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Music tune into songs on the picket line

Students angered over the college accommodation allocation process

Daniel Hodgson, Emily Doughty & Becks Fleet

Editor-in-Chief and News Editors

Durham University students who missed out on gaining college accommodation for the 2023/24 academic year, have spoken to Palatinate to voice their frustration and wider concern that they will have nowhere to live come September.

In a poll conducted on 11th February, out of a pool of 324 students who applied for college accommodation, 150 were yet to hear whether they had been successful or not in obtaining a room, a figure of 46%. 41% of those who had received an answer from their college were unsuccessful

Durham raise money for the Turkey Syria

Emily Doughty and Lucy Baldwin News Editor and News Reporter

Durham students and local residents have rallied together to raise money to support those impacted by the syrian-Turkish earthquakes, with student groups holding bake and thrift sales to raise money for the response to the tragedy.

The fundraising efforts came because of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Turkey and Northwest Syria, and saw a reported 47,000 people reported dead, with the number rising.

One of the main groups leading the fundraising efforts is the Durham Turkish Society who began fundraising just days after the earthquake through bake sales, thrift sales and a raffle. Speaking to Palatinate, the society said that they felt like they were “far away” without any “direct access” and felt like they had to fundraise to support those in Turkey who were suffering through the earthquake, even if they had no family directly impacted.

Fundraising efforts have also allowed the society to mobilise during a difficult time, with a member of the society saying “It really moved us, we are grieving but we also put that into action to show people we can fundraise money in a very difficult time”.

in gaining accommodation for the following year.

A Durham University spokesperson said: “We are aware that we have not been able to meet all of the demand for returner rooms this year, but we will operate a waiting list system and will support those students who have not been offered a room”.

Several students spoke to Palatinate with concerns about what the future holds, having been rejected from college accommodation for the 2023/24 academic year.

Dana Al Tajer, a first year student from St. Mary’s said that it was “shameful that they [the University] made us wait until February to find out whether we have a place or not. By then most of the houses were

already gone, or extortionately expensive.”

According to Sturents, as of 19th February, there were 75 properties still available to rent in Durham for the 2023/24 academic year, with 73 of these properties being £169 per person per week or more.

Ms Al Tajer went on to say that the University had “sold us a positive image of the University and drummed up the pros of staying in college, we already have a place in the first year so it’s inhumane and unfair to drive us out when we are already here in the first place.”

The University guarantees college-managed accommodation during the first year of an undergraduate

student’s studies, this however does not have to be located in one of the college buildings. Beyond this, it is advertised that there is limited availability for returning students to live in college, this is however by no means guaranteed.

Other students shared a sentiment of anger towards the University. A second year student from Jospehine Butler who spoke to Palatinate said that they felt like the housing situation was like “the hunger games”. They went on to say that they did not receive enough support as they were only offered emotional support “not the bed I needed”.

They also went on to say that they felt the University was

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Expanding further they said “Members of our society have been impacted by the tragedy first hand and it’s important for them to see how we care for them as a nation. We need to help anyone we can.”

The society has also seen a connection grow between Turkish people in Durham, both from within the University and outside it, with one member of the society saying “This has allowed us to meet a lot of Turkish people and students we may have never met and this has put us all together and focused on one mission”.

Another member of the society said it made the group come together like never before, “it just shows you how nobody really knew each other in Turkish Society until

Continued on page 3

Members of the Durham Turkish Society holding a bake sale to raise money to support victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake (Zeynep Duru Işık)

Palatinate’s sex survey results revealed

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At the end of the road

Speaking with my equally exhausted and stressed finalist friends, the intensity of mid-third year has hit like a ton of bricksjust as we were always warned. As I’m coming to the end of formal education, Durham and my editorship - I find myself reminiscing and recounting the whirlwind that is time. We are all experiencing an excruciating amalgamation of “final year is the hardest year of your life” and “make the most of uni, it’s the best time of your life”.

I feel similar conflict regarding this editorial. My time at Durham University has led to some of my favourite memories and closest friends and I will always cherish everything that I have gained from coming to university here.

I deeply wish that my editorial could be a simple commentary on my sadness at leaving and nostalgia for this, however the situation at this very university means that I now believe it would be a waste of print to leave the paper with niceties. Out of the nine editions I’ve worked on in the last 6 months as editor - eight of them criticise the University on the front page, the only other edition instead criticised Durham SU for removing print funding and subsequently trademarking ‘Palatinate’.

If the degree itself wasn’t trouble enough for students to deal with: within my three years - we have witnessed the breakneck rise of accommodation prices both

private and University-owned, high prevalence of staff strikes due to untenable working conditions, removal of funding and grants from a whole host of avenues and indispensable organisations including this very paper.

its feet and burying its head in the money bag of student tuition fees.

I have no faith in change coming anytime soon and know that I will join a comprehensive and laudable alumni network that are disappointed in their alma mater. Rather than love for this University, instead my distinctive memories from Durham will be college frepping, enlightening seminars, latenights enjoying the company of friends and of course this marvellous paper.

Whilst all this happens, every year there’s a chorus of “thank goodness we’re not here for another year” from finalists and I simply have to agree with this sentiment. Every recent graduate cohort seems to think that they ‘got out at the right time’ because how on earth can the situation keep ge ing worse? Durham University and its institutions disprove this year upon year.

It’s fair to say that students are tossed a pre y ro en hand - three years pass fast enough for absurd decisions to be made, brief outrage and backlash, then it’s forgo en about. It all happens faster than an Olympic Games cycle. Despite the warnings of how this will affect students - particularly with respect to inclusivity and elitist culture - the University maintains its method of stalling

This paper marks my final official editorial as Editor-inChief - it has been the highlight of my university career and the greatest joy and privilege to be at the helm. For this term’s final edition, we are commemorating 75 years of this wonderful publication; it has been an honour to inherit the rich history and legacy of Palatinate, and I have no doubt of its successes to come in the next 75 years, despite the many obstacles that ba le this paper.

My hugest gratitude and appreciation goes to our incredible Editorial Board - they are truly the life and soul of this paper and some of the best people I know. I’m certain they will go to become the famous journos and creative minds of the future.

As a golden oldie of this paper, my thank you list is lengthy yet still insufficient. I am endlessly grateful to those I’ve worked with most closely and taken their wise advice and support from, - thank you in particular to Poppy, Sophie, Elle, Charlo e,

Palatinate Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief

Nicole Wu & Daniel Hodgson editor@palatinate.org.uk

Deputy Editors

Elle Fitzgerald-Tesh & Arjun Seth deputy.editor@palatinate.org.uk

News Editors

Emily Doughty, Ben Webb & Becks Fleet news@palatinate.org.uk

News Reporters

Charis Lim, Freddie Corrin, Nina Bu erfield, Maxim Meinertzhagen, Lucy Baldwin, Anne Parsons-Proctor & Nicole Ireland

Investigations Editors

Emily Lipscombe, Tiffany Chan & Joseph Manley investigations@palatinate.org.uk

Satire Editors

Sascha LO & Rory Cronin satire@palatinate.org.uk

Comment Editors

Josie Lockwood & Holly Downes comment@palatinate.org.uk

Deputy Comment Editors

Josie Sherman & Duru Akin

Profile Editors

Christian Vince & William Rome profile@palatinate.org.uk

Science & Technology Editors

Cameron McAllister, Will Brown & Cas Gudgeon scitech@palatinate.org.uk

Politics Editors

Madeleine Ballay & Alex Everest House politics@palatinate.org.uk

Deputy Politics Editors

Guy Seagers & Liam Hannon

Puzzles Editor Sophie Sherra puzzles@palatinate.org.uk

Sport Editors

Oliver Jervis & Sanjay Suri sport@palatinate.org.uk

Deputy Sport Editors

Maddie Parker & Joe Harston

Sport Reporters

Joseph Saunders, Tom Ewart Smith & Seb Thompson

Indigo Editors

Cameron, James, Dylan and so many more. I am especially appreciative of my time working with Joe, his patient guidance, genuine kindness and unfaltering commitment will always stay with me.

It has been a delight to spend this last term working with Dan - his enthusiasm and energy for this paper cannot be faulted and I know this paper remains in good hands to celebrate another monumental anniversary.

Thank you to my wonderful boyfriend Jack - his unhesitating support and encouragement has meant so much, not just regarding my editorship but in all regards. Finally thank you to my familyI will miss the constant chasing for copies of print editions and loving reminders to work on my degree.

Nicole Wu

Charlo e Grimwade & Cameron Beech indigo@palatinate.org.uk

Deputy Indigo Editor

Melissa Rumbold

Features Editors

Roshni Suresh Babu & Siobhan Eddie features@palatinate.org.uk

Creative Writing Editors

Theo Mudhir & Elizabeth Buckley creative.writing@palatinate.org.uk

Stage Editors

Amelie Lambie-Proctor stage@palatinate.org.uk

Visual Arts Editors

James Macfarlane & Rae Rostron visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk

Books Editors

Ruhee Parelkar & Annie Pickup books@palatinate.org.uk

Style Editors

Caitlin Ball & Elif Karakaya fashion@palatinate.org.uk

Food & Drink Editors

Millie Adams & Eve Kirman food@palatinate.org.uk

Travel Editors

Lydia Doye & Lily Lake travel@palatinate.org.uk

Film & TV Editors

Alice Purves & Jacob Dax Harris film@palatinate.org.uk

Music Editors

Isabella Harris & Tom Harbo le music@palatinate.org.uk

Interview Editors

Lo e Micklethwaite & Charlo e Rodney indigo.interview@palatinate.org.uk

Photography Editors

Thomas Tomlinson & Nathan Becke photography@palatinate.org.uk

Illustration Editors

Rosie Bromiley, Victoria Cheng, Anna Kuptsova & Isobel Warwick illustration@palatinate.org.uk

Social Media Officers

Amy Whitaker, Luca Veronese & Katerina Panayiotou

Business Manager

Thomas Simpson advertising@palatinate.org.uk

(Rosie Bromiley)

It’s fair to say students are tossed a pre y ro en hand

Durham students only face two more days of strike action in Epiphany

University and College Union (UCU) have recently announced that strike action will not take place until next month as “significant progress” has been made in talks with employers.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said that the two week pause allows for “intensive negotiations with the aim of delivering a final agreement”, and that Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) would continue during this time.

For Durham students, the announcement of a pause in strike action means that there will be just two more days impacted by strike action this term: the 16th and 17th of March. The remaining scheduled strike days, the 20th, 21st and 22nd of March, fall outside Durham University’s term dates.

In a joint statement with Universities UK, the UCU said that “negotiations have been constructive” as they proposed “a high probability of being able to improve benefits and reduce contributions”. This refers to the long-term pension dispute between the UCU and Universities UK, with a re-evaluation of the national pension scheme last year leading to increased contributions from employees and reduced future benefits. The primary aims of the pause in strike action are to facilitate a reversal of the pension scheme changes.

Durham University has praised the pause in strike action in an email to all students on Monday 20th February, “Following progress in conversations to date with the relevant national bodies, UCU has taken the decision to pause industrial action to facilitate a period of further intensive discussions... The University welcomes this positive development”

The UCU have been taking industrial action after their members voted in favour of action in October last year over their ongoing pensions dispute, and issues regarding pay and working conditions. The UCU have called for a pay rise for staff in light of the cost-of-living crisis and for cuts to the USS pension fund to be reversed.

The UCU rejected a national pay offer made by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association last week which would have seen a pay rise of between 4-5%. The union ran an online poll over the course of four days in which over 30,000 of the approximately 70,000 UCU members in Higher Education voted. 80.4% of those who responded said that they would have voted to reject the offer, backing the UCU’s official position.

can’t just sit and do nothing”: Turkish Society raise £6203

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two or three days ago and we hadn’t even met as a group but twenty people came together to my house.

“We labelled clothes for five hours and got every single item of clothing we sold was our own clothes or we got from people from around the city and it just shows how we collaborate as a nation and as a people. No one knew each other and we just united for this cause.”

The group have also found connections within the local Turkish community, with the society receiving “15 to 20 trays of Baklava from people who didn’t even know Turkish Society existed the week before”.

Turkish Society has also found they have received help from those who are not Turkish, with other students approaching them with food for the bake sale and even just donating money to do what they can to support those through the tragedy.

The community has not only grown within Durham. The Turkish Society in Durham has now got in contact with other Turkish societies around the country in places like UCL and No ingham where they are coordinating fundraising ideas and efforts, including trying to donate clothes directly to Turkey and Syria.

Even with the conversations with these societies, the heart of the issue remains their ability to fundraise for those in Turkey and Syria. When speaking to Palatinate, the society also were aware of the privilege they had being based in a foreign country due to the conversion rate to Turkish Lira meaning “when we fundraise here it has effectively 22 times the amount of impact.”

The significance of this was explained by one member of the society who said “We can’t just sit and not do anything. It is on us to recognise our privilege when we are abroad and help even more.”

As well as fundraising through bake sales, raffles and thrift sales, the Turkish Society are also operating a Gofundme page that can be accessed through their social media to allow them to continue to fundraise.

The Turkish Society has also been joined in their fundraising efforts by the Arab Society, who have been holding bake sales to raise funds for the victims. In a statement to Palatinate the society said that “A lot of people showed up including university staff and local residents, many just happy to donate to the cause”. The bake sale raised approximately £2000 to help those impacted by the earthquake.

However the Arab Society also emphasised the importance of the fundraiser in terms of bringing the community together in such a difficult time, “yes, a few of our members have sadly been personally affected by the earthquake. It’s difficult to seek support because of the massive scale of the tragedy and it’s heartbreaking to watch Syria experience so much grief again.

“Being a part of the fundraiser and

coming together as a community gives you hope that you can make a difference even from a distance.”

One part of the University who has given support is the Durham Students’ Union who provided practical support for the societies, helping both societies in being able to run a successful charity event. This support was commended by the Turkish Society who said that Durham SU had “supported [them] throughout the process”.

natural disaster people in Türkiye have faced in over a century.

“Thousands of people, in Türkiye, Syria, and worldwide, have since been mourning and grieving the loss of family, friends, and loved ones. This includes Turkish and Syrian students here at Durham. No one should ever have to experience such loss or devastation, and there is help and support available here at Durham if you need it.

“The Counselling and Mental Health Service is run by trained and experienced practitioners who help students to manage any difficulties that are impacting upon university life and their studies. They are available all year round to registered students, and you can access the service here.

Another option for support is your college Student Support staff You can find their contact details by navigating the college’s web page here.

“The British Red Cross has launched an emergency earthquake appeal to help people affected by the earthquake and support rescue efforts. Any donation, no ma er how big or small, can provide vital support.”

their fundraising efforts whose “connections and help has been invaluable”.

The Turkish Society has received support from 16 local business including the Turkish Kitchen, Uno Momento, Claypath Deli and the Turkish Barber in Market Square who have given support to the society through raffle prizes and practical support.

The Arab Society received similar support, “We received a lot of support from local restaurants and companies like hey!food is ready to provide food for the sale.”

Some organisations have also been giving direct donations away from university societies. Durham Freemasons contributed to a £60,000 grant to support victims of the earthquake. The donation comes from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and will go to the British Red Cross, UNICEF and UN High Commission on Refugees.

As well as supporting the Turkish Society in their fundraising, Laura Curran, Welfare and Liberation Officer for Durham SU released a statement saying “To everyone affected by the Kahramanmaras earthquake, I want to extend to you my deepest sympathy and condolences.

“Overnight, people in Türkiye and Syria have been met with high magnitude earthquakes and aftershocks, reaching as high as 7.8 on the Richter scale.

“This has led to devastatingly high numbers of casualties, with even more people still missing, to the point where Türkiye has declared a fourth level alert state with international calls for help. Moreover, this is the most severe

A similar sentiment was shared by Durham University who released a statement, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating earthquakes in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.

“We offer condolences to all those who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts are with people who may be struggling to contact friends and family as the situation continues to unfold.

“Students and staff who have been affected by these events can find out how to access and also provide support via this page.”

Local students have not been the only ones who have led the fundraising efforts, with the fundraising efforts of both the Turkish Society and Arab Society being supported by local businesses.

When speaking to Palatinate members of the Turkish society were keen to highlight the importance of local businesses on

Speaking to The Chronicle, John Paul Thompson from the Durham Freemasons said, “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake. Many thousands of people are in very urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.”

“We

in two days

Food available at the bake sale included Turkish baked goods such as Baklava (Zeynep Duru Işık)

It’s difficult to seek support because of the massive scale of the tragedy

We have received a lot of support from local restaurants

“College was only offering around 70 rooms and there had been over 300 applications”

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harming working class students, accepting them to boost their reputation without pu ing in practical support to allow them to stay in the City. They felt they had not been given the opportunity to stay in the City and that the University “did not care” for working class students.

This member of Josephine Butler College also criticised the way rooms were assigned, saying that there was a lack of consideration for people who did not live close to home, and for those who could not afford to pay for prices for private housing.

This student went on to say they were currently looking into switching universities and dropping out of the University, as they were unable to afford any houses on the private market.

a year abroad, or a placement year, the stresses caused by the inability to secure accommodation for the next academic year has made the process less smooth.

announce something in February for people who still didn’t have accommodation”.

As for the situation she is now in, Ms Gleave said: “I am petrified because I now have no industrial placement, no accommodation and a degree that requires me to be in Durham for lab work”.

A first year student, Ines Araujo, described the entire process that she had been through, as a student from Josephine Butler College. She said: “We were told to put our initial interest in college accommodation in late Nov/ early Dec, we were told that by January we would hear back.

