In this week’s issue: the General Election, student Facebook scams, how caff eine can help you revise, why we must destroy Yik Yak and how to stay healthy in the revision period gair freeword rhydd Monday May 11th 2015 | | Issue 1053

Conservatives hold Cardiff North; Labour takes Central THE RESULTS: PAGES 14 & 15 Union refuses to back down on referendum t
Offi cer team refuses to acknowledge any foul play during campaign t
Barney Willis to Scrutiny Committee: “I wouldn’t change anything”

elsh speakers have been behest of current part-time Welsh lished evidence last week that Stu- commercial entity before students, Anna Lewis made to feel “isolated” Language Officer, Steffan Bryn, Stu- dents’ Union officers intended to Howells was condemned by mem- and “exiled from their dents’ Union President Elliot How- “influence” students to vote against bers of the ‘Yes’ campaign for stating Wown capital” say campaigners, as ells was grilled by members of the the creation of a full-time Welsh lan- that the creation of a full-time Welsh the backlash continues following the ‘Yes’ campaign, who said that they guage officer. During the voting pe- Officer was “not in the best interest shocking behaviour of sabbatical of- believed that the current sabbatical riod, both VP Societies and VP Edu- of the Union.” ficers during the recent Welsh Lan- officer team had failed “to keep the cation sent mass emails threatening Meanwhile, VP Societies Barney guage Officer referendum. interests of the students at heart”. members of societies and sports Willis appeared before the Scrutiny In response to the backhand be- However, Howells refused to apol- clubs with substantial budget cuts of Committee to insist that he would haviour of the ‘No’ campaign during ogise to angry members of the ‘Yes’ a combined £46,000 in the case of a “do it all again”, in reference his last week’s referendum, disillusioned campaign despite complaints that he victory for the ‘Yes’ campaign. emails sent to encouraged a no vote. members of the opposing ‘Yes’ cam- and the other officers had engaged However, over the course of the In a shocking development, Willis paign have launched a scathing at- in ‘unethical’ behaviour during the meeting between Howells and the was encouraged to strike the remark tack on the Students’ Union sab- referendum. ‘Yes’ campaign, the Union were still from the record, and is not believed batical team. ‘Yes’ have issued calls Howells asserted that “no lies were unable to reveal the full-extent of the to have been included on the min- for the officers to admit the use of told” by anybody affiliated with the costs of employing a full-time Welsh utes. He revised his suggestion to say scare-mongering and exaggeration ‘No’ campaign. The SU President language officer. This is despite that he “stands by what [he] did” as by the campaign, the evidence for further denied the misbehaviour of Howells presenting conflicting fig- the sabbatical officer in charge of the which was revealed in the last issue Union officers during the referen- ures of “over £30,000” and “at most Students’ Union’s Guild of Societies. of Gair Rhydd. dum. £26,000”. In response to complaints that Continued on In a meeting organised at the Despite this, Gair Rhydd pub- Accused of putting the Union as a full-time officers should not have page 4 THE FREE WORD EDITOR Michael O’Connell-Davidson GAIR RHYDD CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan A surprise turnout When people said to me at the start of the year that Shanna Hamilton joined the unseen ranks of the Nick Clegg? Well, he’ll never be popular amongst NEWS the general election would be a defi ning week for sub-editors, and I want to make it clear that if you our audience, so I won’t say anything. With the Georgia Hamer the newspaper, I thought I understood what that think this issue looks tight and tidy, it’s down to Greens outpacing the Liberal Democrats in many Katie Evans meant. But reality has a habit of subverting expec- them. constituencies, I can only wonder where the Liberal Alexander Norton tations, as it did in this instance. T e business of producing a newspaper in the Democrats are going from here. No doubt Tim Far- Anna Lewis I’m writing this on my 25th hour in the offi ce, face of a General Election as unpredictable as this ron is slated to be the next leader - they hardly have and I imagine I’ll send it to the printers the 26th. one has been is strange, and the live blog (Jordan anybody to ask! ADVICE T at the fi rst thing some people read will be the Adams’ grand contribution to Gair Rhydd) tells a But it wasn’t the resignation of three leaders that Kirsty Fardell last gasp of the newspaper’s production cycle is in- story nobody saw coming. Last night, we managed made this a landmark for this newspaper. Nor was credibly frustrating to me; much of my work goes to break news ahead of Media Wales and the BBC; it the practically unprecedented set of results. T at COMMENT unnoticed, with no byline, the result of back-room we secured an interview with Jo Stevens last night we were able to accompany people as they watched Anne Porter tinkering and design work. T at the bit with my at 5AM, and we’ll be back next week to quiz the the count online on our live blog, and that we were Gareth Evans name on it in the front has been written while I’m a candidate for Cardiff North (the Heath). It was a able to produce so much great local analysis for the Olivier van den Bent-Kelly shambling mess is a bit of a shame. unique experience to be in the newsroom as the re- newspaper - that’s what made this a defi ning elec- But I would not have it any other way, because sults came in - to get a fi rst look at what shape the tion for Gair Rhydd. COLUMNIST a general election comes once every fi ve years and country would take over the next fi ve years. I believe wholeheartedly that our digital strategy Jason Roberts lord knows people have had enough of me. With And while that would be the case with any elec- this year has been very good indeed, and this elec- just a few more issues to go before this year’s set of tion, what a brilliant election it’s been. I speak not tion has been another success story in Gair Rhydd’s POLITICS issues is set to end, I’ve had my time to shine. T is of the results, but the unpredictability of it all - transition towards being a publication that tran- Carwyn Williams issue has been all about my insanely dedicated poli- because, really, who foresaw a majority? And, of scends print and moves towards being a truly mod- Lauren Boyd tics team, who I barely hold a candle to. those, who foresaw a Tory majority? ern publication. T e web is important, and we’re Rhiannon Tapp Carwyn Williams started our liveblog at 11am I confess that I have some sympathy for Ed Mili- doing it well. on polling day. It ended 3pm on results day. Jointly band. While he has been plastered with all sorts of Whatever shape next year takes, I think that of SCIENCE with the rest of the team, Carwyn stuck with the names and been subject to character assassination late we have stood by the student body exception- Shanna Hamilton liveblog for a sustained 28 hours, an absolutely from day one, I can’t help but feel thst, at his core, ally well. If next year things are diffi cult - or if they Meryon Roderick mammoth undertaking. he is a decent man. Regardless of your politics, I are made diffi cult for us - I hope that our reputation Fresh from handing in her dissertation and with think everybody can agree that he was a unique will continue to improve and that the student body SOCIETIES four exams still to come, Rhiannon Tapp has stuck candidate who gave this campaign a sense of char- will stand by us. Hannah Sterritt it out for just as long as I have, if not longer. Forever acter that’s so often absent in Westminster. We are a public service; we exist both for our chipper, Rhi’s been writing and designing for print And who really foresaw Farage not getting his volunteers and for the student body at large. I be- PARK LIFE and media monitoring for the liveblog all night. If seat? While everybody’s favourite rubber chicken- lieve that this year has been the fi rst in some time Vidya Brainerd you’ve seen tweets from @GairRhyddPol, they were politician has claimed that he’s simply going to con- that we have genuinely embraced that. We have probably her. test the UKIP leadership again this Autumn, reduc- immersed ourselves in the democratic machina- TAF-OD Results day was Lauren Boyd’s birthday, and ing the entire thing to farce, perhaps this is the end tions of the Union, and put a real emphasis on de- Steffan Bryn Jones while I understand the results weren’t quite what of the line for his political career. Farage has unsuc- volution and the Senedd in our political reporting. Morgan Owen she would have wanted as a gift, her unerring dedi- cessfully run for parliament seven times, now, and While we might have lost our place within the Uni- cation to the newspaper has been such that I can I can’t help but feel like he’s running out of steam. versity culture before, nights like tonight lead me to SPORT only hope this issue forms a great present for her T is was supposed to be his moment: instead, UKIP believe that we are well on our way to fi nding our David Hooson when it hits the stands on Monday. got just one seat. While UKIP’s done exceedingly place once again - and that perhaps we’ve already Rory Benson David Hooson, Sum Sze Tam and Georgia Ham- well in terms of vote share, I can’t imagine anybody found it. Joe Atkinson er were all on hand to sub the pages to completion. at party HQ is happy with this result. - MOCD PRODUCTION EDITOR Sum Sze Tam DIGITAL EDITORS Jordan Adams THIS WEEK IN HISTORY: GAIR RHYDD 394 Gregory McChesney 15/05/1991 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Maria Mellor T is week we are taking a peek into issue 394 - way issue of fascism being raised at the GM. back in May 1991, a time when the world wide web One thing that hasn’t changed since 1991 is the fact EDITORIAL ASSISTANT was not yet publicly available (yes, such a nightmarish that academic books can be very pricey. In an article Eleanor Parkyn time did once exist!). entitled ‘Students show priority for fun’, the result of a T e big news on the front page of this issue was that nationwide survey reveals that a fi fth of students had Want to join the team? the Union was proposing a £50,000 redevelopment of not bought any books that academic year. Editorial conferences are each the food court known as the ‘Afallon’. T is re-develop- However, ‘fun’ is perhaps not the right word, as stu- monday at 5PM. Proofreading ment would not only see a fresh design to the ‘Afallon’, dent’s stated the reason for this was more to do with takes place on Thursdays at but would also bring fresh food to the plates of stu- inadequate funds than a preference for entertainment 6PM in the media office during dents eating there, as all produce was to be made on over education. Today, with the rise of eBooks and print weeks. the premises. online publications, the price of books is not quite as T e writer of this article shares their design ideas for much of an issue, but I think we can all still relate. Write us a letter the pre-existing catering facilities, hoping for black and Possibly the funniest part of this issue is the full [email protected] white tiles, coloured plastic and neon signs in the Fish page spread with the caption ‘partyyy!!’ Apparently in Tweet us: and Chip Bar. Hopefully it ended up looking a little the world before Facebook existed, University students @gairrhydd more upmarket than this sounds. T e illustrator seems were encouraged to invite people to their parties via an to have a diff erent idea, however, with what appears to advert placed in Gair Rhydd. After skimming through be fi sh, and possibly dolphins, decorating the walls of subsequent issues of Gair Rhydd, it appears no one the Fish and Chip Bar they have drawn. took them up on this off er, and I can’t say I’m surprised. At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibil- Also featured on the front page is the news that, due Another notable part of this issue is the inclusion of ity to maintain the highest possible standards. to an amendment to the constitution, students in gen- a letter from one Ian Shepherd. Mr Shepherd begins Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, we may make some mistakes. If you believe eral meetings could speak in Welsh without providing his letter by stating his upset at a previous Gair Rhydd we have fallen below the standards we seek an English translation. Students had been campaign- article that apparently contained ‘disparaging com- to uphold, please email [email protected]. ing for this amendment for several years in an attempt ments concerning the male organ’, which he claims You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at to make students aware of the need for equal status of could off end some men. cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints Welsh and English languages. However, it turns out that Ian could not care less Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective However, this news did not please some students, about whether or not men were off ended, but rather of Cardiff Students’ Union, who act as the who thought it would complicate meetings and con- wanted his name in print, by any means necessary. publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications fuse people. It also appears that the BNP had been vis- Looks like he’s got his wish again. or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a post iting the Union on a leafl eting campaign, leading to the - EP office registered newspaper. EDITORIAL 3 Campus In Brief

Students up and down the land headed out to their Joseph polling stations for what was the first time many of Pictured: Atkinson us had the right to vote in a general election. Te NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL Gruff Rhys of Students’ Union encouraged students to vote by Tere were a number of, perhaps inevitable, An appeals court in the United States overturned Super Furry offering a lucrative £20 Taf voucher for the best polling cock-ups on Election Day, most noticeably a 2013 decision in deeming the mass collection of Animals ‘polling card selfie’. In Cardiff Central, Liberal the omission of UKIP candidate David Hodgson phone recordings by the National Security Agency as (Photographer: Democrat Jenny Willott lost her seat to Labour’s Jo from “dozens” of ballot papers in the constituency illegal. Judges urged Congress to take action against Silvio Tanaka, Stevens. Overall, the Conservatives won a surprise of Darlington. Elsewhere some British expats the NSA and halt the programme. Meanwhile a group Wikimedia majority while the SNP won 56 of Scotland’s 59 seats. complained that postal votes have arrived too late for of artists who erected a statue the man who initially commons) A comprehensive study from the University’s them to exercise their right to vote. leaked documents related to the bulk surveillance, School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies Both the value of sterling and the FTSE fell as Edward Snowden, will not be charged, and have had found that on television news bulletins politicians Britain headed to the polls in anticipation of the their statue returned. spend more time attacking political opponents political chaos that would go with the expected hung Te newest in the line of Russian battle tanks rather than focusing on their own policies. Te parliament. Te pound’s value against the dollar hit ground to a sudden half during a rehearsal of the research found that about half of the BBC’s political its lower since last year’s Scottish independence May 9th Victory parade in Moscow. Te tank, a T-14 soundbites featured such attacks, while Channel referendum, as it fell to 0.1 per cent against its Armata, which is one of the country’s most high- 4 news had the lowest, at 36.4% of soundbites – American equivalent. tech military weapons, has been rumoured to have in comparison 43.8% were used to put forward While the election dominated headlines, other stopped because of a breakdown, as it was brought to information on their policies. things happened too. It was reported that the an embarrassing stall in Red Square. Local band Super Furry Animals paid a visit to lives and livelihoods of some of the victims of last Te Greek government vowed to stick to their Cardiff University as they played a set dressed “like month’s Hatton Garden raid could be “ruined” after “red line” promises on labour and pensions that it mad scientists in white boiler suits”. Te band, which it emerged that some did not have insurance on their made upon election in 2014. Te incumbent Syriza formed in 1993, is touring in celebration of the 15th depositaries. Te gang that raided the 56 safes took an party has been locked in talks with the International “Scientists anniversary of the release of their Welsh-language estimated of £2million in total. Experts said that they Monetary Fund and the European Union for much of album ‘Mwng’ and the 20th since their first EP. didn’t see the victims succeeding with lawsuits against its time in power, as it struggles to implement its anti- at Cardiff Scientists at Cardiff University’s European Cancer the security personnel at Hatton Gardens. austerity policies that the population voted in swathes Stem Cell Research Institute, and the School of Students were given an excuse not to check emails for. University Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, believe that from university as a former government advisor Explorers off the coast of Madagascar have claimed believe they they have made a breakthrough in the battle against described the “epidemic” in Britain of employees that they have discovered treasure from the wrecked cancer, using stem cells. Tey identified a compound checking and dealing with work emails out-of-hours. ship of the notorious 17th-Century Scottish pirate have made a that works in targeting tumour cells associated with Sir Cary Cooper claimed that people responding to William Kidd. Te explorers, who said they had “no breakthrough pancreas, colon, breast and prostate cancers. work emails leads to a loss of productivity compared doubt” of the validity of their find, discovered a 50kg Te University reported a 144% increase in to their international counterparts. silver bar, which was presented in a special ceremony in the battle students spending time in Europe following a five- Manchester city council came under fire as it to the president of Madagascar. year drive to increase the number of placements banned homeless people from entering the city’s main And finally, a Japanese zoo apologised as a baby against on the continent away from Cardiff. On work library or using their toilets. Protestors claimed that monkey was named after the new-born Princess cancer, using placements abroad, Cardiff University vice- they felt like “second-class citizens” and “members of Catherine. Te name was decided via a vote at Mount chancellor Colin Riordan said: “Not only do they the underclass”, while implying that the council were Takasaki Wild Monkey Park, who claimed: “Since we stem cells provide student with ‘real world’ experience but undertaking social cleansing. Te ban came after a announced the name we’ve been receiving calls and they can forge collaborative ventures with a range of group of homeless people had set up camp outside emails from people mostly complaining that it is rude universities.” the library as part of an anti-austerity protest. to British people.” ” tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news Cont’d: Union refuses to back down on referendum

sought to promote their own views next academic year. on the matter, Howells insisted that In the meeting, students demand- “offi cers have a right to express an ed to know whether future SU Presi- “We have tried opinion”, and share their knowledge dent Claire Blakeway understood the Continued of Students’ Union procedure. In the severity of the behaviour conducted to acheive from front meeting held between Union staff by fellow offi cers. integration page and ‘Yes’ campaigners, the statement One student demanded: “Do you was met with support by both cur- understand why we feel cheated?” with the rent VP Heath Claire Blakeway, and “We have tried to achieve integra- Students’ Union Chief Executive tion with the Students’ Union but Students’ Daniel Palmer. this has only lead to isolation”. Union, but this In defence of his blog posted on In an attempt to improve relation- the Students’ Union website urging ships with the Welsh speaking com- has only lead students to vote against the creation munity, Union staff have acknowl- of a full-time Welsh language offi cer, edged the need to improve Welsh to isolation Howells suggested that it would be language provision at both the Union “irresponsible” to prevent sabbati- and University. Member of the cal positions from expressing their “We now need to look at how to opinion. engage and represent Welsh students ‘Yes’ Campaign “Howells However, the President’s explana- in order to ensure what we’re doing tions were slated by members of the is wanted”, stated Head of Member- insisted that Welsh speaking community, who ship Services Steve Wilford. ‘Yes’ campaign emphasized the in- “Last year two of my friends failed ‘officers have condemned both Howells and other However, requests from staff for ability to bring Union staff into ac- their exams due to a failure to pro- ” sabbatical offi cers for expressing co-operation and suggestions for fu- count in comparison to elected of- vide Welsh translations,” one stated. a right to their opinion through offi cial Stu- ture plans were met with resistance, fi c e r s . As such, the need was highlighted dents’ Union social media accounts. as members of the ‘Yes’ campaign re- “What can a member of staff do for a full-time offi cer within the Un- express an One member of the ‘Yes’ cam- sponded with cries that their calls for that a sabbatical offi cer can’t?” mem- ion, able to ensure a link between all paign in attendance stated: “When action have been ignored. bers of the ‘Yes’ campaign ques- bodies within the Union. opinion’ using offi cial channels, you should One campaigner explained: “T e tioned. As leader of the ‘Yes’ campaign, have the interests of the students at students have demanded the crea- T ey continued: “T is is clearly Bryn explained: “we need to take out heart.” tion of a full-time Welsh language what the Union wants, and not what the middle management and ensure “Students are intelligent enough offi cer. We want that change now.” the students want.” we have a sabbatical offi cer with a ” to make their own decisions without Meanwhile, the Union’s plans to As a result, it was suggested that free timetable to meet our needs.” being infl uenced.” introduce a full-time Students’ Un- in line with existing societies and AU Demands for details of the current As a result of the developments, ion staff member to improve Welsh executive committees, a Welsh Lan- budget for Welsh language provision concerns have been voiced over the language facilities were met with guage Executive Committee be cre- were also left unexplained, as How- behaviour of sabbatical offi cers in the further criticism, as members of the ated in order to examine the Union’s ells was unable to provide fi gures for progress towards improving Welsh the current academic year. language facilities. However, according to his own Pictured: It was also suggested that a mem- investigation as current part-time Members ber of the Welsh speaking communi- Welsh language offi cer, Bryn sug- of the ‘Yes’ ty be placed on the Union’s scrutiny gested that the fi gure exceeded no campaign committee, in order to hold current more than £800 of the £600,000 confronted SU sabbatical offi cers to account. block grant allocated to the Union by President on a Both Howells and Blakeway ad- the University. meeting held mitted that further plans to improve Such estimates present a stark on T ursday facilities for Welsh language speak- contrast to the £2.5 million allocated ers had yet to be put in place. In to the refurbishment of the Students’ (Photographer: the meeting they emphasized that Union announced last week. Anna Lewis) collaboration with the Welsh com- T is vast sum has been brought munity was needed in order to pave under scrutiny by students in favour the way for future developments, and of a full-time Welsh language offi cer, that without it, it was unlikely that with some members accusing the there would be any further progress. Union of purposefully withholding Currently, members of the ‘Yes’ the news of the refurbishment until campaign claim that the lack of a after the end of the referendum pe- full-time Welsh sabbatical offi cer has riod. caused signifi cant problems for fi rst T ese accusations were emphati- language Welsh speakers. cally denied by union staff . Man reportedly left ‘beaten unconcious’ outside Union

