In this week’s issue: an interview with Labour leader Ed Miliband, the plans for the fi rst UKIP society in Wales detailed, and why gair rhyddy we can no longer ignore the housing crisis Monday March 23rd 2015 | freeword | Issue 1049

Hockey committee members ‘pressured’ to resign ‘Severe’ sanctions imposed following streaking incident in Julian Hodge

embers of the Cardiff Men’s of confi dence in their ability to However, those responding to pissing on the side of my house.” EXCLUSIVE Hockey committee have fulfi l their roles, explaining that “we the disciplinary action have voiced Journalism, Media and Culture Pictured: Anna Lewis M reportedly been ‘pressured’ feel we have lost the backing of the concerns that the action taken is too undergraduate Sophie Lodge also Hockey players at to resign after team members were chairman and the committee and severe. confi rmed that she had seen “people last year’s varsity recorded ‘streaking’ in the Julian we feel our position has become Former student Chris Houghton streaking” in Talybont North during (Taliesin Hodge Building. untenable.” said: “I think a hockey player’s job is her fi rst year. Coombes) Th e incident, which took place “We feel we did the job to the to play hockey. If anything, all that But talking about the disciplinary in the building’s library and was best of our abilities and feel that his running around with their kit off action, Lodge expressed doubt over recorded on video by a surprised decision is putting the club’s best shows is an intense devotion to their whether the resignations were too onlooker, led to both social interests fi rst.” sport.” harsh an outcome. secretaries of the men’s hockey team “It’s with a heavy heart and teary Some have claimed that students “It’s not like they are losing a job, leaving their positions. eyes as I type this for the last time,” shedding clothes on campus is not they’re losing a voluntary position in According to a message posted to the message concluded. a new phenomenon, especially in a society they participate in in their the one of the group’s social media Th ere has been speculation that student residences such as Talybont, spare time,” she said. pages last week, the committee the students involved in the incident, and is not particularly controversial. Last week, Gair Rhydd reported felt itself to be under pressure to which was reported by Gair Rhydd Indeed, the behaviour seems that students who bore witness to introduce ‘sanctions against certain last week, have been banned from muted in comparison to alleged the hockey players streaking in the members of the club’. training or participating in matches behaviour in student halls - one library found the incident amusing In the Facebook post, the for the remainder of the academic third-year student recalled waking rather than disruptive. Continued on secretaries detailed an alleged loss year. up in Talybont South to “six students Speaking to student news website page 4

Why nightclubs are “hell on earth” The Lib Dems after Clegg “Stop taking liberties for granted” P11 >> P17 >> P10 >> THE FREE WORD