“This was not the case, in January we were given another warning from the University stating that college accommodation is oversubscribed and to not see college as a first choice, we were also given another form to apply for accommodation.

have to commute into town but also work whilst studying to afford the 52 week lease. People have been looking at housing in Newcastle because the housing prices in Durham just aren’t accessible to everyone anymore.”

When contacted for comment on these issues faced by students, a Durham University spokesman said: “We will support our students in finding accommodation for the academic year 2023/24, whether that is in University or private accommodation.

through le ing agents.

“As of Monday 13 February, students who do not yet have accommodation confirmed for 2023/24 can contact accommodation.office@durham. ac.uk for support and guidance. We have received a small number of enquiries to date, and are working with those students to offer general advice and guidance on looking for accommodation.

“This includes making sure students are on waiting lists for college-managed accommodation should it become available, and supporting them to explore all options in the private sector.

“We are aware of the pressures of cost of living and have introduced a range of measures to support students.

“We are increasing the Durham Grant Scheme by 10% this year and 13.6% for academic year 2023/24.

Other students believed that the cost of college-managed accommodation was the inherent problem. One first year from South College said “once I saw the prices of what accommodation would be like, I decided it would just be easier to commute because I live in the county anyway”.

For students a empting to go on

Georgia Gleave, a third year Chemistry student from Stephenson College described how she applied to college accommodation “as sort of a safety net” when she had not secured an industrial placement by January. She said: “I was rejected in an email. They just said there was a lot of interest, it was done in the fairest way - via a random number generator and they would Josephine Butler College which used a random ballot to decide room allocation (Becks Fleet)

“By the first week of February, we finally all got the news. Obviously I didn’t get anything and after speaking to my mentor, I found out college was only offering around 70 rooms and there had been over 300 applications.

“In the end, a friend and I had to sign to a 2 bed house relatively far from city centre Durham and will

“This represents an additional investment of £1.5m overall and will directly benefit students from low-income families.

“We are in frequent discussion with Durham County Council and the local housing market to understand and monitor accommodation options and availability.

“Currently there are at least 400 private rooms available in Durham for 2023/24, many of which can be rented on a single-room basis

“We also have support available for students who need to bridge a financial gap, and instant access funds for students in urgent need. We recognise the pressures on our students in securing accommodation in Durham, and are therefore making our process much simpler to make requests for Student Support Funds. We recognise that higher rents will pose significant challenges for some students next year, and encourage them to seek help through this route if they are experiencing difficulties.

“More information is available at durham.ac.uk/cost-livinghub, and we would encourage students to contact the Student Finance Team as soon as possible for support if they are in financial hardship.”

Rushford Court to become Durham Un

Becks Fleet News Editor

Rushford Court - a former hospital - now turned student accommodation block near the viaduct owned by Unite Students, is earmarked to become a Durham University college in the long-term.

The complex first opened as County Hospital in 1853, and closed in 2010 following the opening of Lanchester Road Hospital just outside Durham city. It first opened as student accommodation in 2018 (following delays as planning permission was originally rejected in 2014), and includes 363 bedrooms.

The University has utilised Rushford Court in the past; during the 2019-2020 academic year, the complex acted as the temporary home of John Snow College following the closure of

the Stockton campus and prior to their permanent home on Mount Oswald being completed.

The complex first opened as County Hospital in 1853

Prior to the complex becoming a college of its own, it will once again act as the temporary home of an existing college. The University has stated that Rushford Court will act as the temporary home of Hild Bede College during refurbishments of their current Leazes Road site, with the works scheduled to start

in summer 2024.

In a statement on their website, Durham University said: “A project team, which includes representation from [Hild Bede] College, is involved in a market engagement exercise to progress with the refurbishment and redevelopment of Hild Bede and the wider Leazes Road site.

“This work is scheduled to start in Summer 2024. Currently, we are looking for a suitable commercial partner to work with us on this project.

“We are pleased to say that we are currently working with Unite, the owners of Rushford Court, to develop their existing site in Durham city. Our plans will further enhance the student experience, and provide the facilities associated with a Durham University College.

“These plans include the offer of flexible spaces to provide common

rooms, a College café bar and study and creative areas. In addition, we are also exploring the option of a new gym and College staff offices. Please note, all are subject to planning approval.

“Rushford Court will then become a future temporary home for Hild Bede, while refurbishment and redevelopment work takes place at our Riverside home, and longer term, this will provide the University with a new, 18th college.

“We are actively engaging with our Colleges and the wider local community to ensure we understand the needs of all stakeholders and meet these needs.

“Upon receiving the approval of the planning application for the college facilities, we will be able to confirm a timeline for the works, but please note, due to the challenges and uncertainty in the current climate, we do not

anticipate work to be complete before the start of the 2024/25 academic year.”

Additionally, Palatinate has found that planning permission is actively being sought for changes

Rushford Court will then become a future temporary home for Hild Bede, while work continues

Once I saw the prices of what accommodation would be like, I decided it would just be easier to commute

I am petrified because I now have no industrial placement, no accommodation and a degree that requires me to be in Durham

Exclusive: Durham Uni retained over £500,000 in strike payroll last year

Emily Doughty News Editor

A Freedom of Information Request

(FOI) by Palatinate has found that the University retained over half a million in retained payroll finance from strike action last academic year, retaining a total of £552,877.

Palatinate also confirmed that only two students received compensation for teaching lost to strikes last year, with neither receiving over £500.

Durham University has previously said that students could only claim compensation in extreme circumstances. On their website they said “Tuition fees contribute to a whole university experience and are not directly linked to specific contact or teaching hours.”

This exclusive comes after last term where the Durham Student’s Union and the University and College Union (UCU) campaigned for all retained payroll finance to be used towards student support. The University has not given 100% of retained payroll finance from strike action to student support since 2019, instead giving a proportion to Durham SU for student support.

The retained payroll finance comes from strike action taken last academic year, which saw staff striking for 14 days in December, February and March. Staff who strike receive a 100% dedication in pay for the days they take action.

In a statement from the Durham UCU postgraduate branch, a representative said “At a time when the university has been cu ing it’s doctoral funding scheme and when students have been struggling due to the costof-living crisis, it’s inconceivable that management would prefer to sit on half a million saved from not paying striking staff, than put it to good use supporting students

and self-funded postgraduate researchers.

“Management must commit to diverting all strike deductions towards student financial support.”

A Durham University spokesman said: “Our approach to allocation of strike funds is to respond to specific needs when identified. We have proactively identified the cost-of-living crisis and student support as areas that require our a ention.

“We are making significant additional investments to support our students.

“Through our Student Support Project, we are investing an extra £1.3million per year for student support. This money is already being invested in the recruitment of additional staff who will provide direct support to students. This includes 23.5 student support staff, 15.5 of whom will be based in Faculties and Departments, and 8 within the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate (which includes the Counselling and Mental Health Service and Disability Support). A further 7.5

County Durham News Shakeaway store closes

Nicole Ireland News Reporter

Durham’s Shakeaway store has unexpectedly “permanently closed” with no explanation, leaving many milkshake fans upset and confused.

Founded in 1999 in Bournemouth, soon becoming the world’s largest milkshake bar, Shakeaway now has 30 stores in the United Kingdom and over 500 stores in 14 different countries, including the USA.

The company calls itself “the original reinventor of the milkshake.”

Their menu is ever-expanding and includes over 180 flavours

student support staff, who will be based in Colleges, are being recruited in the coming weeks.

“This enhanced staffing is in addition to the existing provision already in place across the University.

“We have increased the Durham Grant Scheme, which supports students from low-income households, by 10% this year and significantly widened eligibility for the maximum grant. We will increase it by up to 13.6% for 2023/24.

“We have more than doubled our Student Hardship Fund and now have an Instant Access Hardship Fund for students in need of immediate assistance, with up to £6,000 available per student per year.

“A total of £6.6million is allocated for these key areas of support.

“We have also uplifted stipends for all postgraduate research students who receive their stipends via the University by 10% at a cost of at least £340,000.”

iversity’s 18th college

to be made to Rushford Court in preparation for the University’s use of the complex.

An application has been made by Unite Students for the “Erection of new ancillary student accommodation facilities building built within grass embankment” and “minor external changes to existing Harding building including reinstatement of historical entrance location and implementation of associated landscaping scheme.”

This planning application was first made in November 2022, and the consultation period ended in early February.

When asked by Palatinate about the developments at Rushford Court, a Unite Students spokesperson said “We are awaiting the outcome of a planning application submitted to Durham County Council.”

such as lychee, papaya, rhubarb, chocolate and chili, and mentos mint, allowing for millions of possible combinations.

The Shakeaway website further advertises that “All our products are now colder, thicker, with a stronger flavour.”

Many reviewers left the Durham store with 5-star reviews with one stating, “Wow. Staff were fantastic. Had the frozen yoghurt with berries. Absolutely amazing. It’s so delicious. Definitely worth the money.”

Although the store is closed, their opening hours remain the same on Google, with some students remaining confused as to the current situation.

Milburngate at risk due to building company closure

Nicole Ireland News Reporter

Tolent, one of the largest construction firms in the North East, involved in many multimillion-pound projects, has entered administration.

The firm has been involved in many projects such as the £85.5m Milburngate development in Durham, the £41.4m Vaux housing development on the banks of the River Wear in Sunderland, the £5.4m regeneration of Bedlington Town Centre in Northumberland, and the Hadrian’s Tower residential scheme.

Tolent officially called in administrators on 13th February after an uncertain weekend as staff were reported to have been sent home early on the 10th of February.

The Gateshead-based firm employed around 400 people and had offices in Stocktonon-Tees, Sho on Colliery and Leeds. Following the call into administration, 313 of the company’s employees were immediately made redundant. However, a spokesperson for the Milburngate development in Durham said: “The current building work at the Milburngate is very near to completion. The sad news that Tolent has entered administration will not impact the project.”

Tolent blame their £4m loss last year on the collapse of developer High Street Group. The contractor saw a 7% increase in group turnover to £197.9m in 2021, the highest since its launch in 1983, but the group recorded the multimillion-pound loss due to adverse trading conditions.

Emily Doughty News Editor

A new art installation has seen 130 children create art to light up Durham Cathedral. The Tunnel of Light, created in collaboration with the artist Mick Stephenson, is made of designs which commemorate Durham’s rich mining heritage and the children’s ideas for a brighter future.

The display, made up of Perspex discs, were made to “create the effect of stainedglass windows in three of the arches of the ancient cloisters” according to Durham Cathedral.

They went on to say that the designs were to “commemorate Durham’s rich mining heritage and imagine a brighter future for all”.

The cloisters used were

featured in the filming of two Harry Po er films.

The project was funded through the support of the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, which allowed children from five local primary schools to help design the discs. The funding included workshops which saw children taking inspiration from the organisers of “Lumiere” as well as learning more about Durham’s mining heritage.

Sarah Dellar, learning and engagement team leader at Durham Cathedral said “Tunnel of Light is going to be a wonderful temporary artwork in the cloisters and a great addition to our February Half Term programme of crafts and activities.”

The artwork went on display from 18th February until 16th March.

Rushford Court Front Entrance (Ben Webb)

UCU Strikes from this Winter (Thomas Tomlinson)

Palatinate sex survey: the results

• Collingwood students have the most sexual partners of any college

• Sports Science students have the least sexual partners of any subject

• 41% of Durham students identify as a sexuality other than straight

• 44% of Durham students have had sex in a public place

Becks Fleet and Emily Doughty News Editors

Palatinate is proud to present the sex survey: a not-so-scientific study of the sex lives, habits and stories of Durham students.

This survey, undertaken online over an approximately two week period, a racted over 500 students who gave us their anecdotes and personal statistics to share with you all.

If you’re one of those 500 plus students, thank you for sharing with us; your stories have intrigued, horrified and entertained us in equal measure as we’ve put this article together.

Sexuality

A few weeks ago, we reported that 11% of Durham City residents identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Other (according to the 2021 census), and we can confirm that if you take local residents out of the equation, the figures are significantly higher.

Our survey has found that around 41.6% of students identify as a sexuality other than straight, a figure to similar surveys done by other universities.

In terms of how they are distributed, some colleges are significantly less heterosexual than

Partners

The number of sexual partners Durham students have varies greatly depending on their college and subject.

In terms of colleges, students from Collingwood have significantly higher average number of partners than other colleges, with Collingwood having an average of 6 sexual partners. On the other hand, respondents from Josephine Butler, John Snow and Castle have had an average of 2 partners.

others.

St. Mary’s, St. Chad’s and Stephenson Colleges are at least 50% LGBO (with Stephenson in particular being exactly 50%), with Mary’s taking the crown with 57.8% of respondents being LGBO.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hatfield was significantly more heterosexual than any other college, with just 15.7% identifying as LGBO.

However, even the colleges with the lowest percentage of LGBO students were still significantly higher than the percentages given

When it comes to subjects, students from Sports Science have the lowest average number of sexual partners, with an average of 0.5 partners across the respondents. On the other end of the spectrum, Philosophy students have the highest average number of sexual partners by far, with an average of 8.

Additionally, a total of 46.8% of respondents said they are in a relationship (and 10% responding with ‘it’s complicated’), with 51% of those saying that their partner is also a student at Durham.

Also, just 33% of respondents actively use dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge and Grindr, however this includes people who are in relationships.

Percentage of students in each college who identify as LGBO

“Have you had sex in a public place?”

“Do you own a sex toy?”

The percentage of LGBO students was significantly higher than the percentages in the census

“What is your preferred type of contraception?”

Who gets the most action? By degree subject and college

Colleges with the highest (and lowest) average number of sexual partners

Subjects with the highest (and lowest) average number of sexual partners

The lowest:

The highest:

We were shocked to find out that nearly 45% of respondents have had sex in a public place, including stories of doing the deed in locations such as the Botanic Garden, the Billy B and even the Butler mound. Maybe we shouldn’t be shocked, but they were far from the worst stories: we’ve including some of the worst ones in this article for your enjoyment. To whoever submi ed them (and we don’t know who they are as the survey was completely anonymous), congratulations, I guess?

One of the only statistics which is fairly evenly split is the

ownership of a sex toy; around 52% of respondents own one, whilst around 48% don’t.

We asked survey respondents to name the place where they would be most likely to find people for casual sex (as a side note, only 34% of respondents take part in casual sex).

The clear and obvious individual winner was Jimmy Allen’s, with over 50% more responses than the next highest – dating apps. However, lots of people simply put ‘nightclubs’ as their answer, so it seems that Jimmy’s was one of many clubs.

Apparently, the most popular sex position in Durham is missionary. Many of the answers to the question “what is your favourite sex position?” confused and horrified the editors, especially the niche ones that fell into the ‘Other’ category on the chart. So, there it is: Durham sex life in a nutshell. We don’t know what you’ll do with this information, but we just hope that, during these dark days of strikes, scandals and SU elections, these valuable stats brought you some relief from the real, important news.

The best/worst stories*

*that we could morally put in print

• “Remote controlled vibrator controlled by my partner and harness under clothes on in big Tesco”

• “Tinder date. Cum over face. Found out had cum allergy. Language barrier. Could not see. Could not translate why couldn’t see. Thought was going blind”

• “Taking out my girlfriends tampon and pu ing it in a dairylea dunker box so I could finger her in a park while we were high”

• “Sex in the billy B while it was summative season in the middle of the shelves”

• “2 guys in the pond at Van Mildert”

Where to find casual sex*

*the most likely places, according to the sex survey

1. Jimmy Allen’s

2. Dating apps

3. Osbourne’s

4. Paddy’s

5. College bars

Fun fact:

Average number of sexual partners for each sexuality

A note from the team

Whilst many stories that Palatinate received were humorous (or just plain weird) in nature many also raised the important issue of consent and sexual assault. One respondent to the survey said: “sexual assault is still too prevalent and must be addressed”, with another saying there are “so many stories of assault” and another saying that being a “woman in Durham is scary due to the high number of sexual assault”.

Other respondents highlighted the issue of consent, “nobody seems as bothered about consent when they’re leering away at people for how many people they have or haven’t slept with”, another respondent said there is “so much pressure to have casual sex and to

have sex with multiple people at once”.

All sexual activity must be done with the consent of all parties involved.

If you have been sexually assaulted or have been a victim of any crimes of a sexual nature, you can contact your college welfare team or one of the national helplines including rape crisis.

The Meadows Local Sexual Assault Referral Centre covers the County Durham and Darlington area. Staff are available for advice or referrals during office hours, Monday to Friday on 0191 375 2933.

Sexual assault is a crime so if you feel comfortable, contacting the police force is also an option.

Just under 10% of all comments left were along the lines of “Durham men are bad in bed”, making it the most common comment by far!

“What is your favourite sex position?”

Satire Editors: Sascha LO & Rory Cronin

For more, visit palatinate.org.uk/FerdinandVIII/TheKingofSpain

"Some of my best friends are ginger"

Mia Tillyard

Red heads have multiplied across the city at the same rate that flu tends to ravage the freshers. They are rapidly becoming as ubiquitous as a quarter zip in Jimmy’s and it isn’t just the student body…

‘3 whole ginger professors in 3 different lectures’ reads one Palatinate headline this week. When your contact hours are lower than Jimmy’s entrance fee, that’s a he y majority in a ginger to nonginger ratio.

Rumour has it Ireland is declaring a national shortage of gingers, probably because they have all flocked to Durham in one tang-tastic cloud of pale skin and dandruff. And yes, I know what you are asking yourself, why, of all places, is Durham the chosen destination? Is it the lack of sun? Or

perhaps it’s our renowned inclusively, known only by those who deem it necessary to have largest percentage of Schöffel to signet ring population known to man. Or rather – in the words of Ed Sheeran – it is all in a strenuous feat to declare that they too “fell in love with an English man”. Well, wherever the truth lies, it is not in Boot’s box dye selection. Durham’s ginger cohort is authentic in every sense of the word and unbelievably cannot be pinned to an absurd rise in mental breakdowns; in which, of course, the ever-logical, most natural response is to turn to the aforementioned box dye. Either I am mistaken, and the number of mental breakdowns is in fact not increasing, or ginger is plainly not the transition shade of choice. Considering the sheer force with which

summative season has hit, my guess is with the latter of the two.

