Palatinate www.palatinate.org.uk | FREE
Thursday 9th March 2017 | No. 794
Women in Politics
Is the book always better than the film?
Politics talks to Lisa Nandy MP about women in Parliament
Artistic rivalry Almost 6,000 students respond to proposed term length changes Eugene Smith Deputy News Editor
The Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics is set to be officially opened today
Photograph: Durham University
People and Planet Society call for University to end contract with Mitie Group plc Twenty-four student representatives sign letter to Vice-Chancellor demanding rejection of outsourcing company accused of human rights abuses Sophie Gregory Deputy News Editor Durham University’s People and Planet Society have written a letter to Vice-Chancellor Stuart Corbridge calling for Durham University to end its contract with Mitie Group plc, due to the company’s allegedly poor human rights record. Mitie, a FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing company, has a contract worth £5 million with Durham University that is due to end soon. The company provides Integrated Facilitates Management for Durham and
has been working with the University since 2010, with the contract being renewed again in 2014. However, Mitie has repeatedly been accused of several human rights violations, prompting questions as to why the University continues to do business with them. Though their work with Durham University focuses on a range of services including cleaning, landscaping, pest control and total security management, Mitie is also the largest single private sector provider of immigration detention centres in the UK. Currently, it is in charge of the management of Heathrow (Col-
brook and Harmondsworth) and Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centres (IRC). Mitie’s treatment of those detained in these immigration centres has been viewed as unacceptable. Following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2016, Mitie’s provisions were deemed to be “in a severely insanitary condition”. Standards of cleanliness and hygiene were deemed to be poor. Further, overcrowding was a problem, with bedrooms designed for two people housing three or four. Three hunger strikes and the suicide of a Moldovan man in 2011 have also been reported at the de-
tention centres. People and Planet’s letter further includes details of poor fire safety, writing that “a suicidal prisoner set fire to his bedding, resulting in nearly £1 million worth of damage to the centre because Mitie had failed to install sprinklers despite multiple requests by the fire services”. In addition to this, official Home Office figures state that detainees are being used for cleaning and maintenance tasks. For these hours, they are paid £1 per hour. In their letter, People and Planet condemn this, saying that “Mitie Continued on page six
Just under 6,000 Durham students have completed a survey responding to proposed changes in the length of the University term, with the protection of pre-exam revision time revealed as respondents’ most important priority. According to figures disclosed to Palatinate, 46.9 percent of students ranked preserving revision time as the most important consideration, whilst 23.6 percent placed preserving a three-week post-exam period as most important, 22.4 percent chose maintaining the length of the Easter holidays, and 7.1 percent of respondents primarily preferred keeping graduation directly after term, rather than a few weeks after. Durham Students’ Union (DSU) released the online feedback form at the end of January after it emerged the University Executive Committee had proposed extending the summer examination period, mainly out of a need to accommodate the influx of students soon to be relocated to Durham City from Queen’s Campus. The potential effects of the proposed changes were said to include a reduction in revision weeks, a shortening of the Easter holiday, delays to graduation and/ or a shortening of the post-exam period. The survey, created due to a prior lack of student consultation on the proposed term changes, garnered around 5,800 responses in six days, constituting 52 percent of the target undergraduate population. Lisa Whiting, the Academic Affairs Officer for the DSU who organised the survey, said: “With 6,000 responses, this is something students definitely care about, and my job is to make sure their views are considered when the final decisions are made. Continued on page six
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Editorial
A tribute to Palatinate In October 2014 I arrived at Durham with a sense of anxiety, apprehension and a conviction that I was in the wrong place. I was drawn to Palatinate early on; it gave me an interest and direction alongside an involvement with a community of students interested in the link between university and the real world. Following the tragic third drowning in the River Wear in as many years, Palatinate ran a bold headline: “Enough”. This brought home to me the fact that this publication wasn’t just the product of meek student writers — it was an important tool for the voice of Durham students determined to tackle serious issues. I’ve had the pleasure of being Deputy Sports Editor and News Editor, writing a diverse range of stories: from interviewing cult football pundit Jeff Stelling to extensive coverage of the NUS referendum last year. As Editorin-Chief, I’ve seen Palatinate go from strength-to-strength and continue to commit to reporting on the issues that matter to Durham students. I start with these anecdotes as this is my final editorial as Editorin-Chief, and naturally this comes with a certain degree of nostalgia. Congratulations to Megan Croll for her election win to become next year’s DSU President, along with all the other candidates who were appointed. There is no doubt that our Students’ Union is not as prominent as it should be
and operates behind the scene. Megan told Palatinate that our student union must engage more with students. I certainly hope this is the case. Student Union officers work tirelessly behind the scenes but the challenge now is for them to show they are not overshadowed by college JCRs and stand out as a prominent collective student body in Durham. In this edition, Comment discusses the reasons behind our apathy towards our student union, and argues why this should change. Our front page story reports on the pressure being brought to bear on the University by Durham People and Planet Society to end their investment contract with strategic outsourcing company Mitete on account of alleged human rights abuses. Having personally reported on People and Planet’s successful campaign to pressure Durham’s hierarchy to consider divestment from fossil fuel companies, I can only applaud their continued efforts to both keep a close eye on the University’s investments and rightfully object to that which is questionable. This edition also includes an extremely important Comment Experience piece, outlining the level of low-key racism, in the form of micro-aggressions, present both among students, as well as in tutorials. DPOCA’s campaign, #RecogniseandResist aims to highlight the impact of
Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
Inside 794
casual racist comments in the form of posters, in the hope that raising awareness and a lead to genuine change. I know Palatinate will not shirk from its responsibility to tackle oppression of all kinds and that this will include a commitment to investigating and reporting on the sexual harassment scandal engulfing universities, as reported in the national press. I plan to end this editorial as I started it – on a personal note. It has been a privilege to steer Palatinate over the last two terms and I specifically want to praise Palatinate’s editorial board for their support and commitment. The whole is only as great as the sum of its parts, and the hard work, creativity and dedication from every member of Palatinate has seen it soar, develop and grow this year. I have no doubt it will continue to excel. Charlie Taylor-Kroll
News pages 4-8 Profile page 9
Comment pages 10-12
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VISUAL ARTS: Art in action: Capturing the humans behind the crises
SPORT Ranieri departure a wretched reminder of player power in the modern era
STAGE: The Unexpected Guest review: ‘classic’’
FILM & TV: LGBT+ TV shows for when you’re after solid drama
Lucy Sara-Kelly discusses Visual Arts’ commitment to a variety of cultural perspectives, and to the creative value humanity.
Will Jennings discusses the dismissal of Premier League winning manage Claudio Ranieri
Rebecca Percival reviews Agatha Christie’s
Film and TV explre the best TV shows with LGBT+ representation, you might want to try
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 Charlie Taylor-Kroll & Ryan Gould editor@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Editors Ellie Scorah & Anna Tatham deputy.editor@palatinate.org.uk News Editors Emma Pinckard & Hugo Harris news@palatinate.org.uk News Features Editor Ben Sladden news.features@palatinate.org.uk Deputy News Editors Sophie Gregory, Eugene Smith & Reece Moore deputy.news@palatinate.org.uk Politics Editor Mason Boycott-Owen politics@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Politics Editor Kate McIntosh Profile Editors Lily Boulter & Jack Reed profile@palatinate.org.uk Science and Technology Editor Luke Andrews & Tommy Pallett scitech@palatinate.org.uk Comment Editor Adam Cunnane comment@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Comment Editor Tania Chakraborti Sport Editor Nick Friend sport@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Sport Editors James Martland, Ollie Godden & Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Chief College Sport Correspondent George Bond Indigo Editor Yongchang Chin indigo@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Indigo Editor Olivia Howcroft deputy.indigo@palatinate.org.uk Features Editor Sophie Paterson feature@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Features Editor Matthew Chalmers Food & Drink Editor Divya Shastri food@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Food & Drink Editor Robbie Tominey-Nevado Travel Editor Charis Cheesman & Naoise Murphy travel@palatinate.org.uk Fashion Editor Victor Schagerlund fashion@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Fashion Editor Emma Denison Film and Television Editor Simon Fearn film@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Film and Television Editor Olivia Ballantine-Smith Stage Editor Alison Gamble stage@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Stage Editor Christye McKinney deputy.stage@palatinate.org.uk Music Editor Beth Madden music@palatinate.org.uk Creative Writing Editor Anna Gibbs creative.writing@palatinate.org.uk Books Editors Aaron Bell & Tamsin Bracher books@palatinate.org.uk Visual Arts Editor Lolita Gendler visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Visual Arts Editor Lucy Sara-Kelly Chief Sub-Editor Ollie Mair sub-editing@palatinate.org.uk Sub-Editors Harriet Cunningham, Jack Heeney, Inka Karna, Grace Long,Violet Nicholson, Angelos Sofocleous Web Editor John Morris Photography Editor Max Luan photography@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Photography Editor Rob Hardyman & Will Michaels Illustrations Editor Faye Chua illustration@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Illustrations Editors Katie Butler & Akansha Mahesh-Naraindas Digital Coordinators Craig Bateman & Elizabeth Watson
PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
On Sunday a group of Durham students got together to demonstrate in support of students at Delhi University, and to highlight the importance of freedom of speech on University campus. I think many of us as students spend a lot more time focusing on the issues we want to be heard on and the things we want to question, rather than thinking about freedom of speech as a wider concept. This is probably a good sign. However recent discussions of freedom speech - in very different contexts - have brought home to me the importance of this remaining a topic of discussion. I said in response to the recent Spiked! magazine’s red free speech rating of Durham University, I don’t accept free speech as a justification for discrimination or hatespeech. I am proud to be part of an organisation that has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment, homophobia and transphobia and has the policies that support that. The Spiked! campaign pushes for free speech above all else, rating us down for having such things as our zero tolerance to sexual violence and respect at work and study policy, and in this our values fundamentally differ to that of the campaign. I don’t think that this is incompatible with a belief in the fundamental importance of debate and diversity of opinion. As someone involved in student politics, who has been part of protests during my time at University, the idea of students being violently targeted by their peers for these kind of actions, as has been happening at Delhi University, is both scary and unimaginable. The recent student protests in Delhi turned violent and they have been widely condemned by organisations such as Amnesty International as an instance of violence and intimidation being used in opposition to beliefs and opinion. It is the antithesis of all the things we should value and promote about free speech, and that are so vital, especially at University. It takes a lot of courage to organise a protest, to speak out in front of a crowd about something you’re passionate about - it would take so much more courage to this in the face of violence and aggression.