EDITOR Michael O’Connell-Davidson GAIR RHYDD CO-ORDINATOR Fitness & practice Elaine Morgan ast week, we ran a story on our front page about found unfi t to practice, and that’s the end of your ca- in the media at the moment, and this rugby nonsense NEWS a group of Medics Rugby players who appeared reer. Everybody knows the risk. Now, we don’t want is another battle on another front for the University Georgia Hamer Lto have the tour from hell. We were approached to end anybody’s career before it begins. But if some- Hospital. Katie Evans by multiple corroborating sources who said that some body’s career ends as a result of their own actions and Th e Heath doesn’t want its reputation to suff er, be- Alexander Norton serious shit went down on their tour to Amsterdam. we happen to report on problems they’ve caused for cause that would be bad for students, and I don’t think Anna Lewis An investigation continues, and until it concludes, the themselves, it’s their fault, not ours. any medic wants it to suff er either. So get it together, defi nitive truth of the incident will remain up in the A signifi cant member of the administration at the guys; you’re not just here for yourselves, but for all the ADVICE air, along with the collective fate of those involved. Heath lamented our publishing the article, but they people you’ll go on to care for when you graduate, and Kirsty Fardell But while answers are yet to come from the uni, our said it needed to come out, and that medics “get away no trip to Amsterdam warrants taking a patient’s con- publication has provoked an interesting debate. Th ere with too much.” I think that’s an interesting statement; fi dence for granted. COMMENT are people who believe we should not have reported I genuinely hope that there is no wider trend of med- We are aware that narrative surrounding sport at Anne Porter the story - claims that we “did not understand the scale ics ignoring the rules and simply hoping they don’t get University might be building through our coverage. Gareth Evans of the issue” were passed on to one editor, for example found out, because that’s terrible conduct for those But any suggestion that we have declared war on Olivier van den Bent-Kelly - because of the clear violation of fi tness to practice who hope to take peoples’ lives into their hands for sports teams is completely false, and our choice of guidelines the alleged behaviour would constitute. a living. A literal piss up is one thing, but where does front page story should be considered a refl ection of COLUMNIST For the uninitiated, “fi tness to practice” guidelines that attitude end? If the boundaries aren’t the rules, that. It’s hard to see why the punishment against the Jason Roberts are there to make sure the public remains confi dent then where are they? hockey team has been quite so swift, especially when in medical staff . Th ey’re there to ensure that every- I know, I know, I’m a journalist, and journalism is a onlookers and WalesOnline don’t seem particularly POLITICS body who goes under the knife feels as though their profession in disrepute. But we have our own fi tness bothered. Bans and restrictions only seem to serve to Carwyn Williams fate is being placed in the hands of individuals who are to practice guidelines, and I abhor those who break drive this behaviour underground. After all, initiations Lauren Boyd trustworthy and driven to make reasonable decisions. them. Believe me when I say that the phone hacking are technically banned, but they still take place, and Rhiannon Tapp Committing crimes or engaging in activity that would scandal has hurt the trade quite deeply, and everybody we all know it. I don’t think there’s anybody who isn’t leave a cruise company on the fence about involving involved knows that. Th e actions undertaken by re- aware what “welcome drinks” events truly are, and SCIENCE the police is a pretty clear breach of fi tness to prac- porters at the News of the World and their ilk were a I don’t think that there will ever be a way to prevent Shanna Hamilton tice, and if the disciplinary panel believes that some disgrace that violated the spirit of the profession, and them without turning the Athletic Union into a police Meryon Roderick wrongdoing has taken place, it would have a serious it leaves me very depressed to know that the public has state. impact on whether or not those involved will be able lost confi dence in us, because as with doctors we need Th e events of the past few weeks have been negative SOCIETIES to progress their studies. public confi dence to do our work. refl ections of sport culture, which is nearly always a Hannah Sterritt People fuck around and make mistakes when Life at the Heath is hard, and sport is one of the few positive part of the university experience - but these they’re young. Lord knows I did, because being a glo- outlets medics have in an otherwise gruelling environ- events have been fairly tame compared to some of TAF-OD rifi ed child and having access to white lightning is a ment. It would be a terrible shame if people began to what goes unreported, and the rumours seem to get Steffan Bryn Jones recipe for disaster. Hell, Stephen Fry went to prison conclude that sport and the standard of conduct ex- worse as time goes by. Even as an editor who relishes Morgan Owen before he went to Cambridge University (normally, it’s pected of a healthcare professional were incompatible. in the newsworthy, I would hate to see the UK’s uni- the other way around). However, there reaches a point When reading reports like ours, though, the adminis- versities drift towards a sport culture not dissimilar SPORT where enough is enough - and when you commit to tration would be forgiven for beginning to think that to that in the USA, where initiations and celebrations David Hooson being a doctor, I’m pretty sure that’s when you have to might be the case. aren’t just kind of stupid, they’re dangerous and trans- Rory Benson call a moratorium on the bullshit. Th e University does, If allowed to develop, that could become a real gressive. After the Cardiff Uni Football Team’s disas- Joe Atkinson too, and that’s why they present people with fi tness to problem. Th e Medical School is incredibly image trous social with FAD made national headlines last practice guidelines on day one. conscious, for reasons that are probably obvious: as year, there was a hope that people would at least avoid PRODUCTION EDITOR Th ese guidelines are not simply rules to be fl outed. with their students, the school itself needs to main- acts of unspeakable stupidity in future. So why does it Sum Sze Tam Th ese aren’t things you can do, but should make an tain a reputation of good conduct to make its work seem like things are only getting worse? extra eff ort to hide. If you break the rules, you can be worth anything. Th e NHS in Wales is taking a beating - MOCD EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jack Boyce DIGITAL EDITORS Jordan Adams Gregory McChesney THIS WEEK IN HISTORY: GAIR RHYDD 662 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR 20/3/2000 Maria Mellor We’re going back to 2000 this week for our little blast thieves’ were tracked on their escape from the prop- Want to join the team? from the past, at a time when Quench was non-exist- erty on CCTV, directing the police offi cer to the ‘two Editorial conferences are each ent and instead we had the marvel that is ‘GRiP’ as the criminals’. Th e delinquents of 2000 failed to step up monday at 5PM. Proofreading university magazine. Th e week of 20th March 2000 their game. takes place on Thursdays at seemed to be a week of woes for Cardiff , as several In 2000, an independent cinema had closed on 6PM in the media office during students are involved in a fi re, others witness the ar- Queens Street, leaving fi lm-lovers to worry about print weeks. rest of two burglars and an investigation is underway the future of ‘alternative movie experience’, or so into the assault of a Cardiff student. says Gair Rhydd of the past. In a teaser for a larger Write us a letter At this point in the academic year 15 years ago, the article within the pages of GRiP, a ‘lone’ independent [email protected] Students’ Union elections were imminent and Gair cinema ‘still stands tall in the face of commercialism’. Tweet us: Rhydd had a ‘20 page pullout special’ dedicated to the Th is cinema is the Chapter Arts Centre, and despite @gairrhydd sabbatical candidates. However the main headline of receiving a serious face-lift since the article was writ- Online at: issue 661, was ‘ELECTRIC DREAMS’ in big block ten, it still stands today, fully functioning. Conversely, gairrhydd.com capitals, presumably in reference to the 1984 fi lm of something which is well in the past is the ‘Gair Rhydd the same name. Some fi nal year students in a house Fashion Show’ that occured in 2000. Apparently the in Mackintosh Place woke up to fi nd their fuse box on publication was a ‘dedicated follower of fashion’, and fi re. Th is could have been prevented, as it was a result with our current editor’s fashion sense, we can say of ‘inadequate maintenance by the housing agency’, that things are very diff erent today. Models dancing who allegedly were called by the residents about a to ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ happened fi fteen years ago At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibil- ity to maintain the highest possible standards. ‘burning smell’, but failed to ensure that proper safety to celebrate the millenium, but I doubt it will happen Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, checks were made. Luckily nobody was hurt, but the again under the Gair Rhydd name. we may make some mistakes. If you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek fi re forced the fi nal year students to move temporar- It’s funny to think how in just 15 years so much can to uphold, please email [email protected]. ily into a local bed and breakfast. We can only hope change. Design-wise, Gair Rhydd in 2000 would be You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at that 15 years later times have changed and that prop- practically unrecognisable were it not for the dragon cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints er safety measures are now put in place. logo. Th ere are things we try to move away from, but Also on the front page is a small article about two also a good standard of writing and a level of jour- Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective of Cardiff Students’ Union, who act as the burglars who apparently attempted to rob a house in nalistic integrity that we hope to maintain in issues publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and Cathays, but were caught up with by the police on to come. should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a post the steps of the Students’ Union. Th e so-called ‘smug - MM office registered newspaper. EDITORIAL 3 Campus In Brief