man was reportedly left herself and asked for help from at the Union, who reportedly needed was some tender loving Anna Lewis beaten and unconscious numerous passers-by, Griffiths brought the man out of a state of care’. outside Cardiff University claimed that she was ‘ignored’ by unconsciousness. However, a Cardiff University Alexander Students’ Union on the evening of fellow students as she sought to Although it is unknown whether Students’ Union spokesperson A rd Norton Saturday, 3 May. establish the victim’s identity. the man attended club night ‘Flux’ appeared to cast doubt on whether The incident gave rise to claims ‘No-one seemed bothered, yet at the Students’ Union, he was the man in question was actually that a man was left bruised and he was obviously in a bad way’, she described as in his ‘mid twenties’ injured. “We couldn’t ‘blue’ from the cold as he was stated. and ‘definitely student aged’. “We received a report that one ignored by hundreds of students Accompanied by fellow second Speaking to Gair Rhydd, both of the Union’s medic staff spoke to believe it took leaving a club night at the Union. year Alex Roach, Griffiths Griffiths and Roach described their someone on Park Place on Saturday so long for According to second year ENCAP eventually sought help from staff at disgust at the behaviour of other night,” they said. student Charley Griffiths, the man the Union. students who failed to help the “The person was in fancy dress the man to be was found near the bottom of the After having received help person in question. and had just attended a zombie run. front steps of the building on Park from the two students, the victim ‘We couldn’t believe it took so No medical attention was required.” taken care of Place at approximately 1am. received medical attention from long for the man to be taken care Efforts continue to indentify the Having stopped to aid the man bouncers and first aiders on duty of’, they stated, ‘especially as all he man. ” NEWS 5

Pictured: ‘University Wipout’ Facebook event scam

T ousands of students fall victim to Facebook scams Fake student events pages linked to Cardiff based promotor Electric Ents housands of students across number and university. Further pages have emerged since, address as Volt Marketing Ltd. Georgia the UK have been scammed by T ere is evidence to suggest that including campaign page ‘No More T e account has also been linked to Hamer fake Facebook events linked to these events are part of a wider network Student Fees’, ‘I’m Going to University Christian Samuel, listed as managing TCardiff based club promoters , Electric of Facebook pages designed to collect 2015’ and ‘Open Air Cinema’. director of Volt Marketing Ltd, “Students are Ents. personal details from students. Students have also noted a number director of Open Air Cinema and A whole host of pages advertising Last month Radio 1 revealed that a of these pages using ‘bait and switch’ Electric Ents. lured in with fake events across student cities in Facebook page titled ‘Bring Radio 1 Big marketing techniques. Students are Despite speculation, the company the promise the UK have been illegally eliciting Weekend To Your City’ was in fact a lured in with promises of exciting has denied that the events were part of personal details from students under scam. activities and prizes only to fi nd a data mining scam. of exciting false pretences. T e page included a statement, at that the event details have later been In light of the revelation, a petition One event that drew a huge the head of each city specifi c page, changed to completely diff erent events has been set up online urging students activities and amount of attention from students purporting to be from a Radio 1 repre- after thousands of students have to sign in support of an alternative prizes, only to was ‘University Wipeout’ - based on sentative. T is read: “We have decided clicked attending. charity event. BBC One’s game show ‘Total Wipeout’, to try let the Radio 1 BIG Weekend News broadcast group Get Current T e petition, which wants to ‘create find the event it promised an obstacle course of be chosen by the public instead of the revealed that the illegal practice a positive out of a negative’, claims ‘infl atables and plenty of prizes’. heads of the BBC. could be traced back, via the sign- that it ‘exists as a proposal to Cardiff details have T e event instructed those who “We are doing a competition up pages, to the same user account - University that the event should go later been were interested in taking part to ‘pre- between key cities that we think ‘christianunicribs’. ahead in support of the Children’s register’ by signing up on a Google deserve the Radio 1 BIG Weekend and ‘Uni cribs’, or University Cribs, is a Trust’ and ‘harness everyone’s changed docs form and giving their full name, whoever has the highest number of student property site set up earlier this enthusiasm about these events for a date of birth, email address, phone attendees by December 1st 2015.” year which is registered to the same good cause’. ” Cardiff defi es rankings slump with graduate prospect rise he Complete University “It varies so much from course eight places to thirty-first overall. a QS study which showed twenty- Alexander Guide has ranked Cardiff to course that the average figure The lines of work that graduates five of the thirty-three subjects Norton University eighth in the is pretty meaningless, particularly found themselves in wasn’t clear, taught at Cardiff ranked in the TUnited Kingdom for graduate job when the study doesn’t really with ‘The Complete University ‘world elite’. prospects. account for what kind of jobs people Guide’ claiming to monitor However, the institution was The guide ranks institutions are doing,” he said. ‘employment in an area that criticised for falling further adrift on the percentage of their “All in all it seems fairly irrelevant normally recruits graduates’. of the targets set out in 2012’s ‘The undergraduate alumni that have to me.” Imperial College London took Way Forward’ paper. “In the attained employment or entered The publication of the figures the top spot, boasting an impressive It aims to see Cardiff University higher education six months after for graduate prospects is the 89.9% rate – placing it ahead of placed in the top twenty in the UK summary, the completing their degrees. latest element of the full rankings illustrious rivals Oxford (seventh) and the top hundred worldwide, The latest results show that 81.5 released last week, in which Cardiff and Cambridge (third). but it currently lies 31st and 123rd newspaper per cent of Cardiff graduates achieve University paradoxically dropped The rankings come in the wake of respectively. noted that either goal approximately half a year after the conclusion of their studies. Wales’ highest This marks an increase of 4.1 per Pictured: cent compared to the previous year’s Cardiff ranked figure, which at score of 77.4 per University university is cent left Cardiff University stranded graduates outside the top ten. ranked eighth ‘particularly In the summary, published in UK for job by ‘The Times’, the newspaper prospects renowned’ for noted that Wales’ highest ranked its school of university is ‘particularly renowned for its school of journalism’. journalism However, an English student told Gair Rhydd that the figures weren’t ” representative for all courses. 6 NEWS

Success of university sports clubs celebrated at AU ball Tennis club awarded ‘Club of the Year’ and Cardiff Uni FC take ‘Team of the Year’

ardiff University’s winning with both the men and women of Alexander Varsity outfits toasted a the Basketball Club. Pictured: Norton successful twelve months at The award for ‘Most Improved Cardiff Cthe end-of-year Athletics Union Ball Club’ went to Cardiff University University last week. Surf Sports, which has grown to Men’s Tennis at The 2014-15 event, which took attract a social media presence of Varsity. place in a colourfully decorated more than four hundred people. (Photographer: Students’ Union Great Hall on In the same vein, ‘Most Improved Taliesin Wednesday, 6th May, began with a Sportswoman’ was awarded to Coomes) champagne reception and three- Trampolining Club’s Rebecca Litt course meal for attendees. and ‘Most Improved Sportsman’ There followed a speech from was given to Jamie Bodner-Horvath, VP Sports Bryn Griffiths, with the again of Cardiff Lacrosse. outgoing sabbatical officer donning With the anticipation ratcheting a horizontal-striped pink and white up as the evening progressed, “ jacket, which provoked commentary ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ went Tennis picked on social media under the hashtag the way of Team GB pistol shooter ‘#AUBall15’. Coral Kennerley whilst the up the ‘Club of The awards ceremony itself saw male equivalent was awarded to the Year’ - the an array of trophies handed out on Welsh international futsal player the back of what has been a highly Christopher Hugh. third time they successful year for the institution’s There was further success for the various teams, with a total of futsal contingent when Cardiff Uni Finally, Cardiff University hoping for a replication of this year’s have been eleven gongs on offer from Cardiff FC were awarded ‘Team of the Year’ Tennis picked up ‘Club of the triumphs under new Vice-President nominated for University Sport. on the back of their triumph in the Year’ – the third time they have Sam Parsons for the 2015-16 Lacrosse player Rebecca Jordache Welsh FA’s Futsal Cup. been nominated for the award – academic year, at the end of which the award took home the first award of the The ‘Athletics’ Union President’s following a thrilling victory over several of the event’s attendees will night after being named ‘Fresher of Award’ went to Emily Wiltshire, their Swansea counterparts during be hoping to represent Team GB at the Year’, whilst ‘Coach of the Year’ who represents Cardiff University last month’s Varsity Shield. the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de ” was won by Nick Bartlett for his role Sailing Club. The Athletics’ Union will be Janeiro. Inspirational staff and students recognised at Enriching Student Life event

Pictured: T e Enriching Student Life Awards 2014 event (Source: Cardiff University)

he Enriching Student Life hard to fi t extra students in to packed Each of these students were Award, was given to Student Support Georgia worker Einir Evans. Hamer Awards took place last T ursday clinics without complaint.’ shortlisted for an overall Student to commemorate a number Iiona Johnson was commended Academic Rep of the Year award which Having nominated Evans for the Tof University staff and student for being the Most Innovative was won by Jumana Nabulsi. award, student and Editor of Gair representatives who have signifi cantly Staff Member for her ‘enthusiasm, Women’s Offi cer, Laura Carter, Rhydd Michael O’Connell-Davidson enhanced student experience. responsiveness and innovative ideas commended Nabulsi on Twitter, saying: was happy at her success. He said: A number of members of staff and about teaching and learning’. ‘I had the pleasure of working with “I nominated Einir because her job “One of students were in attendance at the T e Employability Award was given Jumana Nabulsi [..] her enthusiasm is literally changes lives. While there annual event that took place in the to Catherine Jones for ‘enthusing many infectious and is so well deserved!’ aren’t very many care leavers at the most Great Hall in the Students Union. in an area not particularly recognised as In a highly contested category, Cardiff University, I don’t think it’s any After a champagne reception and having a subject specifi c related career Michelle Aldridge-Waddon was overstatement to say that the ones who prestigious three-course meal, VP Education, path’ and Louise Hughes was named named Personal Tutor of the Year for are there owe her very much indeed. awards of Rhys Jenkins took to the stage to kick Student Rep Coordinator of the Year for the support given to student tutees I wouldn’t have come to university off the awards. First up, the Honour her ‘all-round inspirational infl uence’. throughout the year. T e student without her support and to see her the night Roll, an award open to all students who Awards were given to the most who nominated her said: “Michelle’s recognised at these awards is wonderful have achieved something outstanding highly commended Student Academic constant guidance and advice goes far as one of the people she helped.” was given during their time at university, was Reps from various diff erent schools beyond the personal tutor requisite.” T e Vice-Chancellors Award for to Student given to Maryambibi Bham. across the University. T e three Following this, Most Eff ective Commitment to Student Experience Following this, Most Uplifting Staff winners of Student Academic Rep of Teacher was awarded to Mark Elliott went to Clare Morgan who received Support Member was awarded to Emma Stone. the Year were: T om Davies from the from the School of Chemistry for a standing ovation as she took to the In reference to her work within the School of Chemistry, Jumana Nabulsi ‘having the best interests of students at stage to accept the award. worker Einir NHS the judge said: ‘[she] went above from the School of Pharmacology and heart’. T e awards drew to a close as Chris Evans and beyond her duties to accomodate Maximilian Schulze Wenning from One of the most prestigious awards Turner was commended for his lifetime all our extra requests including working Cardiff Business School. of the night, the Enriching Student Life achievement. ” NEWS 7

Offi cers refl ect on year in offi ce at scrutiny meeting

Pictured: Outgoing Students’ Union President Elliot Howells. (Photograph by Cardiff University Students’ Union)

ast week saw Cardiff University fulfi lled and that “a lot of extra stuff ” “not sure” what Steff an Bryn Jones’ highlights. Alexander Students’ Union’s six full- had also been achieved. campaign members would want from However, amongst his regrets Norton time sabbatical offi cers review T e VP Welfare emphasised the him – but emphasised the need for he listed his initial inward-looking Jenkins“ Ltheir own performances before an success of having exam timetables reconciliation. approach and a failure to devise a end-of-year meeting of student released early, establishing a He described the angry response better system for societies-based conceded that representatives. Residents’ Association (which would to the ‘No’ vote as “a weight on my feedback. T e ten person Scrutiny particularly aid fi rst year students) shoulders”. Despite this, Willis suggested that the elected Committee, which is tasked with and changes to the existing substance He suggested that the Union the Societies Council had approved officer team “hold[ing] Cardiff Student’s Union awareness policy. remained committed to Welsh and of his changes, including to the Elected Offi ces to account on behalf However, he conceded that issues had targets for advancement, but controversial ‘tier system’. was ‘glad of of students”, meets behind closed such as the ‘Time For Change’ pledge these were easy to discount as they He also addressed the eff ects of doors approximately seven times per and the provision of out-of-hours were “less tangible”. the Counter-Terror and Security Bill, the outcome’ academic year. health support had encountered Howells did remark that technical insisting that his personal view was T is time, however, marked the issues which had prevented their staff were working on making the that as many speakers as possible of the fi rst time Gair Rhydd was given access implementation. Students’ Union website entirely should attend the university and that referendum to such a gathering – albeit after a Alauddin was more positive on bilingual, with ‘.cymru’ and similar the Islamic Society had had the vast prolonged discussion and subsequent projects such as the establishment of domain names currently being majority of their guests approved. but conceded vote over whether to approve the a ‘Credit Union’ and the limited roll purchased. He too was then asked about presence of a journalist. out of bursaries for asylum seeking Once the SU President had the Welsh Language referendum that it was T e meeting saw SU President students. departed, VP Education Rhys Jenkins campaign in which he played a going to be Elliot Howells, VP Welfare Faraz T e latter project, which would was called in. prominent role. Alauddin, VP Sports Bryn Griffi ths, support two new students per year He too was positive on the impact Willis started by praising the difficult to VP Education Rhys Jenkins, VP (a total of six concurrently) has seen his year in offi ce had had, again engagement provoked by the Heath Park Claire Blakeway and VP the university pledge to waive tuition highlighting the early release of exam referendum, the most successful in repair the Societies Barney Willis interviewed fees, but now depends on the Union’s timetables and the success of student the Union’s history, and added that he damage done individually. ability to raise six lots of living costs feedback event ‘Speak Week’ as the hoped that ‘Yes’ campaigners would First before the panel was Blakeway, (approximately £24,000) annually. projects he was most pleased with. be willing to work with next year’s who in addition to her duties as Heath T ird in was outgoing Students’ Given the opportunity, Jenkins offi cer team. Park representative was recently Union president Elliot Howells, who suggested that he would meet with He added that his personal elected to the position of Students’ described his year in the role as “the student representative chairs earlier encouragement of a ‘No’ vote had ” Union president for 2015-16. most amazing of my life”. than Christmas, as he did this year, as been “misinterpreted by Gair Rhydd” She suggested that the year had Although he insisted his focus was it had proven an eff ective method of and that he “stood by what I did” in “gone well” from her perspective, now on putting things in place for addressing concerns. his role as a representative of societies with developments to the Heath successor Blakeway, he was keen to He also confi rmed that projects Finally, VP Sports Bryn Griffi ths was Park infrastructure and the success point to winning NUS Wales’ Offi cer such as ‘Lecture Capture’ were asked in – telling the committee that of Medics’ Varsity amongst her Team of the Year, securing £2.5m for progressing well, with the software the year had gone “very quickly” and highlights since September. redevelopment of the Union’s ground decided but certain legal hurdles still that he had learnt “a hell of a lot”. Furthermore, she emphasised the fl oor and the itinerary surrounding yet to be overcome. He suggested that his highlight had instigation of a Housing Charter, the general election as highlights of Like the President, Jenkins was been Varsity, which he planned to tell the extension of Languages For All his year. then tackled over the outcome of the successor Sam Parsons to take full learning hours and increased opening T e latter project, described as Welsh language referendum. advantage of the annual event. times of the Heath Hub’s ‘IV Lounge’ “one of the biggest election events He acknowledged that the elected However, he admitted that his as positive developments during her programmes in the UK”, reportedly offi cer team was “glad of the outcome”, changes to gym membership could term. contributed to 19,500 students but conceded that it was “going to be have come earlier and that he would As part of her preparation to registering to vote in the poll. diffi cult to repair the damage” done have liked to have seen sports succeed Howells as president, Asked about less successful events, to the Union’s relationship with ‘Yes’ facilities experience greater upgrades Blakeway then set out plans for a Howells suggested that much of campaigners. during his tenure. All under- “[Barney Willis] graduates, summer tour in which newly elected his agenda had been delayed by He then suggested that the Union He then addressed the ‘Rainbow said that he offi cers will visit Students’ Unions University paperwork – in particular, should have started pre-planning for Laces’ campaign, which he claimed postgraduates, at the four largest universities in projects such as the ‘Campus Card’ each possible outcome earlier, with had “blown [him] away” with his mature and “stood by London – and in Dundee. payment system being delayed until “more groundwork” necessary to success after his initial feeling that he international When asked to bring up any failures September. decide on the best route forward. would have to “sell it more” to various students are what he did” in the role, she admitted that ill-timing He was then the fi rst of the Barney Willis, who had come in for sports teams. eligible to sit had contributed to the cancellation of offi cers to be asked about the furore particular criticism for his role in the Griffi ths noted that the campaign on Scrutiny in his role as a the ‘Healthcare Games’ but that on surrounding the outcome of the ‘No’ campaign, was next to answer to had gained great social media Committee, representative the whole “I achieved more than I previous week’s referendum on the the Scrutiny Committee. attention, and expressed the hope and can thought I would.” proposed creation of a full-time He opened by insisting that he had that it would remove any obstacles or nominate of societies She was followed by Faraz Welsh language sabbatical offi cer. “loved this year”, pointing to various apprehension LGBT+ students would themselves Alauddin, who claimed that the Howells said that, ahead of a fairs – and most prominently, the have to getting involved in university via cardiffstu- ” majority of his manifesto had been meeting later that week, he was Cardiff Fringe Festival – as particular sport. dents.com Welcome to our Advice section, where we bring you tips for surviving Cardiff University life ADVICE Email us: [email protected] Procrastineating? Here’s our advice on how you can eat your way to a good grade by staying health conscious