Whilst they used to be far and few between, nowadays gingers in Durham significantly outnumber minorities

Imagine a city built on truly genuine carrot tops; imagine a city where the auburn locks flow free; imagine a city where gingers can lie amongst the blondest of blondes sans judgement. Imagine no more. Open your eyes. Such fantasies are futile when Durham is at your feet. Sadly, we live in

a world where hair colour is not just a hair colour, where your shade of choice determines status, allure, and friendships. Yet slowly but surely, this is being changed – one redhead at a time.

Whilst they used to be far and few between, nowadays gingers in Durham significantly outnumber minorities. Although in hindsight, you probably could have guessed that. With Durham’s track record, it is not exactly a ground-breaking thing to achieve, yet we have to agree that it’s somewhat impressive, or perhaps you prefer the term spooky, that they have managed to repopulate so drastically. Although that claim does include ‘strawberry blondes’, so there is some room for opinion. Sensitive territory, indeed.

Man-entine’s Day: The unhappy ending

Caleb Tutt

If Gal-entine’s day were Princess Diana, then Manentine’s day would be King Charles: equally as miserable but without the mist of feminine romance. Your Valentine’s request was sent way too late and in a drunken hour, so you’re now without a date. As you walk through town, you see more flowers than a trafficaccident hotspot. Your Spotify mockingly starts on Jeff Buckley’s 'Lover, You Should’ve Come Over'. Giving off the energy of a newly divorced father, you have roughly three routes with which to theme your day. Akin to 'Sophie’s choice', nobody wins whatever you choose.

Option one: Man-entine’s day. For those of you who style yourselves on Ryan Gosling. Blade Runner, Drive, The Notebook, it doesn’t matter. Your day consists of

Headlines of the week

Rowers consider boathouses as actual houses with the next hike in college accommodation fees

Kettle chips are deemed 'reckless' due to the amount of energy it takes to boil a kettle in the current energy crisis

Students upset with male lecturers striking as 'who else are they supposed to play out their parental issues with'

Paintballing named 'Durham's favourite religion' following its most recent canvassing on the bridge leading to North road

cigarettes on the doorstep and the Tesco’s Finest pizza you bought to “treat yourself”.

Your Valentine’s request was sent way too late and in a drunken hour, so you’re now without a date

Perhaps you may enjoy a nice long shower with a De ones soundtrack to take your mind off things. You take some comfort in the fact you haven’t spent £70 wining and dining somebody who almost certainly won’t be texting you back. Either way, it’s far from how you wanted to spend the day.

Option two: Lash-entine’s. This is like if a Stag-Do and a

funeral wake had a lovechild. It’s the Ernest Hemingway school of thought – just keep drinking (because that ended so well for Ernest).

Jimmy’s with your mates is a great distraction, and singles are crammed onto dancefloors like sardines. This is just like a normal night out. It’s better than staying at home right?. This being said, you know damn well you’d rather be in bed watching Normal People with somebody.

Option three: the Hail Mary. Positioning yourself somewhere between James Bond and Genghis Khan, you flick through past Hinge matches to send off a highly speculative and undoubtably creepy message. What do you have to lose? You’ve only heard myths of this working and the hour is late. You’d almost prefer this not to work, finishing the day with some dignity le . But wherever you lay your awful chat, that’s your home.

There’s little catharsis provided by any of these harrowing options besides that they may appear somewhat amusing in your memoirs once you make it big.

Your day consists of cigare es on the doorstep and the Tesco’s Finest pizza you bought to “treat yourself”

In that vein, and fostering some sort of positivity, this article will finish similarly to how the film Trainspotting began: Choose life, choose a partner, choose chocolate strawberries and foreheadkisses. Choose fresh bedsheets, a clean-shave, and red LEDs. Choose Jellycats. Choose roses. Choose Valentine’s.

Skinny scarves labelled health hazard following spate of deaths involving 'string like scarves caught in doors'

St Cuthbert’s girl who went to an all girls school posts instagrams exclusively with male friends

Durham Student le without heating plans to live in lecture hall because 'who else would be there'

LGBT society elect straight president in the name of solidarity

This week the Palace Green Library has replaced its familiar tannoy notice with: “Any Student le unattended will be removed and destroyed”.

140% spike in shoulder injuries of girls who insist on carrying their work in a tote bag.

Your roomate from first year makes small talk in town

Caleb Tu

Here they come, your flatmate from first year. You’re in town wearing your worst clothes seeing as you’re yet to put a wash on. Cigare e in mouth, dignity on the floor. Turn on the social ba ery and paint on some sort of smile:

Q: Hey… How are you doing?

A: Yeah not too bad actually…

You’re lying. You are bad. You’re on your way to buy chicken dippers and the cheapest toilet paper the market mechanism can muster. You received a summative

grade back yesterday afternoon: a Desmond. You couldn’t get any lunch in the library café because it was more hectic than the first day of the Somme. But copy and paste this standard British response and you’ll be grand.

Q: Who are you living with now?

A: Ah just some guys from the [insert sport] club You fight every fibre of your being that wants to admit you live with the worst collective of individuals ever. The atmosphere is fantastic, second only to your Grandmother’s funeral or perhaps a recent

trip to A&E. Sanitation was the greatest medical advance of the last millennium, but this revolution somehow forwent your new house. The shower is black with mould. Worse than this, your food goes mysteriously missing. June can’t come quick enough, and neither can your housemates judging by the unholy noises emanating from their rooms in the wee hours.

Q: You still with [Ex’s name]?

A: No not anymore, but really enjoying single life though…. What a pathetic lie this is. Even though you’ve thrown off the yoke of your once vaguely

normal ex, the vast expanse of the Durham dating scene appears like a warm inviting house fire to throw yourself into. The first few Jimmy’s hook-ups will make you feel like James Bond, but in the end, the shame will always await you. Surely you couldn’t fumble yet another talking stage?

Q: How’s the degree going?

A: Okay actually, sure I’ll get above a 40.

Yeah. “Sure”. Just like how you were “sure” the Babs bouncers wouldn’t notice you sneaking in on a CCTV Wednesday. The eventuality of you achieving a first has now been made

materially impossible by your own laziness and ineptitude. Just blame it on the strikes.

Q: Okay well I’ll see you around then?

A: yeah

You miss them dearly, let alone the strange time in your life that they personify. The chunder charts, the circuit laundry, the dormant floor groupchat. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I’m sure you’ll probably see them outside Greggs in about three months to repeat this interaction word for word. Things will be looking up by then, probably.

Navigating dating apps in Durham: where will I find the love of my life?

Josie Lockwood

Before coming to university, the idea of downloading a dating app didn’t once cross my mind. The word ‘Tinder’ felt dirty, somehow. I assumed that it was for the desperate, the lonely, and the ultimately undateable. So, back when I was a fresher, I was surprised to find out that so many people had profiles on these platforms. Conversations with my friends circled back to dating apps far more often than I’d like to admit. ‘Oh, you know that guy we saw dressed up in a flamingo costume last week? I’ve just matched with him on Tinder’.

So, of course, I downloaded them too. Tinder, Hinge, Bumble – the lot. I got strict instructions from my more experienced flatmates about the appropriate dating app etique e. No less than five photos, otherwise people will think you’re a catfish. One group picture is a must, or else you’ll look like you don’t have any friends. Use mirror selfies sparingly. Anything too zoomed in or blurry will make you seem like a serial killer. Your prompts

and bios need to be wi y and fresh. Never match with someone who has a photo of themselves holding a fish – that’s an immediate red flag.

As soon as you start swiping, you can’t bring yourself to stop. It becomes addictive. And that’s precisely where things begin to go wrong. It’s so easy to forget that the profiles you see on your screen belong to real people, and that it isn’t just a game of hot or not. Whenever I’ve used dating apps, I have never really had any serious intention of actually meeting anyone on it in real life. I simply found it funny to know whether the man I’d seen buying

Why are you on a dating app if you don't want to date?

radishes in Tesco thought I was a ractive.

On the occasions where I have engaged in conversation with my matches, I’ve always been perturbed by the sheer number of people who are just looking for a one-night stand. Why are you on a dating app if

you don’t want to date?

I’m convinced that online dating has seriously damaged real-life dating. In theory, it should be helpful, especially for university students. It helps you know who’s single, if they’re a racted to you, and a couple of messages will give you insight into whether they possess any small shred of personality. However, more often than not, I have found it a disadvantage. I have had people come up to me in clubs, tell me that we’ve matched on Hinge, and assume that means they’ll be given an invitation directly into my bed. I feel that dating apps place an enormous emphasis on sex, and it is difficult to distinguish between who is there for a relationship and who is there for a casual hook-up. I am a big believer that meeting people organically encourages far more courtesy and respect.

If you meet someone in day-today life – whether that’s in line at Flat White or even on a drunken soirée to Jimmy’s – you base your impression off of energy, vibes, and chemistry. While online dating is practical in that you can filter away people who aren’t quite tall enough for your liking, it places so much a ention on appearance. Instead, chance encounters allow you to get to know someone who you might have dismissed at a first glance, and possibly find something more

special. This also guarantees you a far be er story than ‘we met on Tinder’. The fact that my longest and most down-to-earth relationship stemmed from an impulsive, turbulent, shotslaced-with-antifreeze girl's holiday to Kavos rather than three years spent actively trying to get to know people in Durham concerns me somewhat. Finding a genuine connection at university is much harder than you would initially anticipate. So what is it that makes it so difficult to date in this city?

Love, especially at university, has become something that we scroll through just as we would Instagram or Facebook. I don’t think that dating

apps themselves are the issue, but the way in which we navigate them. I firmly believe that these platforms cause more stress and anxiety than they’re worth. While each match might give you a brief burst of confidence, long term they can be immensely draining. Ultimately, I feel that apps like Tinder shift our perception of what love and dating comprises, and often deny us the experience of being wooed and courted in true romcom style. Or maybe I just need to stop matching with men who take photos of themselves holding fish.

A slow start to LGBTQ+ history month in Durham

Zarah Drummond

You may not have realised that it’s LGBTQ+ history month. Aside from a lone pride flag on Palace Green, and a small rainbow coloured shield in the lobby of the Bill Bryson library, symbols celebrating queer history are sparse in Durham.

LGBTQ+ history month was started by Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick in the UK in 2005. In 2011, they started The Classroom - an online resource full of lesson plans to help teachers of all key stages integrate queer history into the curriculum. Despite this, queer history remains absent from many schools across the country. While the government recommends that schools respect the 2010 Equality Act and integrate LGBTQ+ topics into their curriculum, few establishments take these suggestions seriously. More importantly, parents still retain the right to withdraw their child entirely from sex education if they so choose. Back in 2019, multiple primary schools in Birmingham made headlines for their clashes

with parents over including LGBTQ+ content as a part of its curriculum. The issue remained largely unresolved and sparked debates over parental rights to interfere in the national curriculum, especially on religious grounds.

reality is that this month sadly fails to gain momentum in most British educational environments, where homophobia is still rampant.

The BBC reported that hate crimes targeting people's sexual orientation increased by 42% in the year leading up to March 2022. In Birmingham, the city’s LGBT+ centre was recently vandalised with homophobic graffiti. Furthermore, tensions are high surrounding queer issues in British politics after the UK government’s decision to block Scotland’s new Gender Recognition Bill. The whole political saga has brought a particular urgency to queer history month, especially with regard to Trans history which is frequently neglected.

of these events have gone unnoticed and underpromoted. Moreover, two of these lectures being online tends to invite less of a student turnout. It’s a pity given that the subjects are likely to be informative and enlightening. For those looking beyond the university, there isn’t much to be found in the Durham area. Thus, it seems Durham, and the UK in general, has a way to go before LGBTQ history month is something widely participated in.

disappointed to find the Union had cancelled the event with no warning. I emailed them to find out more but got no response.

As a History student, I have found the lack of gender and sexuality history on offer frustrating at many points throughout my degree. Talking to other final year History students, the one special subject module relating to gender and queer history was extremely oversubscribed with many students expressing sadness at the lack of opportunities to study such topics throughout their degree. I can’t speak for other departments but I would imagine this is a recurring theme.

Of course, coverage of LGBTQ+ topics shouldn’t be limited to sex education, however the reality is that it is up to the discretion of a school if they choose to honor queer history month in other departments, or through assemblies and extracurriculars. As someone who came from a school where having an LGBTQ society was actively discouraged by senior staff, there was certainly li le coverage of queer history across the school’s halls. The

In Durham, there are a few events in honor of queer history month. Dr Diarmaid Keilliher will discuss the solidarity efforts by queer communities who sought to support miners during the 1980s strikes. In another history lecture, Stephen Bourne will be discussing his book Fighting Proud, and the lives of gay men and their experiences fighting in World War 2. Similarly, Durham’s Classics department invites Dr Simona Martorana to explore the queer receptions of Sappho in the Roman World. Unfortunately, many

Fortunately, I felt that the Durham Union may have made up for this, having impressively secured Tiernan Brady, an influential LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, to give an address in the Chamber. Nonetheless, I was

The education system in the UK has a long way to go in terms of shedding its heteronormative biases. Learning about queer history is a vital step to comba ing homophobia and broadening perspectives. While cultural events across the UK are important in providing more engaging queer education, they often don’t reach non-queer people. In schools, the topic is seen as too controversial or complicated for many to bother teaching. In universities like Durham, queer history events continue to fall under the radar.

Co onbro Studio Via Pexels

In universities like Durham, queer history events continue to fall under the radar

This month sadly fails to gain momentum in most British educational environments

The Tate viewing platform: is visual intrusion a nuisance?

Helena Dobbs

The Tate viewing platform, which opened in 2016, a racts 50,000 visitors a year as they promise a panoramic view of London’s sweeping skyline, including St Pauls Cathedral, the Thames River, the Shard and… an exclusive look into the interiors of the luxury flats standing 34 meters away.

On 1st February 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the residents of Neo Bankside, a block of luxury flats lining the Thames in London, who were fighting for their right to privacy against their neighbours, the Tate Modern.

To close the case which had been running since 2017, Lord Legga , a Justice of the Supreme Court, ruled that the residents face an unacceptable level of “constant visual intrusion” preventing the “ordinary use and enjoyment” of their homes. The court charged the Tate Modern under the common law of nuisance, extending it to include onlooking as an invasion of privacy.

disappointed by the decision and concerned by the potential consequences.

As someone who had no knowledge of the law of nuisance before researching this case, my initial reaction was that visual intrusion should absolutely be considered a nuisance. We live in an age where everything is becoming increasingly visually documented. Taking photos is easier than ever (as is sharing them on an online platform for everyone to see) and security cameras are increasingly prolific; people fly drones for fun. The residents of Neo Bankside objected to their interiors being photographed constantly and posted on social media. They had become the nonconsenting art installation of the most renowned modern art museum in the country.

right to space and privacy in urban environments. When living in a city, privacy is always sacrificed to a certain extent. You are met with people every time you leave your house, your neighbours may keep tabs on your comings and goings, and those who live on the ground floor must get used to living with their curtains permanently closed to avoid nosey passers-by. Perhaps those living on the top floors of luxury flats saw themselves as immune from such invasions until, four years into their residency, a viewing platform opened to allow 50,000 people to see straight into their private quarters every year.

Although the concerns people have are legitimate, I must admit that I sympathise with the residents of Neo Bankside. One defence of the Tate stated that the case was no different from one building overlooking another, an occurrence that is inescapable in a capital city. I find this assertion difficult to accept. In most buildings, the people within them are minding their own business, they are not so interested in looking at the view with binoculars or taking photos to post on social media. Even if they are, there is unlikely to be 500,000 people a year coming to the building for the sole motive of looking out the window at what is happening outside.

The return of Fawlty Towers : let’s talk about cancel culture

Ben Pawlowski

In 2019, the iconic Fawlty Towers was voted, by a panel of experts for Radio Times magazine, as the greatest British sitcom of all time. The show’s brilliance is indisputable, with twelve episodes full of rip-roaring humour as the misanthropic Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, navigates life running his Torquay hotel.

tool, that Durham students will be all too familiar with. The national press complained extensively about Rod Liddle and Tim Luckhurst being cancelled and decried by students following the South College formal fiasco in December 2021, often framing it as evidence of left-wing orthodoxy within higher education. Nevertheless, Luckhurst remains in his position as Principal of South College, whilst Liddle, who was once arrested for common assault against his partner, continues to write in national broadsheets.

The ruling was unexpected. Since 2019, the residents had failed to win over both the High Court and the Court of Appeal who said that visual intrusion should never be considered a nuisance. This explains why people online are, understandably,

In exploring further, however, I now understand the intricacies of the ruling and the lines that have been blurred. When we start allowing just looking to be an invasion of privacy, where do we draw the line? Will looking through a window become a crime? Will public buildings overlooking roof decks have to board up their windows? These are extreme examples, but you can see why contractors will now have to think twice before pu ing viewing platforms on public buildings.

More pressingly, it puts fuel in the already roaring and polarised debate surrounding who has the (Slices of Light via Flickr)

At the time of a cost-of-living crisis, the case is certainly jarring. It is disappointing that time and money has been put into making rich people living cushy lives more comfortable, while those living in poverty sacrifice their privacy every day. It is also disappointing because most visitors are there for the art and the beautiful view, and the Tate is now unable to provide an opportunity for people to see the London skyline from a public building. Although the case is closed, the consequences are yet to be decided upon. I hope that the ruling does not result in a closing of the platform and that an alternate conclusion is reached. Perhaps one side could be blocked off to lose the view of the flats?