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From the archive: Palatinate No. 507, 12th March 1993
Editorial
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News
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Durham SU Officer Elections
Undergraduate Academic Affairs Officer
Katie Unwin (Modern Languages, St Aidan’s) If elected, what would you like to do differently to your predecessor? I think Lisa (Whiting) has laid out the framework for a lot of really important changes: she has definitely opened up discussions about the Course Rep system by holding regular forums. I would love to continue a pattern of holding regular Course Rep forums, but my main aim is to increase the level of transparency that there is in the system. Students should be able to see their issues raised and see results come of it. This should be done by allowing students to track their complaints through the system. What would you like to be remembered for? I would like to be remembered as someone who is very approachable and someone who you always felt like you could talk to about any
academic issues. That’s why I am attempting to preserve the diversity of the academic community in Durham by allowing students of all minorities to feel like their views are being represented and encouraged. I would also like to be remembered for promoting Durham’s academic community and helping people (staff and students alike) feel part of it. What do you think it is about your past experience that makes you particularly well-suited to the role? I have been Course Rep (German) for three years—in fact the whole time I’ve been here at Durham University. I sit this year on the SSCC undergraduate Education Committee Board of Studies for Modern Languages, and I am the student representative for the Athena Swan Charter, which helps to promote equality in higher education
and women in STEM subjects. So, I have seen both sides of the process (from a staff and student perspective), I know how to work to get changes in place and I would love to use these insights. What role do you think the DSU should play in national student campaigns such as ones headed by the NUS? I think it’s important to address issues of diversity in student populations especially in places like Durham in the face of the current situation in world politics. I think it’s really important to promote the diversity of our wonderful community of students here. I would really like to reach out to academic societies with the view of making our university stand out. What’s your favourite music album? Good Things – The Mezingers.
Laura Tidd (Joint Honours, St Aidan’s ) Why do you want to be elected? I’m a Joint Honours and a disabled student, I was rusticated last year; the combination of all these things has meant that I’ve been in a lot of trouble and have received a lot of academic support. The first time I met my academic advisor was half-way through my third year. I think the inconsistencies and struggles that seem fairly unique to Joint Honours students is something that needs to be looked at more widely because no matter what department you are part of, it seems that some don’t want to claim responsibility for a student. Also, being a disabled student has been a bit of a nightmare. The disabled student allowance was cut drastically about a year ago. Durham is not doing enough to support disabled students academically as well as pastorally. It’s all very well for the Counsel-
ling Service to be there, but that’s not going to help the fact that onethird of lecture rooms have hearing loops. It’s a lottery and lecture caption is another massive issue that needs to be tackled. If elected, what would you like to do differently to your predecessor? Lisa’s (Whiting) going to be hard act to follow. There are various issues that bother students. I was in the library at half-past eleven the other night and there were only two computers free. It’s often borderline impossible to get a seat at the Billy-B during exam season. Considering the move from Queen’s Campus, there’s going to be a real lack of study space. The study space that we do have – Leazes Road and Palace Green Libraries – why does nobody use those spaces? Any new builds should have dedicated study spaces.
What do you think is it about your past experience that makes you particularly well-suited to the role? During my time here I have been President of a Durham University society for two years. I’ve been involved with all the associations. I’m secretary of the Disabled Students Association. I have attended every single DSU Assembly. I have a lot of practical experience working with the Union having been to NUS conferences. Not too long ago I went to Sheffield for their Women in Leadership conference. I know the structure of the DSU inside and out, I know how to get things done in this place. What’s your favourite music album? A Different Kind of Love Song – Dick Gaughan.
Katie Smith (Geography) Katie Smith was unavailable for interview. To view her manifesto and those of the other candidates please visit http://www.durhamsu.com/candidates. Voting closes on 10 March 2017, 17:00.
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News
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Government outlines proposals for fast-track degrees Hugo Harris News Editor English universities will be able to charge more than £14,000 per year for a fast-track two-year degree under new Government proposals. The new degrees are being aimed at mature students and school leavers who want to “crack on and get into the workforce” and cut their living and accommodation costs by a third. The qualifications would omit the conventional long summer and winter holidays in place for the faster pace of the degree. The proposals mean the £9,000 tuition fee cap that currently applies to traditional three-year
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Careful consideration will be needed for how these accelerated courses are delivered
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courses would be lifted. It is believed that this would make annual fees at many UK universities higher than those at US public state universities. Universities minister, Jo John-
son, assured higher education leaders that the proposals would allow flexibility for students whilst simultaneously not diluting the quality of teaching that they receive: “It’s not fewer credits, or lower quality of provision, it’s the same standard, the same quality, but in a compressed period of time and that involves an increase in resources, which needs to be recognised in the fee structure.” The Labour Party has been quick to raise concerns. Education spokesman Gordon Marsden inferred that the £14,000 a year fee structure might not be acceptable: “Is it yet another example of their (the Government’s) using their new higher education legislation as a Trojan horse to let tuition fees rip?” Responses from university experts have been similarly mixed. Tim Bradshaw, Acting Director of the Russell Group, suggested that while they backed “diversity and innovation”, there were many reasons why conventional three-year degree programmes were “generally the most appropriate.” “Careful consideration will be needed for how these accelerated courses are delivered so that they don’t negatively affect student learning or compromise the overall undergraduate experience,” he added. The University and College Union (UCU) said the plans drawn up would not herald a new era of open, flexible universities; rather, the proposals could further enable for-profit companies to thrive in higher education. Their general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “Accelerated degrees
Jo Johnson, Minister of Universities and Science risk undermining the well-rounded education upon which our universities’ reputation is based. “As well as placing a huge burden on staff, these new degrees would only be available to students who could study all year round. Our universities must remain places of learning, not academic sweatshops.” Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance which represents vocationally-focused universities, was keen to emphasise the potential benefits of the Government’s plans: “Accelerated degrees can be a really attractive
option for mature students and those who are looking to get into the job market quickly with new skills.” “Our members already run some very successful accelerated degrees, for which students pay much less. More flexibility on fees would allow universities to run more courses like this, and in more subjects.” In a statement to Palatinate, Professor Alan Houston, Pro-ViceChancellor (Education), was openminded but non-committal. He said: “We pride ourselves on excellent education and a student experience
Photograph: Wikimedia Commons
to rival the best in the world.” “We are always looking at ways to further strengthen our offering, so that Durham graduates continue to be well-equipped with the skills and confidence they need to thrive and succeed in their careers.” “There are a number of reasons why full-time, three-year degree programmes are generally the most appropriate at research-intensive institutions like Durham. However, we have not yet considered accelerated courses, or explored the possible benefits and necessary compromises in this approach.”
St Chad’s tops DSU election turnout with 39%
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I’m absolutely delighted to have been elected as Durham’s next Students’ Union President
Union President. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted and supported me through-
out what was a tough couple of weeks. Also, very well done to the other candidates in all of the elections; there were so many strong campaigns. Particularly to Harry (Cross) who was tough competition but was so gracious”. In response to his victory, Charlie Walker, Opportunities Officerelect, said: “Really big thank you to my campaign team who worked so hard, my boyfriend Dom who has seen me through a number of emotional crises and to all my friends who have been here with me through this, thank you so much”. Alice Dee, current DSU President, brought the announcement evening to a close: “I would just like to take the opportunity to
thank everyone again for running in the election. Having run an election campaign myself, it was probably one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. Everyone poured their absolute heart and soul into it, so well done!”
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Megan Croll has been elected President of Durham Students’ Union (DSU) for the academic year 2017/18. The current St Cuthbert’s JCR President defeated Harry Cross in a final round by 1,874 to 1,709 votes. In the other results, Sabrina Seel was elected Postgraduate Academic Officer, Charlie Walker Opportunities Officer, and Rosa Tallack Welfare and Liberation Officer. 4,207 voted out of a possible 20,219, marking an overall turnout was 20.8%. According to DSU statistics,
turnout was highest at St Chad’s, where 238 out of 611 eligible students (39.95%) voted. Other colleges with relatively high turnouts were St Cuthbert’s (37.35%), St Johns (37.03%), and Van Mildert (29.72%). Colleges with the lowest turnouts included Stephenson (7.36%), John Snow (7.72%), Ustinov (9.97%), Hatfield (11.54%) and Josephine Butler (15.82%). Croll, whose manifesto had “Value for Money, Student Consultation and Common Room Support” as its three main themes, was not present at the result announcement in the Riverside Bar. Nevertheless, writing on her Facebook page after the event, she said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been elected as Durham’s next Students’
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Hugo Harris News Editor
Everyone poured their absolute heart and soul into it, so well done!
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The letter has been signed by Durham Students’ Union representatives and members of staff Continued from front page profits from these exploitative practices which effectively treat some of the most vulnerable people in society as slave labour for corporations unwilling to pay the minimum wage”. People and Planet are urging the University to “make a powerful statement that it will not do business with organisations which have such an atrocious human rights record and which clearly…lack respect for the most basic ethical standards”. They call for the University to “end the Integrated Facilities Management contract with Mitie at the end of the current contract period, without permitting any extension (either long or short term in nature)”. They also urge the University “[t]o the greatest extent permitted by the Public Contracts Regulations, if retendering this service (or any part of it) to include appropriate selection criteria to exclude any bidder which is guilty of socially-damaging practices, in particular the institutionalised mistreatment, subjugation and exploitation of vulnerable people”. The letter has been signed by over 24 individuals on behalf of societies, as well as representatives of Durham Students’ Union or Colleges and by members of staff. These include Alice Dee, the current Student’s Union President, Lisa Whiting, Academic Affairs Officer, Dr Sophie Ward, Lecturer in Education (Durham University) and Sarah Thin on behalf of Durham Young Greens. Sarah Thin, a member of People and Planet, told Palatinate: “We’re writing to the VC because we don’t believe it’s acceptable for a University like Durham to be doing business and therefore financially supporting a company with such a horrific human rights record.
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This is an opportunity for Durham to show that it does not tolerate the abuse and exploitation
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“This is an opportunity for Durham to show that it does not tolerate the abuse and exploitation of the vulnerable; to live up to its reputation as an upstanding and respectable educational institution.”
FOI request reveals staff expense claims for the past three academic Emma Pinckard News Editor Palatinate has obtained through a Freedom of Information Request the amount of money that University staff have claimed in expenses over the past three years. Due to the University changing its expenses payment system during this period, it was only possible to see in detail the expenses claims for the 2016 academic year, with the previous years only specifying mileage, air and rail travel costs, and ‘other expenses’. The largest amount claimed by staff in the 2016 academic year was in hotel accommodation, where £197,772 was spent, followed by £124,276 spent on Economy Class flights, £80,634 on ‘subsistence 9-24 hours’ and £77,356 on conferences. £76,768 was claimed in mileage, in addition to £27,203 for mileage specifically to and from Queen’s Campus Durham. It can also be revealed that £2,224 was claimed on First Class flights, in addition to £49,898 on taxis and £1,533 on the London Underground. In addition to this, over £70,000 was spent on hospitality, with
£15,851 on lunch and £56,936 on dinner, in addition to £6,432 on ‘student hospitality’. Other claims include car hire, national and international rail charges, other public transport, and outward visitor visa applications. Sally McGill, Chief Financial Officer, said: “The University will reimburse employees and others for expenses incurred whilst performing University business, as detailed in our Expenses Policy. “The objective of this policy is to ensure that all expenditure relating to travel, accommodation, subsistence, hospitality and other benefits is properly incurred, within reasonable limits and is consistent with the achievement of the University’s objectives and the requirements of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). “The University encourages the most sustainable and cost effective methods at the time of travel, wherever possible. “Detailed analysis of costs is only available for part of 2016 as a result of introducing new accounting software during this year. “The previous payment software was not able to provide such detailed analysis and so all costs except car mileage, air and rail travel were classified as ‘other’.”