Pictured: “Binge eating Students revising and on sugary snacking in foods will Julian Hodge make your energy burn out quicker ”

he revision period is the easi- few months is walking to and from and staying active means you have releases energy and you can make it Kirsty Fardell est time of year to pick up ter- the library or Tesco’s, and then when higher energy levels – something you tasty without spending a lot or put- rible eating habits and eat all you’re suddenly free of uni for 4 defi nitely need during revision. We ting in much eff ort. Swap white Tthe rubbish food you’ve been trying months or summer you realise you’d all know we should be eating well and Eggs are also the perfect way to “ to avoid all year. It happens to eve- rather not been seen in public with it would help us, but it just seems like start the day. T ere is a variety of egg carbs for ryone – you stress out, you need a your bad skin, muffi n top and con- extra time and eff ort that we really for everyone – fried, boiled, scram- break and all you have in your cup- stant breathlessness. can’t be bothered to give. bled, poached and they’re all great their brown board is chocolate, crisps, cake, piz- In reality none of this makes sense. So here are some ideas on how at kick starting your day of revision. alternatives zas…all the comfort food you love. We all have that annoying friend on to get through the revision period None of them take long and you can T is same food journeys with you Facebook who constantly posts about without having to squeeze yourself make scrambled eggs in the micro- and cauliflower to the library and annoys everyone going to the gym and eating healthy, through the door on the other side, wave, so add some brown toast and rice instead of around you with the noises you can’t probably fl ogging some miracle milk- breathless. fi ll up. help but make when eating it. shake to make it all better. T ese same Firstly, it really is true that eating A well-deserved revision break white rice T e most exercise you get for a people post about how eating well well during your revision will help comes in the form of lunch, but try you through it. Binge eating sugary not to get coaxed into going to Mc- snacks and drinks will give you a Donald’s or getting a meal deal from Pictured: quick buzz of energy that will soon Greggs. Make your own fresh sand- ” Scrumptious deplete and take you back to square wiches, salads or jacket potatoes. eggs on toast, one where you feel like you just can’t Try and include one fruit and one forming part read another word. vegetable with it, for example butter of the breakfst Start your day off right – have your bread with a thick layer of fresh you should a healthy breakfast that will keep avocado if you want an egg sandwich not be missing you full until lunch. Porridge is a or have a salad on the side. T e gen- (Photographer: great way to start the day and can eral rule with vegetable is that the Deli Chicchi) be bought for super cheap in Lidl, darker the better, the darker vegeta- or for a bit more you can get nicely bles tends to include more nutrients, fl avoured variations. By buying the so add some spinach or broccoli to plain variety you can add your own your lunch. fl avours but sweetening it up with a Don’t be afraid to spend a little on teaspoon of honey or adding fresh or your favourite fruit. If a box of straw- What do dried fruit. Basically any fl avour can berries is £2 and feels overpriced, ask you think? be incorporated – jam, chocolate, yourself if you would feel the same if Have your cinnamon, even peanut butter. It will it was a box of chocolate. Since you’re say: advice@ keep you fuller for longer as it slowly saving money by not buying the gairrhydd.com ADVICE 9

chocolate, you can aff ord the straw- store it in the fridge, so that when you berries. need a healthy snack you only have to Pictured: T e afternoon is often the longest reach for it. T e dream stretch you will go without a proper However healthy you try and eat, situation: the Continued meal until dinner, so it’s important you will still want to snack in be- ASSL with from the that you fi ll up well on lunch so you tween meals. Everyone has been to free tables to previous don’t reach for the rubbish food in- the library with a snack that becomes snack without page between. Foods high in fi bre will keep the loudest noise in the room, and worrying about you feeling fuller for longer, so add everyone has been distracted while noise nuts, oats, beans, avocado and apples looking at the off ender and wonder- as an easy way include plenty of fi bre ing what thought process made them in your diet. think that loud crunchy crisps with Dinner shouldn’t mean a quick their rustling packets was a good call to Domino’s and a super-greasy choice. delivered meal. You’re going to feel So prepare what you’re going sluggish afterwards and not want to to bring with the noise element in look at any more of your revision mind. Most fruits make no noise at notes. all – you won’t get the stares and So give yourself an hour to cook dirty looking for nibbling on berries. up some brain food and have a nice Cut up raw vegetables such as car- break. Being stuck in the library or rots and celery into bite size pieces at your desk all day will eventually and bring a pot of hummus to dip make you despise your surroundings, them in, sound-free. so giving yourself a change of scenery Yoghurt and fruit are always a good will help things along too. healthy mix too, as are crackers with Fish contains many minerals that cream cheese and veg. Sometimes we your brain will love and you don’t snack without actually being hun- have to be a chef to cook the Bird’s gry, and quite often the cure for this Eye fi llets. Chicken can help to get is just drinking lots of water. Water perhaps you want to boost your fi t- evenings, with strength and condi- “Create a fresh your energy levels up too and there will suppress your appetite and stop ness after a sedimentary couple of tioning classes running on selected are so many ways to cook it you will you reaching for the extra snacks you months. evenings. “Bootcamp fruit salad with fi nd a dish you love. don’t really need. T e easygym on Queen Street of- T e sessions cover all levels of fi t- a fruit juice Add as many vegetables to your A great way to improve plain wa- fer a month-by-month contract so ness, so whether you’ve never prop- sessions run dinner as you can stomach – by buy- ter without adding calories is to pre- you don’t need to sign up for a year. erly exercised or need a challenge several times a and store it in ing frozen bags of veg they will last chop up lemons and limes and freeze It costs £18.99 a month and its open there will be a suitable group exercise the fridge, so for the whole revision period and are them in a freezer bag. T at way, when 6am until 11pm most evenings. Pur- to do. To fi nd all the details about the week in Cardiff super easy to cook. Enchiladas are you add a slice to your glass of water egym also off ers a single month con- bootcamp sessions visit http://tiny- and cost £5 that when you easily stuff ed with peppers, onions, you get some added sweetness and it tract that you can cancel at anytime url.com/34hqwl9 beans, lettuce – anything you can fi t acts as an ice cube to give you fresh and is the same price. A free alternative to gyms and per session need a healthy in while still staying tasty. Don’t just cold water. For some, the gym is too intimi- bootcamps is using the space around cook boring chicken pasta, add broc- Sometimes making a few changes dating and you never know if you’re you. Going for a run may seem like snack you only coli, red peppers, courgette or any to the foods you buy will improve actually improving. Motivation is dif- the most eff ort in the world, but have to reach other veg’s you like. your diet and stop you feeling bloated fi cult too, so you’d rather work out if you plan when your going with a One key way to keep eating well is and tired. By swapping all your white with a friend. A great way to do this friend you will fi nd you’re more like- ” for it by preparing fresh food into conveni- carbs for their brown alternative is by joining one of the bootcamps ly to stick to your routine. Around ent helpings. Buy onions, peppers, you’ll be able to enjoy your favour- around Cardiff for weekly sessions. Roath Park are several exercise sta- carrots, broccoli and anything else ite meals without the added calories. Bring a friend or go alone, either way tions which can also work as a great you like and chop them up on the day Swap white bread for granary, po- you’ll have plenty motivation by hav- gym alternative, so jog to them and ” you buy them and store them in food tatoes for sweet potatoes and white ing people all around you. do some exercises with a friend to containers. T at way, when you are pasta for brown. For rice, try making T ere are bootcamp sessions every motivate you. cooking your meals you’ll only have caulifl ower rice that will add an extra Monday and Wednesday evening for Its easy to get lost in books and pa- to reach for a handful of the ingredi- vegetable to your meal and stop you an hour in Roath Park that are £5 per pers during exams, but make it part ents rather than spending extra time feeling too full. session, or £30 per month for unlim- of your revision to eat healthy and chopping them up. If you’re one of the lucky people ited sessions. In the Pontcanna play- stay active. It will benefi t you in the T is is the same for fruit – create a who fi nish their coursework and ing fi elds there are several bootcamp long run, so stop making excuses and fresh fruit salad with a fruit juice and exams early for the summer then sessions running early mornings and make the simple changes.

Pictured: Prepared fruit and vegetables (Photographer: Champion Catering)

“Preparing food in advance will make it easier to stay on track with healthy eating ” tweet us @gairrhyddcomment email us [email protected] COMMENT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/comment

Pictured: A woman had a baby and No news is that was news, apparently good news: Our appetite for the trivial is ruining reporting

he British media undoubtedly his relationships been mocked by criticised for looking too radiant. In of immigrants taking our jobs have Anne Porter draws a wide audience. No the media and that time he travelled the past, Kate Middleton has been all been presented by the media. T e two readers are the same. But on the tube ridiculed, but the media criticised for being too skinny, having media present us police reports of “...while the Twhat I see reported as ‘news’ is often has done its best to ridicule him. a wardrobe that’s too expensive and deaths on a frequent basis. While one utter bullshit. So what makes us He’s just a normal bloke, really - a bit for wearing boring nude heels. She of the media’s jobs is to inform us, they media produce keep reading, and fuelling the power like everyone else. And it’s not just tied her hair in a goddamn ponytail take this a step too far. I should have trivial stories of newsrooms? We shouldn’t be Ed Miliband who is caricatured. No and it was a news story. Leave the a little more respect than to see how tolerating the utter drivel that comes politician escapes lightly, especially if woman alone. She has a team of someone committed suicide – I saw like those, at us from newspapers, instead we they are female. Countless articles are stylists working to create her look – the irony in naming the individuals I they also have should be working to ensure that our produced on the outfi ts of the female which we would criticise if she looked had in mind in this article. Celebrities media gives us reliable information of politicians. I don’t care what they wear. anything less than perfect. Some of us are just like ‘normal’ people at the end the power to both the society and world around us. I care more about what comes out of live to judge others, thriving off others’ of the day (whoever the latter are, I’m Take the front pages of last their mouths than their dress sense. imperfections. On the opposite end of yet to fi nd one that exists). Imagine if deeply disturb Wednesday’s newspapers. Only How about we actually listen to our the spectrum, we have the notion that one of your family members tragically What I often the i produced something remotely politicians, rather than mock them for women appearing without make up took their own life and their details “ unbiased. T e Sun ran the now who they are, no matter what thrill we and exercising in public are heroines. were splashed all over news pages. see reported infamous incompatibility of Ed get out of it. Sometimes make up is eff ort. T ose T at is not a news story: that is tragedy. ” Miliband and his bacon sandwich, It’s women who feel the burden of stories, therefore, are not news. T e So let’s grow a pair and tackle the as ‘news’ is running the headline ‘Save our Bacon’. the media to the greatest extent. Kate trivial nature of our media is laughable. shit storm that is our media. We have 40p can get you this bullshit – or Middleton, unless you’ve been under But while the media produce trivial the power to produce our news, even often utter you could spend £1.20 on T e Times a very large rock recently, has just had stories like those, they also have the if the ever-growing news companies bullshit and receive a warning about Ed another baby. Fresh from hospital, power to deeply disturb. Twisted have the ability to set the agenda. So Miliband trying to ‘con’ his way into a mere four hours after giving birth, agendas of politics, how everything let’s not fuel this fi re anymore, and ” number 10. Poor Ed. Not only have she appeared to the media and was can give us cancer and the numbers create an agenda for ourselves. Caution: students at work Sights in the ASSL are like no other - here’s why ven though it feels like only yes- reserve a space that you’re clearly not is sometimes the only thing that mean that getting a socket isn’t like a Sally West terday we were doing our Janu- using, but at this time of the year when makes it interesting/bearable, but just scene from T e Hunger Games and ary exams, the last few months the tally counters go into overdrive, because you downloaded Flo Rida’s makes life considerably easier. Fom Ehave swiftly taken us to the next grind: it’s just selfi sh. T is also brings me new album, it doesn’t mean everyone a fi nal year perspective, thanks to all summer exams. T e time where you to my next point; the fact ASSL is wants to hear it. Blocking out the the staff who have helped us from tell yourself there’s just one last push now 24 hours is both a blessing and sound of other people with your anything from printing issues to last until the glorious promise of summer, a curse. Whilst you know you can music also means one other thing – minute meltdowns. Although I won’t despite the entirety of your social life have a productive Sunday morning, your chewing becomes excessively be sad to exit ASSL when I fi nally fi nish during this period being based in the there’s a guilt in realising you have louder, to other people’s annoyance. exams, there will defi nitely be a sense library. T e time where you can’t be- less excuses. Only problem with T at said, there are some absolute of nostalgia when I walk through the lieve you used to hate going to bed, this though, is that there are a select gems in ASSL. T e people who bring doors that last time, knowing that all where your bank account is looking few who use ASSL as their naptime. extension leads and the people who my fi nes have been paid and I’ll never the most attractive it’s ever looked Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely share their food are among my fa- have to laugh off the embarrassing and you tell yourself “It’s okay, I’ll have fi ne to have a snooze now and then; vourites. Random kind acts like these sound of the alarms again. a really productive day tomorrow”. but the other day I witnessed a guy T e only summer heat you’re swelter- who spent what was the majority ing in is the stuff y tropics of the law of the day spent asleep on a desk, Pictured: fl oor, and you’re reminded of this eve- to the point where library staff had T e ASSL - “The only ry time you have to trek to the ground to check he was ok. Highly amusing where you fl oor to fi ll up your water bottle. of course, but if you’re that tired, realise that it summer So, what counts as acceptable maybe you should work from bed. is possible to library behaviour? When the ASSL We’ve all been guilty of using the hate strangers heat you’re is as busy as it is this time of year, library as a catch up session – only in such a small sweltering in library etiquette becomes important. to be told to be quiet by a member space. Important to the point where getting of staff . It usually subsides quickly, is the stuffy up early is imperative to get a seat, but this isn’t true for things such as tropics of the much like getting a sunbed on a chewing gum or loud music. Don’t package holiday. T is means that be that person who brings carrot law floor it is NOT acceptable to put all your sticks to the library – yes, we know stuff down, plug in your laptop, then you’re trying to be healthy, but you’re ” bugger off for 5 hours. It’s one thing to noisy as hell. Music during revision tweet us @gairrhyddcomment email us [email protected] or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/comment COMMENT 11

Nobody wins on the internet Petty social media arguments are an embarrassment and a waste of time ast week the Union’s Welsh sponse or even abuse. Every sneer Being a keyboard warrior and hav- put down or comeback going to re- Olivier van referendum saw support from and demeaning comment you make ing a righteous sense that you have ally assist you in any way? I honestly Pictured: den Bent- both sides, but one of the most in a fit of blind rage will be left for the ability to state whatever you can’t see it doing so. If you’re looking Social media Kelly Limportant aspects of it was happen- the public judgement. want isn’t right. How can it satisfy for applause from behind your key- sites - not all ing on social media. As I scrolled You become a public spectacle. anyone? To shut down another in- board then you’ll be waiting some fun and games, through the timelines of my various Engaging in such debates is truly dividual through such primitive time. It may gather a few Facebook let’s not deny social media outlets, I continued to pointless, for you become an object means is the lowest form of debat- likes, so I hope that satisfies you. that. (Source: come across intense arguments con- of other people’s amusement. I ad- ing. Slanging matches on Facebook or mkhmarketing, cerning both the Welsh language mit, I find social media arguments But let me set the record straight: Twitter of a vicious and personal na- Flickr) and their culture as a whole. This rather entertaining. Who doesn’t? I’m not saying don’t express an opin- ture just don’t achieve anything. Full wasn’t a civilised debate, however, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ion. On the contrary, I would ac- stop. You’re not going to instantly but a series of aggressive, personal eagerly called my friends around my tively encourage people to. There is convert someone to your view, and attacks from both sides. laptop so they too can bear witness something rather refreshing know- that is what I don’t understand. Some, thankfully, did manage to to the next episode of ‘calm debate’. ing that people have the medium to Achieving something meaningful maintain a form of polite discus- Passive aggression is perhaps my openly express their views and en- from arguments over social media is sion and dialogue with a calm tem- favourite form of response - where gage in a conversation about a cur- nigh on impossible. perament, but many didn’t. I read belittling remarks are shrouded in rent topic. It’s important that we, as I honestly believe that no wins at “Being a numerous threads that dissolved facts to prove a point. But the only a society, participate in the culture all in these arguments. Whenever I into insults, before essentially pro- point it proves is in making a pop- of debate. But there’s a difference see the latest controversy to hit my keyboard claiming “I’m right and you’re wrong corn-eating-fest for all viewers of from detailing what you think to timeline I let out a large sigh of de- warrior and - how can you be so ignorant?” Con- the argument. It’s that form of low- inciting an inflamed response. And spair. Baiting others to fuel a bitter servations ended there. There’s no brow entertainment that doesn’t vice versa - why should you feel the dialogue is incomprehensible and having a point in engaging in a Twitter war make you think that hard - like Ant conscious need to reply to an angry unhealthy. Ever seen a couple argu- righteous or Facebook comment frenzy: you and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway; remark? Don’t take the bait. Remove ing in the streets quite vocally and can’t win a fight on social media, it’s easy watching. But it does trivi- your trembling thumb of rage from you inwardly cringe inside? That is sense that “You can’t win you only have the last word. alise all individuals involved. I’d feel the send button. my reaction to any argument I see Who actually gains something people would be slightly more wary Yes, the impulse to respond to on either Facebook or Twitter. It’s you have the a fight on from such a public display? If we of what they’d write if they actually an individual who is lambasting embarrassing, humiliating and liter- ability to state social media, break it down to its simplest form, took a step back and considered a you with insults and bad language ally leaves you at the mercy of public social media provides an unre- simple question: is this an accurate is difficult to overcome. But having ridicule. Have self control and sim- whatever you you only have stricted view into how you angrily representation of my character? a right to respond, no matter how ply avoid participating in it. Refrain want isn’t react to a situation or differing view, Admittedly, you shouldn’t care rude people are on social media, from any form of ridiculous conver- the last word which is consequently left on the what people think of you. But it is doesn’t mean it has to be exercised. sation that leads to a public argu- right record. Hundreds, if not thousands for your own sake that you should Let me go back to the point I made ment. Offer an opinion - absolutely. ” of people will see your opinion, re- not lend yourself to such a low level. earlier: what is the point? Is a witty Just ignore the bait. ” 12 COMMENT

