt that socially I’ve had the best year of my life and made friends I will keep forever, but initially I couldn’t help but feel as though every conversation was laced with some underlying sense of competition; even if this was entirely in my head.

It wasn’t until far too long into my struggle to function under

this pressure that I recognised these feelings for what they undoubtedly were – Imposter Syndrome. More simply, Imposter Syndrome is a “psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’.”

I couldn’t help but feel every conversation was laced with some underlying sense of competition Be it an academic essay, an audition for a music ensemble, or applications for summer internships, every element of my involvement at university was tainted with this anxiety-inducing notion that someone, somewhere was doing a better job than me.

Not only did this feeling mean that I mounted unnecessary pressure on myself, but it meant that I no longer enjoyed the commitments I did participate in, for they became more about proving my worth than they did about enjoying myself, or exploring any genuine interests.

In this sense, one of my biggest mistakes was feeling as though I needed to excel at everything. So many of us try and take on so many

extra-curricular activities that at times, it’s easy to forget that we’re here primarily to study.

I found it incredibly difficult to come to terms with the fact that there was no plausible way that I could be good at everything.

I have only recently come to the realisation that real maturity comes not from painstakingly juggling all of these commitments, but from recognising your own limits, and allowing yourself the time to excel at a smaller number of tasks, and more importantly, to actually enjoy them instead of viewing them as another ingredient in a warped recipe for social validation.

Of course, there are silver linings to feelings of pressure; in fact, I’m sure many of us wouldn’t be here had we not placed a certain level of pressure on ourselves. Equally, under no circumstances am I trying to rationalise lethargy, but in order to rise above what can be, at times, a toxic and competitive environment, we need to learn to work hard for the right reasons.

To expect this pressure to disappear overnight is in many cases unrealistic, but at the very least I have found it incredibly helpful to channel it into a routine of positive goal-setting. Working

hard to achieve a personal goal is fine, but the moment you let this pressure define you instead of drive you, it is easy to become overwhelmed with a detrimental and unjustified sense of inadequacy.

There is no doubting that each and every student at Durham, or any other university for that matter, holds a place on account of their own merit. I would argue that the average Durham student would be considered a ‘high achiever’, and yet despite having accomplished more than most, this pervading feeling of unworthiness still prevails.

Social media can also exacerbate these pressures The key here is in the word feeling, because Imposter Syndrome is without doubt caused not by our achievements, or lack thereof, but how we feel about them within the context of academia and university life.

I believe there are a number of positive steps that can be taken to help alleviate these feelings.

Simply recognising that they are not unusual, and that more people than you realise go through the

very same issue, can be liberating in itself. Learning to see yourself in this context and realising that often the egotism of people you meet comes from their own insecurity makes it much easier to accept the validity of your own achievements.

Social media can exacerbate pressures Social media can also exacerbate these pressures; viewing other people and their achievements through the rose-tinted filter of an Instagram feed goes a long way in making the most cynical of people start to doubt themselves. Cutting down on social media usage, or perhaps considering allocating yourself a certain amount of phone-free time each day can be more rewarding than you’d think.

Finally, recognise your own accomplishments, and remember that other people’s strengths by no means devalue your own by default. If we all strived to the same goals as one another, then our achievements wouldn’t stand out at all, so focus on what makes you unique; these qualities define you far more than the pressure to reach a ‘perfect’ ideal that nobody truly attains.

The inhumane treatment of refugees is being carried out in your name Ellie Vincent At the end of summer I spent one month volunteering in Calais with the charity Help Refugees. The humanitarian crisis occurring on our doorsteps is shocking yet equally it is difficult to articulate the incredible humanity and resilience of the refugees and aid workers.

There are around 1700 sleeping rough in Northern France Since the ‘Jungle’ was dismantled Calais has left the spotlight, yet the need is still desperate: there are around 1700 refugees sleeping rough in Northern France including 150 unaccompanied minors.

The majority of people come from Eritrea, Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

I witnessed police brutality and harassment such as refugees being bruised from police man-handling.

70% of the refugees at Calais said they had been tear-gassed that week, according to a survey

conducted by Refugee Rights Europe.

In my third week a camp of eight hundred Kurds in Dunkirk, including eighty children, were ‘cleared’ by the authorities.

I have never felt such anger as witnessing crying children being ‘moved along’ by armed police.

They were taken to accommodation yet there was complete lack of communication and a miscalculation of numbers, which meant that two busloads were driven around for eight hours before being dropped back in Dunkirk.

During the clearance normal food distributions were forbidden yet the community kitchen assembled 1500 meals and handed them out until midnight out to the hungry and disorientated families.

In the same week as the clearance, the women and children’s refugee centre was partly burnt down.

The pictures of spoilt black tents, nappies and clothes were bitterly depressing.

Yet the resilience was incredible.

The eight charities who work together at the Help Refugees warehouse co-ordinated to help the woman’s centre, thirty thousand

pounds were raised in three days, and one woman drove between Calais and Exeter five times bringing donations from the hospital where she worked.

I have never felt such anger as witnessing crying children being ‘moved along’ by armed police I taught English and French at a community centre and felt inspired from talking to Professor Mekki Ali, President of the Sudanese Centre Culture for France, who explained to me how he tries to keep up morale by organising poetry and art within the communities.

After a couple of days ‘in the field’ it no longer feels right to say refugees, because they are people, I spoke to students, actors, mothers, brothers. Several shorter-term volunteers deferred their degrees or quit their jobs to stay the winter.

The colder weather is creeping in and the bulk of volunteers were returning to jobs or studies meanwhile the demand is still vital.

For instance, there is a chronic shortfall of shoes. There were so few we could no longer distribute

them as we did not have enough to do it fairly. This sounds just and reasonable.

What can we do? If you can spare even a couple of days every volunteer is essential.

We can put political pressure on our government (such as writing to our MP demanding what they are

refugee families abroad and in Durham. Most of us have a spare hoodie wondering around: there are multiple volunteer coordination groups on Facebook to get donations to Calais.I am no expert on the complicated geopolitical situation regarding

doing for refugees).

Durham Amnesty society is working really hard on their ‘I Welcome’ refugee campaign and campaigning for the refugee family reunion bill.

Durham Help Refugees society is doing incredible work supporting

asylum, refugees and migrants.

All I know is that there are people fleeing conflict and persecution suffering on our doorstep and we will be on the wrong side of history if we ignore them.

Photograph: mammovies via Flickr

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Black, poor, gay: why we need to stop labelling Sophie Rainbow

‘Describe yourself in three words’.

A sentence which never fails to elicit a few groans and eye rolls in a room full of strangers, but something which we are probably all guilty of doing when we first meet someone.

What colour is their hair?

Which college are they at? Is that the girl with the glasses, or the man with the bald patch?

As humans, we love putting other humans in little boxes.

We like compartmentalising these new acquaintances. It helps us to make sense of what is an otherwise confusing blur of faces and voices and bodies.

“If we allow people room to grow, they may flourish

”

It makes us feel comfortable, assigning characteristics to people who, in reality, we know nothing about.

The author James Baldwin

was once famously described in three words: black, poor, and gay.

The journalist conducting the interview not only took the liberty of describing Baldwin in this way, but then asked Baldwin directly: ‘You must have said to yourself, “Gee, how disadvantaged can I get?”’.

Baldwin laughs this off and replies: ‘No, I thought I had hit the jackpot’.

Despite his good humour, Baldwin didn’t really believe this to be true.

Society had put him into a box which he spent his whole career trying to fight his way out of.

His whole identity became condensed into these three reductive words.Being black, poor, and gay is not a bad thing, it is simply that Baldwin wanted people to see him for more than that.

“If one’s to live at all, one’s certainly got to get rid of labels” He wanted to be known for more than three of his characteristics.

He didn’t want to be unfairly stereotyped or compartmentalised just for the colour of his skin or his sexuality or his economic background. He even moved to Europe at age 24 to escape the picture that had been painted of him in America.

He claimed that he didn’t want to be seen purely as ‘a Negro writer’; he just wanted to be seen as himself.

As he claimed in The Last Interview and Other Conversations: “I was not born to be what someone said I was. I was not born to be defined by someone else, but by myself and myself only.”

Unfortunately, Baldwin’s legacy is yet to rid itself of these particular labels.

Put people in boxes and they may never escape them Put people in boxes, and often they never escape them.

If we constantly tell people that they are something, they sometimes start to believe it.

In fact, this self-fulfilling prophecy is well-documented in recent psychological studies.

In one such study, Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson selected completely random students in an elementary school and told their teachers that they had passed a test designed to determine ‘academic bloomers’, (children who would supposedly flourish academically over the next year).

A year later, they returned to find that the children who had been randomly selected as the supposed ‘academic bloomers’, especially the younger children, had now

actually overtaken their peers by an average of 10-15 IQ points.