“My hope is that the University will only make minor changes” Continued from front page “My hope is that the University will only make minor changes to the structure of the academic year — taking into account student views on pre-exam revision, holidays and the post exam period. “However, if this isn’t the case, then I will express my frustration to the University that the views of students have not been used to inform the overall decision. “I will also work with the ProVice-Chancellor for Education to ensure that the University puts plans in place to mitigate potential negative impacts on students – e.g. if the year is extended so that students are required to pay for two more weeks of catered accommodation.” The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Alan Houston, told Palatinate: “This term the University Executive Committee delayed consideration [of its proposals] to enable the DSU to survey the student body, and to permit me to meet with JCR Presi-
dents. These expressions of student voice helped shape the final draft. “The proposal is now progressing through the University’s governance channels. The next step is discussion by the Senate, which includes representatives from Durham Students’ Union. “If the Senate supports the proposal in principle, then we will undertake further consultation with students and staff before any final decisions are made.” The option currently recommended by the DSU is to keep the term structure “largely the same as it is currently”, with the only difference of “an additional examination week added into third term, thus extending the term by one week”, and concurrently delaying graduation by a week. The secondary preferred option is to begin Michaelmas term one week earlier, making it an eleven-week teaching term, and to convert one of Easter term’s current revision weeks into an exam week.
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News
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Waddington Street resident wins fight to turn house into student accommodation Reece Moore Deputy News Editor Jackie Levitas, the last non-student resident of Waddington Street, has finally won a seven-month battle with Durham City Council to turn her house into a house of multiple occupation (HMO), opening it up to the student market. Mrs Levitas has lived on Waddington Street, located in the Viaduct area, for more than 40 years. However, in 2013 she became the final permanent, non-student resident. She decided to move after an appeal to convert the former County Hospital into student accommodation was successful, as it is opposite her home. However, the initial request to turn her home into an HMO was rejected by the Council. The initial rejection of Mrs Levitas’ request was based upon new rules, introduced by the Council, which aimed to reduce the concentration of student homes in the area. The Council felt that allowing Mrs Levitas’ home to be converted into a student home “would lead to a concentration of student accommodation which would harm the area’s character and adversely affect other residents”. Mrs Levitas appealed the decision and was eventually successful, with Ian Jenkins, a planning inspector, overturning the Council’s decision.
Waddington Street The soon-to-be-former resident of Waddington Street said of the result: “I feel like a real person again. I feel liberated. “I felt like a caged bird which was a horrible feeling. I was suffering from depression and anxiety and I
don’t know what I would have done if the appeal had failed. “It’s a great relief. I would love to stay here but I can’t. “I love this area of Durham which is why I stayed and campaigned so long. I can leave here with my head
held high. For me that’s important because I left when there was no alternative.” The decision made by Mr Jenkins to overturn the decision was based on the high concentration of students already living in that area.
Photograph: Sarah Caldecott
His decision has now helped in clarifying the Council’s rules. The Council’s head of planning, Stuart Timmiss, commented: “We welcome the clarity in respect of how the policy can and will be used as a result of this judgment”.
Refugee Action Week sees protests across Durham Luke Andrews
Last week was Refugee Action Week in Durham, where events were organised by Durham University Amnesty International Society, Durham University People & Planet, and Durham Refugee Action group. It was part of a wider campaign happening across the country on almost all UK university campuses. Durham University Amnesty International Society held a silent protest on Old Elvet Bridge. Participants stood in silence holding placards with slogans such as “Refugees Welcome.” The protest comes as the Government announces the closure of the DUBS scheme, a commitment
to take in 3,000 children from refugee camps, after accepting only 350 of the original number. A similar plan to bring unaccompanied refugee children with direct family links to Britain under the Dublin Convention is also due to be cancelled. “Our specific goal is to push the Government to respect the right of family reunion”, said Katie Condon, President of Durham Amnesty Society. She continued to explain: “We’re just trying to voice our dissatisfaction with what’s going on.” The week-long campaign also aims to fight negative attitudes to refugees. Olivia, a protest participant, said: “Even if we change one person’s attitude to refugees it means something”. The campaign has received a positive response from the Dur-
ham student community. Campusmates have been prepared to help wherever possible, and sign petitions. Katie continued:“People obviously really care and are superkeen to help out. I think Durham University students are really happy to sign the petition.” The Publicity Officer, Juliane Thorbjornsen, has worked hard to get this campaign to reach the student community. She said: “We are looking to engage students where they are in everyday life”. The campaign involved petition signing outside the library, the making of a large paper chain in the DSU to be strung between the Home Office and Education Ministry in London, a silent protest, and a talk.
Silent protest on Elvet Bridge
Photograph: Luke Andrews
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News Features
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Revealed: The rise of reported hate crimes in County Durham
Ben Sladden News Features Editor Race hate crime in the NorthEast has soared to record levels since the EU referendum last year, a new report has revealed. In the Durham Constabulary area, 66 race hate crimes were reported—an increase of 16 per cent since the Brexit vote. The Press Association, who exposed these figures, cross-referenced data on racist offences with the results of the EU referendum, showing that there was a rise in race hate crime in 36 police force areas which voted to leave the EU, one of which being County Durham. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) suggested that a small number of people felt the vote gave them a mandate “to legitimise inexcusable racism and prejudice”. Although the chairman of the EHRC, David Isaac, said that “the vast majority of people who voted to leave the European Union
There has been a 16 percent increase in hate crimes in the Durham area since the Brexit vote
Compared to 2015/16 we have seen a slight rise in both reported hate incidents and crime
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did so because they believed it was best for Britain and not because they are intolerant of others”. The UKIP leader Paul Nuttall, who was recently defeated in the Stoke Central by-election, has rubbished claims of a correlation between the Brexit vote and a spike in hate crime. Mr Nuttall told The Independent that “a lot of that [rise in hate crimes] is fabricated”. Likewise, Deputy Editor of the online libertarian magazine spiked, Tom Slater, spoke on Daily Politics, labelling the reports an attempt to “defame Brexit.” Speaking on the rise of race hate crimes, a spokesperson
for Durham Constabulary said: “Compared to 2015/16 we have seen a slight rise in both reported hate incidents and crime but these are still very low and we suspect there are significant levels of under reporting. “We would actively encourage anyone who feels they have been a victim of hate crime to report it to the police by calling 101 so we can help them.” Durham People of Colour Association (DPOCA), a student group representing BME students at the University, has been running a campaign, ‘Recognize and Resist’, drawing attention to the experiences of racial abuse suffered by BME students in Durham. One anonymous testimonial claims that someone in a passing car shouted “oi n***er!” at a student. One black female student who decided to wear her hair naturally was told “the hairdresser is that way, you dirty wh**e!” Another reports that one student was told that “I can never take you home to my parents… because you’re an Arab”. “You don’t sound black anymore—Durham’s making you white”, reads another testimonial. In a comment piece that ap-
peared in Palatinate in 2015, a Muslim student, Si Penyaputerbang, spoke of experiencing shouts of Islamophobic abuse from gangs of teenagers in Durham, including references to ter-
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We would encourage any student experiencing hate crime to report this via the Police reporting tool and to share concerns with the College student support
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Van Mildert College hosts the Sutton Trust Summer School
rorism and chants of “Allahuakbar”. The author of the article also claimed that Muslim women in Durham usually refrain from walking home alone at night out
of fear for their own safety. In the summer of 2016 swastikas and an ‘SS’ symbol were graffitied onto student homes in Durham. A 2016 Palatinate survey revealed that 90.6 per cent of students who said they had “experienced racism directed towards them or anyone else while at Durham” did not report the incident to the University or the Students’ Union. Durham Police define a hate crime as “any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a protected characteristic.” In a University statement to Palatinate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Houston said: “We do not accept any form of prejudice or discrimination at Durham University. “We would encourage any student experiencing hate crime to report this via the Police’s online reporting tool, True Vision; and to share their concerns with the College Student Support Office. “The University works closely with key contacts in the police who have a remit for hate crime, including the Partnerships Officer – Hate Crime Lead/Equality and Diversity; but the first point
Photograph: Durham University Photograph: Durham Constabulary
of call is Rebecca Carey, the Police University Liaison Officer. “We have a Respect at Study Policy and there is a group of harassment contacts across the University who can provide advice and guidance.” In responding to how the University plans on making Durham an attractive destination for future BME students, the University spokesperson commented: “The University is committed to increasing the diversity of the student body, and helping each and every student feel welcomed and valued, and undertakes a range of Access and Student Recruitment activities in this area. “One example of this is the Increasing Diversity project, through which we are working with schools where there are high levels of BAME [Black, Asian and minority ethnic] diversity to encourage more young people from BAME backgrounds to apply to study at Durham. “This includes current students returning to their old schools as ambassadors for Durham.” Statistics for 2016/17 show that BME students make up just 27 per cent of the University’s full-time students, although this figure has increased by around 10 per cent over the past six
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
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Leanne Wood: ‘Independence will be achieved in my political lifetime’ Plaid Cymru’s leader discusses the battle for Welsh independence and her unconventional route into national politics
Jack Reed Profile Editor Independence derives from the idea of liberty, enabling a country to operate under self-government. In the past year, independence and the concept of isolationism have gathered momentum, with the vote for Brexit and Trump’s ‘America comes first’ attitude proving successful in the US election. And now, with the calls for Scottish independence becoming louder, it seems the independence ship in Wales is getting ready to set sail, with Leanne Wood the captain of
“Too many promises to count have been broken by those establishment, mainstream political parties so trust in politics is now at an all-time low” this expedition. Wood is both optimistic about
achieving Welsh independence, but equally realistic. When asked whether becoming independent was possible in the next five years, she acknowledged that this was unlikely; it’s clear there needs to be a large amount of preparation put in place as well as a campaign to push for independence across the country. However, Wood is confident of achieving independence by the end of her political career, especially after what has happened in recent times. “In the aftermath of the referendum on EU membership, an opinion poll showed a third of people in Wales would support independence from the UK as a means of our country remaining an EU member.” As well as the rise in nationalism that has been evident in recent elections, Wood believes the push for Welsh independence will also be helped by the failures of the British governments to properly represent the Welsh people. “As we are subjected to successive Tory Governments who do not have a mandate in Wales, more and more people will see in the Westminster system the inherent lack of democratic accountability and its failure to represent places like Wales adequately.” To achieve independence, the Welsh ship will need strong currents to push it forward, with a captain like Wood to
Photograph: Leanne Wood
Photograph: Leanne Wood
use them to the best advantage. Wood puts the rise in nationalism and anti-establishment politics down to the broken promises of politicians and the failure of modern governments to properly provide for their people. “Many people feel let down by the establishment in general. Too many promises to count have been broken by those establishment, mainstream political parties so trust in politics is now at an all-time low.” Furthermore, she acknowledges much of the success of the Leave campaign was down to their exploitation of these sentiments, especially amongst the working class, who saw their vote as the opportunity for something different than what they had had all through their lives so far. “The Leave campaign was successful at tapping into this significant disenchantment with the establishment, even though many of their key figures are quintessentially establishment.” To achieve independence, many key Welsh politicians may have to tap into these feelings, to gather enough workers on the crew to operate the ship. But, significantly, the captain of this independence ship isn’t like other politicians. Her background and experiences have shaped her in ways that the run-of-themill politician cannot know or necessarily understand. For example, she has witnessed the impacts of the policies introduced by the Conservative and Labour governments in the second half of the twentieth century. “I saw firsthand the effects of the policies on my community by a Thatcher-led Government with no mandate to represent us. I cannot let Labour off the hook either as they undertook
a pit closure programme when in power in the 60s and 70s.” While discussing these past events, Wood notes a number of similarities, between the governments when she was growing up and those of the present day. “The Tory Government leans to the right and the former coalfield communities of south Wales continue to be neglected. While jobs in manufacturing were attracted to Wales during the 80s and 90s, they never fully replaced the mining jobs.” The blame for this she puts at the feet of the Conservative and Labour governments; for this reason, it’s clear why, in Wood’s eyes, the independence ship must leave the docks as soon as possible. Wood’s upbringing has shaped
“I grew up in a working class family, did factory jobs and worked as a probation officer” the way she views society and the politics that she believes are required to improve people’s lives. With her working class childhood, she recognises her uniqueness within modern politics: “my background is unconventional by modern political standards – I grew up in a working class family, did factory jobs and worked as a probation officer.” Furthermore, she is inclusive and encouraging in her social policy believing that, "nobody should think they are not capable of holding the highest political office.” Because of where she has come from and the position
she is in now, it’s clear to see why Wood hopes more people from working class backgrounds achieve important positions within national politics. Perhaps if the journey to independence is successful, then this is something we will see more of in Wales. Within modern politics, and modern society in general, the issue of the media seems to be gathering more attention, most notably with the recent claim of news outlets publishing ‘fake news’ by President Trump. However, Wood takes a different approach, instead focusing on the decline of the media’s presence in Wales. “In many ways the influence of the media, in Wales particularly, has waned since I was first elected to the National Assembly in 2003. There are now fewer reporters covering political stories which is a problem from the point of view of accountability of politicians.” To replace it in some form, social media has taken a considerable surge in use and application by those involved in politics. Wood sees this move as a positive one, especially given the ‘low voter turnout amongst young people that is a habit which will be carried into later life.’ The ship for Welsh independence is certainly ready to set sail. It has its captain in place, it is slowly gathering a crew to support the voyage and it has a destination that is certainly achievable within the current political climate. From Wood’s point of view, she will certainly hope her captaincy and expedition will lead to a result similar to that of Columbus rather than that of Edward Smith. Nevertheless, what is certain is that the movement and the end result will both be titanic for Wales.