Making your voice heard: Politics beyond the general election Politics is more than just the general election. It’s every day. Here’s why you need to stay engaged and take the long view. here are probably few things attitude of expressing a democratic such as rallies, activism or raising thought of UKIP gaining influence Kieran Lewis Russell Brand and I agree on, voice once in a while to occasionally your voice about a political issue, almost by default, then surely this Pictured: but on an admittedly rare oc- teach the politicians a lesson people in the political world might is a powerful reason why you should Emmeline Tcasion I find myself nodding along continues to prevail. After all, to actually find out what the public engage. Pankhurst - with the recent Ed Miliband inter- those who do not keep updated with really want, and not resort to Take a moment to consider this. If British politics view – not because of the person political events, everything seems a an elaborate form of guesswork. tabs are not kept on what is going on wouldn’t be the being interviewed – but because it bit confusing and dull. As a result, Otherwise, they will just carry on in politics, parties may use this lack same without seemed to strike a chord somewhere it is quite easy to get extremely lost regardless without the fear of being of awareness to their full advantage. her. about how important it is to remain and think ‘why bother’? caught. If you are reading this, you Clearly, if people are lazy and do not Source: Topical politically engaged beyond election Without wanting to sound are one of the lucky people who are check whether the often audacious Press Agency, time. obvious or blunt, the only way to stay in a country where it is possible to claims made by politicians and spin- Wikimedia This week, people are probably on track with political information raise your voice and speak freely doctors are true, then they will be Commons thinking to themselves that it is is to regularly consume political without fearing prosecution or misled into believing something that high time this politics nonsense information. T e question is, what negative consequences. What is is simply not true. Politicians may Politics gets disappeared for a while. After all, could possibly motivate someone the point of having the potential to also believe they can get away with “ everyone has been bombarded with to attempt to do this? T ink about challenge or help change something anything as no-one is likely to notice trapped in general election this and general it this way. Parties are constantly you really do not like, when you will then say people had their chance to its own little election that for what seems to seeking votes, and seem to think the not do anything about it? have a say but decided not to. T e key be an endlessly long time, and best way to do this is to appeal to as Governments have a bad habit of components of our political system world of probably feel like they need to take broad a group of people as possible. only listening to those who shout are accountability, transparency a well-deserved break. The national Everything is meticulously planned the loudest. Just look at UKIP. How and democracy, but if people do not assuming newspapers have engaged in a war from day one of a new Government can a party which has a relatively remain engaged then they should not what voters of some sorts on who can slander assuming offi ce, in preparation for small amount of support pressure complain if something controversial “Governments the candidates the most. the next election, where these votes the Conservatives into an EU like the bedroom tax magically have a bad want to hear, Perhaps in a year or so we can will be needed. Yet, such a setup referendum? The answer is that appears if they have done nothing and such vote in a local election, or something often means politics gets trapped in they are the ones continuing to to challenge it. Politics is a two-way habit of only along those lines, if we really want its own little world of assuming what engage, which many respect, even if process, and it is important to keep a scenario to, but for now politics can remain voters (or potential supporters) want they do not agree with what UKIP it that way. listening to a subject confi ned to academia and to hear, and such a scenario can make says. In the European elections last The political tools are there, and those who can make it the political bubble. T e thing is, this it appear out of touch and somehow year, UKIP gained the most seats the only way to engage is to use them. appear out of attitude only leads to a dangerous unreachable. It does not have to be because their supporters were the In doing so, politics can be made shout the trap of apathy, disenchantment and like this. ones particularly engaged with the more accessible. As this happens loudest touch perhaps, most concerning of all, By keeping engaged by politics – elections as they saw them as an people can become less apathetic vulnerability. not just through keeping updated – important issue so made the effort and begin to feel integrated with the ” For many, the typically British but also by taking part in activities to vote. If you are frightened by the political process. ” JASON ROBERTS VS THE WORLD 13

Yak attack Why we must destroy Yik Yak

enerally, I am embracing of form us that he was ‘YikYak famous’, in some kind of sick homage to the went into a quiet room in the Stu- Jason new technology. Tis is be- which I assumed wasn’t difficult Island of Doctor Moreau, created an dents’ Union to do some work, where Pictured: Roberts cause I believe that most new because he had to be the only per- app where you can handily access there were no more than ten people Yik Yak on a Gtechnology is invented to make our son on it. I mean, if there was a new everything that makes the world of in there. I opened my laptop, only smartphone. lives easier, and I like this because I way to agonisingly express myself social media such a total shitshow. to be greeted with the Britain’s Got (Photographer: am an unrepentant slob. Any tech- online, I’d have heard about it right? Want the banality of Facebook and Talent Crowd on full volume going Mary Duggan) nology that eliminates the need for I was the first person in my school Tumblr? Te faceless anonymity of apeshit over a guy spinning some personal interaction is also good, be- year to get Twitter! (Okay, that Twitter? Te thirstiness of Tinder? plates, which my girlfriend had been cause people fuck up everything you might not be true, but my Twitter YikYak has it all. watching the night before. It took ask of them. And then they want to was way better than anyone else’s. It Te thing is, I can actually deal me about fifteen seconds to shut engage you in a boring conversation was truly ground-breaking stuff.) As with all that. Every time I’m on any them the hell up, during which time about the weather/sports/the new it happens, there’s a reason I hadn’t form of social media, I’ve always got at least two people had gotten their royal spawn/something else you don’t heard of YikYak. It turns out that my something to sidestep, whether it’s a phones out to YikYak it. Tis isn’t give a shit about, and you just wish subconscious had recognised its ex- shit joke, casual racism, not-so-casu- saying that the age of privacy is over, they’d make your damn coffee right. istence, but subliminally informed al racism, whatever. All social media it’s just kind of annoying that as well In contrast, computers do everything me that it was not worth my nearly presents both good and bad, because as people thinking that I watch Brit- right all the time, and if they don’t, we worthless time, because YikYak is it’s representative of humanity as a ain’s Got Talent, I also have to suffer can throw them into a skip and buy a total horseshit. whole. No, what I hate about YikYak, the indignity of having my misfor- newer, better one. You can’t do that, at A quick primer to those who is that I’m now having to watch every tune anonymously broadcast across least not without serious legal ramifi- have been lucky to avoid this soul- single little thing I do, knowing that the greater Cardiff area. cations, with people. sucking shambles of an app thus far: if I do something even slightly weird, People do dumb shit all the time. Any technology Understandably then, I depend YikYak is essentially a stream of up- it’ll be on there within five seconds. People do weird shit all the time. “ a great deal on my phone. Armed dates from anonymous users near I don’t want you to read that as: People go out looking like tramps that eliminates with my phone, I would never have you. Like Twitter, only you follow “Yikyak is turning us into a police and they walk home looking like to leave the house if I didn’t want to. everyone who posts within a certain state everyone stock up on tinfoil death. Tese things happen so often the need It has everything I need. An app for radius, and you can’t see who they hats!” because It’s not that bad. Yet. that they don’t need to be document- for personal ordering food, an app for casual sex, are. You can then upvote their posts But it’s causing us to change our be- ed and preserved for the approval of an app to inform me that my editor if you like them, and downvote them haviours. Look at the library for ex- faceless randomers. Instead of be- interaction is furious about me handing in this if you don’t. If a post is downvoted ample. YikYak has turned the ASSL ing a technology that’s making my is also good, column so close to deadline, liter- enough, it gets deleted. If it gets up- into London Fashion Week. It used life easier, YikYak is actually making “Everything ally everything. So whenever I hear voted enough, it makes it onto the to be fine to rock up to the library in it worse. Te only thing that com- because about a new app, I’m all ears. Any- HOT SECTION. An example of the trackies and a hoody, but if I wanted forts me is that there’s every chance I do is now thing that makes my already cushy HOTTEST YAK as of the time of to do that now, I’d be the subject of that we’ll have something else in 12 subject to people fuck up existence just a little bit cushier. writing: “’Women should not have intense mockery. Which is bullshit, months, which means this absolute everything you Which leads me onto YikYak, to pay for sanitary towels/tampons. because the library is a place of total travesty of a social network will be invisible which apparently is now officially, Period[.]” This is the sort of place misery, and I’ve dressed appropri- consigned to its rightful place in his- ask of them ‘a thing’. I first heard about it a cou- YikYak is. ately. tory: as an annoying inconvenience scrutiny ple of months ago, when a friend of Essentially, YikYak has taken the Everything I do is now subject to that made nothing better and every- ” mine messaged our group chat to in- worst features of social media, and invisible scrutiny. Just last week, I thing worse. Death to YikYak. ” tweet us @GairRhyddPol mail us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics Mixed results for Cardiff Labour Jo Stevens successfully contests Cardiff Central, but Mari Williams left disappointed as Tories hold the Heath

n a night of surprise results, Liberal Democrats were to experi- now wanted to come back. A lot of his majority to 2,137. Carwyn Cardiff was no exception, with ence trouble, Labour seemed des- our policies this time around target- T e UKIP surge across the coun- Williams a shock hold for the Conserva- tined to take the seat, and last week’s ed core Labour voters and brought try was expected, but their support “In what was Itives in Cardiff North and Jo Stevens Gair Rhydd prediction was correct. them back to us.” in Wales may come as something of a a long and elected as the new Labour MP for T e Liberal Democrat’s vote col- As a new MP, she hopes to be a vis- surprise. UKIP came third in Cardiff Cardiff Central. lapsed by 14.7 per cent on aver- ible and open MP for Cardiff Central North and fourth in Cardiff Central. agonizing In what was a long and agonizing age across Cardiff last week, being and her constituents. She pledged to In Cardiff South and Penarth, UKIP night for night for Labour, it was clear early on roughly on par with the national vote “do my utmost to represent people in came third with over 6,000 votes, up that Labour would not secure a ma- slump. On Friday, she took to Twitter Cardiff Central in this enormously over 11 per cent on 2010 in their tar- Labour, it jority. But Cardiff Central candidate thanking her constituents for letting privileged job.” get seat, but this didn’t dent Labour’s was clear Jo Stevens celebrated success at 4am her serve as their MP. When Gair Rhydd was talking to majority here. early on that last Friday when the count concluded Stevens said that while the Liberal Cardiff Central’s new MP, she stated It was fascinating and surprising and results were announced. Stevens Democrats did very well in Cardiff that she had only been concentrat- in equal measure to see UKIP com- Labour would overturned Liberal Democrat major- during the 2010 election, the people ing on Cardiff Central, and was yet ing second in some Labour strong- not secure a ity of 4,576 winning with 40 per cent who voted for them “voted for one to catch up with the gloomy Labour holds in the valleys, such as in Mer- of the vote, ending Jenny Willott’s thing and got something diff erent.” results elsewhere, especially in Scot- thyr Tydfi l. T e average share of the majority decade-long tenure in Parliament. “A Tory government is not what they land. UKIP vote in Cardiff seats is 9.8%. Speaking to Gair Rhydd shortly wanted”. T at’s why Labour managed In Cardiff North, one of the most Responding to this, Stevens ex- after the result was announced, Ste- a strong 11 per cent gain on the last unpredictable seats of election night, pressed her concern at this height- vens said she “felt thrilled” and “was election, she said. Mari Williams could not regain the ened level of UKIP support, as well ” not expecting such a big majority.” Ed Miliband announced before seat taken by the Conservative Craig as her surprise and disturbance at “We knew we had a chance to win polling day that Labour had over fi ve Williams by just 194 votes in 2010. the UKIP performance here in Car- but a 5,000 majority is unbelievable.” million conversations on doorsteps Williams, a former deputy head and diff . Jenny Willott, the outgoing Mem- during the campaign, and Stevens Cardiff local, was too upset to com- She went on to say it was very sur- ber of Parliament had a mixed voting has been an active contributor to ment. Jo Stevens said that result was prising to see UKIP doing so well, record, and this will have defi nitely this, saying she had spent the last a “real shock,” as Mari “was a great considering that there were some infl uenced Cardiff voters. She re- two years knocking on doors. candidate.” “great candidates” standing such as signed from government to protest Voters nationwide appeared to T roughout the night, the BBC Martin Pollard for Plaid Cymru. In a the rise in tuition fees, but voted reject Labour’s vision of govern- reported that Cardiff North was too disappointing result, Pollard missed in favour of the bedroom tax, a re- ment, losing seats up and down the close to call. Despite it being widely out on getting his deposit back by duction in welfare spending, and an country. Stevens seemed confi dent predicted that the seat would be a eight votes, despite boosting the increase in VAT. Coupled with na- that though “a lot of Labour voters Labour gain, the Conservative in- Plaid Cymru vote share in the seat by tionwide trends that suggested the deserted us in 2005 and 2010, [they] cumbent in fact managed to increase 55 per cent over the results in 2010. Gair Rhydd survey 80

Labour: 33% 70 Lib Dems: 19% 60

Conservatives: 20% 50 Plaid Cymru: 6% % 40 Green: 14% 30 TUSC: 1% UKIP: 6% 20 Other: 1% 10

0 Yes No Gair Rhydd student poll (voting intentions) results Did you send a postal vote at this election? May 7th - May 8th POLITICS 15 Wales swings to the right How the nation voted o one saw it coming. Labour digion. It only slightly increased its Robert Thomas has lost the election in ex- vote in Ynys Môn but despite this Note: traordinary circumstances; failed to unseat Labour. It seems Areas tinted Nin Wales it has its lowest number of although many disenfranchised red and purple seats since 1987 with 25 of 40 won. working class voters from the La- are where It only slightly improved on its vote bour party in particular, which Plaid UKIP was the share from 36.3% in 2010 to 36.9% sought to attract, have moved to party with the this time round. The Conservatives UKIP in this election. Labour’s only second highest here have gained 3 seats to Labour’s saving grace in Wales was its gain of vote share one, bringing their total to 11, their Cardiff Central from Lib Dem Jenny best result since 1983. Willott, in stark contrast, the party UKIP managed the most tremen- lost the Vale of Clwyd and most sur- dous positive vote swing nationally, prisingly Gower to the Tories, a seat up 11.2% compared to the dismal held by Labour since 1910. negative 13.6% swing the Lib Dems The gap between the big two (La- experienced leading them to lose bour and Conservatives) parties Cardiff Central and Brecon and in Wales in this election was 9.7%, Radnorshire. To put it poetically, this figure is lower than the 10.1% our hills no longer echo traditional achieved in 2010, and much less Liberal principles, our valleys are than 21.3% in 2005. So, this figure “A key feature no longer bastions of socialist ten- definitely seems to be converging. of this dency. In this election, while La- While the first and second larg- bour holds most seats in Wales, est parties in the country remain election has the nation has been stained both Labour and Tory respectively, the been the call red and blue with UKIP purple be- third largest party this time round neath. Farage’s party came second is UKIP rather than Lib Dem who by many of in four Welsh seats: Islwyn, Blaenau have fallen to fifth place from 2010 the minor Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhym- figures while fourth and unchanged parties, be it ney, and Caerphilly (all primarily is Plaid Cymru. working class, ex-industrial Labour A key feature of this election has UKIP, Plaid, heartlands). UKIP has managed to been the call by many of the minor Green or muster over 204,000 votes in Wales parties, be it UKIP, Plaid, Green or from an electorate of nearly 2.3 mil- Lib Dem to change the electoral Lib Dem to lion, this is 13.6% of total votes cast. system to use more proportional change the The figure for Plaid Cymru stands at representation (PR). The Green’s electoral nearly 182,000, that’s 12.1%, a mod- and UKIP together make up 16.2% est increase from the 11.3% man- of the popular vote in Wales. The plurality and 20 additional mem- ber of people in Wales have made a system to aged in 2010. The Party of Wales first-past-the-post system means a bers using the d’Hondt method of clear statement; that they are willing use more will be content with its ability to vote share even on this scale cannot proportional representation. This, to endure harsher and deeper public hold Arfon, Carmarthen East and guarantee elected MPs. Next year, using current projections, means sector cuts, more NHS privatization proportional Dinefwr, and Dwyfor Meirionydd. the Welsh electorate will vote in the that the next National Assembly and severe slashes in welfare all in representation It will be disheartened in failing to National Assembly Election which will consist of 28 Labour, 14 Tory, a ‘stab-in-the-dark’ attempt to see reach beyond its traditional voting does use a form of PR, the additional 11 Plaid Cymru, 5 UKIP and 2 Lib some economic growth. Undoubt- base and reducing its vote share in members system, whereby 40 AMs Dem members. edly and comprehensively, Wales ” its target seats of Llanelli and Cere- represent constituencies elected by In summary, an increasing num- has swung to the right. Wales General Election Results

Labour

Conservatives

UKIP Seats Plaid Cymru

Lib Dems

Greens

Labour Conservatives Plaid Lib Cymru Dems Percentage of votes 16 POLITICS

Day one, and three scalps for Cameron T e election results eliminated three major rivals