Sacrificing the word ‘panoramic’ from the a raction’s tagline seems like a satisfactory compromise that would allow visitors to continue viewing the dome of St Pauls from the unique spot across the river.

Yet, forty-four years following the show’s end, Cleese, arguably one of this country’s finest ever comics, has announced the show’s revival, this time accompanied by his daughter.

It reflects a curious career path for Cleese, architect of both Fawlty Towers and Monty Python. Once a bastion of British comedy in its epoch, he’s been rendered futile within modern popular culture –as opportunities have waned, he’s drifted into the luring arms of the discourse of the political right. He has now joined GB News, to host a show titled Free Speech Nation.

Cleese appears to view himself as a political martyr, rallying against the grave injustices of ‘cancel culture’ and ostensibly illiberal ‘wokeism’. He cancelled a speech at Cambridge University, his alma ma er, citing the cancelled speech of an academic who had made an insensitive Hitler impression, while claiming Fawlty Towers was the victim of ‘cancel culture’ after one episode was temporarily removed from the streaming service UKTV in the wake of the death of George Floyd due to the use of highly offensive racial slurs.

Cleese’s case reflects a deeply curious irony surrounding the idea, the myth, perhaps, of ‘cancel culture’. Here we have a deeply privileged man with a vast catalogue of success complaining he has been cancelled and repressed, yet perpetuating these thoughts via a mainstream media outlet. Moreover, the very shows that he made that he sees as victims of a ack, and that wouldn’t be made nowadays (according to Cleese in the case of Monty Python), are in fact being made nowadays.

It's a myth, and a potent political

The truth appears to be that ‘cancel culture’, as it has been denoted, is a façade – in reality, a manifestation of political discourse, primarily from the right of politics, which seems to fetitshise victimisation, with those, often highly privileged, desperate to appear repressed or restricted in some way.

It forms part of the wider ‘culture wars’, where phrases such as ‘woke’ are politically weaponised, portrayed as insults alluding to unintelligence and illiberalism rather than being solid moral values.

Right at the heart of the ‘culture war’ debate lies inter-generational divides, which manifest politically, socially, and culturally. The younger generation are more left-wing, more socially liberal, holding a form of culture, embedded in new technologies, which for older generations is alien and confusing. It’s a divide that is natural and certainly not new, but which holds pertinent social consequences.

The ’culture war’, thus, and the discussion of topics such as ‘cancel culture’ and ‘woke politics’, are merely the reaction and repudiation towards a younger generation asserting their own moral and social values. A rejection of modernity and evolution, and instead a yearning for a long-gone past. British values are changing, and so too is culture.

Perhaps, therefore, it would be worth coming to terms with the fact that time moves on, culture evolves, and that as a society we are be er for it. These sitcoms may be iconic and ingrained into a certain generation’s psyche, but they remain a relic of a bygone era – Cleese might do well to realise that he is, too.

They had become the nonconsenting art installation of the most renowned modern art museum in the country

The court charged the Tate Modern under the common law of nuisance, extending it to include onlooking as an invasion of privacy

John Cleese (Bruce Baker via Wikimedia Commons)

ChatGPT: a valuable research tool or a dystopian threat to academic integrity?

Mishka Hollander

In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT.

This is a large language model chatbot, and it was immediately met with all sorts of a ention from excitement to fear, debate to dismissal. Part of the conversation focused on what it would mean for education and specifically higher education. Does it mean the end of the online exam? The death of summative essays?

Chances are that you have either discussed or used ChatGPT in relation to university work. Whether you have entered in some data to save some time; asked it to summarise difficult texts; got it to compose an entire essay; or created poems to laugh at in the library and procrastinate deadlines, ChatGPT has undoubtedly entered the university sphere. And it is only a ma er of time before universities respond to it in an official capacity.

I asked ChatGPT to write a short article on the implications of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT on university institutions; tempting as it was to copy, paste, and submit the response as my own, there were noticeable shortcomings. The style was mechanically direct, some of the language inexplicably vague and it interestingly only detailed the potential benefits of ChatGPT. It concluded with the statement:

‘AI and ChatGPT have the potential to revolutionize the way universities educate students. However, it is important for universities to approach these technologies with caution, ensuring that they are used in ways that are aligned with their mission and values.’

It is unclear what the unified ‘missions and value’ of universities are. When I prompted it to tell me its potential risks, after it reiterated its ‘potential to greatly benefit universities’, it provided a long list of algorithms. This only amplified the biases in the data used to train AI, and how it contributes to the loss of critical thinking and creativity as more students use it.

With the right prompts it becomes a very useful search engine, in seconds outlining relevant information that could otherwise take hours to refine. However, it lacks human understanding, cultural awareness, and linguistic nuance. I asked for references for the information provided and it came up with a statement on its own limitations: ‘I'm sorry, I don't have specific references for the information I have provided as it is based on my training data and not specific studies or articles.’ It

went on to recommend ‘reputable sources such as academic journals and conference proceedings.’

Added to this, ChatGPT has limited knowledge. It can confidently give a plausible sounding answer to a prompt, which is then proven to be factually incorrect.

I would, however, agree overall with ChatGPT’s assessment of itself: it has the potential to be an incredible learning tool that reduces the time of monotonous tasks. It has the power to remove the synonymity of learning with slogging through information. Tasks which once consisted of manually searching through multiple books in a library have become inpu ing a question into a search engine. Universities will adapt, as they have done for years, to an increasingly digitised and technological world.

There have been ample opportunities in the past few weeks to peer through the looking glass at the glitzy, self-obsessed world of showbiz. From Madonna’s highly sculpted face at the Grammys to Sam Smith’s inflatable latex costume at the BRIT Awards, every year there are limitless talking points to get people riled up. To which I say: good for those artists who choose to be “scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous” (Madonna’s words).

put him into a group that would later become One Direction, the biggest boyband in the world at the time. Still, there’s a degree of luck in any singer’s ascent to international stardom. Yet, this is not what Styles meant, so, how should we interpret it?

Some people have pointed out one of the ways in which Styles is right; singers who break away from a famous boyband and have a successful solo career are rare. Just look at the other members of One Direction, who haven’t achieved anywhere near the success of Styles

class and social status. When Styles said “people like me”, it’s doubtful he was talking about white men. Rather, his comment makes more sense given the current discourse around nepotism and classism, particularly as it exists in creative industries in the UK.

The biggest debate around the use of AI in universities is the risk of plagiarism. The increasing use of AI complicates its definition –can you plagiarise from a thing not a person? There is a similar debate around AI art and photography –is it plagiarism to generate text or images from thousands of artists or authors without giving credit?

Currently OpenAI are working on a cryptographic watermark that will invisibly identify AI generated text by pa erns of language.

A college student in the U.S., Edward Tian, has already developed a program to detect whether writing is generated by a human or ChatGPT. This kind of technology might aid universities in detecting entire essays produced by ChatGPT. However, students have always and likely will always find ways to cheat, whether sneaking answers into exams, using technology for online exams, sharing answers, hiring ghost-writers.

Ultimately whether AI is good or bad for learning it is here to stay. Universities must take an interdisciplinary approach to diminishing its risks and promoting its benefits. We are at the very beginning of AI technology, with Microsoft and Google developing their own models, it will be interesting to see how universities respond to continuing developments.

Many of the biggest music careers in history have been forged by pushing boundaries. But there is one point of controversy that is worth discussing further: Harry Styles’ acceptance speech at the Grammys, in which he said: “this doesn’t happen to people like me very often.”

Many words have already been devoted in print to what exactly Styles meant by this comment. After all, he is a white, middleclass, conventionally a ractive man who was raised in Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. His father worked in finance; his mother was an office worker. By no stretch of the imagination is his story one of rags to riches.

While he recently won ‘Album of the Year’, the most soughtafter award at the Grammys, their names have faded. Not quite into oblivion, admi edly, since most are still making music, but unless you’re a dedicated fan, you’d be hard-pressed to stumble across news about them. Conversely, it’s difficult to avoid information about Harry Styles. He has successfully shed the unserious trappings of his teenage boyband roots, which is no easy feat, although stars like Robbie Williams and Justin Timberlake also achieved successful careers after going solo, even if theirs lacked longevity.

Commentators have been keen to emphasise the racial implications of Styles’ comment, since people from minority backgrounds often face greater adversity when navigating the music industry than your average white man. This is a fair point and exactly why the speech came across as tone-deaf. I thought Styles’ album was enjoyable but ultimately undeserving of the win, and you could say that’s down to white male privilege. However, that line of argument is a hard sell when you look at the diversity amongst the nominees, including Beyonce (who became the top Grammy winner of all time with a total of 32 wins), Lizzo and Adele (who are from a genuinely working-class backgrounds).

Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Clean Bandit’s Grace Cha o, Lilly Allen, Florence Welch, Jamie T - some of the biggest names in the music industry all went to private schools. There are even more people to add to this list when you look at the top actors and journalists in this country; it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people without existing connections and wealth to break into the creative industries. In a study by Creative Independent, 35% of industry professionals said that one of the most significant challenges in pursuing a successful career was “nepotism/unfair gatekeeping”.

His career certainly benefi ed from a lot of luck when the X-Factor producers decided to

Race is a prominent talking point in American culture, more so than in this country, where we Brits typically think in terms of

When someone like Brooklyn Beckham, buoyed by his parents' fame, can make money hopping from one poorly executed hobby (photography) to the next (cooking) without needing a talented bone in his body, it’s difficult not to feel disheartened. Harry Styles might have been middle class, but he went to a regular comprehensive school, and neither of his parents was a musician, let alone famous enough to give him a leg up. So, while his comment was thoughtless, I can see where he is coming from.

Harry Styles’ “people like me” comment at the Grammys awards was tone-deaf

There’s a degree of luck in any singer’s ascent to international stardom

Ellie DyerBrown

Whether AI is good or bad for learning, it is here to stay

His comment makes sense given the current discourse about nepotism and classism

(HusariaAgatka via Flickr)

John Dobai: “We are enrolling the audiences as witnesses themselves”

Profile speaks to John Dobai, a Holocaust survivor, activist and Durham alumnus about his experiences in World War II Hungary and his work to spread the word about the horrors of the Holocaust.

William Rome Profile Editor

What immediately struck me about John Dobai, a man nearing his 90th birthday, is his determination. Composed and articulate, eager to share his story and his experiences, he and I spoke before his lecture to a wider group of university and school students (organised by Durham’s Historical Association). He speaks fluently on a topic of which he has personal experience and about which he has endeavoured to share his knowledge to as wide an audience as possible.

John Dobai grew up in Budapest in the 1930s. He was baptised a Roman Catholic, a ended a Catholic school and like many of his contemporaries knew no practicing Jews in the prewar years. It therefore was a shock to him to discover that he was considered Jewish and persecuted by virtue of this by the brutal proNazi regime in Hungary.

Dobai emphasises in our discussion. Through his account, the terrible reality that two thirds of Hungarian Jews were murdered, mostly in Auschwitz, in the space of a few months is coupled with the trauma experienced by the survivors.

moment of levity in our otherwise sombre discussion, he notes one of his earliest observations of his new home: “it was a terrible shock that the type of English I learnt at school was not the type of English that people [in Tyneside] spoke!”

He later studied at Durham University, an institution of which he has fond memories. When I asked if he had experienced antisemitism in England, he immediately responded with a short “No”, but shortly after qualified this with a recent experience of seeing antisemitic graffiti.

He is well aware that his work is evermore important in the current climate of increasing antisemitism. He seems unsurprised by the recent study that a quarter of young Dutch people dispute that the Holocaust occurred in the numbers it did. His belief is that “the only way we can [resolve] that is by education. … I think probably I’m speaking on behalf of many survivors. … We are really enrolling the audiences as witnesses themselves.”

Dobai survived the Holocaust due to a combination of determination, fortuity and the generosity of two Swedish diplomats, Raoul Wallenberg and Karl Lutz. Yet, he makes clear that “there were actually very few people who were willing” to risk their careers and lives for the Jewish people; the Swedes only could because “they belonged to neutral countries”. This intervention – which placed Dobai and his family, alongside many other Jewish families, under Swedish protection – was clearly crucial, but in both our discussion and his later speech, Dobai makes clear that his life remained very much at risk thereafter. Many relatives and friends died in Auschwitz.

After World War II, Dobai followed his father to England, specifically Tyneside. In a brief

unable to do so. At Durham he never mentioned the horrors he faced. “We didn’t speak about it and most survivors did not speak about the Holocaust in the 1940s or 50s or 60s and a good part of the 70s.”

Comparing Holocaust survivors to British Prisoners of War, he comments that it was “difficult to explain and the people at home had difficulty in understanding”.

To describe how this felt, he uses the same analogy in our discussion and his later lecture. Being informed by his mother that he was considered by the State to be Jewish after suffering from antisemitic abuse from a classmate, he felt as if he had been “demoted from Premier Division to a team playing in the park,” hinting at how entrenched antisemitism was in 1940s Hungarian culture, and particularly the psychological impact of the Holocaust, which

He is motivated by a desire to prevent from happening again the type of division and persecution that led to the Holocaust. “The reason we the survivors are talking…is to show that religious and racial discrimination is evil.” He emphasises that this applies to all communities, highlighting the prevalence of Islamophobia: “if we as survivors say that it was an evil thing to condemn all Jews as evil, we ourselves cannot say that all people who are Muslim are also evil”. “Tolerance” is insufficient as it “is a neutral word; I would like to move towards respect.”

Speaking about one’s experiences is clearly integral to this, but Dobai has sympathy with those who feel

The horror of Dobai’s experiences are drawn out in his

discussion of identity. Whereas most Hungarian Jews considered themselves “Hungarians with a Jewish background”, they were treated as “Jews living in Hungary”. Yet, he tells another story: when several Hungarian youths shouted “Go Home” to a group of Hungarian Jews, the response was “We are Home”. Dobai’s early life saw him persecuted for a peripheral part of his identity; he has therefore dedicated his later years to teaching the importance of ‘respect’ and ‘dignity’ for all to ensure that no child will have to endure such horrors again.

To find out more about the work being done by Holocaust survivors, the website of the Holocaust Educational Trust is highly informative.

John Dobai also recommended three authors for those interested in learning more about the Holocaust: Primo Levi, Elie Wiesel and Imre Kertész.

The reason we the survivors are talking … is to show that religious and racial discrimination is evil

(Holocaust Educational Trust)

It was difficult to explain and the people at home had difficulty in understanding.

(Holocaust Educational Trust)

He is well aware that his work is evermore important

Tolerance is insufficient as it is a neutral word

Just Love: the role of students in a fight against modern slavery

Lucy Harding talks with student human rights activist Tilly Amess about the role of student organisation ‘Just Love’ in helping to raise awareness for the realities of modern slavery

Lucy Harding

It is estimated that there are 50 million people held in slavery today. Modern-day slavery exists in many forms, from forced labour to sex trafficking and online sexual exploitation. Children as young as 2 are being sexually exploited and so many more are denied access to education as they are forced to work in factories and agriculture, destroying any hope of a future.

Although the number of people trapped in slavery continues to grow, slavery is stoppable. International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organisation working with survivors, supporters, and local authorities to end human trafficking, slavery and violence. Their heart is to see every slave freed, every life rebuilt, and futures restored. The exploitation of the vulnerable and poor is unacceptable, so as a student organisation, on 28th February, they will be standing against slavery, against injustice and violence. They will be standing for freedom.

Just Love is a group of Christian students who exist to love Jesus and to pursue justice in all areas of life. One of the ways they are responding to the call for justice is by organising the Stand For Freedom within Durham. Tilly Amess, one of the organisers, believes that “no one should ever go through that level of trauma and pain”. She adds that “The thing that broke my heart for anti-slavery was hearing the personal stories of girls younger than me who had been abused in the sex trafficking industry and used in online sexual exploitation”. Tilly and the rest of the team believe that this is something everyone should care about.

themselves. Supporting IJM will “bring people to safety, criminals to justice and help strengthen justice systems themselves” and as Tilly highlights, they are a “survivorled organisation, so they use the experiences of those who have survived slavery to grow their work”. They have seen the devastation of slavery first-hand and want to see justice prevail.

in the fight to end it for good.

Gary Haugen, IJM’s founder and CEO, affirms that “Nothing happens just because we are aware of modern-day slavery, but nothing will happen until we are”. The campaign’s aim is to educate others on the realities of slavery - that it is not something from the past but is prevalent today and that it not only exists abroad but here in the UK as well.

Tilly desires for “Durham to think about the consequences of day-to-day consumption” as “more often than not there is modernday slavery somewhere in the supply chain”. Many well-known brands (predominantly within the fast fashion industry) use sweatshops to make their products. Sweatshops violate labour laws, underpay their workers, don’t give workers sufficient breaks, and have dangerous conditions, so buying from brands that use them directly supports slavery. Tilly points out that “when we have been given privilege, we have a decision to make about what we choose to do with that privilege”. This means that as we can choose where we buy clothes from, it is our responsibility to ensure that our spending is not funding slavery.

day-to-day products are. According to the ILO, 28 million people are in forced labour, so an accessible way for students to help in the fight against slavery is to consider how ethical our shopping is.

The organisation has the view that 50 million people do not have this freedom available to them so people should not take their freedom for granted. The desire is to see Durham students using their privilege to bring about change and to see freedom from slavery for all.