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Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
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Racism: The spectre haunting Durham When my lecturers used racial slurs, I knew something was wrong
An unpleasant scenario to kick start an unpleasant topic: I’m at 24’s with some friends for their annual pub quiz. I’m just standing up to leave when a guy approaches me, followed by his friend. “Your hair is really cool,” he says. “Aww, thanks.” “It’s the kind of hair you want to touch. Can I touch it?” I hesitate. This guy’s hand is already creeping towards my curls. I know exactly what I ought to say, but awkwardness makes the words linger in my throat. I don’t want to appear rude. “I’m really sorry, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with that.” When I finally tease the answer out, it is most obviously the wrong one. His eyes slit, his mouth sets like concrete. His facial expression looks like I just called the plague of Moses down upon him, not like I exercised my right to say no. “Come on.” His hand moves faster, and I duck. “I said, I’m not comfortable.” He slinks past, attempting one final swipe at my hair as he does so. “Bitch.” Manoeuvring the topic of micro-aggressions is never fun. It’s like tiptoeing through a racially-charged mine field, pirouetting past linguistic technicalities and praying you don’t stick
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I have flinched at the repeated use of the ‘N’ word in lectures.
your foot in the wrong place. It seems like one mistimed step and you’re going to be blasted out of the stratosphere
in a blaze of fury, or at the very least high enough to touch an aeroplane. What’s even less fun than talking about micro-aggressions, however, is experiencing
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Jazmine Bourke
It’s the kind of hair you want to touch. Can I touch it?
them. And if you’re a person of colour at Durham, the chances are you encounter them an awful lot. As a non-white student, you quickly come to realise that micro-aggressions are a constant presence within university life. Whether it’s becoming a case study for affirmative action, or the butt of ‘jokes’ which fuel harmful stereotypes, racial difference becomes something to
which you are almost permanently wedded. You find yourself and your heritage increasingly labelled with phrases like ‘ghetto,’ ‘exotic,’ ‘wild,’ and ‘oriental.’ People refuse to pronounce your name, or demand you anglicise it for their benefit. God forbid you ever try to explain why these make you feel uncomfortable. The student body are by no means the exclusive source of race-related anxiety either; perhaps what is even more difficult to swallow is its presence in the education we invest so much in. As an English student, I’ve sat through tutorials which have questioned the relevance of race within the field of literary theory — something that would never be done to feminist or socialist commentary. I have flinched at the repeated use of the ‘N’ word in lectures from my elective module. A legitimate piece of feedback from one friend’s formative read “your essay assumes racism is a bad thing.” Although the department in question handled his follow-
ing complaint both swiftly and empathetically, the question still remains why the complaint needed ever exist in the first place. The truth is, when first confronted with Durham, you’d be hard pressed to find anything remotely hostile about it. The rivers are picturesque, the ca-
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One friend’s formative read, “Your essay assumes racism is a bad thing.”
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fés are quaint, maybe the Student Union isn’t exactly post-card perfect, but hey, it’s still a grade 2 listed building.
But when you experience a constant trickle of messages — signs that, although non-explicit, mark you as Other, less, different, ultra-visible — you start to feel alienated. It’s like a bio-accumulation of toxicity in your brain, starting in mild annoyance and ending with you feeling genuinely uncomfortable in your own skin. It ends with you simmering with disappointment in the back of lecture theatres, becoming bitter at the mention of any race-related subject, ducking your head and biting your tongue because you don’t want to be the ‘social justice warrior’ or ‘militant black person’ of the tutorial. You start to ask what there is to value about a degree from a university that doesn’t always value you. I’ll probably never be entirely satisfied with how I have written this article. No extension of word count or time frame could ever convince me I have given a holistic and faithful representation of this subject. Because on top of all this is the knowledge that what I’m saying is only the tip of the iceberg: as a mixed white and black, relatively light-skinned girl, there are areas of racial marginalisation that I will never experience, and countless issues I have undoubtedly failed to address. I can never do justice to the feelings experienced by a dark skinned man who’s branded as a thug, or an Asian woman who’s constantly fetishized. But what I, and everyone else can do, is provide a platform on which their experiences can be shared. This is exactly what DPOCA’s #RecogniseAndResist campaign aims to do. It aims to highlight the problematic modes of thought which litter our everyday actions, and by doing so takes the first steps to correcting them. Every single poster is a firsthand account of student experience, so if you see one about, please give it a read. Resisting racism starts with all of us.
Photograph: Durham People of Colour Association
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
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Photograph: Ieuan Jenkins via Flickr and Creative Commons
Durham is perpetuating the same old elites plays a role in continuing this inequality. The University has been more famed for its ‘toffish’, public school reputation in recent years as opposed to its academic excellence, continually propagated by events like last year’s Champagne Society ball scandal. This acts to put off high achievers
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Recent revelations showing Durham to be the second-worst performing university in terms of the ratio of independent to state school students is deeply worrying. As a leading higher education institution, Durham is tasked with providing the nation with its future business leaders, academics, politicians, and civil servants. Reports that only 60.5 per cent of Durham undergraduates (fulltime first degree entrants) attended state-funded schools highlights that Durham is producing a workforce that is not representative of the society it serves, calling into question whether the University is doing its job properly. For a society to function fairly, it is important for those from all walks of life to have access to the highest academic standards. However, it is clear that this is not the case. With 56 per cent of state school pupils and 60 per cent of private school pupils going onto university, at a glance it may seem the disparity between the two sectors is
not significant. However, when the types of institutions pupils from the two sectors are attending is revealed, the figures highlight a worrying trend. Private school pupils are twice as likely to attend Russell Group universities and five times more likely to gain a place at Oxford or Cambridge. This disparity has damaging effects on social mobility in the UK, ensuring that power and influence is safeguarded for a small economic elite. This inequality most notably manifests itself within the professions. With 71 per cent of senior judges, 50 per cent of Lords, 43 per cent of newspaper columnists, and 33 per cent of MPs having attended private schools, almost all areas of public life are dominated by the 7 per cent of Britons who have attended fee paying institutions. When the top public positions in a society are taken by a privileged elite, it is impossible to ensure that that society is run for the benefit of all members and not just for those in its upper echelons. Of course the cause of this issue is multi-faceted but institutions such as Durham have deep rooted problems that must be addressed. Durham’s image problem clearly
Private school pupils are twice as likely to attend Russell Group universities
from the state sector and attracts a certain type from private schools who wish to continue to live in a public school bubble. In addition to this, accommodation fees of £7,000-plus means many simply cannot afford to study in Durham without significant support from their parents or part time
work. If the powers that be at the University are serious about improving the numbers of working class students, which I am not certain they are, it is vital the high cost of maintenance at Durham is addressed. However, this problem is not Durham’s alone and for real change to occur there needs to be a concerted effort from both schools and universities. Universities should expand their ‘contextual offer’ programme to ensure more working class pupils gain places. While many are uncomfortable with the idea of positive discrimination it is a policy that makes sense for universities. According to research, state school pupils with similar grades to pupils from private institutions are more likely to achieve 2:1s or firsts at degree level. Therefore, ensuring that state school pupils achieve places at our top universities will improve academic standards at these institutions. In addition, schools need to provide more guidance and encouragement for high achieving pupils. According to the Sutton Trust, four in ten teachers ‘rarely or never’ advise academically-gifted pupils to
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Schools need to provide more guidance and encouragement for high-achieving pupils.
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Harry Flannery
apply to Oxford or Cambridge. The suggestion here is if high achieving state pupils receive better informed guidance from teachers they are more likely to apply to the top institutions. Whilst in recent years, great progress has been made in making sure Britain’s top universities are more representative of the society they serve, it seems Durham is still stuck in the past. For real progress to be made, elite universities, along with the government and school heads, need to make a concerted effort to improve the ratio of state-educated students. However, I fear the desire is non-existent from those who run the University.