Pictured: Clegg, Miliband and Farage, who resigned as party leader once Tory majority became clear

his election result has shocked uty Prime Minister since 2010. Clegg huge signifi cance in Westminster, as of UKIP’s surge and growth across Rhiannon the nation. T e election’s un- stated in his resignation ‘the Liberal they will represent the largest nation- Britain that has dominated the media Tapp precedented result has seen the Democrats have had to bear the most alist party numbers in parliament and since last year’s election. “Deep cuts Tresignation of three party leaders, pos- challenging of circumstances.’ Clegg the third largest party overall. T is After securing a majority Conserva- ing signifi cant questions for the future added that he believed the country was should win them infl uence in select tive win, David Cameron went to visit will also be of those parties. Nigel Farage, Ed Mili- a ‘more liberal place’ and that history committees. Nicola Sturgeon says an the Queen on Friday morning. David imposed band and Nick Clegg have all stepped books would judge his party ‘kindly’. SNP win is not a mandate for a Scot- Cameron said to his colleagues ‘of all on Welsh down as leaders of UKIP, Labour and ‘Fear and grievance have won, liber- tish referendum, adding that ‘the SNP the victories, this is the sweetest vic- the Liberal Democrats respectively. alism has lost but it is more precious will do their best to represent those tory of all’. Government T e Conservatives have received a ma- than ever and we must keep fi ghting who voted ‘No’ in the Scottish referen- T e Conservatives have, throughout funding under jority government in this election win- for it.’ dum as well as ‘Yes’’. this campaign, promised ‘to fi nish the ning 331 seats while Labour received a T e Labour Party’s losses were a UKIP’s progress has been of interest job’ by continuing austerity measures. Conservative disappointing loss with just 232 seats. great shock. T e Labour Party has to many. T e Euro-sceptic party have Prior to the election they had prom- rule. The T is election result is far removed suff ered numerous defeats across seen the product of their growing pop- ised further cuts of £12 billion, but slashing of from the poll projections of the last England, Scotland and Wales and has ularity in this election as they received did not disclose which areas of society few weeks, taking many by surprise. fallen behind the Conservatives by 99 four million votes nationwide. Doug- would be hit by such cuts. To drive Welsh funds T e discrepancy is said to be due to seats. A loss of this size was not pre- las Carswell won a seat for UKIP in down the UKIP vote, the Conserva- will have the ‘shy Tory eff ect’. T is is the eff ect dicted by the pre-election polls. Clacton leaving UKIP’s overall result tives pandered to the party by prom- of people voting Conservative but not Prior to the election Miliband had slightly below predictions, with most ising an IN/OUT EU referendum by significant admitting it to pollsters; since 1992 tried to affi rm confi dence in a Labour people projecting a 2-3 seat win for the 2017 following a re-negotiation pos- effects pollsters have modifi ed their polls to majority government. After suff ering party. In Wales their support has risen sibility on the terms of Britain’s mem- on local accommodate for this. T e election such a huge loss, Miliband off ered his by 11 per cent since 2010, compared to bership of the European Union. How- has shown unprecedented results for resignation. During a speech at mid- Labour and the Conservatives whose ever, if the UK were to leave the EU it services and the Liberal Democrats as well, with day on Friday Miliband stated ‘I take results rose by just 0.6 and 1.1 per cent, is widely believed that the SNP will call healthcare in “In further their downfall across the UK being de- absolute and complete responsibility while the Liberal Democrats’ support for another independence referendum, scribed as ‘cruel and unforgiving’. for the result. T e party needs to have fell by 13 per cent. which under those conditions may ac- Wales news, the T e Liberal Democrats have re- an open and honest debate about the Leader of UKIP Nigel Farage ap- tually be successful. Scottish ceived their worst ever result, winning right way forward without constraint’. peared to concede defeat prior to the Deep cuts will also be imposed on National Party just 8 seats. T is is a loss of 49 seats for Miliband said ‘the issue of our unequal South T anet announcement. Af- Welsh Government funding under the party. Following this it has been country will not go away, the fi ght ter failing to win his seat Farage an- Conservative rule. T e slashing of ” has won a suggested that it could be the end for goes on’. Following this, Miliband an- nounced his resignation as leader of Welsh funds will have signifi cant ef- landslide Liberal infl uence. If this is the case nounced that Harriett Harman has UKIP. Farage ‘congratulated the Prime fects on local services and healthcare then the political system has lost an been the ‘best deputy leader anyone Minister for securing a majority’ and in Wales. victory in important central ground. Following could ask for’ and that she will take said ‘there has been an earthquake in Plaid Cymru and the Green Party Scotland. this we can expect a future of two par- over until a new leader is decided. Har- this election but it happened north of were two parties, which came in close The rise of ty politics in which people are made to man later announced she will resign as the border’. Farage added ‘on a profes- to their polled predictions. Plaid Cym- choose between left and right, seeing deputy leader. sional level I express a degree of disap- ru were successful, receiving 3 seats nationalist the previously moderate electorate Ed Balls, Labour’s shadow chancel- pointment but on a personal level I feel in Wales. T eir leader Leanne Wood politics has forced to the peripheries. lor, who lost his seat at Morley & Out- a huge weight has been lifted off my has said ‘the result is a good founda- Nick Clegg said this election would wood, reiterated the sentiment saying shoulders, I’ve never felt happier’. tion for Assembly elections next year’. been an have ‘profound implications for the ‘any personal disappointment I have at Andrew Rawnsley commented T e Green Party has established its important Liberal Democrats and the country’. this result is nothing compared to the that much of UKIP’s identity centred place by reaffi rming Brighton’s Green factor in this T e Liberal Democrats did even worse sense of sorrow I have at the result that around Farage’s leadership. Addition- Party standing. Caroline Lucas hailed than the exit polls predicted. Paddy Labour has achieved across the UK’. It ally, many UKIP voters identify with her party’s success in the election say- campaign. Ashdown promised to eat his hat if the now remains to be seen who will re- his image in the media, making it ques- ing ‘they have made history again, in The SNP will exit poll turned out to be correct. In place Miliband and Balls, two Labour tionable that anybody could eff ectively Brighton and nationally’. retrospect it seems the Liberal Demo- forerunners within the political cam- fi ll this position. Douglas Carswell is T e election may have been infl u- have huge crats should not have entered into a paign. a contender but it is unlikely that he enced by the fear of coalition, because significance in coalition if they wanted to retain elec- In further news, the Scottish Na- could command working class support of voters’ preference for stable major- Westminster toral support. tional Party has won a landslide vic- in the same way Farage has. ity governments. Fear of the SNP may Nick Clegg resigned on Friday af- tory in Scotland. T e rise of nationalist Without Farage’s leadership the come to be seen as the deciding factor ternoon after being leader of the Lib- politics has been an important factor party could lose momentum, and it accounting for the Conservative ma- ” eral Democrats since 2007 and dep- in this campaign. T e SNP will have might be thought that this is the end jority. POLITICS 17

What do these results mean for the biggest parties? But first, a few interesting facts about the new parliament:

Number of women in parliament Bradford Council have confirmed Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson Election day was also the 70th an- rises by a third. 29% of 650 seats won they are investigating George Gal- made claims there were incidents of niversary of the end of WW11 (VE in this election are held by women, a loway after complaints he breached ‘voter intimidation by burly men’ Day). Tis meant Ed Miliband and rise from 23% in 2010. Is this enough election law by allegedly tweeting an at an Annan polling station in Scot- Nick Clegg’s last acts as leaders were to warrant celebration? exit poll before polling had closed. land. to attend remembrance service. The Conservatives

uch has been made of the startling. swing of eight percent from the Lib the clamour will come not only from Alex Norton ‘Shy Tory Factor’, a nineties No, they have no seats in Northern Dems and two percent from Labour the left, but the right too, with UKIP phenomenon in which the Ireland – that was to be expected – was enough to stave off the two par- feeling under-represented given their But make no MConservative Party consistently at- or Scotland, but there was to be no ties’ challenges in key swing seats, substantial share of the vote at this “ tained better electoral performances stopping the SNP juggernaut. In Eng- and enough to see the Tories nick a election. And on foreign policy too mistake about than their opinion polling would ever land and Wales, however, they have fair few targets of their own – mainly the latter will make itself heard, with it: this was have suggested. Tis was attributed to achieved more highly than they would from their former coalition partners, the Tories having committed to the Tory supporters answering pollsters ever dared to have hoped. Here in the who bore the brunt of the voters’ an- daunting prospect of a referendum an election less than truthfully as to their voting latter, they have eleven seats (includ- ger for five years of austerity. on EU membership. won within intentions – whatever the reason. ing the Gower, a Labour stronghold With five difficult years behind us, Tis country is fractured, and great Tis election represents perhaps for more than a century), which rep- the Conservatives would never have tests and quandaries lie ahead. But the English the most significant re-emergence of resents their best performance since expected to better their 2010 perfor- the Tories’ can rightfully claim to borders the aforementioned, long thought to Margaret Tatcher’s second election mance; having done so, they will now have the mandate to navigate the na- be lapsed, factor. Tis was the elec- win in 1983. be emboldened in pushing forward. tion through this difficult period in its tion that was destined to be hung; But make no mistake about it: this For some time, austerity will continue history, and to do so without a liberal and whilst (at the time of writing) the was an election won within the Eng- and both the British economy and presence keeping it in check. ” Conservatives may yet fall painfully lish borders. Te Tories’ southern society will be subject to stresses that Prior to this election, the talk of the short of an overall majority, the vari- heartlands came out in force, provid- they will rarely have felt. Te Tories left was the potential of a coalition de- ous quirks of the House of Commons ing them with the strongest of foun- claim we will emerge stronger – we signed to lock David Cameron out of means that they will rule and rule dations on which to build a govern- can only hope they are correct. Downing St. What they – nor anyone alone. ment of their own. Domestically, too, calls for vot- else – bargained upon was the voters Teir performance has been utterly Across the rest of the nation, a ing reform will continue. Tis time handing the Prime Minister the key. The SNP

political earthquake hit Scot- Labour and the Liberal Democrats, a quarter of the votes. vote was not about another referen- Carwyn land last Tursday, shattering who together had 52 seats in 2010, Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC that dum, and she vowed to keep to her Williams all Scottish Labour and Lib were down to a single MP each after Labour had been “losing the trust of word and not take it as a mandate for ADem hopes in the country. Last year’s last week’s SNP breakthrough. the people of Scotland over a period a referendum. referendum saw a surge in people get- Tere were certainly big upsets of years.” Adding ““What we’re seeing Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy ting engaged in politics, and this has across Scotland, with even a 20 year tonight is Scotland voting to put its even lost his seat, but added in his continued to this general election, old student standing for the SNP trust in the SNP to make Scotland’s concessionary speech “the fight back “On vote share, with voter turnout well above the UK beating Labour’s campaign chief voice heard, a clear voice for an end starts tomorrow.” average at 71%. Douglas Alexander. Mhari Black is to austerity, better public services and Boris Johnson, an influential figure the SNP did Te polls predicted unprecedented also now Britain’s youngest ever MP, more progressive politics at West- within the new Conservative group, well, winning SNP gains, and they were right, with becoming the baby of the house when minster. Tat’s what we now intend said on Friday morning “Tere has to over half of the SNP gaining 56 out of a possible Parliament returns. to do.” be some kind of federal offer (to Scot- 59 in Scotland. On vote share, the SNP did well, On Friday morning she told voters land). Everybody needs to take a deep votes cast With 50 gains, the seats had to come winning over half of votes cast, with that this was a vote to make Scotland breath and think about how we want from somewhere, and they came from Labour lagging behind with less than heard, and she’s always said that this the UK to progress.” The Labour Party ”

he Labour Party has fallen re- Labour government seemed out of the still respect him as an economist. Ed people’s concerns were deep seated Rhiannon markably short of its predicted question. Balls failure to get elected confounded against Labour and could not have been Tapp numbers by over 100 seats com- Labour only managed to win Edin- Labour’s struggle to gain their seats. fixed by any short-term campaign. It Ting in at 232 seats behind Conservatives burgh South in Scotland and lost their Overall there have been significant loss- can be argued the Conservatives how- at 329. Scottish Labour leader, Jim Murphy. es to Labour’s holds and expected gains. ever ran an effective campaign against Exit polls released at 10pm on Turs- Douglas Alexander lost his Labour seat Labour’s downfall is hard to pinpoint. Labour which may have convinced day night revealed an unprecedented in Paisley to 20 year old SNP candidate With hindsight we can perhaps under- people of the idea Labour was respon- number of Conservative seats at 316 Mhairi Black, who secured 51% of the stand how the Labour Party campaign sible for years of economic failure and with the Labour Party falling behind at vote. may have failed to engage and remain that David Cameron is a better choice 239. As the night proceeded these polls Wales saw significant Labour losses, in touch with ordinary people. It could of Prime Minister. proved to be accurate. with the Gower losing its seat to the be suggested the campaign failed to de- No doubt there will be further discus- Former Ed Miliband who resigned Conservatives- a constituency which fine itself in the eyes of the public, as a sion of Labour’s election campaign and after Labour’s downfall said it has been has been a Labour stronghold for 109 strong alternative to lead the country. Ed Miliband’s leadership in the days fol- a ‘difficult and disappointing night’ for years prior to the election. Moving the blame away from Labour lowing the election. Labour has begun “Labour’s the Labour Party. He apologised to his Ed Balls, Labour Shadow Chancel- brings arguments about the media and talks about how they can ‘rebuild’ and Labour colleagues who had seen heavy lor lost his seat at Morley & Oakwood opposition parties’ smear campaigns ‘turn this around’. downfall defeats against the SNP in Scotland. on Friday morning. Balls stated that into view, as these may have impeded Bookies are claiming ‘Andy Burnham is hard to Labour lost their hold at Nuneaton he felt ‘sorrow at the result Labour had on Labour’s chances. is the favourite’ to be the next Labour pinpoint when the swing went to the Conserva- achieved across the country’. It has been Rafael Behr of the guardian claims Party leader. Whoever takes the posi- tives who won with a majority of 5,000 commented that even those who hate ‘Labour lost the election before the tion will have the recent Labour down- votes. Tis marked the point at which a Balls within the House of Commons campaign even started’ arguing that fall to concede with. ” 18 POLITICS

Introducing Westminster’s 2015 cohort Pictured: T e new workplace for newly elected MPs (Photographer: Dan Forest, via Flickr)

Labour

Stephen Kinnock – Aberavon Imran Hussain – Bradford East Paula Sherriff - Dewsbury T angham Debbonaire – Bristol West Stephen Kinnock is the son of Neil Hussain was the fi rst in his family to Sherriff accused the former conserva- David Hooson Kinnock and consequently known go to university and is a trained bar- tive MP Reevell of being a part timer Debbonaire was the research and Lauren Boyd as a “red prince”. He is the husband rister and deputy leader of Bradford for having a second job, which earned funding manager for Respect, a char- of the Danish PM Helle T orning council. Hussain refused a £1,000 do- him £44,648 last year, on top of his ity supporting victims of domestic vi- Schmidt. He has had a successful nation from Tony Blair to kick start £67,000 MP’s salary. Since almost olence. Prior to working for domestic international career and speaks 5 his campaign, because of his opposi- half of the local Labour Party are Pa- violence charities Debbonaire studied languages – but not Welsh. Some tion to the Iraq war. Blair off ered the kistanis and Gujaratis, Sherriff has maths at Oxford and was a profes- Labour party members have com- money to candidates in key battle- worked hard to gain their support, sional cellist. She is a supporter of the plained that relatives of politicians or ground constituencies. turning up at pro-Palestinian protests Robin Hood Tax and claims that end- former politicians have been handed and talking about the right for Kash- ing child poverty by 2020 is her high- safe seats. miri self-determination. est priority. Conservatives

Anne-Marie Trevelyan - Berwick- Craig Williams - Cardiff North Boris Johnson - Uxbridge and Derek T omas - St Ives upon-Tweed South Ruislip T e Conservatives held this seat St Ives was the last constituency to T e Lib Dems accused the conserva- from a Labour challenge, but the Johnson has been Mayor of London announce its result and was one of tives of trying to buy Berwick be- incumbent MP had announced he since 2008 and previous to that was the many seats in the South West to cause of the high level of donations would stand down two years ago. MP for Henley, serving in the Shad- swing from the Lib Dems to the Con- Trevelyan received. Controversially, Before his election as an MP, Wil- ow Cabinet. He has now returned servatives. T omas is one of a cohort Trevelyan received £9,000 from the liams was serving as a city councillor to parliament for one of the safest of Conservative MPs with young Ukrainian boss, Alexander Temerko, in Cardiff with particular involve- Conservative seats, in a move that families, all of whom have focused of the oil and gas company OGN. ment in transport policy and focused was seen by some as the beginning on local issues to win support on the Temerko’s company has donated on local issues in his campaign. He of a leadership challenge if this elec- ground, perhaps by making them- £690,000 to the conservatives in all. has also served as an advisor to the tion had not gone well for his party. selves seem more relatable than their Welsh Conservatives on European It will be interesting to see what role party’s leadership. issues, so his role in the impending he plays throughout the course of the EU referendum will be interesting. next government. SNP

Mhairi Black – Paisley and Ren- Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh – Ochil Tommy Sheppard – Edinburgh John Nicolson – East Dunbarton- frewshire South and South Perthshire East shire

Black is only 20 years old, making her Ahmed-Sheikh was a member of the Sheppard is a comedy club owner Nicolson beat senior Lib Dem Jo the youngest MP since 1667 and the Conservative party until 2000 when and former Scottish Labour general Swinson. He is a former speech writ- youngest ever under the Great Re- she resigned in opposition to Wil- assistant secretary. He claims it was er for a US senator and a former BBC form Act 1832, and is due to sit her liam Hague’s “right wing” comments Labour that left him during the ref- journalist, who reported for Pano- fi nal politics exam at Glasgow Uni- on asylum seekers. It also emerged erendum. He describes himself as a rama, Newsnight and Watchdog versity. Black’s victory was not only that she had been a member of the “republican socialist democrat” who among others. He presented BBC notable for her age; she also unseated labour party for 2 years in the 90s is not instinctively nationalist; he News 24’s live coverage of the 9/11 Douglas Alexander, former Shadow Ahmed-Sheikh, a lawyer, was award- wants socialism in Scotland and be- attacks on the World Trade Center Foreign Secretary. Black’s share of ed an OBE in 2014 for services to lieves nationalism can achieve this. in New York. He was the fi rst person the vote was 51%, overturning a ma- business and the Asian community. in his family to go to University and jority of 16,000. She has starred in her husband’s Bol- studied at Glasgow University and lywood fi lms. Harvard. POLITICS 19 How will the climate fare under a majority Tory government?