“The second aim of the campaign is to raise money for IJM”. As IJM is a non-governmental organisation, they rely on donations. So far, they have brought 76,000 people to safety and convicted 4600 perpetrators, but this amazing work requires financial support. To raise money for IJM, students will be standing for 12 hours, partaking in a sponsored silence and there will be a bake and hot drinks sale. There will be means to donate on the day or via a JustGiving page. Tilly advises that “the best way for people to get involved in the antislavery movement is to become a freedom partner with IJM and to financially support their global work” as “supporting those who have escaped and creating legal cases needs money”.

IJM facilitates a movement called Stand For Freedom, aimed at raising awareness of modern-day slavery, and how individuals can take part

Many other products such as coffee and chocolate are made using forced labour, so the campaign aims to educate people on how ethical

There are many ethically sourced alternatives which are readily available. More information on ethical clothing can be found on goodonyou.eco as well as at the campaign stalls. Tilly comments that “we have the freedom to choose how to use our voices, time, education and resources”.

To find out more about the Stand For Freedom campaign, visit on Tuesday 28th February at one of two locations – Market Place or Kingsgate Bridge. They will be standing from 8 am to 8 pmTo find out more about IJM and their heart for justice, visit ijmuk.org.

They have a passion for helping the powerless and as these atrocities continue to happen they believe that everyone has a responsibility to advocate for those who cannot advocate for

When we have been given privilege, we have a decision to make about what we choose to do with that privilege

Supporting IJM will bring people safety, criminals to justice and help strengthen justice systems

No one should ever go through that level of trauma and pain

Solitude versus isolation: why is having time alone so important?

Adrian Kwok & Elizabeth Hoskins

What is solitude?

Think back to when you last gave yourself some mental space. Perhaps you were engaging in positive solitude, a phenomenon in which a person enjoys being by themselves to recharge or be creative. Mor et al. (2021) defines positive solitude as a meaningful and enjoyable experience characterised by the element of choice: when and where do you want to be in solitude? What do you want to do?

Solitude is not reliant on physical aloneness; reading a book on a busy train or a park run with music both count as solitude. Each person may have their own way of being in positive solitude: it’s a state of mind that doesn’t rely on physical circumstances. That said, people tend to find solitude easier in some places rather than others. Many enjoy being in the countryside without a person in sight while others prefer the anonymity of blending into a crowd. They are equally beneficial. Positive solitude can have many benefits, such as the space and time to escape reality and be creative, to dream about what you may achieve and even set about doing it. However, some people find spending time alone hard to enjoy. Lay et al. (2019) wanted to investigate everyday experiences of solitude. People did 3 questionnaires a day for 10 days, reporting their physical aloneness, mood, and the type of thoughts they were having. 50% of participants found their solitude to be an exclusively negative experience, which you can probably relate to after Valentine’s Day. Positive solitude was only found in situations where people experienced low arousal positive emotions (e.g., calmness or peace), combined with low cognitive effort thought (where you focus more on the outside world, like watching ducks in the park, rather than the voices in your own head). It’s possible that adopting this peaceful, externally-focussed mindset can help us experience more positive solitude.

Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen, an expert in solitude at Durham University, gives some tips for those wanting to give positive solitude a go. “Don’t overthink it,” she says. “Make time for solitude even just for a brief period, find something you enjoy doing, build that into your monthly, weekly, or daily routine. Build up a habit for your me-time; start small

and go from there”. At the end of the day, solitude is your own time. You choose whether you’ll be creative or sporty, surrounded by a crowd or away from the masses.

Modern examples of solitude

With solitude being a relatively new concept, intentional depictions of it are scarce to say the least. However, TV shows and movies do include moments where both positive and negative solitude can be seen. Take “I Am Legend” (2007) as an example. Will Smith plays Robert Neville, a survivor of a man-made plague which has transformed most of New York’s population into bloodthirsty mutants. Although still coping with losing his family and sudden social isolation, he continues to follow his daily routine of working out, researching a cure, and trying to contact other survivors. Unlike most of us still reeling from a bad night at Jimmies, Robert remains productive, using his time alone to not only improve himself but also strive for the be erment of New York, making each moment meaningful. Whilst Robert demonstrates positive solitude, it must be noted that social isolation is fundamentally different from positive solitude. As emphasised by Dr. Nguyen, the key to positive solitude is choice. Robert had no option but to be alone.

Positive solitude can have many benefits, such as the space and time to escape reality and be creative

breaks the fourth wall consistently using it as a coping mechanism. As comedic as these moments are, in most (if not all) she turns to us for solitude, withdrawing herself from the social scenarios that she wants to escape from, hoping to gain perspective and distance from her own life. Even when surrounded by loved ones, interactions with them simply remind her of the isolation she feels, again resulting in her turning to us, or hiding away in the smoking area for momentary sanctuary. It’s not until her relationship with Hot Priest – someone who truly cares and listens to her - that she turns to us less, finally connecting with him, accumulating in the infamous finale. Here, in response to devastating news, instead of making a wisecrack about her pain, she turns to us one last time, waving a final goodbye. This was the decisive moment where she realised that negative solitude and dissociation weren’t good for her. She leaves us behind to face her life, family and relationships with people who can speak back to her. The moral of Fleabag’s story is that as safe as solitude can make us feel, using it as a form of withdrawal might not be right. Solitude is different from social withdrawal; taking time for ourselves doesn’t have to mean pushing others away. So if you find yourself in that negative space, it might not be the best time for solitude; reach out and be present with someone. Who knows? You might even find your own Hot Priest (figuratively speaking).

Research in Durham

While Robert was physically socially isolated, Fleabag is surrounded by those that she feels no connection with. Phoebe Waller-Bridge paints a harshly accurate illustration of how negative solitude in the form of social withdrawal can be crippling. The show follows the story of an unnamed woman grappling with life’s biggest problems: her best friend’s suicide, complicated family dynamics, and falling in love with a “Hot Priest”. Throughout her time with the audience, the main character

For those of you interested in furthering psychological research, the DU solitude lab would love to have you. There are currently two pioneering studies that you can participate in. For the first, the relationship between daily behaviour and emotions is being explored. You’ll answer surveys throughout the day about your mood and physical aloneness. The second study aims to explore how people in a life transitionary period experience solitude. An interview (with yours truly!) will ask about how silly freshers, firsttime mothers, and new retirees spend their alone time. Whilst your contribution to science is the real reward, you’ll also be compensated 10 pounds for your participation. We’ve included the links and QR codes to sign up to the studies, if you have any questions about solitude please contact Dr. Nguyen at thuy-vy.nguyen@durham.ac.uk or members of the solitude lab to find out more.

(Will Brown, generated with OpenAI's DALL-E 2)

Return of avian flu ravages

Cas Gudgeon SciTech Editor

bird wildlife

infections”.

At least sixty countries have experienced recent outbreaks of avian flu, or H5N1, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The last 2 years have marked the largest outbreak of avian flu ever recorded in the UK, with over 300 confirmed cases since October 2021. Cases have been detected in Durham, as well as Cheshire, Cornwall, the Inner Hebrides, and Powys in Wales – and all poultry

Across the pond, the situation is much more stark. Over the course of the last year in the US, 43 million laying hens died either as a direct result of avian flu or due to culling, in order to prevent further spread of the disease. That figure represents a whopping third of the country’s flock of laying hens, and the US department of Agriculture has estimated that approximately 58 million poultry birds died in 2022 as a result of the highly contagious virus.

In 2021, over 130 million tons of poultry meat were consumed across the globe, making chicken the most consumed meat worldwide. But the H5N1 epidemic in the US represents the worst animal disease outbreak in the country’s history, and in the UK, Europe, and Japan, these epidemics are the largest poultry outbreaks ever recorded. The BBC has reported figures which indicate that, globally, 208 million birds have died as a result of avian flu – and this is likely to be an underestimate, given the difficulties in conducting continuous surveillance on wild bird populations.

Moreover, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the current cast of epidemics has reignited anxiety around zoonotic transmission, that is, whether the disease is likely to spill into the human population.

A notable feature of H5N1 is its exceptional propensity for rapid genetic change, resulting in either point mutations, or abrupt, major changes which create novel subtypes. In the past it was felt by many scientists that H5N1 would be the most likely cause of a global pandemic – the virus has been transmi ed to several species of mammals, including humans, on many occasions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the “rapid and consistent acquisition of the mutation in mammals may imply this virus has a propensity to cause zoonotic

worst-kept secret’ - the rise of anti-obesity drugs

Saskia Pearl

With the rise of social media in recent years, discussions surrounding body image and the Western beauty standard have risen in prominence significantly. Now more than ever before, we have access to the inner lives of some of the most famed celebrities, ranging from Victoria’s Secret models sharing what they eat in a day to popular celebrity lockdown workouts promising ‘abs in two weeks’.

By contrast, Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, has said that, “The natural barriers to [the virus adapting to mammalian transmission] occurring are quite high and there is no indication of spread within these species. The risk to people right now therefore appears no more than it is for direct spread from infected birds.”

In the past two decades, roughly there have been 870 cases recorded of avian flu resulting in human infection. Of these, 457 were fatal, translating to a mortality rate of ~53%. That number is alarming, prompting many to consider what can be reasonably done to reduce caseloads. (Though it’s worth noting that in the last twelve months, just two cases of avian flu in humans have been recorded; neither were fatal.)

Although these posts initially seem positive, influencers conveniently omit certain, more realistic details about their idealistic lifestyle. Celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, post skincare routines yet should really be linking the email of their Photoshop editor instead. The deception is ubiquitous and, in my opinion, not only has many damaging effects but is also simply unethical. Viewers are led to believe that acts such as losing weight are as effortless as influencers suggest.

One consequence of these posts is the exacerbation of fatphobia, with some people expecting obese people to lose weight simply by “eating less and moving more”. However, it must be acknowledged that there are numerous other furtive strategies that celebrities employ to lose weight, for example the growing use of anti-obesity drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.

secretion, allowing cells to take up glucose. Furthermore, it inhibits glucagon secretion, preventing more glucose from entering the blood stream and ultimately lowering blood glucose levels. Hence, this drug effectively reduces the amount of fat that is stored in the body. It also acts on centres in the brain and suppresses appetite at higher doses.

According to David Macklin, Medical Director of the Weight Management Program at the Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital, people who take semaglutide have reduced impulses to participate in dopamine-fuelled activities, such as shopping and drinking. The amalgamation of these three effects produces a weight loss result.

Two thirds of American adults with obesity actively try to lose weight by dieting each year

many celebrities and millionaires have also taken to it as a way of keeping up with our una ainable beauty standards. Elon Musk openly admi ed to using it and it has been promoted by Dr Oz, a television personality. People are even purchasing the ingredients online and creating the drug themselves. The fact that people are willing to take such a huge risk to lose weight epitomises the enormous influence that the beauty standard has on all of us.

The precautions which prevent the spread of harmful pathogens (such as insects, bacteria, and viruses) are broadly referred to as biosecurity. By now, you’ll be familiar with what such precautions might look like. No-contact deliveries, endless quantities of disinfectant, the conversion of ordinary buildings into mystifying, one-way labyrinths. But biosecurity, even at the highest level, simply can’t dissolve the root cause of zoonosis – that is, the sheer scale and intensity of industrial animal farming.

Our health and our agricultural practices are deeply intertwined. That by now is clear – but can our governments act deftly enough to protect us, and to protect our birds? So far the answer has been a resounding no.

If you keep chickens, make sure to check in on them. Symptoms of avian flu in birds include eating less than usual, lying down and unresponsiveness, and depression.

Semaglutide, sold under alternative brand names such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, was developed in 2012 by Novo Nordisk. It was subsequently approved as an obesity treatment in 2022 in the UK and the EU, and 2021 in the US for adults. According to the STEP-1 and STEP-4 trials published in 2021, the combination of dieting, exercise advice, and doses of semaglutide over 68 weeks caused an average of 15% and 18% loss of body weight respectively in obese people. The development of semaglutide was only made possible due to the discovery of the hormone GLP-1 in 1983 at the Chiron Corporation. Researchers identified a gene fragment in hamsters which they termed ‘glucagon-like peptide-1’. Following this, they ascertained that the hormone is produced in the small intestine and stimulates insulin

The intention when producing the drug was to provide it to clinically obese people with a body mass of 30kg/m². Additionally, people with a BMI of 27kg/m² qualify to use it, as well as those that have a weightrelated condition which affects their health. Contrary to popular belief, obesity is a complicated and misunderstood blend of environmental and biological factors and research has consistently proven that dieting does not work to reduce weight. In fact, two thirds of American adults with obesity actively try to lose weight by dieting each year, yet the adult obesity rate of 43% persists. The potential ramifications of obesity are vast and include high blood pressure, stroke, certain forms of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, among others. Therefore, other solutions are imperative to reduce the rate of obesity, a prime example being these drugs.

Even though the most logical and beneficial application of the drug would be to give it to obese people,

These drugs, although beneficial when actively taken, have not been proven to work long term. Patients who have stopped taking semaglutide and terminated the lifestyle changes regained around two thirds of their lost weight in a year. Therefore, in order to maintain the weight loss, it is critical that these drugs continue to be taken. However, it is estimated that Wegovy will cost roughly $1300 per month in the USA and won’t be available immediately due to insurance coverage. This indicates that in the near future, the majority of the people with access to the drugs are those with enough money, suggesting that those in urgent need of the drug won’t even receive it. These drugs, once intended to help obese people, are currently only working to intensify the current beauty standards that work against them.

Anti-obesity drugs undeniably have a positive influence by reducing obesity levels, however currently these benefits may be superficial. Similar to most commodities today, both in terms of healthcare and also in general life, the distribution of these drugs is unfair and most likely won’t benefit those who need it the most. To rectify this situation, monitoring the use of these drugs and ensuring that they are only issued by healthcare professionals may be necessary. If proper regulations are implemented, anti-obesity drugs could benefit thousands of people as they are undoubtedly a medical breakthrough. Since obesity is such a misunderstood disease, perhaps the introduction of these drugs could help bring more public a ention to the complexity and inequality associated with it.

‘Hollywood’s

(Sam Khamseh via Unsplash)

In 2021, over 130 million tons of poultry meat were consumed across the globe, making chicken the most consumed meat worldwide

(Glass Marbles via Flickr)

Will a 21st century love potion put a spell on you?

Eve Kirman

For over half a century, clinicians have turned to drugs to aid with the treatment of various psychological conditions including depression and anxiety. Most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which, eponymously, increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. While it is now the norm to treat mental disorders in this way, there is one mental state deemed wildly inappropriate to be altered or treated with biochemical interference – love.

Love is unquestionably one of the most communicated facets of the human psyche, with the exploration of its deep feeling (or lack of) being the subject and foundation for many celebrated works of literature, art and music. It is volatile and multifaceted, yet the feeling of love is innately craved by all. Thus, it may not be a surprise that drugs to help people fall in love are becoming more and more viable.

Expectedly, this isn’t just a recent pursuit, throughout history humans have sort ways to heal a broken heart through various potions and elixirs. It is thought that the Ancient Greeks added ground orchids to wine in hopes that the concoction would

elicit deep loving feelings in those who drank it. Additionally, during the Middle Ages, a prospective lover would bake a cake completely naked and, as part of the process, would rub the dough onto their intimate areas, including their armpits, in hopes to captivate the object of their affection.

due to its enhancing effect on social confidence and trust. Furthermore, the recreational drug MDMA, commonly referred to as ecstasy, has been proven to cause feelings of euphoria, empathy, and love towards others.

Dr Brian Earp, a Senior Fesearch Fellow in moral psychology at Oxford University and co-author of Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships, reiterates this in that “MDMA can directly induce feelings of closeness, warmth, and trust and this can facilitate some relationships.” However, he also warns that MDMA “can also help some people come to terms with their own emotions (for example when it is used as an aid to psychotherapy) and this may lead them to realise their current relationship is not right for them, motivating them to end it.”

The ethical complications of this prospect are vast. There is uncertainty as to whether it’s moral to take the drugs yourself, while affecting the course of someone else’s life without their permission. Furthermore, in relationships where a power imbalance already exists, it would arguably be abusive if a partner is forced into taking the drug.

relies on the regulation of their prescription, if used reasonably then these drugs are thought to pose minimal risk. However, this is not entirely the case thus far with some strict religious communities utilising the lowered libido side-effect of SSRIs to repress homosexuality in young men. One thing that is certain, however, is the centrality of love to human life. Already technology such as dating apps and genetic compatibility tests have revolutionised the process of finding love. With the possibility of love drugs on the horizon, that bring both positives and negatives to the human love experience, is it necessary to fix something that isn’t really broken? Ultimately, if relying on drugs is necessary for your relationship to function, is the relationship truly worth saving?

Although vastly different to those used in the past (fortunately), medications that are capable of simulating love in new (and failing) relationships are already in use. Oxytocin, whilst mainly used for its ability to induce labour, has been demonstrated to promote the development of new relationships

The experience of love is thought to be underpinned by four hormones already found in the human body – dopamine, betaendorphin, serotonin and oxytocin. Thus, Dr Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist at Oxford University, believes the stimulation of these chemicals via drug intake will lead to an enhanced capability of love. She believes these drugs will be widely available in the next “three to five years.”

In terms of biological processes, Dr Machin argues that “taking a drug to induce or maintain love is no different to taking an antidepressant, because both supplement neurochemicals that naturally exist in our bodies.”

With this in mind, however, the way individuals react to love drugs has been variable and thus these chemicals may not be reliable for widespread use.

The future of love drugs ultimately

In the future we'll all love robots

Cameron McAllister SciTech Editor

Normal people will routinely fall in love and have sex with robots by 2050. That’s the claim made in David Levy’s 2007 book Love and Sex with Robots. A key part of Levy’s argument was that computers would soon be able to pass the Turing Test, AKA the Imitation Game, a test in which judges have to determine based on a wri en conversation whether an interlocutor is human or not.