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Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
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Why don’t we care about our Students’ Union? Tania Chakraborti Deputy Comment Editor Recently, current St Cuthbert’s Society JCR President, Megan Croll, was elected Durham SU President-Elect, beating rival Harry Cross with 1,874 votes to 1,709. Other winners included Sabrina Seel as Postgraduate Academic Officer, Charlie Walker as Opportunities Officer, and Rosa Tallack as Welfare and Liberation Officer. However, the real question is not whether these winning candidates were worthy of support, but rather, where was this support? The low voter turn-out in our recent SU elections was somewhat shameful. Out of a student population of roughly 17,000 individuals, we could only muster an approximate 24.7 per cent voter turn-out. In this context, how easy does Croll’s win really sit, and why are we so apathetic to the election process? It surely takes only a few short minutes to clink on a link to a website. Some might say this is a victory building on last year, when only 3,586 bothered to
vote, marking a shocking 18.3 per cent election turn-out. The trend of voter stagnation has been a long-term issue; Palatinate were lamenting the low voter statistic of 25% as far back as the 2011 elections. In some ways this feels like a broken record. Considering the President is afforded an impressive £18,000 approximate salary, why aren’t we a more enfranchised student body? Many comment that they were not aware about the elections taking place, or that campaigns were not well publicised. Many state that they simply did not care enough about the candidates to bother to vote. However, the likely cause of vote-dodging is summed up by those very people who campaigned to be this year’s President. In an exclusive interview with Palatinate, Croll admitted that “the SU doesn’t make that much of an impact at the moment,” Cross commented that “the Students’ Union could do more to engage students with the issues that matter to them,” whilst Nadkarni stated his belief that “the current condition of the Durham Students’ Union is not good.”
Surely it is clear by now that our student population is simply disillusioned with the DSU? This is reflected in the lack of candidates as well as voters. Last year there was heated contest for the role of Academic Affairs officer, whilst this year the new Undergraduate Academic Officer role had no candidates at the opening of voting. Such apathy does not just appear from nowhere; it takes years of mistrust and resentment to fester. The University has made a series of wrong moves for a clear decade now, most notably by disregarding the growing concern of cost-of-living for students, now reaching crisis point. In the eyes of students, the DSU has clearly failed to cope with moderating this growing problem. Is it because we are a collegiate university? The role of JCRs sees the position of the SU diminished in the eyes of the student body; why have two institutions when you already have one? However, this argument also falls flat; voter turn-out for non-presidential exec positions has been decidedly unimpressive in recent years. On the flip side, statistics for JCR
Megan Croll, DSU President-Elect President elections are on the rise. For example, in the 2016 JCR elections at Aidan’s, the winning JCR President received 244 votes. In some ways this undoubtedly blocks the utility of the union, with college JCRs overruling the SU regularly. How is this conducive to achieving anything effectively? I realise people are disillusioned with the Students’ Union because they believe it does not make the effort to vocalise student concerns. But this is a myth; we don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. It is the job of the President and elected SU officers to ensure
Photograph: DSU
a better relationship is established with the University and it is the job of the five paid Student Officers to stand up for you. So, if you want to be represented adequately it is your duty to choose the right candidates; those that will not be solely ‘behind the scenes’ figures, those that truly care about the role. If you did not vote, do you really have a right to complain about the state of the SU? We need more of our student body to engage with these elections. Only then can we really ensure concrete, not lacklustre change.
Photograph: Durham Students’ Union
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
Women in Politics
Politics
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The Durham Bubble: Politics News in Brief
Labour MP tries to be cool
Brexit goes to the Lords
China and North Korea tensions
Georgina Edwards
Julia Atherly
Carolina Maberry
Though I usually cringe at any attempt by a serious figure to be trendy — be it the BBC Facebook page’s use of the monkey emoji or my nan’s use of Instagram — I found Tom Watson’s dab at PMQs oddly refreshing. Irrespective of whether it was a spontaneous attempt at the dead cat strategy, or a very elaborate ‘help me’ signal to the back benches, it was the most support we’ve seen Watson give his leader in a long while. And moreover, I suspect its done more to improve many people’s opinion of the Labour Party than any ‘relaunch’, march or Christmas jingle has managed to in the last 18 months.
May’s Brexit plan has been delayed after she suffered a defeat in the House of Lords. The result calls for an amendment to the Brexit bill concerning the rights of the 3 million EU nationals currently living and working in the UK. The motion failed despite the appearance of May in the House of Lords during the debate as supposedly an attempt to put pressure on potential Tory rebels. Labour’s leader in the Lords, Baroness Smith, has stated that the Lords would not block the legislation, but neither would they present the government with a ‘blank cheque’.
Photograph: Benjamin Ellis via Flickr
Photograph: Maurice via Flickr
Russian infulence in UK election
Hannah Fölsz
China has historically been North Korea’s closest ally, and is widely seen as the key to negotiation with Pyongyang. Relations between the two allies have long been strained, and continued nuclear tests by the North Korean government have slowly worsened the ‘cold shoulder’ treatment. In response, China is implementing strong UN sanctions against NK coal. Now a proChina member of the Kim family, Kim Jong Nam, has been killed by North Korean assassins. This may mark a new era in Chinese involvement in the region; seemingly dusting their hands of the responsibility while not going so far as to jeopardise the NK state. Photograph: (stephan) via Flickr
Mugabe to rule forever?
Harriet Willis
Former Labour Minister for Europe, Chris Bryant, claims that there is clear evidence that Russia interfered in the 2015 British general election. His claim follows the recently emerged news that UK political parties turned to security agencies asking for help following a cyber attack in 2015. Evidence shows a clear rise in clandestine online activity from Russia in the UK in the lead-up to the election, which has raised substantial fears. After the alleged Russian hacking of Democratic Party emails in the US and further evidence of possible interference across Europe, this is yet another accusation that Russia aims to influence the outcome of elections in the West.
The controversial ruler of Zimbabwe recently celebrated his 93rd birthday but shows no indication of stepping down. He led his party to another victory in 2013, although, this win was allegedly achieved through vote rigging. Pinned as the destroyer of the nation’s economy, his questionable economic policies have caused massive disruption since the 1980s. The future of Zimbabwe is deemed uncertain, with one main contender for succession being his wife, in other words, an extension of his destructive legacy. However, his political rival, Emmerson Mnangagwa, could provide Zimbabwe with an option to escape Mugabe’s continuous rule.
Photograph: Michael Himbeault via Flickr
Photograph: Al Jazeera English via Flickr
Labour loses seat in historic by-elections mance and it seems to many that it would be in the best interests of the
Holly Bancroft
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Last month saw victory for the Tories in Copeland, as their candidate Trudy Harrison won the by-election with 2,000 more votes that Labour Gill Troughton in a move that upset Labour supporters everywhere. Copeland, a seat on the west Cumbrian coast, turned blue for the first time in more than 80 years. This shock win somewhat clouded the Labour success in Stoke-on-Trent Central, which held off the Ukip threat.
This shock win clouded the Labour success in Stoke
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It’s not just Corbyn that the voters don’t like
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The results add to the ever growing list of reasons why MPs are calling for Corbyn’s resignation. But Corbyn seems almost irresponsibly unfazed. If this by-election was a test for Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership then he has clearly failed it. Yes, this is only one constituency, but this aids predictions that the
Jeremy Corbyrd has not taken responsibility for the by-election loss
Labour party are heading towards a historically bad defeat in a future general election. Corbyn continues to deny that the fault lies with him and though he is right (Labour’s problems are more manifold than one man) the
fractious nature of his party since he has been leader of the opposition has been the hallmark of bad leadership. Both major parties have faced internal differences over Brexit but (despite the House of Lords vote
Photograph: norbet1 via Flickr
on Wednesday) the Conservatives have not faced nearly as many internal problems as Labour has. Following the Copeland defeat, Labour MPs David Winnick and John Woodcock have both sharply criticized Corbyn for the party’s perfor-
party for Corbyn to step down. However if we’ve discovered anything about Corbyn amidst this constant political turmoil, it is firstly that he had, or perhaps still has, the support of the Labour membership and secondly that he is so stubborn that MPs’ words seemingly glance off him. Ultimately what disgruntled Labour MPs need to realise is that it is not just Corbyn that the voters don’t like, it is the Labour party itself. The Tories have opened up a 13-point lead over Labour with 40 per cent of voters now backing the Conservatives and the Labour Party has lost nearly 26,000 members since the summer- more than the previous six years combined. The main hope the opposition party have for a resurgence of support is if Brexit starts going very badly wrong.
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Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
Politics
Women in Politics
www.palatinate.org.uk
Palatinate Politics interviews Lisa Nandy MP that Labour has in our heartlands go right back to the early 2000s” she says. “There’s a growing sense of frustration – especially in towns rather than cities – that mainstream politicians aren’t speaking for people like them and if we really are serious about trying to solve that we are going to
Kate McIntosh Deputy Politics Editor Lisa Nandy comes across as exactly the type of level-headed leftist her party could do with more of. Last month Palatinate Politics spoke exclusively to the Labour MP for Wigan, who has been touted as a potential successor to Jeremy Corbyn. She began her career in the charity sector, working with refugee children. “It was frustration with the way those groups of chil-
You are under a lot of scrutiny
As a young woman... you stand out.
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dren were treated that led me into parliament”, she explains. “The circumstances of their lives had been determined before they were even born, and in the end, only politics can change that, because it’s about power.” Having been subbed on and off of Corbyn’s front bench since 2010, Nandy speaks frankly about her experience in Parliament, especially as a woman. “You are un-
Photograph: DULC
The former Shadow Energy Minister came to Durham for an address at the DULC
der a lot of scrutiny, particularly around what you look like what you wear, how you speak,” she says. Long hours and time away from her young family make the job more costly. “There are benefits of it too
though,” she adds. “[In Parliament] you have to build yourself a profile and a platform to get a hearing for the ideas and the campaigns that you’re trying to push. As a young woman as part of the 2010 intake it was easier to
get that profile because you stand out.” With all the talk of forward progress you might forget that Nandy’s party is currently sinking low in the polls. “I think the roots of the current problems
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have to stop pointing the finger of blame at any one individual.” Lisa gives me a rundown of her priorities for the party: a serious, practical response to immigration concerns, and a collaborative, cross-party movement that is popular with the public. But would Nandy like to be Labour leader? “No”, she laughs, “definitely not”. “My intention was to use Parliament as a megaphone”, she reiterates, “to try and give a voice to people who don’t have one, and I think I have been reasonably successful at doing that, but there is a lot more to be done, and that’s what I am interested in.”
Changes to UK degrees Donald J. Trump vs. the free press
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Students will be expected to work more intesely
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be considered a greater worth. Additionally, students will not be required to pay for food, housing and other living expenses for an additional year. It is also stressed that the smaller timeframe would not equate to a decline in quality. Students would be expected to work more intensely, and receive more
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Is university only centred on academic study?