Because their teachers had believed these children to be more promising than their peers, and had treated them accordingly, the experiment became a clear example of the selffulfilling prophecy of labelling.

Tell children they are more intelligent, and they actually become more intelligent.This may not seem like such a bad thing, but the practice of labelling often has far more damaging results.

Take the case of Tawny Garcia’s Labels and the Effects on Deviance, for example, in which Garcia demonstrates that young people who are more prone to internalising labels become more likely to involve themselves in deviance.

to restrictive boxes and describing them in a few inane words.

No person can ever really be done justice in three words.

If we allow people a little more room to grow, they might flourish. Or in James Baldwin’s words: “If one’s to live at all, one’s certainly got to get rid of labels”.

HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION?

Tell us what you think by emailing us at comment@ palatinate.org.uk

The author James Baldwin was once famously described in three words: black, poor, and gay ‘Deviance’, in Garcia’s terms, covers anything from petty theft to terrorism.

Telling someone that they are less worthy, less capable, or inferior in any way to their fellow people can have an extremely damaging effect. In short, we need to stop labelling people.

We need to stop confining them Tullio Saba via Flickr

Not what, but who: how present is nepotism in Durham Abi Smith-Buckle As the new year approaches, students and young people will start applying for spring internships and placements. But It is not only the blossoming of new flora that begins to appear; a certain brand of favouritism also starts to rear its head. The question is, is it beautiful or ugly, and can anything be done to tackle it?

Is nepotism a problem that even needs to be solved?

With an etymology that stems from the Italian word nepotismo, based on the Latin term nepos meaning ‘nephew’, nepotism has been a feature of society since the Middle Ages.

Even up until the late 17th century, Catholic popes and bishops, who had taken vows of chastity and therefore had no offspring of their own, would grant their nephews important clerical positions simply as a matter of familial preference.

Fast forward to the 21st century, nepotism has seen favour granted to relatives in various fields, from business and politics to entertainment and sport.

What of resumes, CVs or formal applications, then? A 2015 study by the Debrett’s Foundation found 7 in every 10 young people aged 16-25 use family connections to get their first job, while those from families of a more comfortable socio-economic background get their children prestigious work experience to aid their job hunt.

It may be subtle, but with such a high proportion of individuals utilising these ‘networking’ prospects, it is difficult to contest that opportunities, whether with regards to placements or full-time employment, are ever solely meritocratic.

No matter who we are, if we could, we would, and do Whilst this may not be intrinsically negative, in that it serves to promote strong family connections and good continuity, it can also be deeply damaging for the equally able but less well-connected, leaving

them in a catch-22; unable to find employment for lack of experience, and unable to acquire experience through placements and internships.

The detrimental effects are not just idiographic; nepotistic behaviour restricts company diversity too. Possible solutions have been voiced, including greater transparency on employment procedure, as well as public bodies being encouraged to invest in outreach schemes for disadvantaged students. For

example, the Law Society offers access programmes that subsidise the study fees of less privileged students whilst also providing them with work experience.

Yet, is nepotism a matter that even needs to be solved?

Not only is hiring relatives straightforward, leading to more of what is known as “swift trust”, but like a perpetuating circle, the more firms who engage in this bias, the greater its inevitable occurrence across Dave Williams via Flickr

several others, all in the name of simply ‘looking out for one’s own’.

One thing is for sure though: as long as families exist, so will nepotism It’s a competitive world out there, especially when it comes to getting one’s foot in the door.

Truth be told, exploiting means by which chances of a post can be bettered seems like a no-brainer.

Generally speaking, no matter who we are, if we could, we would, and do, take advantage of connections.

This is not to say that incompetent persons should automatically be granted work, or immune simply because they are in some way related to the boss; not only is this markedly unfair to those better capable but is unbeneficial for the business also.

If the relative can do the job (and this should be imperative), it means that distinct company values, for example, can run long into the future. One thing is for sure though: as long as families exist, so will nepotism.

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PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

Comment

Comment debates: marijuana legalisation

After Canada voted this week to legalise marijuana use, Comment bad for us. Its looks at the debate from this side of the channel detrimental effect Xhulio Ismalaj

Now is the time to legalise marijuana in the UK Recreational marijuana is now legal in Canada, allowing those over the age of 19 to purchase and hold up to 30 grams of cannabis at any given moment. Under UK legislation, however, those found in possession of the class B drug can potentially serve up to five years in prison. It’s time to revisit the debate in the UK.

the greatest exporter of medicinal cannabis, thus providing a sound infrastructure in place for a smooth transition into the legalisation of the substance.

Yet a more compelling argument for legalisation may prove to be the removal of the bureaucracy entangled with the use of medicinal cannabis.

In June, Billy Caldwell – a boy suffering with severe epilepsy – had his most recent medicinal dosage of cannabis oil confiscated, which was only returned once Home Secretary Sajid Javid intervened. The example of Billy Caldwall depicts

the direct impeding impact which current legislation has on the health of the UK population.

The Home Office Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 2.1m people use marijuana a year, making 6.5% of the UK population de-facto lawbreakers.

Police figures have shown a decrease of 46% in cannabis arrests since 2010, highlighting the lack of salience assigned on catching these ‘criminals’.

Logical justifications for the legalisation of cannabis are plentiful; Common sense, on the other hand, is in short supply.

It is time that our lawmakers

Britain is the greatest exporter of medicinal cannabis Political advocates across the political spectrum – from former Conservative MP William Hague to current Labour MP’s Paul Flynn and Tonia Antoniazzi – denote an economic case for legalisation, as estimate figures from the Adam Smith Institute show that £750m-£1.05bn in tax revenues can be obtained from legalisation.

According to The International Narcotics Control Board, Britain is

Nathan Choat

To legalise marijuana is still simply too risky Just days after the legalisation of marijuana in Canada, shopkeepers across the nation are already reporting that their supply of weed is dwindling.

As the debate around the legalisation of the drug in the UK rears its head again, we must ask ourselves: is this really what we want?

Sure, the novelty of legal weed in Canada will wear off over time. And don’t get me wrong, legalisation would bring with it some genuine benefits, including £3.5bn of extra tax revenue. In some ways, legalisation makes sense.

However, I can’t help but detect among marijuana’s proponents a bitter, antiestablishment sentiment, a desire to stick two fingers up at the state and take back control of their rights as free citizens.

Well, it seems that the establishment has been doing us a favour, as all signs point to the fact that marijuana is categorically

potentially on mental health is simply not worth the risk.

Whilst weed can be harmful to anyone, it is particularly dangerous for younger users, 1 in 6 of whom become dependent on the drug, compared to 10% of adults.

Moreover, young people who smoke marijuana regularly are more likely to develop a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia.

Why should we open the door for people to develop a habit that has the potential to be so harmful?

Indeed, if weed was legalised, the funding required to support the additional burden on mental health services in the UK might make the aforementioned £3.5bn in extra tax revenue seem a lot less significant.

Its potentially detrimental effect on mental health is simply not worth the risk So, let’s stop promoting the idea that campaigning for the legalisation of weed is some kind of noble crusade for liberty. Despite its appeal, marijuana is bad for everyone: not just for individuals, but also for society as a whole.

Beverly Yuan Thompson via Flickr

Freedom of choice: What are your moral fibres?

Katie Anderson

Standing in a high street changing room, it boils down to the moment of purchase: one item looks better on, the other is a more functional piece you know you’ll get wear out of. How about we throw in a third factor? It’s sustainability.

The insatiable desire for cuttingedge fashion has historically progressed at a detriment to sustainable practice.

Despite horrific warnings by the UN Climate Report this month, a paradox remains. Only when consumers are provided with green options are they able to make ethical decisions, and yet only when a brand’s target market exhibits a clear desire for sustainable fashion does the brand regard it as commercially viable.

Brands are ultimately motivated by their profit: and what must be avoided is customer investment in tactical ‘greenwashing’ campaigns that momentarily boost margins but fail to change industry. The vast majority of us would admit to being oblivious to the supply chains which produced our little

black dress or pair of lucky boxers, but perhaps an awareness of these successions would impact our commercial engagement. Patagonia for instance, the trademark of a sweaty university night out, has made a significant effort to engage with its consumers. Supply chains are available to view online.

Perhaps the successful brands of the future will be willing to question these obsolete conventions Vintage clothing has never been more popular, and the reusing sentiment upon which popular selling platforms such as ‘Depop’ are based, is being increasingly mirrored by high-street brands.

During last year’s Copenhagen Fashion Summit, H & M promised to adopt a completely circular model by 2030- using only recycled material to produce their output.

However, we still have the freedom to make more advantageous choices when it comes to vintage clothing. Charity shops or companies such as ‘Beyond Retro’ are committed to safe and fair sorting within their

establishments, but this is not the case for all collections. Traders often deal in enormous quantities, outsourcing the collection and supply of second-hand materials by the truckload, and drawing in oblivious active-wear hungry teens to so named ‘kilo sales’ in order to fuel these unsustainable processes.