Cardiff was thrown into darkness as experts from Joe Atkinson the university’s School of Physics and Astrology National International Pictured: joined students on Friday morning to take in a A partial partial solar eclipse as the moon passed in front Chancellor George Osborne announced his pre- Nine people were arrested after a gun attack in city of solar eclipse of the sun. There were a series of lectures on election budget, which pledged to cut a further £30 Tunis, capital of the North African country of Tunisia. (Photographer: Thursday before the eclipse was viewed at the billion of spending in the next Parliament should the 23 people, including 20 foreign tourists, were killed as NASA) National Museum Wales using specially designed Conservatives remain in power. Forecasts in the budget two gunmen attacked the Bardo Museum. Among the telescopes to ensure the rare event could be predicted that public spending would end a year earlier victims of the attack was British national Sally Adey, viewed safely. than predicted in 2019-20 as Osborne also announced while Islamic State has claimed that they were behind Last week Cardiff Fringe Festival descended that the UK’s economy had grown by 2.6 per cent in the massacre. upon the Students’ Union. The week-long 2014, which was faster than the growth of any other Arctic sea ice reached a record low in terms of celebration of all things society related included advanced economy, though it was down on predictions. maximum winter volume as the scientists continue an ‘inner child day’ hosted in Y Plas, which In response, leader of the opposition Ed Miliband to point to the eff ects of carbon emissions and global involved giant connect 4, ‘90s music, face described Osborne’s budget as “devastating” for the warming. Th ere was peak coverage of 14.5 million painting and puppies. As well as this there was a state of funding for the Welsh government from the UK square kilometres recorded by the US National Snow wide variety of society events to get involved in, treasury. Miliband was speaking at the Welsh capital’s and Ice Data Centre, a fi gure 130,000 square kilometres from drama to music to comedy to photography. Millennium Stadium on Th ursday, and claimed that smaller than the previous low recorded in 2011. Professor David James of the Cardiff living standards would be “driven down for another fi ve It was revealed that Microsoft supremo Bill Gates’ University’s School of Social Sciences was years” should the Conservatives stay in Government ‘Gates Foundation’ has invested $1.4 billion in some of confirmed as a new Fellow of the Academy of come May 8th. the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies. Th e Guardian Social Sciences, taking the total of members Two 17 year-old boys and 19 year-old man were published the fi gures and ran a petition to attempt to of the school with fellowships to 14. Professor fl own back to the UK and arrested on suspicion of get Gates’ foundation to start divesting from fossil fuel James, who is also Director of the ESRC Wales preparing terrorist activities having been stopped in companies within fi ve years and immediately freeze “Arctic sea ice Doctoral Training Centre, was among 33 people Turkey attempting to cross into Syria and join Islamic new investments being made. named Fellows by the Academy. State. Th e trio, and from the London area, are the latest Fashion company Dolce & Gabbana kicked up a reached a record A report from Cardiff University researchers young British people who have tried to join IS, with storm as they described IVF babies as ‘synthetic’ low in terms revealed that a poorly understood chromosomal three schoolgirls believed to have attempted to travel to and questioned the morals of allowing children to be condition increases likelihood of the development Syria still missing. raised in a gay family. In a joint statement Domenico of maximum of schizophrenia in both children and adults Th ree judges were sacked for using their offi cial IT Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, themselves gay, said: winter volume by 25 times. Deletion syndrome is estimated accounts to access pornographic material. Distrcit Judge “We oppose gay adoptions. Th e only family is the to affect around 35,000 people in the UK, and Timothy Bowles, Immigration Judge Warren Grand and traditional one”. Prominent celebrities including Sir as the scientists results in the deletion of small amounts of the Deputy District Judge Peter Bullock were all removed Elton John have campaigned for a boycott of D&G sufferer’s DNA. from offi ce, and their indiscretions were described following the remarks, while protestors gathered continue to Cardiff became one of the very first UK cities to as “wholly unacceptable conduct for a judicial offi ce outside stores. point to the be officially recognised for promoting sustainable holder” by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice. Th e fi nal of the ever-controversial 2022 Qatar FIFA food. Cardiff University was part of a partnership Upon their UEFA Europa League elimination, Everton World Cup was offi cially announced to be taking place effects of carbon initiative that intends to promote the benefits of became the last British club standing in European a week before Christmas Day 2018. Th is confi rms the emissions and eating healthily, as part of a wider project run by competition to bow out, meaning that for the fi rst time long-discussed and anticipated plans to host the fi rst Food Cardiff, which has the intention of helping since 1993 no British football club will appear in the ever winter World Cup due to the immense heat that global warming the Welsh capital city become a sustainable food quarter fi nal of a European tournament, highlighting the the famous footballing nation of Qatar experiences in city. perceived dip in quality of the beautiful game in the UK. the summer months. ” tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news Cont’d: Hockey Commitee Members forced to resign Th e Tab’, postgraduate Nate Yeo Despite being “quite cross” that the incident. a Students’ Union spokesperson described the incident as “really event disrupted their studies, they As a result, an investigating offi cer explained that the Union expects funny.” concluded that “anything else and I’d has been appointed to examine the sports clubs to take ‘pro-active steps’ “People in the room felt lost and just be annoyed but in this instance you complaint and consider whether to deal with innapropraite behaviour Continued stared at them,” he explained. have to laugh”. any action needs to taken by the within its membership. from front Yeo promptly started to fi lm the One student voiced concern that institution itself. Th ey continued: ‘As a result the page event in order to “share it with my the relatively harsh nature of the “As the investigation remains on- Hockey Club have undertaken a friends”. disciplinary action is in-part due to going it would be inappropriate number of actions with individuals As an international student from the media attention that the incident to off er any further comment,” the involved in this matter. China, the student labelled the received. Th e story was picked spokesperson said. Th e resignation of both social incident “the most interesting and up by both Th e Daily Mirror and Th ey added: ‘we strive to maintain secrataries will be taken into shocking moment since I came to WalesOnline. a safe and supportive learning account upon the completion of Cardiff ”. A University spokesperson environment for everyone.’ the investigation, in order to assess Another student described the confi rmed that a formal complaint In response to concerns over the whether any further action needs to event as over “relatively quickly”. had been received regarding the strict nature of the punishments, be taken. Gair Rhydd shortlisted for national awards CSM publications and staff shortlisted across 12 categories at the 2015 SPA awards