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Recent Government plans have prompted universities to consider offering ‘fast-track’ degrees whereby students complete their undergraduate study in two years, rather than the conventional three or four. The reasoning behind the proposal is to save students money. The lofty sum of £9,000, which is regrettably due to increase, is not considered to be value for money, given that most degree courses are typically allocated around six months of holidays and have inadequate contact hours. A shorter and more intensive two-year course, at the price of £13,000 a year, would
by University Minister Jo Johnson? Although the exact tuition fees are still disputed, the current figure would mean that over the two years students are still required to pay £26,000, only £1,000 short of what we currently pay for three. Many also question whether this will lead to a class divide within universities. There are concerns at the shocking ratio between private and state-school amongst some institutions, and it is felt that this new ‘fast-track’ model would increase the class polarisation. Furthermore, is university only just centred on pure academic study? In a world that advocates the necessity to have ‘all-rounded’ students, it is thought that this proposal will hinder the overall ‘undergraduate experience.’ University, is about learning life skills, delving into innumerable societies, whilst also having the time to mature academically; features that many believe would probably be neglected under the ‘fast-track degree.’
Hannah Fölsz On Friday 24th February, the White House blocked a number of news outlets from attending a “gaggle”, an informal press briefing held by Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary. This was a highly unusual and controversial move from the Trump administration, and was met with outrage, many condemning it as a violation of the free press. The “gaggle” took place instead of a daily briefing and was scheduled to be an on-camera event. Among the news organisations whose reporters were refused en-
A cameraman keeps his distance
try are CNN, the New York Times, Politico, the Los Angeles Times and BuzzFeed. While they were not permitted to attend the briefing, numerous outlets, often with much smaller readership, were granted access, such as Breitbart News, the Washington Times, Fox
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He called reporters ‘dishonest’ and ‘fake’
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teaching time. Yet, will the ‘fast-track’ degree really live up to the vision proposed
Alisa Anwar
News and the One America News Network. Time and the Associated Press were allowed access but stayed
Photograph: Michael Vadon via Flickr
away in protest. Bloomberg made its recording of the briefing public for those media organisations that were not allowed to attend. While a shared characteristic of the outlets banned is being highly critical of the new President, the outlets granted access are generally sympathetic to the new administration. This surprising move comes after, earlier that day at CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), Trump launched another attack on news media and ‘fake news’. He called reporters ‘dishonest’ and ‘fake’, and spoke up against the use of anonymous sources in news reports concerning his administration, also declaring that much of the media was “the enemy of the American people”. According to America’s National Press Club, this handpicking of media outlets is not only unusual but also unconstitutional. The club’s president, Jeffrey Ballou, stated that, with this exclusion, “the White House is actively running a campaign against a constitutionally enshrined free and independent press”. With new levels of public outrage and protest following this decision, many ask how long such disturbing and impulsive acts from the new US President will be tolerated by the public.
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
Women in Politics
Politics
www.palatinate.org.uk
Marine Le Pen: Religion, feminism and politics She has “ undermind her
Eloise Carey
“
Her refusal to wear the hijab is not feminism
own credbility as a diplomat and as a female politician
their right to impose secularism upon their nationals. Yet, Le Pen does not accord the same respect to the sovereignty of other states such as Lebanon. No one can force Marine Le Pen to wear a head-
scarf, but she has undermined her own credibility as a diplomat and as a female politician through her disregard for a long-standing tradition. It is narrow-minded in the extreme that she refused.
“
France’s far right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen caused a row this week by refusing to wear a headscarf on her tour of Lebanon. She was to meet with the country’s grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, but walked away after refusing to comply, despite having been pre-warned of the requirement. Many observers, like Lebanonbased reporter Natasha Ghoneim, have commented that this was planned to appeal to far-right voters back in France. Le Pen has frequently been accused of whipping up fear of Islam into aggression, calling for a ban on immigration from Muslim-majority countries.
is disrespectful to another country and no more than a media baiting exercise to draw in voters. France, since banning facial coverings in 2011, including the niquab, have staunchly enforced
Recently, the hijab has taken on a political edge. While in the West it is often tainted with associations of gender oppression and violent fundamentalism, many Islamic women believe it is a defence of religious liberty, a defining feature of themselves and their right to respect their history and culture. Assumptions that a headscarf is an automatic mark of sexism and a culture of poor treatment of women is no longer an acceptable standpoint. Politicians, commentators and reporters alike will appreciate the nuance and various connotations of this piece of cloth. Le Pen however, does not seem to pick up on this subtlety. Her refusal to wear the hijab is not feminism, it’s not even taking a political standpoint. Her behaviour
Le Pen is the latest populist polititan running in European elections
Photograph: Mario Sanchex Prada via Flickr
“
Jean-Claude Juncker’s ‘salty Brexit’ Men in Politics: Emmanuel Macron President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, has warned that the Brexit deal will come at cost for Britain. Speaking in late February, Mr Juncker declared that Mrs May should expect no discount, but rather a ‘salty’, or financially hefty, Brexit deal, as she prepares to trigger the highly contested Article 50. The announcement comes
“
This news comes as a disappointment to [...] those who voted in favour of Brexit
intention for Britain to carry on contributing to the EU budget for up to four years, or until 2023, following the nation’s complete withdrawal from the regional body. The commission plans to demand a €60 billion settlement as means through which to temporarily patch over the financial hole that Brexit will leave in the EU budget. The UK currently contributes approximately £18.8 billion a year to the EU, of which around 45% finances the EU’s various social funds investing in the least well off member states to attempt to reduce regional economic discrepancies. Without the UK’s contribution to the EU’s budget, greater financial responsibility
will be placed on Germany and France, and social investment initiatives will shrink. The news comes as a disappointment to many of those who voted in favour of Brexit last June. With EU funding to the Welsh Valleys looking set to fall significantly as the UK prepares to withdraw, it seems likely that Britain’s net contribution to the European supranational body will get worse before it gets better.
“
Juncker seems set to stand firm
“
after Mr Juncker hypothesised that negotiations between Britain and the EU could take up to two years, dashing the hopes of 54% of Brexit voters for a speedy withdrawal from the regional organisation. Drawing attention to the complex rebuilding of European Union architecture, Mr Juncker seems set to stand firm against the demands of the dissenting British as they prepare to reshape the Union. The statement is an expression of the European Commission’s
Juncker is the President of the European Comission
“
Claudia Mulholland
Photograph: Julian Mason via Flickr
Cecilia Wang Emmanuel Macron, the socially liberal candidate for the French presidency, came to London on February 21st for a meeting with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. Running under the invigorating banner of “ En Marche!”, roughly translated as “Association for the Renewal of Politics”, the frontrunner describes his platform as “neither left nor right”. He vowed to fight against Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate of “Front National”, declaring: “In the current environment, if you are shy, you are dead.” The candidate expressed optimism for his chances: “In the current environment, when extremes and anti-globalisation win elections, that is probably the best moment for France to decided to do the opposite.” Ignoring concerns of displeasing his host, Macron declared, outside 10 Downing Street, his intention of luring “banks, talents, researchers, academics” across the Channel after Brexit with “a series of initiatives”. There were few signs that a Macron presidency would mean a friendly Elysee Palace for May’s government. Macron described the EU as “very attractive” and vowed to push for an unbreakable “Franco-German” position to de-
fend the collective interests of the EU, presumably against potential British exploitation. He reiterated his “classical view” of EU membership, insisting that Britain will not be allowed to cherry pick parts of the agreement. Macron warned that the EU’s four sacred freedoms of goods, services, capital and people are indivisible and threatened with access to the single market if Britain fails to respect them. He added there could be no access to the market or financial passporting for the City of London without British financial contributions to the EU. Macron became the most senior European politician to date to demand that the European Court must remain the supreme legal body overseeing any post-Brexit transition deal. The candidate also warned that the “Touquet agreement” covering Anglo-French cooperation over migrants at Calais would have to be rethought. These demands would most certainly alarm the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservative party. In an attempt to ameliorate the atmosphere, the presidential candidate acknowledged that Theresa May’s pledge to remain a good friend of Europe post-Brexit had improved the atmosphere, and that he seeks a settlement that “does not damage everything”.
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Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
SciTech
Editor’s Column
Luke Andrews SciTech Editor Hello all and welcome to the last edition of SciTech this term! We’ve had many brilliant articles written showcasing the scientific talent and innovation at Durham University. Thank you to all of our writers! Also, a big thank you to everyone who agreed to be interviewed, and allowed us to film them. Without you, SciTech wouldn’t be what it is today. To round off the term, we have two very interesting stories. One by SciTech Editor Tommy Pallett, on the relationship between science and religion. He went along to a talk entitled “The Great Debate: Science, Rationality and Religion”, an event which aimed to ‘redress’ the balance between the two. If you attended the debate (or even if not) and you have an opinion on this topic, we would love to hear from you! Whether that’s a Tweet, message on Facebook, or a full response article. The other is written by Martha Bozic on Dr Adriano Lameira, a Durham Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Anthropology, and his work with orangutans. Dr Lameira has been lucky enough to actually live in the rainforest observing wild orangutans. His recent paper in the journal Nature Human Behaviour investigated how human language evolved based on the use of proto-consonants and Porto-vowels in orangutans. Also, don’t miss the video interviews on Palatinate TV for Durham Refugee Action Week. SciTech caught up with Julian Wilson, who has written her MPhil on refugees making the journey from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe, and the North-East of England. Definitely worth a watch!