In 1950, when Alan Turing first proposed what is now known as the Turing Test, he predicted that a computer would pass within around 50 years. Unfortunately, he was wrong. 73 years later and counting and the test remains unpassed.

However, given the rapid pace of development of large language models like ChatGPT (see 'The Future of Love' inset, a poem generated by ChatGPT) the idea that a model could soon pass the Turing Test seems plausible. But even if a language model could convince judges it was human in the course of normal conversation, could somebody fall in love with it?

When a fan sent Nick Cave lyrics generated by ChatGPT in his style Cave responded by saying that

they represented “a grotesque mockery of what it is to be human”. While the lyrics did appear to be distinctively Cave-esque – replete with seduction, dark imagery and biblical themes – such lyrics do feel hollow coming from a language model.

Cave himself noted the vital importance of an “authentic creative struggle” in the creation of art with “actual value”. The question then is not of the quality of the lyrics, however persuasive, but of how much we can suspend disbelief. Would the lyrics be convincing if they were emotively delivered by Cave?

Similarly, would it be possible to believe in the emotions of robots if they sufficiently replicated authentic emotions? Or would the suspension of disbelief enter the human into a strange performance with their robot companion which would fail to meet the standards for what we would describe as ‘love’?

Additionally, while a human might be able to form a romantic relationship with a robot that passed the Turing Test, the reverse is not necessarily true – the Turing Test is only a test of the appearance of intelligence, not intelligence itself. That could be for the best – the question of how or if a truly intelligent robot could ever consent to a romantic relationship

with a human is extremely murky.

Even pu ing aside sentient robots, the ethics of robots for love and sex are complicated at best.

The emergence of robot romantic companions could be accompanied by a dangerous commodification of love and sex. Such robots could supercharge the fracturing of societal bonds that have led to greater levels of social isolation in a doom loop of loneliness leading to more robot romantic interaction, itself leading to greater isolation from actual humans.

Fears about how sex robots could reinforce sexist a itudes led academics Kathleen Richardson and Erik Billing to launch the bluntly named Campaign Against Sex Robots. However, others, like Kate Devlin, author of 2018’s Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots, argue that this is short-sighted.

Devlin contends that while we should avoid bringing existing sexual and gender bias baggage into future technology, we should also avoid bringing established prudishness, given the harm that is also liable to cause.

The commodification of sex and companionship could even lead to love, a vital emotion fundamental to being human, becoming a resource dispensed via robots and controlled by private interests.

The Future of Love by ChatGPT

In the future of love, Science may have a say Love potions may exist, But will they lead us astray?

And as robots become more advanced, Some may love them too But can a human truly love

What's not quite human, but new?

In a sufficiently fractured society, real human-to-human love could become the preserve of the few, with the rest of us buying sexual and romantic love as a product dispensed by a suitably advanced AI. Think Spotify adverts are bad? Imagine your robot partner delivering an advert for Listerine in the middle of sex.

It’s a classic ‘thin end of the wedge’ argument – allow robot companions now and eventually we will all have to pay a monthly subscription for our required dose of love and sex – but there are creeping hints of such a future already.

AI companions on the app Replika have, it has been reported, stopped responding to their human users’ sexual advances – shortly after the Italian Data Protection Authority threatened Replika with an £18 million fine for failing to protect children.

Such erotic roleplay was already part of Replika’s paid subscription plan, along with other features including ‘spicy selfies’ that were heavily featured in the app’s advertising. Many Replika users have reported that they relied on their relationship with their companion to support their mental health, and that they are distraught by the sudden disruption to that relationship.

Love in the future is unknown, But one thing we can see It's up to us to navigate What love will come to be.

We need to make sure ethics aren’t steamrollered in the name of profits to ensure that sex and love with robots doesn’t perpetuate harmful biases or make love an exclusive commodity. If not, there wont be a question of us losing our humanity; it will be a certainty.

The ethical complications of this prospect are vast

It is volatile and multifaceted, yet the feeling of love is innately craved by all

(Generated with Open AI's DALL-E 2)

(Generated with Open AI's DALL-E 2)

Politics Student

International appeal: UK universities on the decline?

Why have UK universities seen a drop in the number of Chinese applicants?

Hybrid learning:

The future of education?

Leonora

Online learning was something that most of us had not experienced before the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. However, it is now something we are all extremely familiar with. Many university courses are still being taught in a hybrid way three years after the start of the pandemic, leaving many of us wondering whether this will continue or if universities will revert to pre-pandemic teaching practices?

more than a third of students reported support for online learning to be average or worse, and 51% still experience wifi or connection problems. What can be a key problem is the issue of digital poverty, as less advantaged students tend to be the worst affected by hybrid learning, with 15% struggling with the cost of mobile data and 16% struggling to find a safe or private area to study.

Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic ba ered and bruised, the UK’s higher education system appears to be stuck in a perpetual cycle of crisis. Nationwide industrial disputes, with several days of strike action during the Epiphany term, reflect a trend of stagnant wages, zero-hour contracts, lowered pensions, and worsening working conditions for university staff. For students, high inflation has created immense financial difficulties, with skyrocketing accommodation prices exacerbated by a meagre 2.8% increase to the maintenance loan.

Durham itself appears to represent an epicentre for this culture of crisis: over-subscription, the volatility of the housing market and the 10.3% increase to college accommodation, all juxtaposed by ambitions to expand the number of colleges and student intake. For students and staff alike, there is much to be downbeat about.

To make ma ers worse, another critical issue appears to be laying on the horizon – the number of Chinese students applying to British universities has decreased for the first time in more than a decade.

A drop of 4.2%, from 29,000 to 27,700 students, may appear small and insignificant on paper, but in reality it could represent a worrying trend that has the potential to severely undermine the stability and financial viability of the British higher education system.

International students are important for British universities because of their increased tuition fees – according to the British Council, the average cost of international undergraduate tuition fees is around £22,200 per year, compared to the £9250 paid by UK applicants (a figure which is frozen by the government until 2024/25). As such, universities are, by proxy, financially dependent on these international students in

order to provide their educational services.

Chinese students are of a particularly pertinent importance since they represent, by far, the largest cohort of international students. They also represent the third largest group overall, behind only England and Scotland, and ahead of Wales and Northern Ireland.

If this decline were to continue, it threatens the stability of a higher education system business model that, through increasing commodification and monetisation, necessitates these sources of income. According to Durham University’s 2022 report, international tuition fees provided over £130 million worth of income, helping to alleviate financial pressure during a year where the university produced a deficit of over £28 million. These international fees compose roughly 48% of the university’s overall tuition fee income.

International applications, as a whole, rose by 3.1%

An exacerbation of the current perilous financial situation could prove hugely damaging for British and international students alike, and raises questions of a potential over-reliance on international students, particularly those from China.

This point has proved politically contentious, especially when contextualised within a worsening Anglo-Chinese relationship, personified by growing political anti-Chinese sentiment. Chris Cash, director of the China Research Group set up by Conservative MPs worried about China’s growing influence, stated that the UK was “dangerously dependent on China when it comes to students”.

According to The Times, more than 40 universities have collaborated with institutions linked to malign activities of the Chinese state.

But why are Chinese students turning their backs on British universities? Clare Marchant, chief executive of undergraduate admissions service UCAS, blames “a myriad global and national factors”, and it certainly appears that Covid-19 disruption has impacted the number of students applying to British universities. As such, many will hope that this decrease is solely a blip responding to external factors, rather than a permanent downturn.

However, the British Council has argued that last year saw a shift in China’s education market, which is rapidly evolving to become more competitive – if Chinese universities become more a ractive at home, it may represent a critical problem for British higher education, which has long held prestige and value to Chinese students.

Despite this, there remains reason to stay positive and optimistic. International applications, as a whole, rose by 3.1%, with significant increases in applications from students from Nigeria, India, and the United States. If Chinese interest in British education were to wane over the long-term, government and higher education authorities will hope to lure in students from elsewhere in order to plug what would be a gaping, crucial financial hole.

Nevertheless, for many, this problem remains symptomatic of negligent, ineffective management within higher education, both from university figures and the government. One thing, however, is for certain – in an unstable educational environment, accentuated by the fallout from Covid-19 and national industrial disputes, ensuring the financial viability of the university system, by whatever means, is crucial. Any threat to that viability must be addressed, and addressed quickly.

in a hybrid way

Recent data from the BBC has revealed that for 50 of the 160 universities surveyed, 28% of courses are taught in a hybrid way, which is far greater than the prepandemic levels of 4.1% in 2018-19. Students had various opinions on this new way of teaching. Many reported being disappointed as their courses were not advertised as being hybrid, which is something that many students have taken into consideration when deciding to a end a particular university. This new way of teaching brings about many different advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to tell if the pros outweigh the cons. Some of the main advantages are that it offers educational continuity, and so when students are unwell or unable to a end classes in person they are less likely to get behind on their work. It can also allow students to refresh the material more easily and enable them with be er and more thorough resources to revise from. Additionally, it can enable students to improve their online and digital skills which is increasingly important in the workplace.

Part of the reason for these hybrid courses is down to lots of university courses becoming oversubscribed, so not all of the students can fit in a lecture theatre at one time. Some argue that this is unacceptable but others, such as the spokesperson for Universities UK (which represents 140 universities) said that students supported the hybrid learning as it made higher education more accessible and helped them to develop their digital skills. Other institutions claimed that hybrid learning had been part of their longterm plans prior to the pandemic.

Additionally, one survey showed that the majority of university students wanted blended learning, and a survey of higher education insights conducted between October 2021 and April 2022 found that 42% of respondents preferred mainly on-site learning, 45% would like a mix of on-site and online, and 13% wanted to be taught mainly online, demonstrating that there is a limited demand for this hybrid style of teaching.

However, it also shows that more students prefer in-person teaching. Online learning can also raise more issues than in person teaching. For example, in the same survey

However, there are also many cons. For example, it can become more difficult to set a daily schedule and be self-disciplined in one’s studies when lectures are uploaded online and can be viewed at any time. Furthermore, there tends to be less participation online, which can be problematic as some students will need to adapt their learning styles to this less engaging content. Communication can also be an issue as it can prove more difficult for students to ask questions. Lastly, it can create issues regarding lack of access to the internet and technology.

Many are now saying that hybrid learning is, in fact, the best of both worlds, and is therefore here to stay. Key proponents argue that it makes education more accessible and flexible to each student’s individual needs. Chief Operating Officers are predicting that there will be further growth in online student interest by 2025 and therefore it looks likely that hybrid learning is something that is here to stay and that we will see more of in the future.

Ben Pawlowski

Lynn

28% of courses are taught

It is difficult to tell if the pros outweigh the cons

International Office (Durham University)

Leaving the ECHR : the solution to immigration or a threat to human rights ?

Ma Lawson

Recent reports suggest Rishi Sunak would consider withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); this would mean joining the likes of Russia and Belarus, the only two European countries not to be signatories of the ECHR.

This has come in response to the Conservatives’ stringent immigration legislative proposals aimed at tackling ‘illegal’ small boat Channel crossings from France to the UK. The legislation would do so by detaining and removing asylum seekers and only allowing asylum appeals after arrivals have already been deported. Many feel such legislation is necessary following recent predictions on migration suggesting 65,000 migrants are expected to arrive in the UK during 2023. According to a source close to Sunak, the new proposed legislation would push “the boundaries of what is legally possible while staying within the ECHR”.

failure to rule out withdrawal from the ECHR has been met with criticism, including from Conservative MPs. Conservative MP David Simmonds has said that withdrawal would “not help to address the issue of small boats” and that he is “profoundly concerned” about the UK “joining Russia and Belarus as the only European countries that aren’t participants of the convention”. Several other Conservative MPs have echoed similar sentiments.

That said, some Conservatives do support withdrawal, claiming the ECHR is an undemocratic obstruction that blocks supposedly necessary stricter immigration policies and is inhibiting the full realisation of the Brexit referendum. Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis stated that the ECHR “should have no jurisdiction over our laws and our borders”.

It is clear that withdrawal from the ECHR is a divisive issue within the Conservative party. As this situation develops, it may lead to costly internal conflicts that could be detrimental to a party that is only just beginning to recover from Brexit fractures.

However, the implications of leaving the ECHR extend far beyond the Conservative Party. Abandoning the ECHR would also threaten critical aspects of cooperation between the UK and the EU. Former national security adviser, Lord Ricke s, tweeted that withdrawal “means the UK would automatically lose ALL its law enforcement cooperation with the EU”.

the notion that history has shown the need for external safeguards of human rights. Withdrawal would not only undermine the human rights reputation of the UK but also directly threaten human rights themselves.

The consequences of withdrawing from the ECHR would be significant; however, these are the early stages. It should not be forgo en that the possibility of the UK’s withdrawal is speculation. Officials have said that even if withdrawal were considered, it would not be during this parliament; instead, it would be included as a Conservative manifesto pledge in the next general election.

The time to worry about ECHR withdrawal may come, but that time has not come yet.

Do the Conservatives have a millennial problem ?

Tom Raines

The PM’s official spokesperson has claimed that the government is confident the legislation complies with international law, including the ECHR. Consequently, No.10 has said that there are “no plans” to withdraw. However, when asked what would happen if the ECHR did block the proposed legislation, a spokesperson responded: “I wouldn’t get into future speculation”.

No. 10’s

More importantly, leaving the ECHR could leave refugees vulnerable to greater exploitation. The founder of the Care4Calais group, Clare Mosely, has stated that “every day we work with people who have not been protected from violations of their human rights. Their terrible stories of abuse provide stark examples of why the UK must not leave the ECHR”.

It should not be overlooked that the ECHR was not created solely to protect the rights of refugees but instead the rights of every UK and memberstate citizen. Formed in 1953, in the aftermath of World War Two, the ECHR grew from the sentiment of ‘never again’. The UK was a key player in its creation, and Churchill a passionate advocate for it. The ECHR is rooted in

It is generally understood that as people get older they are increasingly likely to agree with conservative views. However, new data on millennial voting pa erns suggests they are 15 points less conservative than the national average – in comparison, previous studies on Gen X and Boomers at the same age would indicate they should be just 5 points less conservative. Although the reasons for millennials’ reluctance are multi-faceted and deep-rooted, this could pose a clear problem for the Conservative Party going forward.

Millennials’ difficulty in ge ing onto the housing ladder since the 2010s is a clear factor in their lack of support for the Conservatives. Rapidly increasing house prices after the 2008 financial crisis combined with stagnant incomes have created a clear ‘renter generation’ of millennials in their late 20s and early to mid 30s. Rates of home ownership among those aged 25-44 are unprecedentedly low. Given that traditional Conservative policies advocating for financial stability and prudence tend to be more persuasive to homeowners, the Conservatives are struggling to win over this ‘renter generation’.

Similarly, as more millennials start to form families, the high cost of childcare has become a greater concern among millennials. This has been compounded by the closure of state affiliated Sure Start centres and youth groups arising from post-2010 austerity policies. For many, the cost of childcare has meant that it is more economically advantageous to act as stay-at-home parents rather than send children to nurseries, creating another policy frontier

in which Conservatives do not seem to be convincing millennials. Given how the burden to stop working after having children falls disproportionately on women, this might not just raise age-related inconsistencies in Conservative voting demographics, but also exacerbate gender-related inconsistencies.

The most long-term issue the Conservatives have faced with enticing millennials to vote for them involves their legacy and reputation.

Conservatives are looking to win over millenials

For the youngest cohort of millennials, now in their late 20s, the political fallout of raising tuition fees to over £9 000 a year has created significant tensions in their relationship with the Conservative party. Coupled with this, nearly all millennials’ adult experiences of the Conservatives in government are rooted exclusively in the post-2010 period, with the seminal debates over austerity and Brexit (both of which millennials have tended to oppose) defining the legacy of the Conservatives for this age group.

Unless Conservative policies undergo a stark change, their difficulty in addressing key issues for millennial voters might weaken the electoral base for the Tory Party, especially in commuter towns surrounding London,

Birmingham, and other major UK cities. Parallel to this, the lack of growth in Conservative support among millennials has allowed Labour Party support among millennials to remain high, although there are peripheral benefits for smaller groups such as the Green Party, who enjoy higher than average support amongst the group. As long as the Labour Party acts as the clear electoral party du jour for millennials, the current first-past-the-post electoral system might suggest increased prospects for the Labour Party in the next general election as well as in those that follow.

Despite this, many Conservatives are looking to win over millennials. A focus on single-issue policies might persuade some millenials of the party’s credibility. Policies to lower the financial burden of childcare and expansion of financial aid to help young people get on the property ladder would encourage new voting pa erns. More broadly, the Conservatives might have to undergo a public image rebrand in order to offset the alienation it has created in millennial circles.

Although the Conservative Party clearly does have a ‘millennial problem’, political analysts would not call it a new problem. Many millennials’ issues with voting Conservative are linked to decisions made over a decade ago, meaning that the issue is deep-seated and will require both policy and public relations changes to reverse electoral trends. It is possible that this pa ern may not be sustained over the next few years, especially if home ownership rates increase, offering hope for Conservatives that their ‘millennial problem’ will be reversed.

Rishi Sunak (Number 10 via Flickr)

Leaving the ECHR could leave refugees vulnerable to greater exploitation

ECHR court room (Adrien Grycuk via Wikimedia Commons)

Lizards or leaders: what does the future of the World Economic Forum look like?

Hope Stoney

The mood was bleak as global leaders met in Davos in the Swiss Alps for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting last month.