So keep your wits about you.

Vintage fashion is not the answer to everything, and the future must provide solutions for the creation of new apparel.

Currently, much of the success of the commercial world depends upon the societal assumption that the possession of rare materials can act as some indication of selfworth or development. Perhaps the successful brands of the future will be willing to question these obsolete conventions, focusing not on the newest fancy trend, but durable flexible apparel. Rather than presenting sustainable collections, they will integrate sustainability into their core aims.

Fortunately, shifts are already occurring along these lines, and often in the most surprising of places. The Kering Group (owners of Stella McCartney, Gucci and Saint Laurent among others) have

stated their ambition to become the most sustainable luxury goods conglomerate universally. High fashion rarely places sustainability at the forefront of its agenda, but now Daveau, their sustainability representative, has promised to fund the use of sustainably sourced leather, wool, gold, diamonds and python across the whole of the brand. Even if these actions are only because green thinking has become en vogue, this directive top-down move gives influential consumers the choice to respond positively.

There are high street brands who are also making serious and exciting movements, ISKO for example, the number one producer of quality denim for brands such as TopMan and Diesel has recently introduced dying technology that doesn’t require water and their Earth Fit Collection, in particular, is fabricated from organic cotton and post-recycled polyester.

Our purchasing power should be used conscientiously Already the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry after oil and gas, and with volatile

population increase the world over, the rampant expansion of the fashion industry ( estimated at 63% greater output by 2030) presents a serious threat. There have already been significant developments within the food industry, and now it is time for that to be translated into what we wear not just what we consume. Surely our purchasing power should be used conscientiously while it remains a viable option.

We have freedom of choice now, but we may not always have such luxury as we speed towards a turbulent future of resource and water scarcity. Conducting even a little prior research can mean giving priority to companies at the forefront of sustainable development, rather than those liable to add a few token green products in amongst the mass of unsustainability produced material.

Clothing choice has long been associated with self-presentation and identity, and therefore there needs to be a forceful awakening to the fact that the source of our clothing is a major personal political statement.

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Protest in the social media age, mamma mia here we go again Philippa Murrison

“You’re joking – not another one!”

– Brenda from Bristol sprung to mind whilst scrolling through my Instagram.The photo which brought on my exasperation, was of the actress Lily James alongside Gemma Chan, participating in the People’s Vote march, which regardless of where your political allegiances lie, was a bit of a flop.

This begs the question, can protests achieve anything?

Despite holding marches across the country, with 700,000 approximately congregating in Parliament Square, receiving celebrity support such as those already stated alongside the likes of Delia Smith, Dominic Cooper, Deborah Meaden and senior politicians such as Sadiq Khan, this protest has barely made a scratch.

This begs the question, can protest achieve anything?

Is there another way to protest in this social media age?

Or is it social media that is, in fact, the problem?Every time I open Facebook I don’t have to scroll down for too long before I find a post from a friend asking to sign a petition of some kind.

Social media gives users a false perception of their influence as an individual to bring about change Which ordinarily would not be an issue, but it is when you know that friend has zero interest in the cause, for them, it is just a trend to follow.

Much has been said about hashtag activism or ‘slacktivism’; people supporting a cause by liking something on Facebook or signing an online petition but not actually taking action.

In a recent survey 71% agree with the assertion that “social media makes people believe they’re making a difference when they really aren’t.”

This alludes that social media is not such a powerful tool in

protest, despite being widely used, as it gives users a false perception of their influence as an individual to bring about change Earlier this year there was a craze to wear pink ‘pussy’ hats as a symbol of support and solidarity for women’s rights and political resistance. Initial enthusiasm led to the frequent sightings of young women sporting these handknitted slightly misshapen hats.

The popularity for this statement, however, lasted no more than a month (at best).

Most people have probably

forgotten about it entirely. It seems that, like most celebrity trends, some follow politics as they would fashion.

Have protests simply become a fashion statement?

Surely then it is not surprising that these social media driven protests ultimately fail. Protests need stamina in a social media age, where our attention is quickly BScar23625 via Flickr

drawn to the next story.

Is it that modern protests simply don’t have the endurance to be effective?

Has social media caused us to move on too quickly, to jump swiftly onto fresh causes in a bid to remain relevant?Have protests simply become a fashion statement? Just as the pro-remainers camped outside parliament start to dwindle away quickly as the cold ets

s

in, protests are increasingly becoming phases.

They are clutched onto as briefly as your pumpkin spiced latte, before they are jettisoned for the latest trend.

“

It is not surprising that these social media driven protests ultimately fail

You came, you shouted, but you didn’t conquer Thomas Musson

Over the past week, some Durham University students have engaged in a drawn-out protest against the University’s rising accommodation fees, which yet again have increased by 3.38%. Such a decision is a divisive and unnecessary economic choice by our University, proving themselves as businesscreators rather than as a learningpromoters.

Furthermore, the Student’s Union has recognised that these increased accommodation fees will “price out students from disadvantaged backgrounds and damage relations with the local community”.

But what do we do? How do we stand up and demand this much needed, significant change? The cliquey Students’ Union, supported by our even more cliquey College JCRs, would have you believe that standing in a cold and windy Palace Green with placards will solve these problems. Indeed, the DSU tells us that “this is your chance to show the University that Durham students will not sit by and let accommodation fees rise yet again. It’s time for Durham’s biggest protest yet”.

I’m not sure what numbers the DSU was thinking when they asked for the biggest protest in Durham

University history, but I think they were hoping for more than a couple of hundred. Once again, the call to arms has been proclaimed, and yet again, the answer remains the same - silence.

Once again, the call to arms has been proclaimed, and yet again, the answer remains the same - silence I believe our student representative bodies are out of touch with their students, and this protest gives us great evidence as to why. Even though a large majority of students would be against this despicable rise in accommodation fees, this ‘protest’ as a performative symbol has become formulaic, dull and weak. Since my time here in Durham, I have been a part of four of these protests, each one hard to distinguish from the other.

If these protests have indeed recurred physically, so has the belief that such events will achieve nothing sizeable or dramatic. What is the point in a protest without expectation? In the words of Bobby Jameson, “it’s a pity, but it’s too late”. The University Executive will not change their trajectory because 200 students are shouting loudly and offensively at them each and every year; they’ve come to expect it.

When only 1% of the entire student body is shouting, does the University have a right not to listen? Of course, this is not the fault of us, the students, but it is the fault of our representative bodies, who instead of creating new and dynamic avenues to facilitate every student’s opinion on rising accommodation fees, they fall back on ineffective method s for change.

And, curiously, at the speed by which the DSU and JCRs coordinated this protest means that they are either full of fortune tellers, or they knew this decision by the University Executive was coming.

Of course, pre-planning is no bad thing at all, but pre-planning a protest in advance not only shows a retreating to old ground, but questionably, an authentic lack of zeal. What is the driving force behind this protest, and whom is it for?

I’m going to be controversial and say that these recurring,

non-expectant and pre-planned protests demonstrate a deliberate recycling of righteous student anger that is actually a means of legitimatising these representative bodies’ evidence of student engagement, rather than actually attempting to change the way our University works.

Like the DSU vintage fair, the houseplant sale and summer balls, the accommodation fee protest has become another marker for student social activity in the DSU’s and JCR’s calendars, rather than an event driven from a serious and a sizeable student calling for change.

When only 1% of the entire student body is shouting, does the University have a right not to listen?

This self-perpetuation is not democracy in the slightest and it is not the way to make our University Executive reconsider its position on accommodation fees.

Our representative bodies need to stop thinking about their own reputation and social standing, and instead think big and boldly over how they can properly and authentically encourage their students to protest for change.

But how can we do this? If St Aidan’s JCR President Clara Ohayon can write that this protest was “necessary, insanely important

”

[and] life-changing”, then her actions alongside all elected student leaders need to speak louder than their words.

Promoting and engaging with a tiresome protest is simply not good enough. Changing our Facebook profile pictures for one week then immediately switching back questions how much we actually care – if we want change as a student body, we need to fight for it.

Take for instance the decision George Walker took last year to actively engage with prospective students at the University Open Days. This type of peaceful but effective engagement saw the University Executive forcibly remove George from the science site. Unlike these worn-out protests, this engagement was radical and effective enough to force our University to listen and respond.

If we want to see a freeze of accommodation fees in our time here in Durham, it starts with moving away from a disproven idea that a recurring and non-expectant protest will work. It starts with engaging with students from outside the cliques that dominant our Student’s Union and JCR. And it starts with matching these controversial and bold executive decisions with just that – controversy and boldness. Let’s stop pretending that placards and protests achieve anything, and instead, do something radical, dynamic, and actually life-changing.