air Rhydd and Quench have third year in the shortlists. Anna Lewis been nationally praised, with Quench has been shortlisted in Pictured: Gboth publications announced three categories, with nominations Top: A few in a record number of shortlists in for best feature and best design. Fea- issues of the upcoming annual Student Publi- ture editors Jason Roberts and Ai- Quench cation Association Conference. mee-lee Abraham were recognised magazine Gair Rhydd has been shortlisted in for their work, with both students Below: A page nine out of twelve categories, includ- making the shortlist. from Gair ing nominations for best newspaper With both publications shortlisted Rhydd and for the work of individuals such for best design, the signifi cant design as Politics Editor Lauren Boyd and changes made to Quench and Gair News Editor Georgia Hamer. Rhydd at the start of the academic signifi cantly reworked, with the ex- “Lauren Boyd and Georgia Hamer It has also been shortlisted in cat- year have been hailed a success. tensive use of digital media to report are both incredibly talented and it egories for best website, best design Quench Editor Sum Sze Tam ex- on last month’s student elections. makes me very happy indeed to see and best use of digital media. plained that last year it was decided O’Connell-Davidson said: “Th e them nominated in their respective Editor Michael O’Connell-Da- to separate the magazine’s editorial massive changes we’ve made to the categories. We’re all looking forward vidson was also shortlisted in three and design team. publication’s design and website to the conference next month!” categories for the best news, best “I’m glad to see that our decision have been recognised on a national Th e Quench team were hailed for features and the award for outstand- to revamp the design of Quench has platform, and we’ve built upon our their hard work as Tam said: “I am ing achievement. After winning best paid off ”, she said. record from last year. In addition, proud of our art editors and features feature for two years consecutively, Th is year has also seen Gair Rhy- our elections coverage has been af- team with both being nominated. It this will mark O’Connell-Davidson’s dd’s website and use of digital media forded signifi cant recognition [see is an honour to have such talented Best Multimedia], and it it’s only our people on the team. fi rst year covering the event.” During the SPA awards last year, “It’s a great honour to be included Gair Rhydd was awarded runner up on the shortlist for the third year in the Best Publication section. running both as an individual. But Th e awards ceremony will take “Gair Rhydd has it’s the greatest honour to be the edi- place during the conference on been shortlisted tor of Gair Rhydd, which has moved Saturday 11th April at the Univer- from strength to strength over the sity of Southampton. Th e weekend- in nine out past academic year. long event will see talks from sea- of twelve He also praised the individual soned journalists including Simon categories work of Boyd and Hamer for their O’Hagan, editor of the Independent work, competing for best interview Voices section and Daily Mash dep- and best news story respectively: uty editor Tom Whitely. ” Cardiff SU named in top hundred non-profit organisations

ardiff Students’ Union has been describing its ‘strong principles’. Union uses the profi ts from its bars Anna Lewis named Th e Times on Sunday’s However, Cardiff Students’ Union and shops in order to improve student CTop 100 non-profi t organisa- placed behind both Kent University’s services including advice, training and tions, after the results of surveys from Students’ Union, placed 15th overall skills development. over 1,000. and the University of Surrey Students’ Th e list praised the Union for its ‘ex- One of three students’ unions to Union, ranked at 48th. tremely diverse’ employee specialisa- make the shortlist, the Union placed Despite this, Cardiff Students’ Un- tions, including plumbers, chefs, legal 83rd on the list after failing to make the ion boasted a higher percentage of advisers and IT specialists. It also cited cut last year. According to a survey cre- employees earning over £35,000 than reasons such as the quantity of fi nan- ated by the Times, the Union received both Kent and Surrey Students’ Un- cial support available for ‘work-related a 73 per cent positive score. ions, with 11% compared to Kent’s qualifi cations’ and time made available It was given a top 20 score nationally 2%. Cardiff ’s male/female ratio was for study and development training. after 84 per cent of employees cited also rated above Kent University’s Stu- Th e top 100 non-profi t organisa- that ‘work is an important part of their dents’ Union, with a balance of 54:46 tions were listed as part of four sur- lives’. It also placed 62nd for its ‘fair compared to 32:68. veys conducted by the Times involv- deal’ policies and 77th for its ‘personal Th e Union was also commended by ing 1,050 businesses.Th e news follows growth opportunities’. its employees, with three quarters of after the Students’ Union sabbatical Th e principles of the Union were those who work for the SU claiming offi cer team were named the best of- praised, with 70 per cent of the 102 that they are ‘proud to work for it’. fi cer team during the 2015 NUS Wales employees within the students’ union As a non-profi t organisation, the conference. NEWS 5

Urine trouble: Medics’ Rugby team investigated University and Union have launched joint inquiry following Gair Rhydd exposé

air Rhydd has gained knowledge completely separate to Cardiff Univer- tion into the incident has begun. It re- best course of action, with the gatherings EXCLUSIVE of the identity of the student re- sity rugby club.’ mains on-going.” said to have included the Cardiff Univer- Pictured: Anna Lewis Gsponsible for the medic’s rugby The statement continued: ‘This has However, they emphasised that they sity’s Dean of Medicine. A P&O Ferry team incident reported last week. Whilst NOTHING to do with our Cardiff Uni- were unable to offer further comment She emphasised that ‘appropriate ac- we are unable to confirm the identity at versity rugby club and no member of on the situation or any possible outcome tion’ will be taken towards the individual the time of print, our information states our club was involved in the incident in until the precise nature of the incident responsible. that the individual accountable for re- question’. has been established. The VP Heath Park condemned the portedly “urinating on a table where a Last week Cardiff University an- A Union spokesperson released a behaviour of the team, insisting that ‘this family were eating” is a third year medi- nounced that an investigation had been similar statement, and stated that ‘the behaviour is not condoned by the Stu- cal student. launched to examine multiple claims University and the Students’ Union will dents’ Union.’ A source close to the investigation that a student “urinated on a dinner in be working together in taking appropri- ‘We convey this message strongly to has told Gair Rhydd that the individual public” whilst travelling on a P&O ferry. ate action once the investgation into the sports teams during their yearly induc- responsible for the incident has come The incident took place on a journey matter in complete’. tion sessions.’ forward, along with a number of other from Dover as part of a rugby tour to Despite this, last week one anony- members of the team with relevant in- Amsterdam, with the individual report- mous student confirmed that: “it was “The institution formation. edly wearing a University hoodie at the 100% a medic student that did it.” has now Gair Rhydd also received reports that time. “I’m not sure whether they actually the University threatened to suspend the Ferry operator P&O confirmed that pissed in the food or on the table,” they begun an team from the British University and an incident involving the aforemen- added. Colleges Sport (BUCS) association until tioned rugby team did indeed take place The prevailing version of events has investigation the identity of the student responsible on-board the 23.15 departure to the also been corroborated by other stu- into the was revealed. French port of Calais on February 12th. dents, with one account stating that: “I The rugby team have declined to offer As a result of the incident, the com- was told that one rugby player got so members comment on the situation, and have yet pany resolved to ban the students from drunk they pissed in someone’s food.” reported to to release a statement denying the allega- returning to Britain on-board their ser- These students had no to one another. tions. vice . They have claimed that the ‘nature According to VP Heath Park, Claire be involved in However, the Cardiff University rugby of the incident’ was such that they could Blakeway, the institution is now ‘aware team have been quick to distance them- have involved the police, and may yet re- of an in incident involving the Medics’ the incident selves from the incident, with a state- consider. Rugby Team’. ment published on Friday, March 20th A Cardiff University spokesperson Blakeway confirmed that ‘initial meet- ” stating that: ‘Cardiff medics RFC are said: “We can confirm that an investiga- ings have taken place’ concerning the Vice-Chancellor blows £20,000 on expenses New figures reveal extravagant expenses by highest paid Vice-Chancellor in Wales