Watch Julian Kotze Refugee Interview Follow us @PalatiSciTech Like us on “Palatinate SciTech”
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The Great Debate: Science, Rationality and Religion Tommy Pallett SciTech Editor On Friday 3rd March, people arrived in their hundreds to watch ‘The Great Debate: Science, Rationality and Religion’. In fact, so many people turned out that the venue had to be changed at the last minute! Speaking to the organiser, Durham professor Tom Shanks, he explained that the motivation behind his involvement was driven by his belief that “the balance has tilted too far toward the idea that religion is irrational and unscientific” and that he hoped the debate if nothing else would reveal that “atheism and humanism also have their fair share of irrationality”. Fighting the religious corner was the Bishop of Durham and prominent charity worker Paul Butler; for science, the mathematical physicist Prof Stewart Clark, head of condensed matter research at Durham and a renowned undergraduate lecturer in quantum mechanics. Then, a third speaker – Royal Society fellow, author of the book ‘Faith & Wisdom in Science’, and Durham Physics and Chemistry professor Tom McLeish – was included, to take the ‘middle ground’ and fight for the idea that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. There was a heavy focus away from the concept of Science versus Religion, especially from the religious camp. The Bishop began his talk by immediately admitting that there is “a great deal of religion [he is] not ‘for’ at all” and pointed to historical events, from the Crusades to ISIS. He was sure-footed however,
From right to left: Prof Martin Ward, Prof Tom Shanks (organiser), Rt Revd Paul Butler (Bishop of Durham), Prof Stewart Clark (Physics Dept.), and Prof Tom McLeish (Physics Dept.). Photo credit: Rob Hardyman. in concluding that in general religion does make the world a better place. The Bishop sought to marry science and religion, citing that rather than being in opposition they are “co-protagonists in the search for truth”. It is perhaps undeniable that some of the world’s greatest scientists were hugely religious, and it was argued that not only have the two schools of thought gone hand in hand over time but that religion has even driven science. The tone of the mathematical physicist was markedly different. An audience member directly asked Clark whether he denies the clear evidence of the benefit of religion in Christian charity groups. He replied swiftly and immutably: “Does the act of charity require the Christian God?” This exchange somewhat defined his speech, which focussed not on attacking any particular religion nor any of the work carried out by religious groups, but rather on the flawed logic and the misguided rationality of religious
thought. Like the Bishop, the physicist was not shy to self-deprecate. Science is not without its problems, and its logic is certainly not absolute. The crucial conclusion Clark tried to draw us to was precisely the fact that Science was not based on absolution, but on probability; as we gather data and it continues to confirm an idea, that idea becomes more probable. Science is not an undeniable fact which requires a leap of blind faith but a continually evolving description of the world around us, based on evidence that we gather. The existence of a God is usually a topic avoided by either side of the religious fence. Clark however, did not shy away. Instead, he brought forward a niche piece of historical science. A group of people indigenous to the Pacific Islands were first brought into contact with modern technology in the 1930’s when the US Airforce dropped supplies there to aide with the war against Japan.
Within 30 years, the indigenous people had formed a cult which believed these drops occurred from a singular divine power. The point of Clark’s argument being that with a sufficient lack of knowledge and understanding, any phenomena can be mis-attributed to some higher power and this belief can propagate through an entire population within a single generation. Based on this study, and other similar work, this physicist concludes that “if a God exists, it’s in the ever-decreasing gap [of knowledge]”. It was apparent that in some ways it is the inconsistent definition, the subjective descriptions, and ignorant judgement of science and religion of each other that leads to the conflict so often seen. Tom McLeish tried to reconcile this by offering the idea that science is in fact a gift, given to us by God, which allows us to see past the surface of the world around us. In many ways this echoed the Bishop’s words that religion drives us to try and understand the intricacies of the world God has made for us. Ultimately, does it matter if you are driven to pursue science by a religious engine or if you do it with the conviction of atheism, if both angles ultimately are endeavouring to achieve the same thing of understanding the natural and social world? A ‘Great Debate’ such as this of course never truly concludes. But it can conclude on some things, and this one if nothing else cried out for the world to stop pitching science and religion against each other. One unstoppable force against another immovable object, with the net result of achieving nothing.
Orangutan kissing informs language evolution Martha Bozic
Dr Adriano Lameira, from the Department of Anthropology at Durham University, has spent time living in rainforests with orangutans in order to collect data for his research. His most recent article, concerning their voiceless calls – dubbed ‘kiss squeaks’ – has reached national news outlets with its claims of new evidence for the origins of human speech. Lameira puts this down to the personal investment we have in such a topic – “language means so much for us.” This new study differs from previous research as it considers oral sounds made primarily outside of the larynx: “a smack, or a raspberry, or a click”. These
‘proto-consonants’ developed much later than the voiced predecessors to vowels, on which we already have a wealth of knowledge. Despite their late appearance on our evolutionary timeline, and apparent rarity in the animal kingdom, Lameira tells me that “some languages will have a consonant to vowel ratio of 20 to one”. It seems somewhat negligent, therefore, that until now, consonant sounds have been omitted from the canon of speech evolution. Lameira believes that the appearance of these two types of calls separately – and on rare occasions together – in orangutans could parallel the development of our own powers of speech, just a few steps before our first words as a species. He admits that “it was hard at first” to get funding for the study, which involved
fieldwork in Borneo where he “lived alongside orangutans for about three years”. The current media interest, however, has changed the game, and Lameira suggests that “the doors [could be opened] to Masters students” to spend “five to six months in the forest” for similar projects in the future. His work focuses on orangutans as “[their] vocal repertoire…is really rich” and can therefore provide huge amounts of information about how our own speech developed. He is insistent, however, that “if we really want to reconstruct what might have been the ancestral form of language evolution” it is important to cross reference studies done on many different species of ape, as they all provide different insights into how we communicate. It should be noted that
Lameira does not believe that apes can talk to each other as humans do; instead, his research considers “[the] information encoded in the call”. He elucidates this by comparing it to “recognising over the phone, the voice of a friend [sic].” Now back in Durham, Lameira says there are “pros and cons on both sides”, of the drastically different environments he has lived in over the past few years. The forest is by no means an idyll, however, presenting challenges in the form of a lack of food, sleep (complete with a 4am wake-up call) and “a lot of the conveniences of civilisation”. Despite this, needs must, and Lameira agrees that there is more to know. This could just be the beginning of a whole new branch of research here at Durham.
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
Sport
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Durham 94 – 31 York Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Deputy Sport Editor
Since its inauguration four years ago, the annual College Varsity against the University of York has rarely disappointed, and this year’s edition was no different. This time around, however, there was an added incentive for a Durham victory. Having lost the tournament last year at York, the Palatinates were looking for revenge on home soil against their closest rivals. It was an opportunity which they did not pass up. The games began with two women’s football matches on the old crumb as Trevelyan and Collingwood faced Derwent and Langwith respectively. The hill sides put in a strong performance as Trevelyan beat their opponents soundly 4-0 and Collingwood trounced theirs 8-1. Both matches were watched on by vocal
visiting support, a recurring feature as the day went on. While Trevelyan and Collingwood made light work of their women’s football games, the volleyball was taking place inside the sports hall. James College recorded a 3-1 victory over St Chad’s in the A encounter, briefly cutting Durham’s lead down to three points, but it proved to be one of the few moments of celebration for York. Indeed, it was the closest York got to Durham all day. As the tournament kicked into gear, so too did Durham. St Hild & St Bede’s squash players notched an impressive 6-2 win against Vanbrugh in the B game, while both Grey and St Cuthbert’s won their men’s badminton matches comfortably against Goodricke and James 3-1 and 4-0 to put Durham in a strong position overall. York experienced better fortunes in the mixed badminton, in which they won both their fixtures, but a Durham win was looking increasingly likely. Despite only fielding 10
players, Hatfield secured a 1-1 draw against Vanbrugh in the men’s football, a clear sign that this was not the visitors’ day. The turning point perhaps came in the men’s football A match, as Van Mildert’s footballers took to the old crumb, fresh from winning the Premier title the night before after an unbeaten season. Their quality showed as they stormed into a 4-0 lead against Langwith, but after the restart the away side improbably snatched three goals in quick succession. A tense finale ensued, but the newly crowned champions held on under pressure. News of another Durham victory seemed to filter through every few minutes at Maiden Castle. Collingwood routed James 13-3 in the lacrosse match, while Hatfield were equally dominant in their men’s rugby B clash against a tricky Heslington East side, winning 36-12. Meanwhile in the women’s rugby, combined Chad’s-John’s and Milbut sides comfortably beat their opposi-
Hatfield in action against East Heslington during their 36-12 victory
tion by an aggregate score of 9-1. Durham had won all three of their rugby matches so far, but the fourth was arguably the main event. The men’s showdown between Collingwood and Derwent promised to be a fierce battle, especially as the away side were York’s best-supported college. Collingwood pinned Derwent into their own half in the first period, allowing the York team barely any time on the ball. When they did have possession, the Derwent faithful chanted “We’ve got the ball!”, and any Collingwood mistakes were met with a large cheer. The visitors fought back from 17-0 down at the break to make it 14-17, but the comeback was duly snuffed out by the hosts. Down to 14 men by the end of the match, Collingwood still managed to score after the 80th minute mark, making it 27-14 at full-time. By the time the basketball got underway, Durham knew that a win in the A bout between St Aidan’s and
Photograph: Twitter/Team Durham
Constantine would secure overall victory. The home side were imperious, and were already 16-4 up at the end of the first quarter. They cruised to a 60-44 win, and even though Langwith beat Stephenson in the B match, the Palatinates were too far ahead to be caught. All that was left were the formalities at the Student’s Union. St Aidan’s and Josephine Butler’s darts teams completed the rout for Durham, along with the St Hild & St Bede pool players. The trophy was handed over, and Durham had regained the title.
Victory highlights strength in depth Josh Males College Sport Manager The Durham-York College Varsity 2017 was a massive success, both in terms of the running of the event and the overall score. Durham ran riot with an overall win of 94-31, the highest margin of victory ever seen between the two universities. Teams were chosen based on league positions in late January, and to have such an array of different colleges involved was a testament to how strong our intramural programme is here in Durham. This is reflected in the fact that 14 of 16 Durham colleges were represented on the day, many colleges fielding multiple teams across 13 different sports. Beyond the number of competitors, there was also a fantastic number of Durham supporters who came down to watch and cheer on our teams. Credit for the victory must be given to all the teams competing on the day, with some incredible performances throughout. There was stiff competition from York, who brought over 400 of their own players and supporters. They certainly played their part in creating one of the best atmospheres we have had down at MC in quite a while and we look forward to more of the same in next year’s varsity! Our thanks also go to the DSU who hosted the finale of darts and pool in the evening, where the trophy was presented to Durham for our 3rd victory in 4 years.
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Sport Sport
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Collingwood 1,000 points clear in Coll
Ollie Godden James Martland Deputy Sport Editors
With the Epiphany term coming to a close and many College Sport leagues reaching exciting and tense climaxes, Ollie Godden and James Martland summarise the state of play ahead of the run-in.
Men’s Badminton Only three teams can still win the Premiership. Grey A currently lead the division, with only one more game to play, having won seven out of their eight games. However, St Cuthbert’s A sit three points behind with two games in hand. Van Mildert A still have an outside chance if they win their remaining two games and other results go their way. Meanwhile, at the bottom, Josephine Butler A are set for relegation, having lost all of their eight games thus far. Similarly, in Division 1, another team has also lost all of its games. This time, Hatfield B look set for the drop, having lost all seven of their games. At the top, Stephenson A are almost certain to be promoted, finding themselves six points clear. In Division 2, St Cuthbert’s B and St John’s B have both been promoted as they find themselves clear of the chasing pack and cannot be caught.
Women’s Badminton St Cuthbert’s are continuing their fine form in the women’s league as well. Their A team has won the Premiership, having won all seven of their games. Meanwhile, University A have been relegated but could be joined by either Van Mildert A or Josephine Butler A, depending on how the later fare in their two games in hand. Division 1 has finished with St Johns A and St Aidan’s A both being promoted and Hatfield A and Trevelyan A being relegated. Division 2 has also ended, seeing St Hild & St Bede A complete an unbeaten season. They will be joined by Van Mildert C in Division 1 next year.