In his address, UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres warned “Let’s be clear…we are in the worst situation I remember in my lifetime”. With the concurrent crises of Covid-19, climate change, economic slowdown, and the biggest war in Europe since 1945, global cooperation has scarcely been so vital. But, as the dust se les after the event, many have questioned the WEF’s usefulness in the face of these colossal challenges.

The WEF was set up in 1971 by young businessman and academic, Klaus Schwab, as a project to foster public-private sector cooperation. The aim is to bring together CEOs, heads of state, and leaders in civil society to improve the state of the world. Schwab founded The Forum on the theory of stakeholder capitalism which suggests that companies should be accountable to all parts of society.

Since its founding, much of history has been played out on the Davos stage. In 1986, Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers met for the first time and started the process of normalizing relations, closely avoiding war. In 1992, Nelson Mandela shook hands with President F. W. de Klerk; an image that marked the end of apartheid in South Africa. In 1998, the G20 was born at Davos. In 2007, WEF warned of too much risk in the financial system and spent the following years in crisis management mode.

A large part of this success is owed to the fact that top shots love to rub shoulders with similarly powerful people. But this year, while 52 leaders did a end, key players were missing. Joe Biden, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were all absent. In fact, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the only G7 head of state that made the meeting. While it is rash to suggest this marks the beginning of the end for globalisation as some are suggesting, it is a mistake for these leaders to skip the summit given there has not been a more pressing need for global leadership.

nearly two-thirds of all new wealth created in the last two years, whilst global poverty has increased for the first time in 25 years. Anti-Davos protestors, who predictably come every year in their droves, pointed to the juxtaposition of over 100 billionaires a ending panels on how to tackle global hunger and the cost-of-living crisis.

and cooperation, Davos still has an important place in the world. While much of what goes on in Davos is for corporate interest (including the parties!), it is also one of the only times in the year when business leaders are challenged on their social and environmental targets.

Davos has long been criticised for the irony of asking the jet-se ing global elite to solve the issues of poverty and global heating. Many argue we should not be expecting the people responsible for much of global injustice to solve the very problems they create. This criticism tends to fall under what political scientist Samuel Huntington coined the ‘Davos Man’: a transnational elitist who aims to come across as a benign benefactor but just spouts empty talk. On the opening day of the summit, Oxfam released inequality statistics that show the top one percent captured

A related criticism is that those most responsible for the looming climate disaster are the very people a ending the meeting so, despite climate change being high on the agenda, li le progress is likely to be made. In 2020, Greta Thunberg memorably told the meeting “Our house is on fire” and blamed a endees for fuelling the flames. This year, UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres accused a endees of peddling ‘the big lie’; it has recently been discovered that ExxonMobil accurately predicted and modelled climate change in the 1970s but has since spent the last decades trying to cast doubt over that very climate science. Greta Thunberg argues that we should be listening to people on the frontline of the climate crisis rather than those most responsible for emissions.

The WEF has certainly set itself a tough challenge to fix the most serious problems whilst maintaining the capitalist status quo. Those that defend the current system would likely say that capitalism has lifted innumerable people from poverty, has starkly improved living standards, and continues to drive innovation and opportunity. If you accept that business has a role to play, and that progress comes through scrutiny

WEF Membership for a company can cost anywhere between $125,000 to $500,000 depending on the size of the organisation and the number of delegates being sent. Meanwhile, journalists, NGOs, activists, and social entrepreneurs get hugely subsidised or free entry. This means that the most powerful CEOs and senior officials are easily accessible for rigorous and public questioning without backup from aides and advisors.

The WEF is also self-conscious about criticism of the ‘Davos Man’ and over the past couple of years has increasingly shifted its focus to creating a more inclusive and sustainable global

economy. Research by LSE found that since 2014 mentions of ‘growth’ in WEF press releases halved while words related to environmentalism increased more than threefold. Meanwhile, reporting has increasingly covered tangible impact rather than flimsy discourse. The WEF is not going to suggest overthrowing the current system, but it does push companies toward a fairer, more responsible capitalism. Progress may be frustratingly slow, but given the WEF is encouraging courageous leadership to create a fairer system, many argue it should stay. Perhaps instead of criticising the conference itself, we should turn our a ention to the politicians who do not turn up, and the business leaders who do not listen to what they have to say.

From talks to tanks : how Russia has forced Europe’s hand on defence policy

Grant Kuppenheimer

In the wake of the Second World War, European defence was almost entirely organised and, to some extent, dominated by the American government. With numerous EU member states failing to commit 2% of GDP to defence, as requested by the US government, former President Trump threatened to pull his country out of NATO entirely. This strained relationship was met with equal distrust from EU leaders who looked to forge a foreign policy path independent of Washington. Enter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, seeing a return to large-scale kinetic warfare on the continent; an event so surprising France fired their head of military intelligence, General Eric Vidaud, for failing to foresee the coming invasion. With the war’s first anniversary tomorrow, Europe has been compelled to respond. In addition to sending extraordinary amounts of military materiel to Ukraine, European defence spending continues to hit unprecedented levels post-Second World War.

Overall, member states of the European Defence Agency (an EU scheme) will aid in advancing this year’s budget by 15%, totalling €214bn. Specifically, EU member states are dramatically increasing military spending per NATO and EDA requests. For example, having previously allocated less than 2.5% of GDP to defence, Poland will now jump to 4%, a move deemed “unprecedented” by Prime Minister Morawiecki. Similarly, France’s next seven-year defence budget will increase to €413bn from 202430 with a 60% hike in spending for military intelligence. French President Macron acknowledged that there were no more postCold War “peace dividends”, and the security situation in Ukraine demanded a re-examination of French defensive posture. In addition, Sweden and Finland announced steep increases in military spending as part of their bid for NATO membership. Separately, Germany is currently pledging an extra €100bn of the budget to the armed forces. According to the EDA, European defence spending has surpassed €200bn for the

first time in its history. In a recent press conference, NATO SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that on behalf of the alliance: “Since [2014] we have seen eight consecutive years of increased defence spending across Europe with an additional 350 billion extra dollars spent”.

While the increase in military spending across the EU may seem self-evident to many as a natural response to a rapidly deteriorating security situation, this change has more long-term geostrategic implications. Since 2011, the United States has confirmed a shift in strategic military objectives from a more global ‘world policeman’ approach to a concentration in the Far East. Then President Obama called this America’s ‘Pivot to Asia’, a gradual shift from Europe towards the Indo-Pacific region. With the sudden and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, it is now abundantly clear that America cannot assert influence in all parts of the world, hence the ‘pivot to Asia’ will continue to become more of a reality. The American military and current president have agreed that

given a choice between defending Europe and countering the everexpanding Chinese hegemony over Asia, the la er option is of more strategic importance to the country.

first-rate armies. When Russia launched its full-scale ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, this reality became tangible for Europe. However, as mentioned above, the unanimous response from the EU and other European states establishes that the continent may soon be ready to field a forma able armed force, assisted by substantial budget allocations.

With Russia continuing to destabilise European peace daily and the American government shifting its geostrategic priorities to Asia, Europe can solidify collective defence on its terms. If European states are tired of American micromanagement of its defence spending and allocation, they must be willing to fund and field

All these changes in spending and strategic priority would culminate in the European Union (and its allies) standing as a formidable bloc working alongside, rather than subordinate to, American strategic policy and direction. If the Russian Ground Forces continue to make li le progress in Ukraine whilst suffering significant losses at the hands of a NATO-armed adversary, Europe (and the entire Western world) would emerge steadfast in conviction and unified in deliverance. If Russia’s misjudged invasion of Ukraine has sparked a fundamental re-evaluation of European defence, the continent will become a stronger and more unified bloc; perhaps then Europe is the true victor of this war.

Bill Gates at the 2013 summit (World Economic Forum via Wikimedia Commons)

[European states] must be willing to be fund first-rate armies

The WEF has certainly set itself a tough challenge

Puzzles

Chess Puzzle

White to move and win.

Spot the Difference: Shrove Tuesday Edition

Can you spot the five differences between these two images?

Sentence Sleuth

Find the five words related to cooking in this extract.

On a baking hot day in Spain, a mother and son decided to make pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. As the pancakes sizzled on the stove, the son picked out his favourite toppings for his breakfast treat: syrup, Nutella, lemon and sugar...the list goes on! He poached these ingredients from the fridge and went to lay the table outside, despite the boiling weather. As soon as the pancakes were ready, the son scrambled to get as many as he could on his plate. The mother chuckled at his eagerness.

Thursday 23rd February 2023 | PALATINATE

Puzzle Editor: Sophie Sherra

For online versions, answers and more puzzles, head to www.palatinate.org.uk/category/puzzles @palatinatepuzzles

Eye Spy

Can you spot these celebrities just by their eyes?

Sudoku 860

2 3 8

Maths Maze

14 ? x14 -21 ÷50

Maths Maze = 7

Sentence sleuth = baking, sizzled, poached, boiling, scrambled.

Spot the difference = boy’s left sock, knob on oven, egg on counter, mother’s earring, colour of poster behind family portrait

Eye Spy = Nigella Lawson (top left), Gordon Ramsey (bo om left), Gregg Wallace (top right).

ANSWERS: Chess Puzzle = 1.Qg2 (1...Qc7 2.Rg7+ Bxg7 3.Qxg7+ Ke6 4.f5#) Either black is checkmated or loses the queen. (1...Kf7 2.Rxd8) (1...Qxd1+ 2.Kxd1)

Image Credits: The Guardian (top left), Hollywood Reporter (bo om left), The Guardian (top right), Wikipedia (bo om right)

x2

Aquarius

Palstrology

Gabi Gordon and Eve Kirman, a prophetic pair, look to the stars to offer some much-needed insight

20th Jan – 18th Feb

With Venus in your communication zone, it’s time to start being honest with your feelings. Let your friends know that the queue for a late-night Subway sometimes just isn’t worth it.

Pisces

19th Feb – 20th Mar

Happy birthday season! We’re all ready to see the new you this week, especially with all your fresh fashion inspo after watching DUCFS.

Aries

21st Mar – 19th Apr

The new moon is going to encourage you to spend time focusing on your wellbeing. As adult colouring books might not seem like your thing, writing a diary might be ideal.

Taurus

20th Apr – 20th May

Even though that deadline seems ages away, it’ll come around faster than you think. It might be worth spending more time in the library as opposed to Starbucks.

Gemini 21st May – 21th Jun

Dreams can come true. If you queue for long enough, you just might be let into the Bohemia ball pit.

Cancer

22nd Jun – 22nd Jul

As it’s too late to swap modules, try and have faith in your past self for making the right choices.

Leo 23rd Jul – 22nd Aug

With Mercury connecting with Mars, some passionate discussions are coming your way. Why not turn this into a podcast?

Virgo

23rd Aug – 22nd Sep

Your thoughts may be less filtered than you think this week. Don’t be shocked if someone gets offended by your unchecked opinions on Durfess.

Libra

23rd Sep – 23rd Oct

While you’re known for being indecisive, this week you’re going to find yourself choosing your lunchtime meal deal faster than ever.

Scorpio

24th Oct - 21st Nov

Your problems will be solved quickly this week, so don’t panic if your house loses electricity all of a sudden.

Sagi arius

22nd Nov - 21st Dec

Your Osbourne’s hook-up is about to become more of a regular in your life than you once expected. If you want to avoid sharing, we recommend you buy a spare toothbrush.

Capricorn

22nd Dec - 19th Jan

It’s time to understand what’s going on in the world, and not just from your TikTok for you page. Picking up a copy of Palatinate just to look at the horoscopes doesn’t count.

ST JOHN’S

QDear Violet, I am currently very much in need of a part time job to fund my existence. I have sloshed the remnants of my student loan away on cheesy chips and silly costumes. I have applied to several cafes and restaurants, but keep ge ing rejected. Please could you advise me on how to spruce up my CV despite a severe lack of experience?

QDear Violet, I got rather drunk at DUCFS, and bid more money than I’d like to admit on a seven-day skiing holiday for twelve people. Unfortunately, I only have three friends. Please could you help me work out where on earth I might happen to find eight more people to take on a skiing holiday with me? I simply have no idea where to begin.

Ask Aunty Violet

ADearest reader, What a dilemma you have on your hands! Aunty Violet is sorry to hear about your financial struggles, and lucky for you I’m here to help. First things first, let’s talk about your CV.

Not having much practical experience really isn’t the worst thing in the world. Many places will be happy to train you up, but it’s important that you make yourself seem like a desirable candidate.

So, try to flaunt your positive traits. Maybe you can speak a second language? Or perhaps you can recite the alphabet backwards? Or maybe you know every Taylor Swift song off by heart?

Try to make yourself stand out from the crowd, and I’m sure the interview offers will flood in your direction.

ADearest reader, I knew the free drinks tokens at DUCFS were a terrible idea. However, I’m sure we can fix your problem. You’re very fortunate in that people in Durham LOVE skiing!

Here, it is impossible to step five feet out your front door without crossing paths with someone who has annual family holidays to their private cabin in Switzerland!

So, I would advise you to put yourself out there. Make a banterous Overheard post, explaining your drunken purchase and advocating why you would be such a fun friend to go on a skiing holiday with.

I’m confident that Minty, A icus, and Augusutus will be fighting in your DMs for a spot on your trip. And if you’re still a man down, Aunty Violet will be delighted to come along too.

PalatiDates

Serena on Louis

Initial vibes?

All positive except his choice of pint being a Stella Artois.

What topics arose? We spent a great deal of time discussing to what extent alpacas and llamas are the same.

How would they describe you?

Absolutely irresistible, I imagine.

Describe them in three words. Top tier hugger.

Most awkward moment? Running into my tutorial leader in the women’s bathroom.

Which Durham college would you place them in and why?

Hatfield for the Tory vibes he was emi ing in his schoffel.

Did they meet your expectations? Any surprises?

Only surprise was that we had actually already met in Jimmies several times…

Is a second date on the cards? He just reacted to my BeReal so its looking pre y positive, yes.

Marks out of 10: 8.5

Louis on Serena

Initial vibes?

A familiar face, was nice to put a name to it.

What topics arose? She spent roughly 25 minutes assigning my spirit vegetable.

How would they describe you?

She said I resembled Simon Cowell, so probably a dilf?

Describe them in three words. Where’s my baccy?

Most awkward moment? Spilling her red wine down my trousers.

Which Durham college would you place them in and why?

Hild Bede for the boarding school vibes.

Did they meet your expectations? Any surprises?

Exceeded them with flying colours, think I’ve become part of the 70%.

Is a second date on the cards?

If the Jimmy’s smoking area counts.

Marks out of 10: 8

In this edition, will Louis and Serena become part of the 70% over drinks at The Elm?

(Images: Nicole Wu)

Jeff Winter: “Everyone’s an expert on everything!”

Former Premier League referee talks to Joe Harston about football culture surrounding match offi cials and his illustrious career

Joe Harston Deputy Sport Editor

For all its footballing talent, the North East has also been known to produce top-class officials too – with Durham FA developing a multitude of referees at the top level of the English game.

These include World Cup linesman Gary Beswick and the first female to take charge of a men’s FA Cup game Rebecca Welch. Just a stone’s throw up the road, Northumberland FA boast one of the country’s best officials in Michael Oliver.

But before them came Middlesbrough-based referee Jeff Winter, who between 1995 and 2004 refereed some of the biggest games in the Premier League before taking charge of the 2004 FA Cup final between Manchester United and Millwall – his career swansong, pu ing down the whistle after 25 years as a referee.

Still heavily involved in the beautiful game, I spoke to Jeff about his career and his opinions on some of the key talking points around today’s top-flight officiating.

By his own admission, Winter’s no-nonsense approach to man management on the pitch would not be so well received in today’s game.

“I used to work under the principle that if they hand it out to me, they’ll get it back with a bit of interest – and it worked because players are not naughty li le schoolboys who are being scolded and reprimanded. If a player is full of hell and you give him some choice words, you’re more likely to get through to him.

“Me telling a player where to go might’ve got a laugh and helped me control the situation. Now, the response will be, “you can’t talk to me like that! I’m going to report you!” And at the same time, they’ve just given you a mouthful of abuse.

“I don’t think that the authorities would have me lined up to give advice to the current crop of referees because it was a different time.”

Throughout his time in the Premier League, he was joined by his beloved Middlesbrough –which certainly had an impact on Jeff ’s career.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t referee my hometown club and they did try to steer you away from games that would affect the league table [for your club]. So if Middlesbrough were struggling at the bo om of the league, it was bad as a Boro fan but it was good for me because I was ge ing all the top-of-the-table clashes.”

In 2004, Jeff was lined up to

referee the League Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, only for Boro to defeat Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side to reach the final themselves. Nonetheless, he was of course in a endance, watching Mike Riley take on officiating duties as Middlesbrough – captained by Gareth Southgate – marched on to pick up their first piece of silverware.

His alliances with Middlesbrough did not prevent him from refereeing North East powerhouses Newcastle and Sunderland, much to the frustration of many.

was Liverpool who were the difficult ones. I put that down to the fact that they were under so much pressure to win every week and usually do.”

While he is now a regular at the Riverside Stadium, Jeff is also a season ticket holder at the Ibrox Stadium supporting Rangers, and watches a lot of non-league Stockton Town too, so I was intrigued to know how his time as a referee impacts his experience as a fan.

“In the view of the fans, they still hold me responsible. When I’m watching Middlesbrough play and the referee gives a decision, I get looks of daggers from supporters as if it’s my fault. You’re guilty by association.”

“People will ask me about decisions but I’m 80 yards away. Show me the slow-motion replay and I can give you my opinion. Your eyes cannot see a point of contact from that far away with the ball moving up to 90mph.”