majority Conservative gov- Lauren Boyd ernment does not bode well for the future of the environ- Pictured: Ament. David Cameron went from Will these hugging huskies in the 2010 elec- polar bears tion campaign to “cutting the green survive crap” from energy bills. Neither the the next ‘Green surge’, nor Labour being led parliament? by a former climate change minister (Photographer: put climate change at the centre of Matthew public debate. Studebaker, via However, the world is not on track Flickr) to keep below 2 degrees Celsius: ‘safe’ warming and the scale of the problem only worsens the longer it is left. One of the biggest talks on cli- mate change will take place in Paris this November so climate change needs to be taken seriously early on in this parliament. According to the independent Committee on Climate Change the cost of delaying climate change ac- tion is over £100bn so it is urgent, even for economic reasons, that the government puts strong policies in place to deal with climate change as soon as possible. counted on their appeal to “NIM- court over some of its fossil fuel sub- widely opposed because fi nding new Action to help mitigate climate BYs” who oppose wind farms in their sidies. T e Capacity Market has been sources of fossil fuels are not what change is also necessary to help the areas. challenged on the grounds that it vi- is needed to reduce greenhouse gas 19% of the population who suff er T e coalition have a poor record olates state aid rules by prioritising emissions. Fracking is also thought from fuel poverty. Ed Matthew, di- for a government that claimed to be fossil fuel electricity generation over to contaminate water supplies. rector of campaign group Energy the “greenest ever”. Eric Pickles, the cheaper and more reliable demand- Most of the Conservative’s ‘plan of Bill Revolution claims that 1000s die Secretary of State for Communities side options. action’ on energy and the environ- unnecessarily every year because of and Local Government has pulled in T e situation would worsen if the ment in their manifesto was noth- poorly heated homes. T e Conserva- applications for 50 wind farms and UK left the EU in 2017. T e UK has ing of the kind: it was in fact a self- tives promised to insulate 1 million rejected 17 projects despite fi ve be- been taken to court by the European congratulatory list of things they had more homes but only committed ing approved by independent advi- Commission for failing to deal with already done. T ey were proud to themselves to ‘low-cost’ energy ef- sors. It also scrapped the Infrastruc- the Aberthaw coal power station just have signed a deal to build the fi rst fi ciency measures. According to one ture Planning commission that was outside Barry that emits 1300mg nuclear plant in a generation despite Yougov poll 68% of the population set up to allow nationally signifi cant of nitrous oxide per metre cubed – the risk of nuclear accidents and the support energy nationalisation. projects, such as renewable energy more than double the legal limit of diffi culties with dealing with nuclear T is means the new government development, to receive planning 500mg. Nitrous oxide causes acid waste. will have a lot of catching up to do permission more quickly. rain and health problems. T e UK’s Nuclear power stations are also to get the UK on track to meet its EU T e UK subsidises the oil and gas coal stations are thought to be re- potential targets for terrorist attacks. target for 15% of UK energy demand industry between $543 and $1,174 sponsible for 1600 premature deaths T e Bush administration claimed to be met with renewables by 2020. million annually through tax exemp- in the UK. T e Conservatives intend they had found diagrams of Ameri- Although 68% of the UK public sup- tions for exploration and extrac- to continue investing in North Sea can nuclear power plants in al-Qae- port wind farms, the Conservatives tion. T is seems unlikely to change oil and gas. da materials in Afghanistan. stated in their manifesto that they considering that the Conservatives T e Conservative’s claim in their In the Conservative party’s de- will not subsidise any more on shore receive £2.5m in donations from manifesto that they are proud that fence they have committed £1bn to wind farms if they are elected. T is energy companies. T e European their tax cuts have led to the birth of carbon capture and storage. Carbon suggests that the Conservative Party Commission has taken the UK to a new industry - fracking. Fracking is capture and storage

Here are some initial reactions from you, to the 10PM BBC exit polls

“I’m shocked and a little disappointed. “T e exit poll has done little but con- “A disgusting result that shows an obvi- ting their faith in the Conservatives.” T is will mean fi ve more years of fi rm what we all expected: no clear ma- ous naivety or self interest on behalf of – Sophie Bond-Jones, Conservative coalition and how little progress has jority.” voters.” voter been made.” – Gareth Evans, Labour voter – Josh Smith, Green voter – Dan Heard, Labour voter “I expected to see our number of seats “FUCK.” “We’ve made small steps towards decrease but this is utterly unprec- “Isn’t a very good result, it’s bullshit! – Sheri-Ann Brady, Labour voter change but this election is a reminder edented. It’s one of the darkest days in I thought Labour would do much that our system moves painstakingly liberal history. We’ve been punished better, now we will have more of “I don’t think devastated is the right slowly.” for acting in the national interest.” the same horrible austerity and word. We need proportional repre- – Sarah Roberts, Green voter – Alex Norton, Liberal Democrat voter have more homeless people on our sentation now.” streets.” – Rob T omas, Plaid Cymru voter “Absolutely marvellous result, looking “I wasn’t at all surprised, but in my – Ailidh Durie, Labour voter forward to the next fi ve years of gov- particular constituency the Lib Dems “T e exit polls shows me that Wales ernment.” still had a chance. I knew people had “If this proves true, Labour have had needs a political revival. T ere was – Adam Stokes, Conservative voter lost faith in the party - but this is pretty an unbelievably bad night. I’m still a 71% turn out in Scotland, and the shocking.” speechless.” result is a yellow nation.” “Tonight has been a remarkable night – Jordan Adams, Liberal Democrat – Jamie Williams, Labour voter – Jack Tilson, Plaid Cymru voter and I’m delighted to see the nation put- voter 20 POLITICS Northern Ireland Assembly reject same sex marriage motion Pictured: Ireland National Assembly Credit; Lyn Gateley

orthern Ireland has suf- motion under the category of ‘other’. after the police received a complaint never really “sat down and thought Greg fered yet another blow ac- This result is simultaneously dis- a week later detailing his homopho- about it. In further comment Kina- McChesney cepting rights for same-sex appointing and unsurprising for bic remarks to a gay couple while out han revealed his hopes for a society couples,N after the Northern Ireland many involved in the marriage rights canvassing. Immediately following without discrimination regardless “This result is Assembly rejected a motion calling campaign in Northern Ireland. this second offence, Wells resigned “of religious belief or sexual orienta- for its introduction for a fourth time. A mere two days before the vote, allegedly to take care of his termi- tion.” Echoing the sentiments of Ki- simultaneously In a move that sparked condem- Health Minister for Northern Ire- nally ill wife. nahan SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood disappointing nation from many facets of society, land Jim Wells was subjected to po- Despite a meagre quantity of ‘yes’ said: “We need to, as an assembly, as the Northern Ireland Assembly has lice investigation after he made ex- votes from unionist MLAs, those people in positions of power and re- and rejected the proposal after 49 of 96 plicitly homophobic remarks during that did were eager to display their sponsibility, we need to be seen to be MLAs (members of the Northern a hustings event the week previously. support for the motion. Ulster Un- embracing all members of our com- unsurprising Ireland Assembly) voted against the Wells insinuated that same-sex cou- ionist MLA Danny Kinahan was munity - all members of our com- for many motion tabled by Sinn Féin. The mo- ples are neglectful, and that any child “proud” to support the motion. Cit- munity. tion – initially supported by Sinn under their care is “far more likely ing his experiences in school and He added: “There is no reason involved in the Féin, SDLP and several Alliance to be abused and neglected”. Wells the armed forces, Kinahan stated whatsoever, Mr Speaker, why the marriage rights MLAs – was squashed when 49 of briefly engaged in damage control that he was “ashamed” to say that north of Ireland should be the only 53 unionist members voted no, nar- with a paltry apology for his actions, he previously believed “gay, lesbian place on these islands that doesn’t campaign rowly defeating 37 nationalist ‘Yes’ but it became evident that Wells’ at- and such matters were wrong and have marriage available to same sex votes and six MLAs supporting the tempt at repentance was short-lived, could be laughed at” and that he had couples.” ” Were ISIS behind the Texas shooting? Gunmen open fire at ‘Draw Muhammad contest’ SIS has claimed responsibility for Islamic tradition dictates that any phobia after the Charlie Hebdo attacks Rhiannon two gunmen who open fi red on physical depiction of the prophet Mu- in Paris. Geller said in an interview on Pictured: Tapp security guards at a ‘Draw Muham- hammad is sacrilegious. Monday, ‘T e Charlie Hebdo slaughter Pamela Geller, Imad’ contest, held in Dallas, Texas. T e ADFI issued a statement call- was the opening slavo in an ongoing anti-Muslim T e event was being held by the ing the gunmen’s actions a ‘war on battle’. Geller has been criticised for blogger ‘American Freedom Defense Initiative’ free speech’. T is aligns with the view her racist attacks and use of hate in- Photographer: (ADFI). that attacks on ‘free speech’ is a core ducing metro ads. Merel van The AFDI is an extreme right- element of Jihadi terror. Following While ISIS claimed responsibility Beeren wing organisation against the ‘Is- Charlie Hebdo, many have suggested for the gunmen saying on its al-Bayan lamization of America’. Founder and that drawing the prophet Muham- radio station that ‘two soldiers of the anti-Muslim blogger Pamela Geller mad is an important form of protest caliphate’ carried out Sunday’s attack wrote, ‘this is war’ just hours after in defence of free speech. Guardian in Garland, it is questionable whether the event. The event has seen a re- cartoonist, Steve Bell responded to Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi had newed interest in ADFI, which has this saying ‘what does Muhammad any links to the terror group or were Anti- Muslim been listed as a hate group since its have to do with it?’ arguing the best acting of their own accord. T ere “ establishment in 2010. response to terrorism is to mock the is no evidence to demonstrate ISIS blogger, T e aims of the AFDI should there- killers involved. Many agree that since had a hand in or inspired the events fore be discussed separately to such terrorists’ actions do not refl ect Islam- which took place on the 3rd of May. Pamela Geller notions. Critics of the ‘Muhammad ic teachings, depictions of the prophet American authorities have said they wrote: ‘this is Art Exhibit and Contest’ say the event Muhammad are irrelevant to protests are investigating whether Sunday’s was deliberately infl ammatory and against terrorism. shooting had any link to international war’ just hours done to provoke hatred. Historically Reporting to Fox News, Geller terrorism. T e White House issued a such actions do incite violent reac- stated the Garland venue for the art statement calling the shooting ‘an at- after the event tions. Drawings of the prophet Mu- exhibit was chosen because it was the tempted terrorist attack’ but added hammad are off ensive to followers of same place American Muslim leaders that it was too soon to say whether the ” Islam leading to violence worldwide. held a conference on fi ghting Islamo- incident is linked to ISIS. RIN VE G U LI N E T D I

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Should we be editing the human genome? Genetically modifying embryos sparks worldwide debate

ast month, for the fi rst time ever, ethical conversation began soon af- Scientists have even warned that the method. Carl Zimmer, notable Shanna scientists reported editing the ter. However, the concerns were not the technique could be exploited science journalist who hosts a blog Pictured: Hamilton human genome, the genes inside as deep-rooted, as according to No- for “non-therapeutic modifi cations”. at National Geographic, dislikes the Above: Chinese La human embryo. Uproar has ensued, bel Prize Laureate and virologist Da- Some have taken this to mean “fright- comparison to movies such as GAT- scientists with a high profi le debate still going vid Baltimore, “It was logistically so ening eugenic pursuits”, as described TACA. T e thriller, starring Ethan have modifi ed strong, emotive and worrisome words complex that there was no clear path by Eyrn Brown of the LA Times, in Hawke, involves a world where the human embryos like “eugenics” and “grave concern” forward, so we didn’t worry about it a reference to the social philosophy ap- rich create genetically “perfect” peo- using a new even thrown into the conversation. lot.” Last month’s discovery however, plied by Nazi Germany to “improve ple, leaving the imperfect, or “invalid” controversial What are the ethical implications of has changed that. “Now we’re here”. the genetic quality of the human pop- behind. Zimmer says, “If we are going technique, this work? Is it safe? Should we be ed- In the research paper, submitted ulation”. to talk about international bans, I’d that is a huge iting the human genome, and tinker- to Protein & Cell by Chinese scien- According to Dr Francis Collins, like an international ban on invoking step up from ing with life? tists from Sun Yat-sen University in director of the National Institutes for GATTACA in these discussions. It’s IVF treatment T e structure of DNA was fi rst Guangzhou, the team ignored the Health in the US, modifying the DNA like saying, “We shouldn’t genetically (Photographer: discovered in the 1950s, and in the calls for a moratorium on human ge- of embryos “is a line that should not engineer people because we will end Jinepol IVF half-decade since, our scientifi c ad- nome editing, and went ahead to ap- be crossed”. He added there were “se- up with an army of fl ying monkey Clinic) “I believe vances have been unprecedented. We ply the CRISPR-Cas9 technique to rious and unquantifi able safety issues, overlords… but is that the most useful can now sequence the human genome human embryos. T ey tried to modify ethical issues presented by altering the way to talk about the real social and this is the – the entire DNA code, all 3 billion the gene that causes β-thalassaemia, a germline in a way that aff ects the next medical impacts of a new technol- first report letters of it – for less than £1000, in blood disorder that can be fatal, in an generation without their consent, and ogy?” a matter of hours. We can manipu- attempt to eliminate disease from the a current lack of compelling medical T e CRISPR-Cas9 technique can- of CRISPR/ late the DNA of viruses and bacteria, genetic code. applications”. In a particularly damn- not be compared to eugenics as it is to produce antibiotics and life saving Although the researchers used ing statement, Dr Collins made it clear currently applied. While a morato- Cas9 medications. We are so accustomed to “non-viable” embryos, perhaps in an that the US “will not fund research for rium and further research before edit- applied to DNA manipulation as an integral part attempt to subside concerns from modifying embryo DNA”, and others ing the human genome seem logical, of our society, that it even features in prominent biologists, many high- have called for a moratorium – time unfortunately bans are incredibly dif- human pre blockbuster movies, such as Jurassic profi le scientists are unimpressed. to discuss and consider before any fi cult to apply internationally, and it Park, and on Jeremy Kyle’s acquired- Although the gene correction was other experiments continue. may be diffi cult to stop eager scien- implantation taste chat show, in paternity tests to successful in 7 out of 86 attempts, a While many agree that we should tists from trying to eradicate disease embryos and determine the father of a child. number of other “off -target” muta- put the brakes on human genome en- from our DNA. Should we be editing T e latest advance in DNA modifi - tions were introduced that has many gineering, some are keen to displace the human genome? Maybe not yet. as such the cation has had life scientists across the concerned. George Daley, stem-cell some of the propaganda surrounding Will we? Probably. globe in a frenzy. CRISPR-Cas9, utiliz- biologist of Harvard Medical School study is a es age-old technology of introducing said, “I believe this is the fi rst report of landmark, DNA changes to study the function of CRISPR/Cas9 applied to human pre- Pictured: genes and the proteins, or life building implantation embryos and as such the T e CRISPR- as well as a blocks, that they make. T e diff erence study is a landmark, as well as a cau- Cas9 technology with CRISPR-Cas9 is, scientists are tionary tale. T eir study should be a takes advantage cautionary given the power to add or remove ge- stern warning to any practitioner who of a bacterial netic code very easily. T e technique thinks the technology is ready for test- system, that tale means that the DNA code can be cor- ing to eradicate disease genes.” allows DNA rected or changed in a wide range of T e major issue is that editing to be cut and cells, including human embryos. of the human genome in this man- removed, ” CRISPR-Cas9 is nothing new. It is ner will make heritable changes to or altered a system found naturally in bacteria to the DNA code – that is changes that (Illustrator: help that fi ght off invading viruses. By could be passed on to future genera- Willie, Fotolia. using short strands of repeating code, tions, with unpredictable eff ects. Ac- com) known as CRISPRs, enzymes of the cording to a Nature Comment article, Cas family are directed to chop up bits authored by seniors in the fi eld, while of the virus, to preserve the integrity “genome-editing technologies may of- of the bacteria. fer a powerful approach to treat many A few years ago, this system was human diseases, including HIV/AIDS, exploited by scientists, to edit DNA haemophilia, sickle-cell anaemia and in all sorts of organisms. By designing several forms of cancer … genome Got a story the right CRISPR, they could target a editing in human embryos using cur- idea? Let specifi c part of a genome, and cut the rent technologies could have unpre- us know: DNA – new DNA could be inserted, dictable eff ects on future generations. science@ old DNA removed or replaced. T e T is makes it dangerous and ethically gairrhydd.com possibilities were endless, and the unacceptable.” SCIENCE 23