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

11

Profile

University a challenge? Try being these guys

Profile speaks to Siân Round, Ben Murray, Cameron Yule and Matthew Toynbee, this year’s Durham University Challenge team, about their experiences on and off screen Ella Catherall and Jamima Westermann Profile Editor and Deputy Profile Editor With an average age of just 20, it seems that being the “babies” of the quiz world has not reduced their impact.

However, it seems the biggest impact was felt behind the screen, as the team unanimously agree “it’s changed our lives.”

“From about 16 I wanted to go on” Toynbee begins, and despite the fears that come with being on national television and the rigorous selection process, his only regret is “that I can’t do it again.”

“My only regret is that I can’t do it again” For Yule, it was his housemate that encouraged him to try out for the show, but the experience was nonetheless life-changing, and at the very least “it’ll be quite helpful on the CV’s.”

More than just being part of a team, they have become part of a wider University Challenge network, and even beyond the screen “you still move in the same circles”, with Toynbee having “met three of the four people who went on University Challenge” while at a quiz competition in Edinburgh just that week.

“There are no real egos” Yule adds, and the contestants even have a Facebook group to keep in touch and support one another - recently working together to write a response to a controversial Telegraph article. If you were wondering “how many University Challenge contestants does it take to write a letter?” The answer is “too many.”

“He’s aware of his own importance” In search of tips on becoming a genius, it was hard to hear that not as much went on behind the scenes as we’d like to think.

Beyond practicing quizzing and buzzer technique together, they admit they “don’t really prepare.”

They may not be walking encyclopaedias, but they believe their knowledge comes from a natural interest and willingness to learn.

Yule admits he gets “distracted very easily”, but channels this productively into clicking “through Wikipedia when I’m working and some of it will stick.”

The foursome’s first episode aired August 27th, in which they scored a remarkable 350 points to 55 against the University of Strathclyde, sending them to sure-fire victory (Photograph: University Challenge via BBC) Beyond this, they reccomend podcasts – “In Our Time is the best one” and “Guardian Long Reads is quite good”, and a word of advice to all students, future quizzers or otherwise: “if you’re a science student, pay attention to your lectures – they come up more than you’d expect.”

“Pay attention to your lectures - they come up more than you’d expect” Meeting Jeremy Paxman was also an experience for the team: “How he appears on TV is not an act” they claim, and diplomatically add “he’s aware of his own importance.”

However, there was one crack in Paxman’s powerful persona: “If Jeremy makes a mistake- for example, there’s a lot of long biological words- they go back and re-film it, that’s usually quite funny.”

Although they enjoyed the filming, they admit that they’re less keen to see themselves on TV: “I couldn’t watch it you know, I tried but I was trying to hide and not watch it!”

While details on upcoming episodes are kept under wraps, “there’s a round coming up where we definitely get laughed at” they admit, “Matthew and I sort of looked at each other and just thought, let’s chalk that one down to experience.”

Other people’s reactions to seeing the team on telly have been much more favourable.

“Some people have stopped me for photos – in the library, Castle, Grey.”

Even beyond Durham, Yule received a request via Facebook messenger from a taxi driver asking “to join their London taxi drivers quiz team,” and has accidentally become something of a fashion icon, receiving multiple questions on where to buy the famous fleece.

CV benefits and prestige aside, University Challenge hasn’t yet offered the ultimate reward- despite all the college bar recognition, “no ones actually bought me a drink yet for it!”

Perhaps he’s right in thinking “maybe it hasn’t paid off- maybe I should go on the Chase!”

“

Maybe it hasn’t paid off- maybe I should go on The Chase

”

Despite enjoying the albeit “mild fame” that comes with being on the show, their new exposure can also have negative

consequences: “People on Twitter,” they begin, “can get very self-righteous about it.” Yule lends the example of a Twitter troll who criticised a contestant for his enthusiastic celebration for not being a very British way to behave- but Yule adds “if anyone of us had done what he did, literally buzz in at the last second and win the match, all of us would have been absolutely ecstatic, it makes perfect sense.”

“It’s very easy for people online to forget contestants are real people” Twitter feedback also proves near-impossible to avoid, and although none of them seek out online reactions to their appearance, it’s “not really optional” when friends pass on comments.

Toynbee admits there has been some “horrible stuff”, but is quick to add that women get a “disproportionate amount” of backlash, especially relating to their appearance.

There is no sugar-coating the fact that University Challenge is a male-dominated space, and the team speaks freely about the imbalance the show is trying to combat.

One-quarter of contestants are female, and Siân Round calls herself “lucky” to be one of them who hasn’t received anything

“explicitly sexual or violent.”

A recent Telegraph article entitled ‘Leave it to the geeks’ also sparked controversy, after claiming women were not suited to the environment a quiz show creates.

Although it was perhaps just a chance for the writers to “cause a reaction”, it perpetuated “dehumanising myths” about quiz show contestants being “superhuman geniuses”, without recognising how the media contributes to a lack of diversity.

Despite the challenges women face on the show, the team is keen to emphasise that budding female quizzers should not be disheartened.

University Challenge is increasing the number of questions concerning women, in an attempt to shift the show’s image away from a celebration of men’s achievements to one which “celebrates human knowledge in general.”

The trials for Durham’s next University Challenge team take place in November. When asked for advice for those nervous to apply, Toynbee is succinct, “Be courageous.”

To see more Palatinate Profile interviews, including Nish Kumar & Lord Adonis, visit: palatinate.org.uk/category/ profile

13

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

Politics

On June 26th 2016 the UK voted to leave the EU. It was a close result, 48% remain to 52% for leave.

The negotiation process, triggered

by Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, has led to an eventful two years in British politics, unlike anything we have encountered in this century.

Despite nearly three years of discussion there is still little clarity on what the final deal will look like. The Prime Minister’s desired outcome, outlined in her Chequers proposals, led to the resignations of Boris Johnson and David Davis.

FEATURE

We’ve seen the likes of Jacob ReesMogg supporting a No-Deal Brexit, whilst the idea of a trade deal with the EU similar to Canada has also been proposed. Of course, remaining in the EEA is another possibility, but this limited change isn’t exactly what was supported by the 52% that voted to leave. Some pressure groups and MPs are even holding out for a way to remain in the EU.

Brexit

- The Politics Team `Duncan Hall via Flickr

Two Years of Rhetoric Piers Eaton The political rhetoric around Brexit has been mostly that: rhetoric. Theresa May is telling us that it’s about us, not her, that she is working hard for us and that the end is in sight.

Jeremy Corbyn is arguing that she is failing, and so he says that she should make way for a government that can deliver for the people. Vince Cable is saying that we should have a second referendum.

Nicola Sturgeon is using the issue to attack May.

Instead of hearing answers, we are mostly hearing rhetoric There is very little about the answers to key questions people are after. Many people want to know what is happening with the Northern Irish border, or how we are going to avoid queues at the border. Many logistics still need to be sorted out for the UK to leave EU, and generally the conversation has not been about informing the public about life after the EU. Rather, most rhetoric has been about as-

Abi Begum via Flickr

suring us that their opponents are not doing a good job, or that they are doing a good job, despite what their detractors are saying.

The reason the rhetoric has been this way is most likely because of how the public has engaged with the issue. Because there are no clear answers to these questions, pro-remain voices have characterised them as insurmountable obstacles.

Many logistics still need to be sorted out Because we are on our way out, pro-leave voices have characterised these issues as inconsequential.

Both these attitudes are problematic, and so instead of hearing the answers to important questions, we are mostly hearing rhetoric.

A no-nonsense overview of the economy Alice Lassman Politics Editor Brexit is the epitome of uncertainty, and economists hate it. Economics works on sets of assumptions, but with a huge structural institutional change such as Brexit, we can’t blindly make assumptions of what will occur, nor judge the behaviour of the government, individuals or firms.

Panic and uncertainty need to be taken seriously Most mainstream economic forums offer incredibly bleak outlooks, with the LSE stating that “none of the options facing the UK (are) preferable to staying in the EU”. But we need to err on the side of caution when listen-

ing to this seemingly omniscient group of experts. The immediate effects of the Brexit vote shouldn’t be looked at as a solid indicator for what the next 100 will look like - a falling pound is just a sign of panic, as are volatile markets - both the two most reactive elements of ‘The Economy’.

Panic and uncertainty need to be taken seriously though, and the last thing that markets need is to perceive the 29th March as a dropoff point for the UK. The EEA might thus be a wise interim step to ease the transition, where we take a step down to the single market, keeping barrier to trade such as tariffs low while we negotiate potential bilateral agreements with individual nations.

The UK government’s priority now is to attempt to mitigate the cost of Brexit’s short-term shock and spend targetedly in social, not physical, infrastructure with fun-

damental services that generate employment and nurture the development of human capital, such as the NHS, care for the elderly and creative education strategies such as apprenticeships and problembased learning through real life interdisciplinary topics in school.