Of course, this point is far too logical for most football fans, which is why it led us onto discussing the general way that football fans view the officials.

“If I was refereeing [Newcastle or Sunderland] against a London team, [the London team] would tell me that I know them and that I’m on first-name terms, but no one would ever pass that accusation onto a referee that lived in Harrow and refereed West Ham, To enham or Arsenal. There’s just this perception that once you get past Leeds, we all live in a cul-de-sac. Nobody ever makes anything of the geographical bias of a Southern-based referee.”

“It also works in reverse. You would get fans from the North East saying that I would never give them decisions because I’m a Boro fan and they can’t divorce themselves from the fact that referees are neutral.

“I don’t know any referee that is going to put a team allegiance from his youth ahead of his own professional career, but it’s the perception of others.

“The only thing a ref has got is his integrity and once they’ve lost that, the game has gone.”

Refereeing at the peak of the rivalry between Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United, it should be no surprise to read which sides provided Jeff with his toughest fixtures.

“Usually the worst teams [to referee] are the best teams because they’re used to winning and used to things going in their favour so they don’t take kindly to it when they don’t.

“Arsenal and Man United was always the big clash, but people tell me in generations prior to that, it

“Football is like life at the moment. We live in the social media world where everyone’s an expert on everything. People know more about Covid, politics and certainly refereeing than the professionals. Everyone’s an expert and everybody is critical of everybody else.

“If I’m going to criticise someone, I’d like to think I have the understanding and the knowledge to put my argument forward.”

Many of these ‘expert’ fans he was referring to call for referees to complete mandatory post-match interviews, but Jeff was very quick to explain why this is no solution for refereeing issues in this country.

“When I was refereeing, the bosses didn’t forbid you to do it but they more or less said, “on your own head be it.” The journalists are very clever. They don’t want to talk to a referee unless something controversial has happened and they believe the referee is in the wrong.

“It’s not a case of holding the referee accountable, it’s a case of wanting to trip the referee up.”

One thing that he does have in common with the majority of football fans, though, is his intense criticism of the implementation of VAR.

“The introduction in VAR does seem to have been more successful in other countries. That begs the question, ‘why can other countries and UEFA and FIFA get it right and we have so many problems?’ That’s down to the personnel running it. I was never a fan.

“It’s difficult to argue with offside because, by the le er of the law, a

player is offside or isn’t offside. I just didn’t think that’s what VAR was going to be about. I thought it was about obvious errors. Something on the blindside of the referee, where VAR can come in and help get the decision right.

now. They don’t have the tools we had, such as man management and talking to players and having simpler laws”

With officials nowadays facing more scrutiny than ever before, how does he judge the current set of Premier League officials?

“We have some excellent referees, but we have a crop that needs more experience at the highest level.

“When Stuart A well joined the list at a very young age he was castigated as being worse than useless! Now, he’s one of our senior referees.

“It’s no different to a 17-year-old coming into a first-team squad. He isn’t the finished article and in the same way, a referee who has just started in the Premier League needs to get the confidence and experience at that level. It’s perhaps not as bad as people make out, but I don’t think that the authorities are helping them out.

“Hopefully, with Howard Webb in charge, things might change.”

“But we are seeing goals chalked off because of a ma er of centimetres, I can’t get my head around that. It’s gone too far.

“It’s not helping that they keep chopping and changing interpretations. If you ask me now what handball is now, I don’t know.

“When you get to that level, you are very experienced, you’ve done a lot of learning to get to the top then all of a sudden – when you’ve perfected the art and you’re on the biggest stage – they’ve changed the goalposts. It’s crazy!

“I do feel for the match officials

We finished with what Jeff described as a ‘forlorn wish’ concerning the current culture surrounding match officials.

“It would be lovely if we could go back to not talking about the referee.”

“People will talk about any decision right or wrong because if it goes against your team, you won’t accept it. It’s like going to a pantomime and booing the ugly sisters.”

“You go to the football and castigate the referee and I don’t see it changing.”

The only thing a ref has got is his integrity and once they’ve lost that, the game has gone

Jeff Winter (Jonesy702 via Wikimedia Commons)

We have a crop of referees that need more experience at the highest level

“Only 34 Team Durham athletes identify as black”

Continued from back page

has some form of disability. The overwhelming majority of this population do not have disabilities that inherently prevent them from playing sports and participating in Team Durham activities - 2/3rds have either some form of mental health issue or a specific learning disorder.

“To me the disproportionately low representation indicates cultural factors at play. For example, competitive environments tend to be less accommodating to individual struggle, this culture - or perception - is certainly a barrier to participation. You can easily point to the stereotypical ‘lads’ types of sports and the perception a lot of people might have regarding them -

and it’s not hard to see why people who have disabilities might feel like they won’t fit in or be welcomed. I don’t think it helps that I feel as if there’s somewhat of a lack of effort to dispel these conceptions.

“There isn’t any good data on students with disabilities participating at college level, but I do know some students who participate in sports within college. Though there are some sports that have a certain culture which may deter some from participating, sports at a college level have perceptions that are generally a lot more welcoming and friendly than their Team Durham counterparts.

“There’s also the issue of selection - Team Durham, though branded as an organisation that encourages students to get involved

with sports, is a competitive organisation - and non-disabled athletes are naturally going to be able to focus more on developing as athletes than peers who are dealing with disabilities, and are going to be more likely selected for things like Team Durham. As I said before, without clear signals that these are disability friendly and accommodating environments, the competitiveness and the intensity of Team Durham may be off pu ing for students who have disabilities.

“I know that wheelchair basketball is quite inclusive, perhaps that’s to be expected due to the nature of the sport, but it exists as an example that it’s possible for sports and students with disabilities to co-exist within Team Durham.

“Accessibility within Team Durham is something that needs to be handled sensitively, and it’s going to take a long time to improve. What I would like to see from Team Durham is more outreach and engagement.

Accessibility within Team Durham

“Team Durham needs to be engaging with the students who have disabilities within their teams and understanding how that may affect how they engage with the sport, as well as the students who have dropped out of Team Durham. They need to be engaging with the students who have opted for college sports as well. I think only then can they start to build a bigger picture about how to go about making changes that will make Team Durham more accommodating and inclusive.”

In response to these findings, Mark Brian, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Durham University, said: “Working with our students to build an inclusive and diverse sporting community is a key priority for us. We want all our sports clubs and teams - at both university and college level - to be welcoming to all students. We believe that, as a sporting community, we have made significant progress, most notably through our extensive club training and education programmes, but we know there is much more that can and must be achieved.

“We are very proud to have the largest sports participation programme in the UK. We offer 54 sports at University representative level, 18 College Sports and an increasing variety of noncompetitive physical activity opportunities, all of which combine to provide a diverse range of activities for our students.

“However, we are not complacent and we continue to work closely with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, our Colleges and Durham SU to ensure our facilities and programmes are accessible and welcoming to everyone.

“One of our next steps is to establish focus groups to understand more fully how we can make sport more accessible and welcoming to underrepresented groups. We are very keen to capture everyone’s thoughts and ideas.”

Durham breeze past Swansea to reach National Cup Quarters

Sanjay Suri

Sport Editor

The Game Durham University A.F.C. M1s produced a ruthless performance in the National Cup round of 16, thrashing Swansea University 5-0. Despite a rocky opening, Durham lived up to their pre-match status as favourites thanks to first half goals from Freddie Merre and Tom Hizze Swansea’s red card early in the second half all but confirmed Durham’s victory, and was swiftly followed by finishes from Jack Gibbons, Hizze and Eirik Abney. The result sets up a tough quarter final tie away at Bath, but the men in purple will hope that their recent run of form can give them a lift against one of the tournament favourites.

On a sunny day at Maiden Castle, Durham knew that a fast start was essential to make sure that they did not slip up in this fixture. Chances were scarce in the first 15 minutes, but Durham dominated the ball and rarely let Swansea enter their defensive third.

The only downside to the opening was an injury to Ollie England, who was forced off due to a hyperextended knee. His replacement Abney, however, made sure that England’s presence was not missed, and was commanding in defence and a ack throughout the match.

The breakthrough came courtesy of a corner, after good play on the wing by Zach Alfalahi. Gibbons whipped the ball in, pu ing it on a plate for Merre , who timed his

volley beautifully, tucking it into the bo om corner, well out of the goalkeeper’s reach.

Durham continued to dominate, continuing to threaten on both wings and from set-pieces, with Morgan Lant, brought into the team for the injured Maxen Garagic, having the best opportunity, heading narrowly wide from a corner.

With ten minutes left in the first half, Fin Gwillim produced a mazy run through the Swansea defence, before playing Hizze in. Hizze continued his goalscoring form that won him January Player of the Month, and squeezed the ball past the goalkeeper, who got a decent hand to the ball.

After the break, Swansea threatened to get back into the match quickly, but Durham’s defence was impenetrable. In fact, it was Durham who had the best chance early on, with Gwillim striking the post from close range. Abney was there for the follow up and forced a strong save from the Swansea keeper.

With an hour on the clock, the match heated up. Swansea’s forward threw an elbow at Jack Camarda, causing arguments amongst the Durham and Swansea players. The forward was shown a red card, with Merre , Gibbons, Camarda and Ma Keogh all picking up yellow cards. Keogh was sinbinned as a result of his actions.

Swansea had no time to capitalise on Durham’s missing defender, as Gibbons added a third minutes later. Abney launched one of his trademark long throws into the sixyard box and, after a few ricochets, Gibbons was able to get a clean shot

off to make it 3-0.

From then on, it was Durham dominance. Buoyed by the return of Keogh, Durham pressed forward, with Gwillim and Hizze constantly linking up and creating chances. Eventually, they got their reward. Gwillim rose highest to flick on yet another Abney throw, leaving Hizze a free header at the far post. The number 11 made no mistake.

With the pressure off, Durham were able to show their quality in the final stages, seeing the match out without any drama. Swansea only had their first shot of the half in the 83rd minute, indicating the one-sided nature of the match.

In the closing minutes, Abney got a goal to show for his fine performance, guiding his volley past the goalkeeper from another Gibbons corner.

This cup run, on top of their final day survival, gives Durham great momentum coming into the closing matches of the season. Hopefully the purple patch will carry on to end the season in the strongest way possible.

What was said

A tired but delighted M1s captain Jack Gibbons was asked about his team’s recent run of form, and his thoughts on the next match. He said:

“It is huge. Before Christmas, we had lost quite a few games and drawn quite a few. The aim was to just pick up points and stay up and we’ve done it. We have also got people back from injuries. We’re going into every game confident and that makes a huge difference.

“It’ll be a tough game. Bath

finished near the top of their group. They’re a good team, from a footballing university and it is a long travel, so we just need to keep up our momentum that we had in recent matches.”

A feel-good atmosphere

One could wonder what might have been, had Durham shown this kind of form at the start of their league campaign. This win represents three on the bounce, with so many players starring at different points in the match.

The game was won on the wings. Rob White was a constant threat on the right flank, providing an outlet and regularly taking on the defence, providing Durham the territory needed to dominate. His link-up play with Hizze has aided the striker’s recent scoring form and, whilst he did not get an assist today, created many chances for his teammates.

On the left, Abney was unstoppable. One might forgive him if he started slowly, having come off the bench unexpectedly early due to England’s injury, but he wasted no time in ge ing stuck in. Conceding a throw-in anywhere near the penalty area was a bad idea for Swansea, and Abney was able to launch the throws into the box with ease. He can be very satisfied with a goal and assist.

Gibbons produced yet another classically consistent captaincy performance, being vocal throughout the match and carrying the ball forward with ease and composure. He showed his prowess over set-pieces, with many of his balls into the box ending up in

big chances or goals. Alongside Camarda, the two Jacks starved Swansea of possession and quickly cut short any potential counter a acks.

Once again, Hizze and Gwillim were there to reap the rewards. Whilst Alfalahi had an uncharacteristically quiet performance, the other two members of the front three worked seamlessly. Hizze ’s goalscoring form is relentless and Gwillim quietly proved his worth, dropping back more to collect the ball and acting more as a provider for the majority of the match.

The people who turned up to the track pitch to support their friends or teammates were in good voice and a relaxed atmosphere reflected Durham’s recent form and results, which has brought smiles to the players’ faces. Performances like these give Durham great hope that they can go far in this competition and, with many of the players still being in Durham next year, hopefully they can challenge towards the sharp end of the league in the 2023/24 season.

Chart: Sanjay Suri and Oliver Jervis • Source: Team Durham • Created with datawrapper

is something that needs to be handled sensitively

Sport

Team Durham diversity data revealed

Lack of representation in university sport deters participation

Oliver Jervis Sport Editor

A Palatinate investigation has led to the uncovering of data concerning the demographics of Durham students participating in university level sport.

Following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submi ed to Durham University, it has been revealed that only 34 Team Durham athletes expressly recognise themselves as being Black, Black British, Caribbean or African. This is in comparison to 2007 participants regarding themselves as White, and 261 students being classified as Asian or Asian British.

Moreover, the FOI request also revealed that only 96 athletes participating in university level sport state that they are disabled, with 106 refusing to disclose their status, and 2309 athletes expressing that they are fully able-bodied.

Palatinate also requested data in relation to the number of students participating in university level sport currently receiving the Durham Grant, however the University responded by stating that such information is not presently held.

In addition to this, the statistics seen by Palatinate show the number of Team Durham athletes in each gender category suggested by the University. According to the information provided, there are 1375 male, 1087 female and 14 non-binary participants. Six identify as Gender

Queer, whilst 27 athletes preferred to leave their gender undisclosed.

It is understood by Palatinate that such details have been collated under the guidance of Durham University’s new Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Dr Shaid Mahmood.

According to the University’s website, Dr Mahmood’s priorities include “addressing gender equality, a racting and retaining a diverse community of staff and students, including from BAME and disabled communities, and embedding a culture of respect and inclusivity.”

Sources in Team Durham have stated that the Pro Vice Chancellor is particularly keen to get involved with sport in Durham and tackle any issues that currently exist in relation to inequality.

This has primarily been conducted through the release of a registration form at the beginning of the 2022/23 academic year, which requested information regarding Team Durham participants’ gender, ethnicity, as well as any disabilities they may have.

Such efforts have arrived in the aftermath of a previous Palatinate investigation published at the end of the last academic year, which revealed an “abysmal culture” had developed within Team Durham after students claimed they had witnessed and been on the receiving end of racist, elitist, and intimidating conduct from their peers and staff

However, problems have seemingly persisted within the

organisation despite these initial efforts. As reported by Palatinate during Michaelmas term 2022, alumni and ex-staff members expressed their concerns in relation to the development of a culture facilitating sexual harassment, bullying, and further intimidation by staff members.

Nevertheless, the findings provided by this FOI request indicate, at surface level, an apparent lack of diversity within the demographics participating in university level sport.

Upon seeing the findings, one Team Durham athlete – who identifies as an ethnic minority –told Palatinate Sport:

“I am disappointed, but not surprised. When you look at Team Durham squads, the lack of diversity is evident. However, whether that is an issue with Team Durham, or the University as a whole is another ma er. I would imagine that similar trends would be seen in university ethnicity statistics. If you compare this with the universities that Durham wants to compete with, the difference is startling.

“It has made me consider dropping out of Team Durham on multiple occasions. Whilst I have seen very li le overt racism in my experience, there still exists a ‘white person culture’ amongst many of the different aspects of being part of a Durham sport. Because of this, it creates a division within squads.

“It is no coincidence that the majority of my friends in Team

Durham are from minority backgrounds, and this is not a trend I see in my other friendship groups, so it is definitely an issue that is prevalent in Team Durham.

“Whilst there is representation in Team Durham, I always worry that the positions higher up are much less well represented, both staff and students who take senior positions. The ‘snowy peaks’ in squads means that they are less aware when something is an issue and less capable of acting on problems.

“If you have a more representative senior team, then you will have a more representative squad and culture.”

Many testimonies received by Palatinate have also suggested that such concerns regarding engagement within clubs have been prevalent due to a lack of diverse representation. This issue has also been found in relation to college sport clubs, with one student of colour saying:

“I play netball regularly as well as volleyball occasionally. I tend to prefer volleyball for people as it is much more international (based) and it’s easier to make friends. The crowd is usually white girls in netball, and this isn’t necessarily bad but as part of a minority it’s hard to understand the nuances behind the language used and (it is) hard to fit in.

“In netball for Durham it isn’t odd at all to see only one person of colour. A team may have 7-10 people on a team, and it usually only has one PoC. This is quite disheartening as I

love netball, but it is disappointing to see so few persons of colour. I would hope to see more diversity and different people ge ing into the sport. Within this, in my netball team, I am the only person of colour. Inside my college I am the only person who is Asian playing netball, which feels crazy.

“Representation is such a hard issue and not easily solvable, but I would like to see minorities encouraged to participate in sport, as well as through taster sessions.”

On how such problems made them feel, the individual stated: “It is disappointing and disheartening, as I would like to see people of my colour and culture participating in sport in Durham.”

Alongside this, there are continued issues surrounding accessibility for disabled athletes at Team Durham level. Due to the competitive nature of this environment, those who are neurodivergent or possessing similar disabilities may effectively be excluded from participation.

On this topic and the wider data, a representative of St Cuthbert’s Students with Disabilities Society stated:

“I don’t think the data is particularly surprising. It might be surprising to some but around 14-20% of the student population

Continued on page 23

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“I used to work under the principle that if they hand it out to me, they’ll get it back with a bit of interest”

Joe Harston interviews former Premier League referee Jeff Winter

“Performances like these give Durham great hope that they can go far in this competition”

Samjay Suri reports on an emphatic Team Durham men’s football win over Swansea

(Sanjay Suri)