ardiff University’s Vice-Chan- A study by the University and Col- eral secretary for UCU, said: “Many lack of transparency and accountabil- Katie Evans cellor blew £20,000 on business lege Union (UCU) has also revealed staff and students will be amazed at ity surrounding senior pay and perks a Cand first-class flights last year, that seven out of eight of Wales’ vice- the size of vice-chancellors’ salaries, national scandal. despite receiving a pay rise of an un- chancellors received a pay packet and at the largesse displayed by some In response to revelations about disclosed amount. exceeding £200,000, five of which re- university leaders when it comes to Riordan’s air fare spending, a Cardiff Professor Colin Riordan was the ceived pay rises. first class flights, hotels and other ex- University spokesperson commented: best paid Vice-Chancellor in Wales An average salary rise of 5.1 per penses. “As head of Wales’s leading research for 2013-2014, earning a reputed cent for UK vice-chancellors caused “That this is happening in public in- intensive University it is vital our £271,000 and yet amassed a £19,996.66 walkouts last year among UCU mem- stitutions which are largely funded by Vice-Chancellor represents the Uni- bill for premium-seat flights. bers amidst staff cuts. Sally Hunt, gen- the taxpayer and students makes the versity at major meetings in Wales, the UK and internationally. This often requires extensive international travel to establish new research collabora- Pictured: tions, attract students and put Wales Cardiff on the global map. University’s “The spend on travel has to be put Vice- into context with the overall impact Chancellor, that Cardiff University and its global Colin Riordan presence has on the wider Welsh economy. The spokesperson continued to de- fend Riordan’s expenditure, adding: “In 2013/2014 1 per cent of all Welsh “An average employment and over 1 per cent of salary rise of Seven out Welsh GVA was generated by Cardiff 5.1 per cent “ University. of eight of Overall the University, together for UK vice- Wales’ vice- with our international students and chancellors students from the rest of the UK, gen- caused chancellors erated some 13,000 jobs in Wales.” The spokesperson was also eager walkouts last recieved a to clarify that Riordan’s pay rise was year among a ‘sector-wide increase and does not pay packet relate to Cardiff University.’ UCU members exceeding Revelations about Riordan’s air fare amidst staff comes just months after public criti- £200,000 cism over his expenses claims, which cuts included taxi fares, hotel stays and ” hospitality bills. ” 6 NEWS Senate motion “almost identical” to fallen AGM proposal Senators vote to remove ‘Ban BAE’ from the agenda after it is revealed that the motion is 94% similar to that voted down by hundreds of students

Pictured: Students voting at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) back in Noember (Photographer: Laura Sargent)