Brexit is the epitome of uncertainty Structural change needs to be embraced as an inevitability, and as we become more exposed to the free-trading world economy and less protected by EU barriers to trade we will need to focus on improving our comparative advantage and making sure the benefits of this change are equally felt across the country, especially as agriculturereliant regions of the UK will lose EU funding. Investing in skilled, highly paid employment will bal-

ance the budget while increasing national income and structurally allow us to transition into a specialised quaternary sector - specifically digital and creative emerging

industries through subsidising innovation. It’s time the government invest for the long-term, as Brexit is a long-term problem.

14

Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

Politics

European Economic Area: Even Europe agrees

Charlotte Alt As the official Brexit date is fast approaching, the UK government continues to be entangled in interand cross-Party conflicts. A second referendum is only a daydream; consequently, the government now needs to focus on further possible and viable Brexit scenarios. The best short-term solution may be to remain part of the European Economic Area (EEA).

A Norway-style Brexit would cost young people £70,000 less in lost earnings over their lifetimes Staying in the EEA would allow the UK continued access to the EU single market, allowing it to remain economically stable, the Irish Border issue would be less problematic, and the UK would retain the EU immigration and financial investment that many businesses use. A report commissioned by the campaign group Our Future, Our Choice suggests a Norway-style

Brexit would cost young people £70,000 less in lost earnings over their lifetimes.

Remaining in the EEA might be beneficial for government spending. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) argued that spending could be increased beyond the £20bn promised for the NHS only if Britain retains the closest possible relationship with the EU. “By contrast, a no-deal Brexit would eliminate any fiscal space and require the government to stabilise the economy in the short term,” NIESR said.

However, some economic ties could be broken. Remaining in the EEA does not necessitate staying in the customs union or remaining part of joint agricultural and fishing policies, which infuriate many Brexit supporters.

The UK would be a rule-taker rather than a rule-maker The EEA does entail accepting the authority of the EU for a longer period of time. This would primarily manifest through the continua-

the referendum result, especially because it would make the UK a rule-taker rather than a rule-maker.

Remaining in the EEA does not necessitate staying in the customs union, which infuriates many Brexit supporters

tion of the free movement of people and the at least partial recognition of the authority of the European Court of Justice, both of which were bones of contention during the referendum.

Keeping these in place during a transition might be helpful, however, the Migration Advisory Committee released a report showing the dependency of the life science sector on EEA immigration, with up to

Martin Alvarez Espinar via Flickr

41% of the workforce being non-UK nationals. It would allow more time to decide what to do about existing EU legislation and precedents.

If the UK stays in the EEA, it will not be part of the decision-making process, lose seats in all major EU institutions and would need to accept the continued freedom of movement. For many Brexiteers, it would therefore not be respecting

However, as Yanis Varoufakis suggested, staying in the EEA for the next five years under a renewable contract will allow the House of Commons to address unresolved issues such as the Irish border and take the time they need to negotiate new plans for a more organised and less harmful Brexit.

It is certain that the UK will leave the EU, yet staying in the EEA for five more years, despite all its drawbacks, is the only option which allows for an orderly and perhaps even successful Brexit in all areas of politics, economics, and society.

Chequers: The May compromise Sovereignty maintained?

Tom Mitchell

Henry Bird

Whilst Parliament has remained sovereign throughout our membership of the EU, it has not always felt like that”. Having danced around the fringes of the matter for the best part of two years, it was thusly in July 2018 that Theresa May’s Brexit White Paper confronted what was simultaneously the most powerful and the most nebulous argument involved in the Brexit debate.

Since the beginning of July, the Prime Minister has been making the case for the so-called ‘Chequers Deal’, which, at time of publication, is the only official proposal put forward by the government for the UK’s exit from the EU. It is a deal built on partnership and shared ideals, with terminology such as ‘joint’, ‘common’, and ‘co-operation’ throughout the 100page white paper.

A ‘mobility framework’ to allow for UK and EU citizens to apply for free travel, without freedom of movement In brief, it advocates access to the European single market through a ‘facilitated customs arrangement’, in turn opening up the possibility of a frictionless Irish border, the signing of a treaty to commit the UK to ‘continued harmonisation’ with EU trade rules to protect business interests.

It envisages a ‘joint institutional framework’ to ensure continued co-operation on judicial matters, and notably a ‘mobility framework’.

This would open up the possibility of both UK and EU citizens being able to apply for free travel between countries while also opting out of the EU’s free movement policy.

It seems a pretty decent attempt at compromise between many po-

Number 10 via Flickr

Tiocfaidh ar la 1916 via Flickr

larised groups.

It is worth saying that the EU has not agreed in full with the white paper, but it is in using this deal as a starting block that has enabled clear dialogue between the UK and EU during negotiations, with JeanClaude Juncker, the head of the European Commision, now saying that the chances of reaching a deal by the end of November have ‘increased significantly’.

It is the ambiguity of Chequers that acknowledges the gruelling negotiations process This optimistic assessment of progress led to the sterling rising against the Euro.

Although parts of the Chequers

deal have been criticised for their ambiguity and vagueness, it is these qualities which acknowledge the realistically gruelling process that is negotiating Brexit.

The prime minister’s proposals offer a starting point While other proposals skirt around facts and don’t acknowledge the inevitable difficulties that lie ahead, the Prime Minister’s proposals offer a starting point from which both sides are willing to work.

Britain has forfeited real sovereignty for theoretical Faced with the presumptuous accusation from Remainers that those of a pro-Brexit disposition were motivated by racist prejudices, the Leave campaign latched onto the concept of “sovereignty” to describe their intentions.

They characterised sovereignty as everything Britain would gain by leaving the EU, transforming the term into an excellent brush with which to tar Remainers as unpatriotic. Indeed, discussions centring on the term sovereignty were often accompanied with other pejorative terms, such as “surrendering” or “eroding”.

In the end, the word became all encompassing, with Brexiteer Daniel Hannan proclaiming that “immigration and the economy (…) are really about sovereignty.”

Political scientists have long distinguished between “real” sovereignty, and “theoretical” sover-

eignty. The former is the degree of control that a nation exercises over its own destiny, the latter is purely symbolic. Britain, therefore, has forfeited real sovereignty for theoretical sovereignty.

The pro-Brexit disposition were motivated by racist prejudices The UK prospered in the EU, with a low rate of unemployment and plenty of foreign investment.

With the EU, the UK more effectively countered terrorist threats and climate change.

The UK has decided to forfeit this, to ‘make our own laws’. Given that the UK already controlled 98% of public expenditure, this seems like a heavy price to pay. The distinction between real and theoretical sovereignty is thus key to understanding the relative merits of remaining in, or exiting, the EU.

UK Parliament via Wikimedia Commons

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

15

DEBATE: Is a no-deal Brexit the best option?

Celine D Kart

FOR

Whether we want to admit it or not, a no-deal Brexit could be a possibility. A few months ago, a no-deal Brexit seemed unrealistic, yet now it feels close to reality.

The instigators of no-deal appear to be accumulating week by week, with Theresa May setting a date in November to trigger nodeal Brexit preparations this week.

As of today, around 20 World Trade Organisation member countries have blocked Britain’s negotiations to secure a fast-track Brexit.

A No Deal Brexit may be the most democratic And then there’s the border issue. Scotland and Northern Ireland’s calls for separate trade and membership deals only add to the seeming impossibility of achieving any ratified deal.

With the 2018 Budget being plagued by seemingly unprogressive Brexit talks, lack of credibility of the Conservative Party and calls for May to resign, it is easy to dread

the effect upon the UK’s economy in the context of this political storm.

What would happen if there was a breakdown of negotiations, would we just fall out of Europe as some Brexiteers want? Parliamentary sovereignty, the basis of our constitution, allows for Parliament to ignore, and legislate against, the outcome of referenda. Even Michel Barnier has been told to prepare for this outcome.

This might be viewed as a violation of democracy but what is democracy? Power to the people is arguably not giving us a deal which we did not vote for, which was not expected and was not campaigned for. Thus, a no-deal Brexit may be paradoxical, but it may be more democratic than a compromise which bypasses the democratic process in which Brexit, ultimately, was not voted for on the basis upon.

Charlie Hetherington

AGAINST It certainly has romance. Instead of untangling forty years of bothersome legislation, why not have

a clean break? Sadly, a ‘No Deal’ Brexit would be an unmitigated disaster for the UK. On the 29th of March, Britain automatically leaves the EU under Article 50. If no agreement is reached and approved legislatively, we crash out in a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, threatening to break every promise made so far in the withdrawal agreements, including on citizens’ rights, a £40 billion ‘divorce bill’ and the Irish border. These are harmful ideas.

Take the economy. Keeping any EU trade deals with countries like Canada or Japan requires Brussels’ permission and, as a messy breakup would poison any goodwill, Britain would likely become the only major economy trading with the rest of the world solely on WTO terms.