Student Science: Caff eine, man’s best friend As the deadline season comes into full swing, this week’s Student Science examines how to make the most of that 2am coffee

t’s getting late. It’s just you left in seem to require a man-sized mug of Meryon Julian Hodge periodically shift- black coff ee just to resemble a human Pictured: Roderick ing your weight so the disgrun- being in the morning. T is is largely I hope that Itled cleaners can clean around you. It down to how diff erent people me- water he would have been time to sleep hours tabolise caff eine, which is measured has there is ago if sleep weren’t for the weak. You in biological half-life, or how quickly caff einated. have an exam or a coursework dead- you can remove half of the caff eine (Source: line in just a few short days and like molecules in your body. In a healthy Svein Halvor so many of us you’ve decided that ade- adult this varies widely from three to Halvorsen, quate preparation throughout the year seven hours but this can be aff ected by Flickr) just isn’t the way to go. Caff eine is how whether you’ve built up a tolerance or the real pros do it. not. You can become less able to me- Whether it’s via the more modern tabolise caff eine if you’re pregnant or methods of caff eine delivery like ener- on the birth control pill because of the gy drinks and pro plus or whether you diff erent levels of hormones in your prefer a good old cup of exceptionally body. strong coff ee, the eff ect is largely the So how do you make the most of same; but what does caff eine actually your late night caff eine dose? One do to your body and how do you make thing that speeds up your metabolism the most of this most helpful of stimu- of caff eine and reduces its eff ects is lants without getting so jittery you the presence of nicotine in the body, can’t even work the keyboard? which means if you’re a smoker who As you go about your daily business wants to feel the full eff ects of that of shaking your head at lecture slides 2am coff ee, you might need to cut you’re sure you must have read and out the stress smoking for a couple of “... caffeine wondering whether resitting a year hours before hand. “There’s a would really be that bad, your body Another way to maximise the eff ects work correctly. T ough caff eine has once which just turns you into a para- has been produces a compound called adeno- of caff eine is with a technique dubbed been proven to minimise lapses in fo- noid, jibbering mess. Not the most species of proven to sine. T is binds to receptors that are the “coff ee nap”. Researchers at Lough- cus and improve work rate for simpler productive state to be in. If you keep bacteria that located on nerve cells in the central borough University discovered that if tasks, more complex problems like your caff eine intake to small doses minimise nervous system, which produces a you neck a cup of coff ee and then take synthesis of new ideas don’t appear you also avoid the potential health can survive lapses in chemical response in your cells that a 15 to 20 minute nap the coff ee actu- to be made signifi cantly easier. T is problems linked to large doses like makes you feel drowsy. Caff eine inter- ally has a much greater eff ect. T is is means that its best to get the harder headaches and heart palpitations. Just solely on pure focus and rupts this binding process by blocking thought to be because the nap clears stuff like coming up with ideas for your follow Student Science’s advice and caffeine. I bet the part of the receptor that adenosine out a large amount of the adenosine in essay out of the way early and save the you can use caff eine to your advan- improve binds to which means that you don’t your body so the caff eine has less to more straightforward stuff like copy- tage to attain the degree you deserve. they never work rate get sleepy. Caff eine also has the added compete with and can do its job more ing out notes or formatting until later Finally, always remember that if you complain bonus of being able to dissolve in both thoroughly. T e only catch is that you because caff eine can take care of those ever start feeling like you’ve spent too for simpler water and fat, which is part of the rea- need to be able to nod off or at least so you don’t have to. long being propped up by Relentless, about pulling tasks... son why its eff ects are felt so quickly. achieve a peaceful half asleep state be- If you follow these steps then you there’s a species of bacteria that can One notable thing about caff eine is fore the coff ee takes hold obviously. can make the most of your caff eine survive solely on pure caff eine. I bet an all nighter how some people go completely nuts Finally, to really make the most of intake (small doses every 1-2 hours is they never complain about pulling an ” after a can of coke whereas others your coff ee you need to prioritise your best) and avoid taking in too much at all nighter. ” Geologists warn of future earthquakes in Nepal region

arth scientists have warned will be or how powerful it will be be- the blame for the huge loss of life and layan Fault Line relieves its pressure. Meryon that the devastating earthquake cause the exact shape of the Hima- destruction of irreplaceable, ancient In the words of Stanford University Roderick that struck Nepal on 25th layan Fault Line is unknown due to monuments. T e regions to the West geophysicist Simon Klemper: “T e EApril, tragically killing thousands, large swathes of it resting many kilo- of Nepal such as Bhutan must be earthquake I worry about is not the may not be the end of the problems metres underground. However, one prepared for any future natural dis- one that happened on [April 25]; it’s for the region. Earthquakes occur at side of a fault line will tend to dip asters to avoid a repeat of this April the one that could be a magnitude 8.6 fault lines (in this case the Himala- down sharply as one tectonic plate is when the next section of the Hima- to the west.” yan Fault Line) between tectonic pulled under another. T is pushes the plates, releasing pressure that builds ground above it upwards, creating up as the plates rub up against each steeper terrain with higher levels of Pictured: other. If there are kinks in the fault erosion and deeper cutting streams. T e line such as sudden dramatic changes By searching for these features, re- Himalayan in direction then the earthquake will searchers have managed to fi nd a very Faultline not carry past the corner. long, unboundaried section of the runs between “This segment T is means that an earthquake is fault line in Bhutan, which has been the Tibetan only capable of relieving pressure building pressure since an earth- Plateau ... may be from the one section of the fault line quake in 1505. T is segment is nearly (snow capped it emanates from. T e larger the sec- twice as long as the one responsible mountains) capable of tion, the larger the earthquake. Ge- for the Nepal earthquake and may be and the producing ologist Kristin Morell of the Univer- capable of producing earthquakes of Takla-Makan sity of Victoria in Canada has warned magnitude 8 or greater, even larger Desert in the earthquakes that “T e Himalayas are a very long than the magnitude 7.8 earthquake foreground. mountain belt, and strain is still that hit Nepal. (Source: of magnitude building up in all the other regions Nepal was ill-prepared for the NASA, Flickr) 8 or greater... from Pakistan all the way to eastern earthquake that struck its capital Tibet.” city and emanated throughout the It is diffi cult to know exactly where country and the Nepalese govern- ” the epicentre of the next earthquake ment has been apportioned part of 11TH MAY - 12TH JUNE 2015 HEFIN 2015 11EG MAI – 12FED ME COMING TO A LIBRARY NEAR YOU! YN DOD I LYFRGELL YN AGOS I CHI!

cardiffstudents.com/revisionaid SCIENCE 25

New urine test can check your obesity risk As UK fi gures skyrocket, this tool may be key to helping future diabetics

ormal risk factors for obesity are in [urine] are still very useful to Shanna and diabetes are quite clear- the body… You would be amazed how Hamilton cut – high blood pressure, much frozen piss we have.” Pictured: Na lack of exercise, a family history of By studying consecutive samples of Obesity is similar ailments – but now scientists a patient’s urine over a long period of prevalent in have found another place to look for time, researchers could establish the the UK, with evidence. A person’s urine has now person’s “metabolic phenotype”: they childhood been shown to contain chemicals that could attribute the presence of certain cases rising can help identify the chances of dis- chemicals in the urine to lifestyle hab- and 1 in 4 ease in later life. its such as diet and exercise. adults now Led by Imperial College London, Looking at obese people compared overweight. the study, published in Science Trans- to those of a normal weight, some (Illustrator: Joe “Obesity has lational Medicine, shows how obesity chemical ratios were very diff erent. 13, Flickr) has a “metabolic signature”, a pattern One ratio of chemicals, leucine-to-ke- become a of chemicals released into the urine. toleucine, proved key to their discov- T is may point to certain processes ery. Leucine is an amino acid that is huge problem in the body that could be targeted used to make energy, and ketoleucine all over to prevent ill health eff ects. Profes- is a byproduct as the amino acid is sor Jeremy Nicholson, director of the broken down. In obese people, there the world, MRC-NIHR National Phenome Cen- is less ketoleucine, because the en- threatening tre, and co-author says, “T ese fi nd- zymes don’t work as well due to lack ings provide possible starting points of activity. T is ratio is also linked to to overwhelm for new approaches to preventing and blood insulin levels, and therefore the treating obesity and its associated dis- risk of diabetes. health eases.” Robert Gersten, professor at Har- services and Nicholson and colleagues looked vard Medical School said, “Since the adults overweight. Nicholson said, also of Imperial College said, “Our in detail at the chemical make up of late 60s or early 70s, people have been “Obesity has become a huge prob- results point to patterns of metabolic drive life urine, which we would normally con- trying to fi gure out the association lem all over the world, threatening to markers in the urine associated with sider as a waste product. It is full of with obesity. T is paper very nicely overwhelm health services and drive obesity. It may be possible to iden- expectancy metabolites, or chemical by-products, adds to the breadth of metabolic dis- life expectancy gains into reverse. tify non-obese people who have such gains into that are produced by the processes turbances that are associated with hu- Tackling it is an urgent priority and it patterns in their urine profi le. T ese that happen in our body. “T e kidney man obesity.” requires us to have a much better un- people could be at risk of developing reverse doesn’t want those things at that par- T is new test is particularly relevant derstanding of how body fat and other obesity and metabolic diseases, and ticular moment,” Nicholson said. “But as the prevalence of obesity continues aspects of biology are related”. might benefi t from personalised pre- ” nonetheless, a lot of metabolites that to skyrocket in the UK, with 1 in 4 Professor Paul Elliot, co-author ventative interventions.” First ever case of dog-to-human plague transmission American pit-bull terrier bite spreads disease in Colorado he largest outbreak of the fore things become too serious. is a very rare case, and that we should avoid serious complications or death”. Shanna plague in 88 years, spreading It may be unnerving therefore to not be overly worried. “T e risk for So in the extremely unlikely event you Hamilton to four people in Colorado, US, know that such a serious disease has plague can be minimized by avoid- think you display symptoms of the Twas caused after a pit-bull terrier bit been transmitted by a dog. T e latest ance of possibly infected rodents plague, get checked out by a medi- his owner, it what is the fi rst known report from the Centers for Disease and their fl eas,” say report authors. cal professional. It won’t be like the cause of dog-to-human transmission Control and Prevention (CDC) has According to the CDC web pages, Black Death that wiped out up to 60 of the disease. unearthed the cause of the latest out- “Plague can be treated successfully per cent of the population of Europe - Normally, when the plague is men- break of plague in Colorado. A man, with antibiotics, but an infected you will simply take some antibiotics tioned, we think of a medieval disease who fi rst presented with pneumonia person must be treated promptly to and be cured, don’t fret. of boils disease-ridden fl eas rats that and a severe fever, had been bitten the carried the Black Death across Eu- previous day by his two-year old pit rope in the 14th century, killing 25 bull terrier. After an investigation in- Pictured: “Plague can million people. It may therefore be volving the man’s family, it was soon An American a surprise to know that the bacte- revealed that the dog had recently pit-bull be treated ria responsible, Yersinia pestis, is still died, after falling short of breath and terrier was successfully very much prevalent in every conti- coughing up blood. Post-mortem responsible nent except Australia. While cases of tests soon revealed the presence of for the spread with the plague are rare, even last year, 40 the virulent Yersinia pestis in the dog’s of plague in deaths on the island of Madagascar tissues. T is the fi rst case ever report- Colorado, US. antibiotics, were attributed to the bacteria, usu- ed of a dog passing the plague onto a (Photographer but an ally carried by fl eas. human. :Marcelo When a fl ea bites, it contaminates T e man eventually recovered after Cesar Augusta infected the wound with bacteria-fi lled blood, 23 days in hospital last summer, but Romeo, Flickr) meaning that Yersinia pestis can re- only after three others had been in- person must produce quickly. T e plague bacteria fected; two veterinary workers and a be treated release toxins and travel to a lymph close friend. node, where is causes severe infl am- John Douglas of Tri-County Health promptly to mation and the “boils” that are char- Department in Colorado, who led acteristic to the disease. If the bacteria the investigation said, “Frankly, one avoid serious enters the lungs, it can cause severe of the biggest surprises of this out- complications respiratory illness that is fatal in 100 break is the source. Primarily… dogs per cent of untreated cases. Luckily, don’t get sick at all or they get a mi- or death if caught quick enough, a course of nor illness” when infected with the strong antibiotics can eradicate the plague. ” bacteria from the blood stream be- However, the CDC urges that this trydar @taf_od ebost [email protected] TAF-OD ar-lein gairrhydd.com/tafod Yr Adladd

el y byddwch oll yn ymwybodol ond y tro hwn, fe ddaethant i’r adwy swyddog llawn-amser dros y Gym- fyddwn wedi ennill. Nid oedd yn deg. Morgan erbyn hyn, collwyd y dydd yn y yn llu. Prin iawn y teimlais mor falch raeg. Anfonwyd hefyd ebyst at gynry- Efallai yr oeddem ni siaradwyr Cym- Llun: Owen reff erendwm dros gael swyddog o fod yn Gymro wrth weld cynifer o chiolwyr academaidd yn eu hannog i raeg yn naïf i ddisgwyl ennill ar ôl Ymgyrchwyr Fllawn-amser dros y Gymraeg yma fy nghyd-Gymry yn ymgyrchu’n an- bleidleisio NA. Fe gyhoeddwyd blog rhedeg ymgyrch mor dda a ddenodd IE yn casglu yng Nghaerdydd gan drwch blewyn. gerddol dros yr iaith, gyda pharch ac gan y Llywydd ar wefan swyddogol yr gymaint o gefnogaeth, ond o wybod i derbyn y Mi fydd hyd yn oed y difater yn ein urddas a gwir argyhoeddiad. Treiddi- Undeb yn datgan ei fwriad i bleidlei- pa mor danbaid y bydd yr Undeb yn canlyniad plith yn groesgadwyr eiddgar dros ein odd yr ymdeimlad o undod bob calon sio NA, gydag erfyniad ganddo i bawb gwrthwynebu unrhyw ymgais debyg hiaith bellach o ganlyniad uniongyr- Gymraeg— a di-Gymraeg, yn ogystal. arall gwneud felly hefyd. Defnyddi- gennym yn y dyfodol i gael swyddog chol i’r modd y collwyd. Yn wir, ys- Un o ryfeddodau’r reff erendwm hwn wyd holl ff rydiau swyddogol yr Undeb llawn-amser dros y Gymraeg, pa gubwyd ymaith pob difrawder gan yr oedd y gefnogaeth o du’r myfyrwyr i hyrwyddo’r ymgyrch NA. Gwyrth obaith sydd i ni bellach? ymgyrch, ac afraid dweud y ganwyd nad oes ganddynt yr un gair o Gym- ydyw y daethom o fewn 91 pleidlais Mae’n anodd iawn teimlo bod yr cenhedlaeth o ymgyrchwyr brwd yr raeg. Cymeradwyaf eu cydymdeimlad o ennill. Gwarth ydyw nad oeddem â Undeb yn ein cynrychioli bellach; wythnos dyngedfennol honno, y cy- â ninnau, ac yr wyf yn dra diolchgar mawr o siawns o ennill gyda dylanwad onid oeddent wedi ymfyddino yn ein fryw nas gwelwyd yma yng Nghaerdy- o’r pontydd a godwyd rhwng gwa- cyfan yr Undeb yn ein herbyn. herbyn, a gwneud popeth a allent i’n dd o’r blaen yng nghyswllt y Gymraeg. hanol gymunedau gan y frwydr hon Cafwyd ar ochr yr ymgyrch IE gar- rhwystro? Os na allwn gael rhywbeth Ni thalai i mi ailadrodd hanes yr ym- dros sicrhau troedle i’r Gymraeg yn fan o fyfyrwyr angerddol â ff ydd yn y mae’r gymuned Gymraeg yn unfryd gyrchu a rhestru’r holl gamweddau ein Hundeb. Ond, serch hyn i gyd, system. Credasom y cawn fuddugo- dros ei gael trwy bleidlais, sut yn y byd drachefn; gwnaed hynny’n benigamp collwyd y reff erendwm i ymgyrch NA liaeth o ddilyn y drefn; gwnaethom y gallwn gael unrhyw beth? Siomwyd yn barod gan y papur hwn, ac nid oes nad oedd wedi ymgyrchu’n gyhoed- bopeth o fewn ein gallu. Credasom pob un ohonom yn enbyd. gen i ddim i’w ychwanegu at y gwaith dus o gwbl ac nid oedd ag un degfed mewn democratiaeth. Siaradasom â Ond, fe erys llygedyn o obaith. Bu’r cynhwysfawr a gyfl awnwyd ganddo. o gefnogaeth yr ymgyrch IE. Dibyna- channoedd yn uniongyrchol; crea- ymgyrch yn bair chwyldro, ac yn ein Yn hytrach, mi soniaf am yr adladd, a sant yn llwyr ar gefnogaeth agored, som dafl enni a sticeri i’w dosbarthu colled yr ydym yn magu nerth a bal- goblygiadau yr ymgyrch IE a’r golled cyhoeddus a swyddogol swyddogion a chrysau arbennig i’w gwisgo wrth chder. Dechreuad yw hwn, ac nid y fawr. etholedig yr Undeb, gan gynnwys y ymgyrchu; cyhoeddasom fi deos o diwedd. Fe barhawn i frwydro yn Y peth cyntaf i’w nodi, a’r peth am- Llywydd yntau. fyfyrwyr tramor y Brifysgol yn dat- urddasol ac yn barchus ac yn bositif, lycaf yn hynny o beth, yw’r dadrith Gydag ysgwydd cynifer o siaradwyr gan eu cefnogaeth i’n hymgyrch, ac ac afraid dweud, yn heddychlon. “Dibynnodd yr a ddaeth i’n rhan yn sgil y golled. Cymraeg dan faich yr ymdrech arwrol hefyd myfyrwyr o Ewrop o Wlad Mi fydd y reff erendwm hwn wedi Fe wnaeth yr ymgyrch IE ddod â’r i ennill y reff erendwm, collasom. Col- y Basg a Chatalwnia yn datgan eu ei argraff u’n annileadwy ar ein cof ymgyrch NA gymuned gyfan ynghyd yma yng lasom i gysgodion yr ymgyrch NA; cefnogaeth hwythau; lledasom ein cymunedol. Deff rowyd ysbryd cyfi - Nghaerdydd mewn ff ordd nad oedd ni welsom mohonynt, ni chlywsom neges bositif, gynhwysol yn ddi-baid awnder, ac y mae’r sêl dros degwch yn llwyr ar neb ohonom wedi ei gweld o’r blaen. mohonynt, a phan ddatgelwyd y can- ar Twitter a Facebook. Ond ofer fu’r ym ymestyn yn bell y tu hwnt i ni si- Yr wyf yn y gorff ennol wedi bod yn lyniad, nid oeddynt yn bresennol. Eu cyfan. A dyma’r dadrithiad. Pe na bai aradwyr Cymraeg. Cydsafwn â phob gefnogaeth feirniadol o bryd i’w gilydd o ddifater- hymgyrchu hwythau oedd i anfon am ymyrraeth swyddogion yr Undeb, lleiafrif gorthrymedig, ac fe orymde- agored, wch myfyrwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith y ebyst at gymdeithasau a’r timoedd a’u defnydd o blatff ormau swyddogol ithiwn tuag at y byd newydd a gwyd ddinas hon. Credaf i mi fod yn hollol chwaraeon yr Undeb i’w hofni gan gel- yr Undeb nad oedd gennym ni ar yr o ludw ein gobeithion teilchion. Nid cyhoeddus gyfi awn i’w beirniadu yn y gorff ennol, wydd am doriadau i’w cyllideb pe ceid ymgyrch IE yr hawl i’w defnyddio, mi anghofi r hyn. Ymlaen. a swyddogol Llun: swyddogion Chwith: Cyfarfod etholedig yr i trafod y Undeb, gan canlyniad Dde: Silvio gynnwys Falcon o Catalan yn y Llywydd cefnogi’r yntau ymgyrch IE ” “Eich gwasanaeth cyngor a gwybodaeth Student Advice Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr cyfrinachol ac annibynnol”