fter failing to meet quorum In response, Roberts said that he The first motion to be discussed tion. Senator Ollie Wannell argued Georgia earlier this month, the re- was “not going to argue that these called for the Union to increase that it is not up to the VP Societies Hamer Ascheduled Student Senate aren’t the same motions” but he be- awareness about carbon monoxide but rather it is “the responsibility of “As an outsider, meeting took place last week. lieved that the motion was not put poisoning. The motion, submitted students to set up societies. The evening’s agenda had origi- forward clearly enough at the AGM by Madhura Kanade, resolved that it “I’m not sure what a society would this is not nally consisted of four items. How- and therefore should be rediscussed is important that students are made add to this motion,” he said. ever, in the opening of the meeting a by the Senate. aware of the harmfulness of CO and Pritchard declared that she was the way I controversial decision was made to “This is a motion a lot of students thar the Students’ Union should “happy to remove” this item, given envisaged remove a motion calling for Cardiff have come to me and asked me to hold information sessions, stock that it is not “integral” to the motion University to end its investment in discuss”, he said. CO detectors in the Union shopping and her primal aim is merely to “get Senate the arms trade. “We’re not taking it to Senate just outlets and campaign to ensure the the ball rolling” in improving the in- Nadine Dahan One senator, Ollie Wannell, ar- to try again […] [the motion] has instalment of detectors in Univer- tegration for overseas and Erasmus gued that the motion was “virtually been adapted accordingly.” sity residences. students. the same” as what was discussed at Nadine Dahan, who was stepping No one spoke for or against the An amendment to the motion was the Cardiff Students’ Union Annual in for another member of Senate motion and it passed with all 31 submitted stating that the VP So- General Meeting (AGM) back in that evening, supported Roberts in members in attendance voting in cieties work with the International ” November. his argument. She said: “As an out- favour. Association to achieve the aims out- Wannell highlighted that the new- sider, this is not the way I envisaged Equally, no one spoke for or lined by the motion. ly-submitted motion contained 94% Senate. against the second motion and it The amended motion passed with of the same wording as the origi- “If it’s the same we should still passed with only one abstention 30 members voting in favour and nal motion discussed at AGM. The discuss it again and let it fall again.” and all other members voting in one abstaining. motion fell by a significant margin After a somewhat heated discus- favour. This motion, submitted by at AGM after concerns were raised sion senators voted to remove the Daniel Roberts, called for the Union by the President of the Engineering motion from the evening’s agenda. to lobby the University to affiliate Society that cutting the University’s Only 4 members voted for discuss- with Electronics Watch – an inde- SUMMARY OF ties with businesses in the arms ing the motion and 2 abstained. pendent organisation which aims trade would severely disadvantage Following the vote, an evidently to monitor working conditions in MOTIONS Engineering students. distressed Roberts declared: “I’m the global electronics industry to “Concerns were In spite of this, Daniel Roberts, doing two essays this week due in ensure socially responsible public Ethical Career Guidance - raised that current Ethical and Environmental on Friday and I’ve worked so hard to purchasing in Europe. Ban BAE Officer, defended his decision to bring this motion here. The final motion to be discussed Removed from agenda cutting the bring the motion back to Senate, “If it wasn’t going to be discussed, was a motion to provide better inte- University’s arguing that the motion had been this should have been made clear gration for oversees students. This Increase Awareness amended to be “much clearer in beforehand”. motion was submitted by Lowri of Carbon Monoxide ties with what it aims to do”. VP Education, Rhys Jenkins, not- Pritchard. Drawing on her own ex- Poisoning Although Wannell recognised ed that the decision on whether or perience as an exchange student in Approved businesses in that some of the benefits listed on not to discuss the motion had to be France, Pritchard proposed the in- the arms trade the motion were different, he ar- made by the Senate given that there troduction of a ‘buddy’ system for gued that the issues and actions is currently no elected Senate Chair. foreign students. Lobby the University to would severely were “identical to what was taken to This did little to appease those in A further resolve outlined in the support Electronics Watch disadvantage AGM”, adding that: “ultimately peo- support of the motion. motion was that the VP Societies Approved ple vote on issues and actions and Jake Smith, appointed as Senate sabbatical officer should ‘look in to Engineering because they are the same I think Chair for that evening, eventually setting up an International Society Better Integration of students we can’t vote on it.” drew the discussion to a close, de- which functions in a similar way to Overseas Students “Senate does not have the pow- claring that there were a “number of the Erasmus Society’. Approved er to overturn decisions made at other good motions up for discus- It was proposed that this item ” AGM.” sion”. should be removed from the mo- NEWS 7 Ice cream vans whipping up student votes Union invests £5,000 on a ‘fleet of ice cream vans’ to increase voter engagement

ardiff Students’ Union have re- February. population in the UK, with their pow- and Cardiff Metropolitan, there are Anna Lewis ceived £5,000 funding to help The decision to use ice-cream vans er to swing the result of the general predictions that Labour could gain Cincrease student voting reg- was explained by the SU President, elections. student votes in order to overtake the istration, to be spent on schemes in- who said ‘it creates a hype and gets With the city centre home to stu- small Conservative majority won fter cluding the use of four ice cream vans. students talking about something dents from both Cardiff University the 2010 elections. The money received will be used to they may not normally talk about’. hire ice-cream vans which will be lo- This is one of many schemes under- cated at key locations around campus taken this year in order to encourage Pictured: on Thursday. voter registration. Two weeks ago, the A dispenser According to Students’ Union Pres- Hope not Hate campaign brought its of the finest ident Elliot Howells, the vans aim to ‘No Vote No Voice’ bus to Cardiff as scoops It creates ‘create a buzz’ and attract students in part of its fifteen-day tour across to “ order to encourage them to vote. Each UK to encourage passers-by to regis- a hype and ice-cream van will be supported by a ter to vote. team of students wearing branded t- Cardiff students have also taken an gets students shirts to encourage registration. active part in the Hope not Hate voter talking about The scheme also aims to inform registration campaign after a silent students about party policies specifi- demonstration was held at Cardiff something cally aimed at those in university. City Hall last month. The funding has been awarded by The event launched a ‘suffrage they may not the NUS and Cabinet Office in order movement’ among Cardiff University normally talk to promote voter register ahead of students and saw demonstrators tape the General Election in May. Accord- over their mouths to raise awareness about ing to Howells, the NUS allocated of the 14,000 students who dropped Elliot Howells, the money due to ‘confidence in our off the electoral register in Cardiff this ability to run a successful campaign’. year. SU President The decision was also made based on The news follows some weeks after good results from the Union during The Guardian named Cardiff students National Voter Registration Day in as the second most powerful student ” Union refutes ‘exaggerated’ reports of drug use at Treatment

Pictured: Y Plas (Photographer: Students’ Union)