Milbut Women’s Rugby in action in their semi-final victory over league champions, Graidans.
have so far enjoyed unbeaten seasons and are fighting it out between themselves for victory. Indeed, their upcoming game against each other may be the league decider. At the bottom, Grey A have already been relegated, but could be joined by any of three teams. They look set to be replaced by both St Cuthbert’s B and St Hild & St. Bede A who both look set to be promoted.
Men’s Basketball
St Mary’s A have won the Premiership, with 4 convincing wins. Things were closer in Division 1 - John Snow A took the title on goal difference, with St Chad’s A coming in second. St Hild & St Bede A romped Division 2, scoring 209 points in the process, while John Snow B topped Division 3, conceding only 47 points across the four games. In the Plate, St Hild & St Bede A and St. Cuthbert’s A will contest the final, while St Mary’s A and Stephenson A will battle it out for the Trophy.
Women’s BasketMixed Badminton ball In the Premier League, both St.Cuthbert’s A and Stephenson A
Ustinov A have won the Premiership with 3 wins from 3, upsetting
Josephine Butler A. Collingwood A have won Division 1 by the slightest of margins, edging St. Mary’s A out on a points difference of +3 to +1 respectively. St Cuthbert’s A breezed Division 2, with a healthy margin between themselves and second place Trevelyan A. Meanwhile, Stephenson A topped Division 3 on points difference, with Grey finishing second. St Cuthbert’s A and Trevelyan A will contest the Plate final, leaving Ustinov A and Josephine Butler A to play each other for the coveted Trophy.
Men’s Football There is still much to play for in all six divisions. However, Van Mildert A have comfortably won the Premiership, having, at the time of writing, won all eleven of their games played and scored 14 more goals than any other team. At the foot of the table, any two of four teams could still go down. Collingwood C, Collingwood D, St Mary’s A and St Hild & St Bede A will all feel they need to pick up points in their remaining few games. In Division 1, three teams can still be promoted to the Premiership, with Staff A currently leading the way. At the bottom, Ustinov B currently only have two points, but five games left to rectify this. The Divi-
sion 2 promotion battle is perhaps less exciting with both Stephenson B and Grey B set to come up, both on 28 points at the time of writing. University C and Stephenson C have both been relegated to Division 3, where both Van Mildert D and St Cuthbert’s D have already sealed promotion. Division 4 is much tighter at the top, with, at the time of writing, five points separating the top eleven teams. Only three teams can still be relegated. Division 5 is fairly tight as well with five points this time splitting the top seven teams. Only a strong upturn in form will allow St Aidan’s E avoid bottom spot. In the cups, the Floodlit Cup final will see Grey A take on the winner of Collingwood A vs St Aidan’s A, which will have been played by the time of publishing. The Football Trophy is currently at the 3rd round stage.
Women’s Football Trevelyan A currently top the Premiership, having played all seven of their games. Collingwood A, however could still win the league if they win their two remaining games and gain a positive four goal difference across them. At the bottom, Van Mildert A have lost all of their six games so far and will definitely be relegated.
Photograph: Jack Coates
They could be joined by any of three teams. Division 1 has ended with St. John’s A winning the league. Ustinov A will join them in promotion. Van Mildert A will play Collingwood A in the Floodlit Cup final.
Men’s Indoor Cricket St. Aidan’s A are currently topping Pool A of the Premiership with 5 wins from 5. In pool B, Collingwood A are currently leading the race, scoring 540 runs in the process, but Josephine Butler A remain unbeaten with 2 games in hand over Collingwood. In the Pool A of Division 1, Josephine Butler B are winning the league, while Collingwood B are topping Pool B. The outdoor league gets underway next term.
Mixed Lacrosse The Premiership sees Collingwood A one win away from victory. However, St John’s A are looking to spoil the party, having already beaten Collingwood A 9-2 this season, and could still win the league if they win their two remaining games and Collingwood A fail to win their final
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PALATINATE | Thursday 9th March 2017
Sport
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lege Sport table as title deciders loom game of the season. At the bottom, any two of four teams will go down, but St Hild & St Bede look most likely to be relegated, currently having collected only three points this season. In Division 2, four teams are in contention for promotion, but Chad’s A have already won the league, so far being unbeaten with one game to go. Once again at the bottom, nothing is decided as yet, but Josephine Butler B look likely to go down due to a worse goal difference than those around them, having conceded 65 goals in seven games. Three of the five teams in Division two could still be promoted.
Netball University A currently lead the Premiership, but could still be leapfrogged by St Hild & St Bede A who are two points behind with one game left. Hatfield A will definitely be relegated having played all their games and only picked up three points, scoring 78 goals and conceding 242. Collingwood B top Division 1 with one game left, and will be joined in promotion by either Collingwood C or University B. In Division 2, either Van Mildert D or Hatfield C will win the league, but both look set to go. Meanwhile, due to such poor goal difference, Van
Mildert C are almost confirmed as relegated to Division 3 where, having scored almost 200 goals, Grey D are set to replace them. They will most likely be joined in promotion by John Snow C. Van Mildert D have already sealed victory in Division 4.
Table Tennis In the Premiership, Trevelyan A look set for a highly impressive league victory, winning all of their eight games so far, conceding just 6 points. Meanwhile at the other end of the table, Josephine Butler B have failed to gain a single game, scoring 4 points all season. Grey B will be relegated alongside them. At the top of Division 1, no one’s record is quite as impressive as Trevelyan A’s, but Van Mildert C and St John’s A have both been promoted to the Premiership.
Touch Tennis We are in the early stages so it is hard to get a picture of what the table will look like come the end of the season. However, St Mary’s A have won all of their first three games. Tennis starts next term.
Men’s Hockey With only a couple of fixtures still to play in the Premiership, St. Cuthbert’s are in pole position to win the league, but Van Mildert A are still in the running. Hatfield A’s disappointing season will see them relegated, replaced by St Hild & St Bede A who are currently winning Division 1, and University A who are close on their tails. Hatfield will contest the final of the Trophy against either Collingwood or St Hild & St Bede A.
Women’s Hockey Grey A have won the league with games yet to play, with their almost faultless record of 12 wins and 1 draw. St Mary’s A have all but secured Premiership status for next year thanks to their goal difference, to be joined by either St Hild & St Bede A or St John’s A. University A will play Grey A for a place in the Trophy final, while St Cuthbert’s A and Van Mildert A will contest the second semi-final.
Men’s Rugby In an unprecedented turn of events, both Collingwood A and Collingwood B have gone unbeaten in
their league campaigns to win the Premiership and Division 1 respectively. In their eight games, Collingwood A scored 342 points, conceding only 23.. The first Trophy semi-final sees Hatfield A and Van Mildert play each other, while the second semi-final will be between St Aidan’s A and Collingwood A.
Women’s Rugby Combined Graiden’s have won the Premiership just ahead of Combined Milbut who finished second, with both boasting outstanding scoring records. The Cup is at the semi-final stage, with Collingwood A playing Combined Cuthle, and Combined Graiden’s playing rivals Combined Milbut.
Men’s Squash Three teams are still in the hunt for the Premiership title, with St Hild & St Bede A level with Grey A on points difference, and Collingwood 3 points behind but with a game in hand. It will all go down to the last game of the season in this league. Division 1 is just as close. Grey B must win their final game to take the title, or they risk John Snow A snatching it. Only Trevelyan A have secured a
Trophy quarter-final place, with the bulk of round 2 yet to be played.
Women’s Rugby Collingwood A have won the league convincingly, finishing 6 points ahead of second place Combined Chad’s-John’s, and only losing 1 out of their 10 matches. The trophy could also be an allCollingwood affair, with Collingwood A set to face St. Cuthbert’s A or combined Chad’s John’s for the chance to play Collingwood B in the final.
Mixed Volleyball The Pool A Premiership volleyball title will go down to the wire with both Staff A and Grey A unbeaten on 12 points, both without losing a set. Pool B of the Premiership has been won by Van Mildert A, despite the best efforts of second places Collingwood.
Van Mildert D celebrate a historic and monumental upset in the Men’s Football Knockout Trophy, hanging on to beat Collingwood A 4-3 on a remarkable Saturday evening (left). Four goals up after just twenty minutes, the Division Three side had the Premiership side rattled. Though Collingwood responded in typical manner, the rank outsiders hung on to secure a most unlikely victory. They now face Mildert A in a mouth-watering intracollege derby in the quarterfinals. With Mildert A having already secured the Premiership crown, the giant-killing D’s have the chance to secure their own promotion before the two sides meet in the cup, with a win against Hatfield C this Sunday virtually guaranteeing the Division Three title. Photograph: Rosemary Macklam
Sport YES WE VAN!
Thursday 9th March 2017 | PALATINATE
York College Varsity Roundup
Palatinate review Durham’s comprehensive Varsity victory (p. 17)
College Sport Update
James Martland and Ollie Godden assess all the latest standings (p. 18-19)
Mildert A storm to Men’s Premiership title Undefeated Van Mildert celebrate sealing the Men’s Football Premiership title
George Bond Deputy Sport Editor Van Mildert Men’s Football As are the newly-crowned Premiership champions, breaking a long spell of Collingwood domination after a season of unprecedented success. The title was sealed on 25 th February with a 5-2 victory over nearest rivals Hatfield, confirming Mildert as champions with a game to spare. Perennial favourites Collingwood became the first
college to field four teams in the Premiership, following Collingwood Ds’ promotion last season. However, whilst all four sides have secured their place in next year’s top division, none could come close to stopping Mildert’s title charge. There can be no doubt that this is a well-deserved success, coming off the back of the only 100 per cent record across all six divisions of Men’s Football. In winning all eleven of their league fixtures, Mildert’s stern defence have conceded just seven goals, alongside seven
clean sheets, including – at one point – a run of eight league and cup fixtures which saw only one goal conceded. Fuelled by the precocious goalscoring talents of prolific centre-forward Jake Pope, Mildert have – at the time of going to print – also scored the second-highest number of goals across the Men’s Football leagues, with 44. Led by captain Robbie Goldstone, this demonstrates a rapid rise for a team who finished just three points above the Premiership relegation zone as recently as the 2014/15 season.
Photograph: Robert Earles The team are now pushing for success on two fronts, hoping to complete a double by claiming the Knockout Cup. Here, they face Mildert D, the lowest-ranked side still left in the tournament, for a place in the semi-finals. The only blemish on Mildert’s season came in the Floodlit Cup, with Mildert being knocked out by a 1-0 defeat to Josephine Butler A. Mildert’s success was recognised by being selected for the Men’s A match in the recent York varsity event, which again saw them victorious, defeating
Langwith 4-3. Mildert Football President and A team member Joe Cass commented that “winning the league was an amazing feeling and to do it so convincingly made it even more satisfying. “The lads have worked hard from the start, so I feel it’s a well-deserved victory. “It’s great seeing the rest of VMAFC performing so well too. With so many other teams pushing for the title and promotion, it’s fair to say it has been a very successful season for the club”.