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Continued: SWALEC Finals Day

narrow the fi nal score to 17-12, with that took Newcastle into an 8-5 lead. recent track record in the competition, Howe penalty from a very diffi cult Ystradgynlais winning the Bowl and With conditions somewhat having lifted the Cup fi ve times since angle took Bridgend into the lead. Pictured: Edwards named man of the match for improving in the second half, the 2002 – more than any other club. With Pontypridd throwing A successful scoring all of his team’s points. scoring really got going, and the Bridgend Ravens have had their everything at them, Bridgend had day for men in Continued As the rain began to pour with the scoreline rarely looked convincing own fair share of success historically, to put in a superb defensive eff ort to blue (clock- from back Stadium’s retractable roof still open, either way. playing in four consecutive fi nals protect their lead. From this defence wise from top page the teams in the Plate fi nal faced a Another penalty success by Shaun and winning two from 1979 to 1982, came a long James Dixon kick that left): diffi cult challenge. Both sets of players Leonard extended Newcastle’s lead, though they have never matched that Tom O’Flaherty managed to chase T e Bowl should be credited for continuing their but a Chris Clayton try, converted by form since and have had only fi ve wins down and carry home to try territory. winners; the positive play in the conditions, which Rhys Truelove, put Ystrad temporarily in the league this season. T e conversion made the lead 19-10 Plate win- was perhaps telling of the conditions in front. Leonard’s boot then added To prevent the Cardiff rain again with three minutes left. ners; Bridgend they are used to enduring every week another six points to give Newcastle a impacting on the game, the roof was A last-gasp try from Jake T omas captain Ashley for their clubs. 17-12 lead. closed for the day’s fi nal game, which could not be converted and left James; Adam T e players’ perseverance ensured Flanker Liam Davies touched down helped the atmosphere build for the Pontypridd four adrift at the fi nal O’Driscoll an entertaining game in which the to level the scores, and Truelove’s climax of the club rugby season. whistle, handing Bridgend a shock tackling lead continued to change hands conversion put Ystrad narrowly ahead T e opening 30 minutes of the victory courtesy of dogged defence Pontypridd’s throughout. Ystrad Rhondda set the inside the fi nal 10 minutes. Newcastle game saw penalty chances for both and shrewd seizing of opportunities. James Howe early pace and had a try disallowed errors gave Ystrad more scoring sides, with Bridgend succeeding twice With international stars acting as (Source: Wales before Newcastle opened the scoring chances and they consolidated their and Pontypridd once. Just before the support staff for the day, and Wales Online) with a penalty. Ystrad quickly hit back lead to 25-17 and take the victory. stroke of half time, Pontypridd’s Aled legend JPR Williams and First Minister with a try to lead 5-3. Heading into the Cup fi nal, Summerhill touched down and the Carwyn Jones among the 10,717 in Play was then unfortunately Pontypridd looked like the favourites conversion made it 10-6 at half time. attendance, the day was a huge success delayed as Newcastle’s fl y-half Rhidian to defend the title they have won for Bridgend immediately closed the for everyone involved, and thankfully Lewis was carried off with his leg in the last two years, after a relatively gap in the second half, with a penalty not spoiled by the rain. T is will surely a splint. Steff an Evans came on as his easy 33-27 win over Cross Keys in success in the 44th minute. T e game be the biggest day in the careers of replacement and immediately made their semi-fi nal and a 36-0 domination remained poised at 10-9 for a good many players involved, and one they his presence felt. His kick found Dan of Llandovery in the quarters. 20 minutes, with Pontypridd pushing will look back on with pride for years Davies, who ran through to score a try Pontypridd also have an outstanding hard for the try, before another Owen to come.

Cup final: “Pontypridd Bridgend 19 also have an Pontypridd 15 outstanding recent track Plate final: record in the Ystrad Rhondda 25 competition, Newcastle having lifted Emlyn 17 the Cup five times since Bowl final: 2002 – more Ystradgynlais 17 than any Cambrian other club Welfare 12 ” tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport Glamorgan spark controversy Early declaration against Derbyshire “against the spirit of cricket”

Pictured: A rain-soaked Sophia Gardens and Jacques Ru- dolph lighten- ing the mood during a delay in play

Derbyshire...... 205 & 209/2d this over rate would have resulted in a spinners, which he pointed to as Glamorgan...... 103/4d points penalty. evidence that he was employing an The County Championship T e ECB was contacted during the attacking approach and not trying to lamorgan’s rain-aff ected game, with their head of operations Alan stifl e play or maximise their over rate. points system explained David Hooson LV= County Championship Fordham determining the appropriate Derbyshire’s ‘elite performance game against Derbyshire at course of action. T is may not be the director’ Graeme Welch registered Firstly, points are handed out based on the the SWALEC Stadium last end of the ECB’s involvement, however, his disappointment with Glamorgan’s final result of the match: week continued their run of draws in with the potential for a hearing about declaration, stating that they were Gthe early season, but was more notable the game and Glamorgan’s declaration aiming to bowl Glamorgan out for Win = 16 points for the controversy generated by the still possible. around 150. Had they done so, they Welsh county’s early declaration in the Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph would have won 3 bowling bonus Tie = 8 points each fi rst innings, which Derbyshire called remained insistent that the decision points and prevented Glamorgan Draw = 5 points each “extraordinary” and alleged was against was taken with positivity in mind, winning any batting bonus points. the spirit of cricket. and seemed surprised by the backlash In the game itself, Andy Carter was Match abandoned = 5 points each On the third day of the four- against his declaration: “I know their the pick of the Glamorgan bowlers in day match, which saw only 4.5 coach spoke to the umpires and was the fi rst innings, with his medium pace overs bowled due to lengthy rain quite upset about the decision to taking 4 wickets for 53 runs. Rudolph Both teams can then win bonus points interruptions, Glamorgan declared on declare. We discussed the issue with top-scored with 43 in Glamorgan’s based on how they perform in the first 103/4 in response to Derbyshire’s 205 the umpires and they cleared it with batting innings. innings only: all out. T ose 4.5 overs crucially saw Alan Fordham. We declared and they In Derbyshire’s second innings, two wickets fall, giving Derbyshire were out bowling at the time. Glamorgan started well by removing a bowling bonus point and leaving “Nigel Cowley came into our the openers cheaply, but Scott Elstone Batting points can be won by scoring: Glamorgan far adrift of the 200 runs changing room and mentioned there and captain Wayne Masden built 200 to 249 runs...... 1 points needed for batting bonus points. is a playing clause that was in the a good partnership by continually Immediately after the declaration, regulations. It is to do with the spirit rotating the strike. Elstone was 250 to 299 runs ...... 2 points the two counties and the match of cricket and denying teams points. rewarded with a century, fi nishing 300 to 349 runs ...... 3 points umpires, Alex Wharf and Nigel Derbyshire heard about the declaration 103 not out. T e decision to declare Cowley, became locked in discussions and also spoke to Alan Fordham about however, overshadowed the cricket 350 to 399 runs ...... 4 points about the legitimacy of the declaration, this clause but our decision was a played and has brought up questions 400 runs or over ...... 5 points with Derbyshire arguing that it was declaration about positive intent and regarding the spirit of cricket. intended to stop them scoring further we had discussed it in our own camp T e popularity of the short form bonus points as it looked increasingly at lunch time. of the game has led to an increase Bowling points can be won by taking: certain that the game would end in a “It was not about denying in revenue, which in turn leads to a draw. Derbyshire points. We are also missing demand for results. It can be be argued 3 to 5 wickets...... 1 point Glamorgan were three overs behind out on batting points but there was a that this desire for wins has pushed the 6 to 8 wickets...... 2 points their required bowling rate after the bigger carrot and that was to try and spirit of the game to a backseat role. fi rst innings and, with playing time bowl them out cheaply.” T is could making the gentleman’s 9 to 10 wickets...... 3 points rapidly running out, they needed to When Glamorgan came to bowl game follow in the footsteps of football, make sure they had time to bowl again in the second innings, Rudolph chose where sportsmanship is becoming to catch the rate up. Failure to meet to open with seamers rather than increasingly rare.

Cardiff Blues chiefs have claimed that honcho at the Blues? One name that former Wales full back Mike Rayer, of coaching in the Pro 12 from his time Steffan they have received more than thirty has been mentioned in dispatches who is now in charge of Bedford, and coaching in Ireland with Ulster. Thomas applications for the vacant head coach is that of Bristol forwards coach Nigel Davies who has been out of However, all speculation aside the role at the capital city region. T e Danny Wilson. Wilson has gathered coaching since departing as Gloucester Blues can ill aff ord to get this decision Blues hierarchy will soon be cutting a reputation as being one of the most director of rugby last summer. wrong. T e Blues, who were at one that number down to fi ve applicants technically astute forward coaches in All three are quality coaches in their time a superpower of the European with the aim of putting a new head the United Kingdom. own right, but one man who has also game, have been in the doldrums for coach in place by the fi rst of July. T e current Bristol forwards coach been linked with the role is Kiwi Mark far too long. T e new head coach must T e Arms Park outfi t have stated led Wales under 20’s to the fi nal of the Anscombe, the father of current Blues be given a period of three years to turn that right candidate will ideally have Junior World Championships in 2013, fl y half and Wales squad member the fortunes of an ailing side around, previous experience working within and is also credited with transforming Gareth Anscombe. and more importantly must be given European and Welsh rugby. the Scarlets pack of forwards into a T e former Auckland and Ulster freedom of choice to recruit his own So who could be in the frame hugely competitive unit. Two other head coach is rated extremely highly in backroom staff and his own players to replace Mark Hammett as head potential Welsh contenders could be his homeland, and also has experience within the regions designated budget. SPORT 31 Snowsport slide to national success nowsports’ successful year a Sheffi eld racer allowed the Cardiff Samuel Snell continued last week at King’s boarders to once again take the lead Pictured: Regional Western League and go on to a win. Cardiff Scompetition. T e ladies’ and Following this, a fantastic third snowboarders snowboarders’ fi rst teams took fi rst race performance leading to a win celebrating place, closely followed by the mixed left Cardiff in second position after their success ski racers placing third and our second the group stage and qualifying for the board team placing fi fth. quarter-fi nals. One of the biggest events on the T e boarders were seeded against Snowsports calendar saw over 500 Surrey’s notorious second team who, students from all over the country having won the Southern Regional descend on Brentwood dry ski slope League, were not an easy opponent to for a day of fun-fuelled antics, with all take on. Once again though, the South teams vying for the top spot in their Welsh boarders stamped their mark “Once more, events. on the competition with a spirited win A warm but cloudy day saw Cardiff ’s against fi erce opponents. It was a close the fans fi rst team snowboarders step up to the race, but Cardiff took a small lead and, were treated mark in their bid to claim the title of despite a tight fi nish, Cardiff won the King’s Ski Club National Champions. race to progress to the semi-fi nals. to a nail- T e fi rst race was a challenge fi t for Once more, the fans were treated to bitingly close none other than Cardiff ’s top racers: a nail-bitingly close race from Cardiff Phil Kenny, Rhys Oakley, Gareth with both teams battling it out to race from Allcock and Paul Lange. Up against the last gate, but a faultless race with the Midlands Regional silver winners, cleaner turns from the Cardiff boys than ever. leaving it to our board captain Phil Cardiff, with Coventry, it was a tough ask. A couple gave us a win, seeing off the Kent T e sun was fi nally out and Kenny to bring up the rear. both teams of falls let Cardiff down and Coventry boarders and putting Cardiff through observing from my spot at the top, the Once again it was looking too close took a win in their fi rst race with a lead to our last race. atmosphere was electric. to call, but nearing the end Phil took battling it out of two gates. Having outraced Loughborough A fantastic start from Gareth a slight lead. With the fi nish in sight, to the last A closely fought second race had in the semis, Coventry’s top boarders gave Cardiff a slight advantage as a daring (and almost costly) front fl ip everyone on edge. Once again, an were to meet Cardiff once again. A Rhys stepped up and gave a rapid over the line led Cardiff University gate unfortunate slip-up by Cardiff put tense atmosphere was felt by everyone; performance. Paul was to follow, to victory, bringing the title of King’s the team behind, and things weren’t having been beaten once already by and with another exceptional run it National Snowboard Champions to ” looking good. However, a fall from Coventry, the pressure was on more was neck and neck all the way down, South Wales. Rowers draw a blank in Nottingham hilst everyone was arriving there was a large amount of senior women’s boat was devastated scratch 4+. Having not trained Tegan Morris enjoying a long bank Cardiff support for their fi nal. However, to fi nd they had come 13th in the time together, the 4+ were not expecting holiday weekend, CURC a dramatic snapping of a blade resulted trial, narrowly missing the B fi nal by great results. Consequently, the best Wwere spending it with the majority of in their race being cut short. about a second. result of the weekend came from the universities’ rowing clubs at BUCS Waking up the next morning, the T e senior men had their last set of novice women who made it into the A regatta in Nottingham. rowers were greeted by heavy rain races of the weekend with their two and B semi fi nals. After a successful Varsity and and miserable conditions, resulting 4+’s, and after the 8+ the previous day, Despite pulling back on the last some excellent training since, the in the cancellation of all minor fi nals. they didn’t have high hopes. Yet, with 750m to conserve their energy, the crews were feeling pretty confi dent. T e fi rst time trials were the novice the weather appearing to be better, girls rowed positively to make it into However, with all other clubs stepping women’s two 4+’s and with cox-box an announcement was made that the A fi nal amongst traditionally up their games and a broad spectrum drama and windy conditions, both 4’s they were running the minor fi nals, successful clubs like Newcastle and of weather conditions, this feeling did well to end up with decent times. leading to the the top 4+ and women’s Cambridge. After an excellent race th Despite soon dissolved. Despite the top four being im3 8+’s realising that they would be the novice women placed 5 overall, “ Friday saw the fi rst half of the club disappointed not to end up in the A racing again. giving CURC their best and fi nal result a slightly travel up to Nottingham to kick off fi nal, they came 3rd in their B fi nal, Rowing up to the start of the race of the weekend. racing on the Saturday, with the senior beating the times of many crews in the however, the second women’s im8+ Despite a slightly disappointing disappointing men’s 8+ and the novice men’s 3 4+’s A fi nal, to come away with a result of saw the weather was far from ideal, BUCS, there are many positives to th BUCS, there entered to race. 8 overall. with boats being blown into each take out of the weekend, especially the After the time trials, all boats More results came from the novice other and waves cascading into the novice women. are many were disappointed with their results. men’s 8+ who did well in their time boat. After realising the dangers of With the novice and senior squads However, the best result of the day trial to come 10th, improving on the this, the race would be the last of the merging this week, CURC will be positives to came from the only women’s race of outcomes of Saturday, with an overall day as race organisers cancelled the looking forward to Henley Women’s take out of the day, with the senior women’s 4x result of 12th in their B fi nal. rest of the fi nals. and Henley Royal Regattas, and will posting a time which put themselves Next were the im3 8+’s, the senior T e Monday saw races from just endeavour to make improvements to the weekend in the B fi nal. women’s top boat and a mix of novice the women’s squad with the novice get some good results and end the year With the second lot of CURC and senior women in a second 8. T e women’s 8+ and the senior women’s on a high. ” “Saturday Nights, On Channel 5! “Goodbye Manish, Hello Gary!”, but don’t know. them all. Dan Heard Saturday Nights, On Channel 5!” “Goodbye Manish, Hello…?” And An 11th place fi nish in the disaster And then there’s the football. God, No, Cardiff haven’t secured Europa that’s just it. of a campaign just gone was their don’t mention the football. League football for next season (they T ere’s that familiar air of lowest fi nish for 10 years (the dark But you know what? Next season, would need to fi nish where Swansea uncertainty about the whole thing. fi nal days of Lennie Lawrence’s era). after wading through the fog of are, in a whole division above them, And I’m not just talking about the Looking at it from afar, it resembles despair once again. I’ll be there. to do that). Channel 5 deal. some kind of soap opera. When Bolton, and Huddersfi eld, and No, from next season, the No, there is uncertainty in exactly Billionaire, crackpot owner with a even the MK Dons (don’t start) visit, Bluebirds will be one of the 92 what the hell kind of beast Cardiff love of both control and the colour I’ll be there. Football League teams featured on City will be next season. Promotion red, a journeyman ex-PE teacher When the next capitulation rears a brand new highlights show on candidates? Play-off hopefuls? Mid- picking the team, which consists of its head, I’ll be there. And I’ll watch the home of Big Brother (where table nothings? (Please, God, not a group of lower-league wonders, the bloody highlights on Channel 5. hopefully, everyone will be watching again). Or even relegation fodder? I, overpaid fl ash-in-the-pan egos, and Because it’s Cardiff City. Roll on next them). It’s no longer the case of along with every other City fan, just just a handful of quality amongst season! tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport

Bridgend star on Finals Day Bridgend cause an upset at SWALEC Finals Day, as Ystrad Rhondda and Ystradgynlais also take home silverware at Millennium Stadium unday 3rd May saw the climax incarnations over the years. T is and managed to shut out several close second half and, after a string of errors David Hooson of the Welsh club rugby season, year’s edition began with the fi rst try chances. With both teams keen to including a knock-on from captain with six teams competing for Plate and Bowl fi xtures way back in impress on such a big stage, there were Julian Huntley, replacement Brendon Ssilverware on SWALEC Finals Day at September, with the fi rst matches for some massive tackles made across the Lyons dived over the line to get them the Millennium Stadium. T e day’s those contesting the Cup taking place pitch. on the board and back in the game. premier event, the SWALEC Cup fi nal, in January. Ystradgynlais kicker Matthew Huntley added the extra two points, pitched Bridgend against Pontypridd, T e fi rst game of the day was the Edwards took his side into the lead with leaving the game tentatively poised at while in the second-tier Plate fi nal Bowl fi nal, Ystradgynlais settled into a penalty, before breaking through to 8-7. Ystrad Rhondda took on Newcastle the atmosphere of the big day and into score what would be his side’s only try. Error-strewn play eventually came Emlyn, and in the third-tier Bowl fi nal, the home of Welsh rugby very quickly, With the conversion missed, the team to haunt Cambrian, conceding three Ystradgynlais faced Cambrian Welfare. playing positively and taking the game in blue and white took an 8-0 lead into more penalties in the second half, T is was the 44th year of the Welsh to their opponents. half time. all scored by Edwards. A late try Continued on Cup, which has had several diff erent Cambrian held their own, however, Cambrian were very active in the from Richie Lewis helped Cambrian page 29

Rowers disappoint in BUCS regatta Snowsport win National Champs Glamorgan declaration controversy P31>> P31>> P30>>