n light of an investigation by Gair of zero tolerance drugs policy with ried out, generally in excess of 50% of “Further, the fact that only four peo- Georgia Rhydd in February, Cardiff Univer- life bans, entry searches, observation people attending these events, and the ple were found with substances proves Hamer Isity Students’ Union has claimed of individual behaviour and security incidence of drug finds is low.’ very little. Only a fool would believe I reject the allegations of drug use at Treatment sweeps during the event’, does not sup- Gair Rhydd Editor, Michael that security had the capacity to con- “ nights are ‘widespread and unchal- port such claims. O’Connell Davidson released a state- duct flawless searches, or that Any- findings of lenged’, ‘seriously flawed and based on In dispute of claims that bottle wa- ment in response to the Union’s claims. body who might carry illicit substances unsubstantiated claims and exaggera- ter sales are heightened at Treatment He said: “I reject the findings of the Stu- would be so indiscreet as to be caught the Students’ tion’. events because many attendees are dents’ Union investigation, which took by a spot search.” Union In a statement, the Union reported under the influence of drugs, a Un- place too late to be meaningful. The “Actually, we had a discussion in the that interviews were carried out with ion spokesperson claimed that this is prominence we gave these allegations newsroom about how newsworthy the investigation, staff and the entry data and sales fig- merely due to the ‘energetic nature of is such that it would likely influence the staff claims really were. I mean, people ures at Treatment events was analysed dance events’. subsequent actions of staff and attend- take drugs in a club? It’s not exactly a which took alongside an examination of the Un- It was reported that a 100 per cent ees alike, and we have received numer- Pulitzer winner. But both the original place too ion’s policies and processes regarding search of attendees was conducted at a ous reports since that security has sig- article and this investigation highlights late to be “Allegations of organisation, control and management Treatment event in February. Of 2,200 nificantly improved since we published blind spots in the union’s ability to of events. individuals searched, four were found the article in February. Treatment has self-scrutinise, and it concerns me that meaningful drug use are Although it was recognised that ‘the to be carrying suspect substances. The changed, and pretending the event has anybody could truly believe Y Plas was ‘widespread and incidence of drug taking in connection Union report confirmed that these been run with the current standards in as squeaky clean as this investigation Michael with house music events is higher than substances were immediately con- the past is dishonest. sets out.” unchallenged’, other music events world-wide’, the re- fiscated and the individuals involved “Given that the people who spoke to He added: “I remain resolutely confi- O’Connell- ‘based on port concluded that there was ‘no evi- were all given life bans from all Union Gair Rhydd did not wish to be named dent in the original article and the pub- Davidson, Gair unsubstantiated dence’ to support claims that a number events. as they feared consequences at work, lication’s team of reporters and editors. of people in attendance at Treatment The Union also stressed: ‘We work it seems unlikely that any interviews While the people in the article were Rhydd Editor claims and events held in the Students’ Union closely with South Wales Police who conducted by their employers would not named, I took steps as the editor of exaggeration’ have taken drugs. are entirely satisfied with arrange- yield reliable results. Would you speak the publication to verify the identities Despite numerous sources report- ments provided by the Students’ Union to your employer and admit that you of those quoted, and can testify that ing notorious drug use at the event, the in organising and running all of its mu- arrived at work high, or hungover? I they were union employees at time of ” ” Union maintains that ‘the combination sic events: Searches are routinely car- doubt it.” writing.” Welcome to our Advice section, where we bring you tips for surviving Cardiff University life ADVICE Email us: [email protected] Unsure of where to turn when you encounter sexual harassment? How to utilise the Union’s zero tolerance policy to stay safe and report trouble when you see it

ardiff University aims to include training for staff and making the union Kirsty Fardell everyone under the Dignity at and university policy more accessible CWork and Study policy, which to students. After all, the policy will is in place to promote the university only work so far a students actually environment in which people are know about it.’ treated fairly and with respect. All Students have the right to report students and staff are encouraged someone if they encounter any to play a role in maintaining an unwanted sexual comments or environment free from any harassment, invitations, any groping, pinching or bullying or victimisation. Th ere is also a smacking of the body, wolf-whistling framework of support in place for both or cat-calling, having your clothes lifted staff and students who encounter any without consent or someone exposing such behaviour as well as a process by themselves to you without consent. which complaints are dealt with and Students also have the right to report addressed fairly. anyone who they believe is harassing Th ere is a specifi c policy to them. Th is could be behaviour that it is violating the policy they can seek not be allowed onto the premises until behaviours related to harassment. Th e is unwanted conduct relating to a free, independent, confi dential advice a resolution is found. ‘Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment’ protected characteristic, violating an from the Union’s Student Advice on Th e Zero Tolerance policy came policy is in place to ensure that all person’s dignity or creating a hostile, the third fl oor of the SU. Th ey can also about after the Hidden Marks survey students feel that they are in a safe degrading, humiliating or off ensive report any informal complaints to their conducted by the National Union of environment in the Union and all environment. It could be physical, personal tutor or their Head of School. Students that revealed some shocking university buildings. Having such a verbal or non-verbal conduct, and may However if there is a serious statistics about the experience of policy means that should any students occur as one incident or be sporadic or complaint relating to harassment women students and the frequency of unfortunately experience sexual ongoing. students should make a formal sexual harassment. For example, 68% harassment, there is a process in Protected characteristics include complaint through the Formal of women students have experienced “68% of women place that will investigate it and take age, disability, gender reassignment, Complaints Procedure by fi lling in sexual harassment and/or assault appropriate actions to ensure that it race, marriage and civil partnership, a form from the Governance and whilst at university but only 4% of these students have doesn’t happen again. pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual Compliance Division. When sexual have reported it to their institution. experienced Laura Carter, the current Women’s orientation, religion and belief. So if harassment takes place students may Th e most common reasons given for Offi cer told us that the policy ‘aims anyone delivers unwanted conduct in fi nd it easier to report the incident not reporting the incidents are ‘feeling sexual to highlight that the union has a zero relation to any of those, the student has to a member of staff in the SU or by ashamed or embarrassed’ or feeling tolerance stance against all types of the right to report the person under the emailing zerotolerance@cardiff .ac.uk. that the sexual harassment was ‘their harrasment sexual harassment both verbal and zero tolerance policy. Complaints are taken very seriously . A own fault.’ and/or assault physical. It has recently been updated If students are concerned about any full investigation will take place into the Th erefore, the Zero Tolerance Policy to include specifi cations such as unacceptable behaviour and feel that incident and the potential off ender will aims to help students to understand ” Pictured: Th e White Ribbon Day stand in support of stopping violence against women