Customs too would be swamped.

Presently, it takes two minutes when heading for Europe to pass through customs but twenty minutes for a non-EU destination.

Manufacturers who rely on ‘JustIn-Time’ shipments would run out of parts: Toyota, Aston Martin, and Honda have all warned they would have to stop production.

The Treasury believes such an outcome would mean a massive loss of 7.7% of GDP relative to the status quo, with severe effects on inflation and public finances. This masks harsher regional impacts: the North East would be hammered with a 16% blow.

Severe effects on GDP: the North East would be hammered with a 16% blow In many areas new regulatory bodies would be required and could take years to set up and, in the meantime, Britain is far from self-sufficient: the domestic supply of insulin produces less than 0.5% of demand, for instance. To avert this, ‘micro-deals’ for individual issues have been suggested. Each of these would require the assent of every EU Parliament, unlikely in an atmosphere of acrimony.

This is the true horror of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit. Britain would tear itself out of international structures, putting it at other countries’ mercy.

The 29th looms.

Canada Plus: A British Utopia?

Anya Southby Canada and the EU signed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) in October 2016. The aim was simple: to increase trade between Canada and the EU and contribute to economic growth.

The deal’s success is already clear.

98% of tariffs are now duty free, with plans to remove tariffs completely within the next seven years.

Canada Plus could be the most plausible and effective starting point Professional qualifications are now mutually recognised. CETA’s impact has been substantial: EU exports to Canada are rising 7%

Scazon via Flickr

year on year, with similar figures for Canada’s export market to the EU. Can Britain successfully follow in Canada’s footsteps post-Brexit?

Boris Johnson certainly believes so, advocating a ‘SuperCanada-type free trade agreement’ in his recent article for the Telegraph. However, Canada and Britain cannot be conflated; 43% of UK trade is with the EU, compared to a relatively insignificant 10% of Canada’s trade.

Clearly, we cannot predict our futures by looking to Canada. But CETA does provide a viable demonstration of a deal done right. So what could Britain expect?

International trade is the brightest opportunity. Until now our trade with non-EU countries has been determined by EU decisions, sometimes restricting Britain’s ability to trade worldwide. By leaving the EU with a Canada-style agreement we could create new free trade deals with other big nations entirely on our own terms. Establishing free trade deals with EU countries as Canada has done is also to our benefit: it would give continued access to almost all of the European market tariff free, without the hindrance of having to contribute to the EU budget or paying to remain in the European Economic Area.

CETA took seven years of negoti-

ations before it was agreed. Following Prime Minister Trudeau’s ‘blueprint’ could simplify and shorten UK-EU negotiations. Adopting a plan that has already demonstrated its efficacy is also likely to aid market stability.

change their immigration status.

students should continue to access British universities, but EU teaching staff may not be able to acquire a visa to teach in the UK. In response to Brexit, Durham University has been applying for further funding and has recently joined the Coimbra Group. Gathering a wide range of European institutions, the Coimbra Group promotes “mutual exchange of experience” to develop academic research.

International trade is the brightest opportunity Finally, the extension of our trade with the rest of the world could provide opportunities for both UK producers and consumers, expanding our worldwide links and generating economic growth.

Canada Plus could be the most plausible and effective starting point towards a prosperous Britain post-Brexit, as Brexit seems to be inevitable.

Durham University’s post-Brexit future Sophie Blitz There has been much speculation over the future relationship between British universities and the European Union.

EU students and staff have expressed concerns over their future in the British higher education system Durham University hosts over

1,300 EU students, in addition to numerous European staff and exchange undergraduates, postgraduates and staff. The University, responding to a stream of Brexitrelated Q&As on its website, recognises the EU as “a major funder of research”.

According to think-tank British Influence, British universities “receive an additional 15% in funding from the EU on top of what the UK government gives them”. However, EU students and staff have expressed concerns over their future

Durham hosts over 1,300 EU students The situation beyond 2020 remains unclear. Prime Minister Theresa May claims that her postBrexit immigration policy will not cap the number of student visas, but may prioritise work-visas for areas reliant on EU migrants, such as health and social care.

This means that incoming EU

Politics No Deal

Likelihood: 7 Cost: £ Speed: 2.5 months PM resigns: 9 Farage rating: 50 pints

Canada Deal Likelihood: 1 Cost: £££ Speed: 7 years PM resigns: 7 Farage rating: 5 pints

EEA Likelihood: 2.5 Cost: ££ Speed: 5 years PM resigns: 4 Farage rating: 0 pints

Chequers Deal Likelihood: 6 Cost: ££££ Speed: 4.5 months PM resigns: 0 Farage rating: 2 pints Reality Check?

For sources on this and all our articles please see our online editions at www.palatinate.org.uk

16

Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

SciTech

Elon Musk: revolutionary or immature playboy ?

Emma Chapman Elon Musk is a household name.

His entrepreneurial pursuits have challenged industry titans and have soared to space. Recent events have shrouded the businessman in controversy however, and he now faces huge backlash for his outlandish actions.

Musk grew up in South Africa and developed a keen interest in technology from a young age. He taught himself to code as a child and by age 12 had developed a computer game which he sold $500. This first foray into the world of business started a pattern he would continue to follow for years – and with a net worth of around $20 billion, it seems to have worked.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and its Wharton School (who also ‘boast’ Donald Trump as an alumnus) he began a PhD in applied Physat Stanford. The entrepreneur in Elon could not be contained and he soon dropped out to begin

building his empire. Within 5 years he had co-founded a web software company which sold for $340 million and developed Paypal. Originally X.com, the company merged with Confinity in 2000 and went on to be sold for $1.5 billion in 2002.

Despite his success, Musk is no stranger to controversy In 2002 Musk also co-founded SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturing company for which he is so well known. SpaceX are rockets that can be reused multiple times. Traditional boosters fall to Earth in a less controlled manner, meaning every launch requires new, expensive engines. With these innovations, SpaceX has cut the cost of putting things into orbit, an achievement spectacularly demonstrated this year, when the company launched a Tesla car into space.

In 2003, Musk helped to start Tesla, the electric vehicle company for which he serves as CEO. Its self-

Has Elon taken a wrong turn? (James McCloskey via Flickr) declared mission is to “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy”, a cause which Musk has always been passionate about: he claims that “solar will beat everything hands-down, including natural gas”.

Despite his success, Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy. In May he responded to analysts asking about the performance of Telsa with the flippant “boring, bonehead questions are not cool”. Moreover, this summer he accused one of the British divers

assisting in the rescue effort of the 12 trapped Thai teenagers of child abuse. The comments were made after the diver in question, Vern Unsworth, criticised a mini submarine Musk had designed for aid in the rescue mission. The device was branded “not practical” for the recovery by the chief of the rescue but Unsworth went further to say it had “absolutely no chance of working”. Musk took to Twitter for his measured response, calling Unsworth a “pedo”.

The entrepreneur once again

The obsession with natural: how we can tackle chemophobia Nabila Juhi

In 2013, Johnson & Johnson announced they had met their goal in eliminating the formaldehydeproducing preservative, quaternium-15, from their baby shampoo and other products. This was following a rise in people concerned with formaldehyde and its link to cancer - in 1980 its vapour was shown to be a carcinogen in the nasal passages of rats, and since then there have been many studies looking to investigate its carcinogen status.

This outcry occurred despite the levels of quaternium-15 being too low to be considered toxic, and despite formaldehyde already being present in blood, and in much larger concentrations in several fruits.

Nevertheless, Johnson & Johnson spent millions reformulating their products to ease the mind of the consumer.

The concentration of formaldehyde in a vaccine compared to blood is miniscule The controversy around formaldehyde doesn’t just stop there; it is

Just because it looks scary, doesn’t mean that it is (Dr Partha Sarathi Sahana via flickr) a common ingredient in many vaccines due to its inactivating propis artificial (with regard to chemierties, and thus a common target cals), worsened by big corporafor many “anti-vax” groups. Again, tions, politicians and even some the concentration of formaldehyde celebrities. in a vaccine compared to blood is A key example is the develminiscule. So where does this anxopment of genetically modified iety come from? crops. This dispute covers a range Biophilia hypothesis describes of issues: are GM foods safe, do our innate tendency towards nathey pose a threat to the environture and the natural world. It’s ment, should they be labelled, and an irrational worry that synthetic what impact can they have on chemicals are more harmful than feeding a growing population? natural, and it’s a worry the health Whilst many of these concerns and cosmetic industries have capiare valid, a significant number of talised on; suddenly the words the arguments are founded on “pure”, “natural”, and even “chemimisinformation and a belief that cal free” are thrown around, enticconventional, organic crops are ining trusting consumers - without herently better for human health. the scrutiny they really deserve.

With little evidence to support It has created a false dichotomy this claim, the general consensus between what is natural and what in the scientific community state

there is no substantial difference between GM and non-GM crops (that are currently being sold) regarding health.

In order to tackle chemophobia, and general public scepticism to science, it is agreed a better dialogue is needed; one in which the concerns of the public are heard and discussed.

The scientific community should better understand the politics behind public opinion and base outreach on a discussion about issues the public, and politicians, care about. By doing this, it cultivates an environment wherein the public feel welcome to discuss and take part in science.

We must cultivate an environment where the public feel welcome Chemophobia itself cannot be eradicated directly, but the public image of chemistry can evolve to become more interactive, engaging, and accessible to the lay public. Ultimately, it’s the job of scientists and science communicators to understand and change their own perceptions of the “general public” and thus interact in a receptive manner.

found himself embroiled in media scandal in September when he smoked marijuana on a live web show. Though legal in California where the show was filmed, within hours two of Tesla’s senior executives quit, causing shares in the company to plummet by 6%.

Later in the same month, he was forced to step down as Chairman after reaching an agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This occurred after the SEC sued Musk for fraud over his abandoned plan to take Tesla private.

There is no doubt that Musk is one of the great entrepreneurs of our time. However, this success has come at a price and recently the tech giant seems to leave nothing but controversy in his wake.

The future of Elon Musk at Tesla and beyond is unclear, though with recent news developments about the severity of global warming it seems his vision for solar power technology is perhaps needed more than ever before.

Reader’s Scigest Ewan Jones SciTech Editor

The discovery of a dwarf planet in our solar system aptly named “The Goblin” has lent further credibility to the theoried existence of ‘Planet Nine’, a supposed massive planet in the Oort cloud in the far reaches of the solar system. “The Goblin” has a massively elongated orbit, supposedly from the gravitational force of the ninth planet.

The race is on for the development of the first exaflop-capable supercomputer, capable of running five times as fast as the current frontrunner. In China, three universities have been pitted against each other in a competition intended on driving faster development. However, the US, EU, and Japan have all also expressed interest in being the first to reach this phenomenal milestone, with many claiming to have a running model by 2020.

Also in the realm of astronomy, astronomers earlier this month discovered the first exomoon (a moon outside our solar system).

The moon is around the size of Neptune, making it the largest moon ever observed. It orbits the exoplanet ‘Kepler 1625b’.

Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

18

Sport

College Pool, how it works and how to get involved

Tim Sigsworth talks to Tom Wasluk, President of the Durham University Pool League to find out the ins and outs of inter-college pool Tim Sigsworth Deputy Sports Editor A pub classic, pool – usually accompanied by a pint or two, is one of the world’s most popular casual sports. It’s no different at universities, and that’s perhaps why it isn’t always taken too seriously.

Here at Durham however, competitive pool is thriving; this academic year will see 54 teams from 14 colleges compete across three divisions for a knock-out trophy.

“Here at Durham however, competitive pool is thriving” So, even though pool is thriving, knowledge of it is limited among those not involved. While interviewing Tom Wasiuk, the President of the Durham University Pool League, I got the lowdown on pool at Durham University.

He was very clear on why the game is so attractive to people: “Pool’s a simple game really, you use a wooden stick to hit balls into holes on a cloth covered table.”

All matches in the Durham University Pool League are played under ‘World Rules’. These regulations are set out by the World Eightball Pool Federation, the governing body for Eightball pool.

These rules may be different to what many casual pool players are used to in their own ‘pub rules’.

For instance, every shot must either pot a ball or cause a ball to hit the cushion. They are easy to get to grips with though and encourage a positive flow to games as well.

This is another reason, perhaps, why pool attracts such a large body of players, there is always scope to develop your own unique take on the sport, if you feel so inclined.

“In terms of League matches, there has been a big change to the Premiership this year,” Tom States.

“The format of matches in previous years was teams of six, playing six singles games, three doubles games and a round of speed pool.”

“Even though pool is thriving, knowledge of it is limited among those who are not involved” Premiership matches now consist of five players contesting five frames, a speed pool round and five more singles.

The rest of the divisions, however, will continue to follow the old format. For anyone wondering what a ‘speed pool round’ is, it is a

▲ With 54 teams playing across three different leagues, get involved in the Durham inter-college pool scene (Christopher Sessums via Flickr) contest to see which team can pot all the balls on the table the quickest. A player stays on the table until they miss.

Play then moves to the next player on their team until all the balls are potted. It is a bit of fun in the middle of each fixture, but you never want to lose!

When Team Durham play they use the five-person format which the Prem has taken inspiration from. Team Durham and the League also use the ‘World Rules’.

However, when Team Durham play, each match will have their own referee.

“At college-level,” we are told, “the rules are less strictly enforced and up to the will of each team captain.” So perhaps for those who don’t quite want such a serious evening, but that still sticks to what pool is about, the college leagues are the place for you!

One rule that doesn’t come up often is the Foul Jaw Snooker rule.

It stipulates that “if an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball comes to rest on or near a Jaw (curved part of a cushion), and that Jaw is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player’s own Colour by way of a ‘straight-line’ shot, the player is deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining to Foul Snookers will

apply.”

It sounds complex because it is and causes many heated debates amongst players we are told! So there will be no attempt to fully explain it here!

“Each college has numerous pool teams ranging from A’s to G’s” So, how to get involved? Tom tells us “Each college has numerous pool teams ranging from A’s to G’s. These teams are divided into three divisions of 18, known as the Prem, Div. 1 and Div. 2. “ Each team will play all the others in the league once over the season with promotion and relegation on offer at the end for the top and bottom two.

Close runners-up will also be given the opportunity to get promoted via the play-offs which include the team which finishes third from bottom in the higher division.

There is also a more casual feeder league to these known as the Friendly Ladder. In the ladder, teams can ‘challenge’ each other to games, rather than having specific fixtures set out for them.

At the end of the season the teams that have the most points are promoted into Div. 2. In the future we hope to keep developing the Friendly ladder into a fourth

division.

Moreover, the League also runs a cup competition called the Trophy and a lesser competition called the Plate for teams knocked out of the Trophy.

After giving us the low-down on how the league works, Tom was asked about the history of the leagues, who are the team to watch for?

“In recent years, Ustinov A have been the dominant force in Durham pool. Winners of the Premiership in 2016 and 2017, they managed to win an unprecedented seventeen games out of a possible seventeen last season and storm to the title for the third time.

They have also won the Trophy in each of the last three years. This is possibly the biggest domination of any Durham sports league that has been seen in the past few years.

“In the ladder, teams can ‘challenge’ each other to games ” It seemed then that going into the new season that Ustinov A would be an unstoppable force.

Seemingly this has been the case, as they have started their title defence winning their first two matches 9-1 against Aidan’s B and Ustinov B to sit at the top of the

premiership table.

In contrast, Div. 1 is looking competitive this year with many teams in with a chance of promotion. Tom Wasiuk backed Cuth’s B, Stephenson B and current Plateholders Grey A to have good seasons. Lower down, he tipped the St. Mary’s teams be a success.

“It is a bit of fun in the middle of each fixture, but you never want to lose!”

So if college pool is something that you haven’t yet tipped your hand at, now seems like the perfect time to try.

“

Pool’s a simple game really, you use a wooden stick to hit balls into holes on a cloth covered table

”

PALATINATE | Thursday 1st November 2018

19

Sport

Casting a floodlight on the cup so far Eddie Lord Deputy Sports Editor Cold Autumn and Winter nights, the spotlights shining down, the making of heroes, the making of villains … and some of the worst fan chants you will likely ever hear in your entire life.

“Where legends are made as well as memories that last a lifetime” At Durham University, this can only mean one thing: The Floodlit Cup. The dates that all colleges have circled in their calendars as soon as the fixtures are announced – where legends are made as well as memories that last a lifetime.

This week, the first rounds of this year’s Floodlit Cups began, and the teams are as hungry as ever to cover themselves in glory and show themselves as true champions.

The entertainment has already begun as, in the Men’s Football, holding champions Collingwood,

looking to win their third Floodlit Cup in a row, began the defence of their title with a hard fought 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Grey on the night of Wednesday 24th October.

In a tight match, the only thing that could separate the two sides was an unfortunate own goal from Grey captain Chris Kaye in the latter stages of the match.

Collingwood managed to hold onto a win that some are describing as “horrendously undeserved”.

A direct quote from myself and the rest of the Grey support that clearly out-cheered, outchanted and out-sung the 5 or 6 Collingwood fans that decided to show.

“Horrendously undeserved” Collingwood now face St. Aidan’s, who defeated Trevelyan 1-0 last week, in the Quarter finals of the Cup. Elsewhere in the Men’s Football, Premiership champions Mildert will be looking to put

their disappointing semi-final exit of last year behind them as they are set to play St. Mary’s this Wednesday night, and last year’s finalists St. Cuthbert’s will be looking to go one step further as their journey begins against John Snow in November.

“As everyone knows, in Floodlit, anything can happen” As for the Women’s football, St. Hild & St. Bede managed to overcome St. Cuth’s in a tense 4-1 penalty shootout, after the game had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

In the only other game played so far, last year’s runners-up Trevelyan were beaten in a shock 1-0 loss to Ustinov, prolonging their winless start to the season.

Defending Champions of both the Floodlit Cup and the Premiership, Josephine Butler, will be looking to make it two Floodlit Cups in a row as they face Mary’s late in November.

Of course, I wouldn’t be

Grey play Collingwood in their varsity match from February of this year (Grant Slater) my impartial self if I didn’t mention Grey College, who face varsity rivals Collingwood B on Wednesday night in what looks to be the pick of the games in the first round.

They will be looking to get revenge for the “travesty” (another direct quote from the Grey fans) last Wednesday in the Men’s Football.

In the only game so far for the Men’s Rugby Union, last year’s

semi-finalists Collingwood made a great start when they beat Trevelyan 24-17 last Friday.

Current holders St. Aidan’s face a tough opponent in the Combined Chad’s-John’s team as they look to make it back to back Floodlit Cups.

Last year’s runners-up Hatfield, face a relatively easy clash against Collingwood B towards the end of November but as everyone knows, in Floodlit, anything can happen.

Men’s Hockey 1’s take on University of Birmingham Jack Turner The Durham Palatinates played host to the University of Birmingham in the third round of games in the BUCS premier league on Wednesday 24th October, and with both sides having eyed up the play-offs since the off-season it was sure to be an awesome showdown.

It was usual scenes again early on here on the east coast as Henry Baugniet took a real nasty fall right next to the fanzone with the away fans claiming a deliberate take down.

However, the referee confirmed the incident as a slip and kept the cards in his pockets.

The Birmingham blitz press proved to be a tricky tactic for the home side to cope with in the first quarter, with play dictator Van Lak being given no time to make the plays for the palatinates.

The Palatinate crowd demanded a response, and a response is what they got.

“Durham started to feel the pressure midway through the final quarter ” Some overhead Hail Mary aerials from Van Lak and great play from the freshers in the team put the home side in the ascendancy as the stopwatch approached the end of the second quarter.

It was equalisation time for the Durham franchise as Jack Turner drove the baseline before throwing the backhand pass to Veedez, who inserted the ball with an awesome no bounce smash shot.

It’s safe to say the Southern African fresher continues to justify Coach Weaver-Tyler’s pick!

The action didn’t stop there however, as the Palatinates took the lead just before the end of the half Veedez with the play again as his backhand cross-shot found Edwards who put it in off the framework seconds before the umpire’s period whistle.

The third quarter began with both squads ready for action, and before you knew it Ben Park had extended the Durham lead with a volley from just inside the scoring area right after the tip-off.

The Palatinates now led 3 to 1.

But, the momentum shifted again as Van Lak and Alex Holmes were both timed out by referee Eric

“Both sides having eyed up the play-offs since the start of the season” Relentless pressure from the away team led to a spill on the fifty

by Durham, and a swift counter attacking break play resulted in the first penalty corner of the tie.

Eddy Way proceeded to step up and powered a hard flick shot into the goal leaving goaltender Hogg with no chance. 1 - 0 to Birmingham.

in their own defensive zone, the latter receiving a yellow square card for his challenge after the call was made.

The resulting penalty corner was slammed on the rebound by the Birmingham injector and the scoreboard read 3 to 2.

“The all-star line up will need to build on this show” Durham started to feel the pressure midway through the final quarter as Birmingham burst into the 16 and hit a shot onto the frame, but thankfully for Coach Weaver-Tyler’s ‘Palat’ and white army, the strike went out of bounds, with the goalshooter beating the ground in frustration after his miss.

The away team then won another penalty corner, which was injected, stopped, and fired by the special team with a smash that seemed goal-bound, but no...

Christopher Hogg with the Shot stop! Keeping his side in poll position.

“Eddy Way was sent to the naughty step”

1’s after their victory against Nottingham Trent in March (Jedd Wee)

The Palatinates were then awarded a penalty corner of their own as Eddy Way was sent to the naughty step following a stick check. Van Lak proceeded to move up-field for the goalshot attempt.

Silence greeted the special team.

The ball was injected, and the Bundesliga drag flicker powered it home. Durham had emphatically doubled the deficit.

With only seconds until the buzzer, Max Denman laid it on a proverbial plate for his teammate James Sookias who put Birmingham out of their misery with a sweet dive. Final score 5 to 2.

Shouts of ‘DUR’ ‘DUR’ ‘DUR’ reverberated around the Maiden Circus as the Palatinates took the victory points.

“Head down on the 7th November to watch them battle against Loughborough” The all-star line up will need to build on this show during the semester if they want to hold on to their laurels of BUCS champions.

Following this performance the 1’s sat fourth in the North ‘A’ Division, after a win, a draw, and a loss thus far.

So if you can, head down to Maiden Castle on the 7th November to watch them battle against Loughborough in what promises to be an afternoon of excellent sport.

Want to write for us? Email us at sport@palatinate.org. uk

Sport

Thursday 1st November 2018 | PALATINATE

College Pool, how it works and how to get involved Palatinate Sport give you the ins and outs of the college pool leagues (page 18)

Casting a Floodlight on the cup so far As the first round of the Floodlit Cups get underway, we see how the teams are shaping up, and who has already made an early exit (page 19)

▲ Durham Women’s Hockey 1’s after beating Sutton Colfield 4 - 1 on 20th October (Team Durham)

Durham sports teams doing what they do best

• Twelve Durham sports teams faced rivals Loughborough on the same day, with six victories for each University • In college sport, Collingwood sit top of the table with 412 points, over double the tally of second placed Van Mildert James Smith Wednesday 17th of October, and no less than twelve Durham University top-level sports teams descended onto the Loughborough University sports facilities, to enjoy an afternoon of highly anticipated athletic excellence.

Despite the great geographical distance between the two, Loughborough and Durham remain fierce rivals in the University sport league tables, Durham having finished second only to Loughborough every year since 2011 in the overall points tables.

This close affinity was seen again on the sports fields of Loughborough a couple of Wednesdays ago, as the day ended with six victories for each university.

On the winning side for those

in palatinate were the Men’s 1s Volleyball, winning 3-0 in the ‘Sir David Wallace Sports Hall’.

The Men’s 1’s Water polo, came up 28 – 8, in a comprehensive victory to also maintain an undefeated start to the season.

This was then followed up with draws against both University of Sheffield and then Northumbria.

On the grass there were victories for both the Men’s 1’s and Women’s 1’s Lacrosse, the score-lines standing at 20 – 7 and 14 – 3 respectively.

Following this, both teams topped their respective league tables: The ladies continued in the form that they enjoyed last year where they won ten out of ten of their league fixtures.

The last two Durham triumphs came from the Women’s 1’s Basketball, who’s fixture finished with a 93 – 76 scoreline in their favour. Similarly, the Women’s 1’s

Fencing finished twenty ahead of their opposition on 135 at the end of the day.

Since this day there have also been other stand out performances from DU sports teams. The Women’s 1st Basketball team were triumphant again, this time against Northumbria, with their male counterparts running away 90 – 60 in the reverse fixture!

Similarly, on the 17th October Durham Men’s Rugby Union Club followed on the success of their charity match, as their top four fifteen’s came out as winners against University first teams across the country.

Sporting success at Durham, however, has not just been reserved for DU sport. At collegelevel there have already been a number of highlights even this early in the term.

Continuing their seemingly endless run at the top of the

college points table, Collingwood sit first on 412, with already over double the points tally of Van Mildert in second place. John Snow sit firmly at the bottom of the table with only ten points to their name as it stands.

With regards to individual teams, Van Mildert Men’s football ‘A’ team won their first two games of the season, scoring fourteen and conceding none in the process.

This follows them championing the college premiership for the last two years in a row. Captain Joe Cass does not underestimate the pressure on his team, following their performances over the past two seasons, stating “the attitude and effort within the team has been fantastic so far, but we’ve got some challenging games coming up, including a floodlit game, so need to keep focused and doing the right things.”

Last years’ women’s

premiership champions Butler ‘A’ started their title defence with wins against Stephenson Rangers and Van Mildert, conceding only one goal thus far. This means that they have not lost a league match since the 5th February 2017, against Collingwood ‘A’.

The first game of the Women’s Basketball premiership was won

by Collingwood 25 – 0 against Chads, whilst the first three fixtures in the men’s were all tight affairs, the largest winning margin being only six points.

So not even a month into the first term of this year, Durham is already strutting its stuff sportswise.

Whether on the crumb, the grass, in the pool, or on the courts, the athletic abilities of Durham students have been shown to the maximum thus far, an exciting year lies ahead!