To see the text of the Zero Tolerance What do Policy in full, you think? visit http:// Have your tinyurl.com/ say: advice@ kbzpptm gairrhydd.com ADVICE 9

what is not acceptable behaviour and during their time as a student. make the process of reporting easy. Shockingly, other research by Pictured: Th ere is support available to students NUS Wales found that 30% of male Th e Women’s who fall victim to sexual harassment Welsh students felt that a woman was association Continued too – as Laura Carter pointed out staff partially to blame for being raped if stand during from the are now receiving training to be able to she was drunk or wearing revealing Fresher’s Week previous appropriately deal with complaints. clothing. page Laura is also trying to ensure that Th is shows that the Zero Tolerance the SU draws attention to the support policy is vital to ensure that all services the University and the Union students are aware of the behaviour already have, such as the Student that is deemed unacceptable so their Support Service. To fi nd out more neither harass someone unwantedly information about the Zero Tolerance or are able to recognise the behaviours Policy visit http://tinyurl.com/kbzpptm that are unacceptable. it is also Th e policy is a useful tool for important for students to know there promoting the ‘Reclaim the Campus’ is something in place to help them campaign, set up by the Welsh and somewhere to report incidents to Government as a way of tackling should anything unwanted happen to violence against women. Four YouTube them on university premises. videos have been created to cover Th erefore, the Reclaim the Campus “1 in 7 female issues of stalking, domestic abuse, campaign works to promote a culture consent and victim blaming in cases of that proactively challenges the students have sexual violence. attitudes that accept and normalise As part of the Hidden Marks violence. Th e Zero Tolerance policy experienced survey which looked into harassment, directly stems from the work by a sexual stalking, violence and sexual assault NUS Wales ‘Violence against women’ it was found that all of these forms of campaign, with each of the four or physical abuse were prevalent in students’ lives YouTube videos targeting an area of and the vast majority of perpetrators violence against women. To fi nd out assault during were students. Th e report found that all information about the Reclaim the 1 in 7 female students experienced Campus campaign visit http://tinyurl. university a serious physical or sexual assault com/oy5olnk. ” Th ink your society would benefi t from equality and diversity training? Th e Equality and Diversity training evening with talks from campaign offi cers could improve your society

Pictured: From left to right: Campaign Offi cers Laura Carter (Women’s), Sam Cook (LGBT+), Vidya Brainerd (Students With Disabilities), and Megan Jevin (International Students)

o ensure that all students can Jevin and the LGBT+ Offi cer Sam aims to decrease the chances of that to current and potential members. Kirsty Fardell thrive no matter what their Cook. happening. Its looking at issues surrounding Equality and Tgender, background, race, faith or Th e ‘equality and diversity’ term Students may act in a way that women students, LGBT+ students, “ sexuality, the elected campaign offi cers is used to promote equality, diversity alienates certain groups of people or do international students and students Diversity have put together an interactive session and human rights as defi ning values not treat all groups equally without even with disabilities.’ on understanding and implementing of society. It promotes equality of realising they are doing so. Th erefore ‘It’s not a case that we think clubs and training takes equality and diversity. opportunity for all, giving every this training evening will potentially stop societies are actively excluding minority Th e evening takes place on Monday individual the chance to achieve their those forms of behaviour happening. and awareness groups but that its place on 23rd 23rd March from 7pm in the Great potential, free from prejudice and Laura Carter, current Women’s important to take an active and positive March in the Hall and free pizza is being provided. discrimination. Offi cer, spoke to us about the upcoming stance on these issues.’ Th e Students with Disabilities Offi cer Gair Rhydd has previously reported event and said of the training that ‘the ‘It’s mainly targeted at club and Great Hall at Vidya Brainerd will be talking, as well on forms of discrimination and unfair aim is to give clubs and societies a bit society committees and all are welcome.’ as Women’s Offi cer Laura Carter, treatment of certain groups of people more information about how they can To sign up for the event visit http:// 7pm International Students’ Offi cer Megan within a club or society, so the training make their activities more inclusive tinyurl.com/n4pw48m. ” tweet us @gairrhyddcomment email us [email protected] COMMENT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/comment

Stop taking liberties for granted Complacency around civil rights stems from those who have never felt their absence

ast week, Nigel Farage an- these laws? His comments are an in- that they were troublesome and petty. yes, how do you think that these rights Gareth Evans nounced that his party “would sult to the tireless work of the cam- Commuters complained about every- came to be? Pictured: Lscrap much of the legislation paigners and activists who have forced thing from the overcrowding on the Th e reality is that it is all too easy A World Pride designed to prevent racial discrimina- laws such as these to become a reality. few available journeys to the diffi cul- to fall foul of Nigel Farage’s compla- March in tion” in the workplace. When asked Let’s be clear here; progress is never ties in fi nding alternative transporta- cency trap. It is diffi cult to appreciate London, 2012 whether, under his government, there the result of goodwill. Lyndon John- tion. London Mayor Boris Johnson what working rights we are entitled (Source: Flickr) would be any laws preventing discrim- son did not sign the Civil Rights Act thanked the tube workers who had to and the sheer eff ort that went into ination on the basis of race or colour out of the kindness of his heart. Nor turned up and implored more to do creating them. We live in a privileged he responded with a simple “No.” did our political elite legalise same-sex the same. A millionaire Tory calling age in which we can benefi t from the Th is is because, according to him, marriage on a moral whim. Th e laws for workers to break the picket line is groundwork of those who have fought his party are “colour blind.” Ironic then that Farage feels are needless bygones nothing new. However, the portrayal before us. Without the courage and ef- that he showed his true colours here. are in fact the hard-fought products of of strikers as somehow ‘bad for Lon- fort of the historically exploited then Th e interviewer, who was none-other courage and principal. His contempt don’ is to ignore the history of civil workers would still have nothing and than former chair of the Equality and for them must not be tolerated. progress. employers would still have everything. Human Rights Commission Trevor When it comes to civil and po- It is progress that has been instigat- Can you believe that before 1999 there Phillips, immediately pointed out that litical liberties, however, Farage is not ed by this type of disruption. After all, was no minimum wage? Th is seems these laws are in place for a reason. alone in his complacency. His com- the whole purpose of a worker’s strike unfathomable now, but we are far He explained to the UKIP leader how, ments were deplored from all sides of is to disrupt the normal workings of from fi nished in the pursuit of fair and prior to their existence, discrimina- the political spectrum and rightly so. industry in order to highlight the valu- just employment laws. I believe that tion was widespread and so was in- Yet, his views represent an issue that able labour that is done. One can trace in years to come the current lack of competence. Farage dismissed this by is apparent throughout our political British history as far back as the Lud- a universal living wage will be viewed saying that “40 years ago your point elite and in certain elements of society dite’s for evidence that uprisings and with the same degree of shock and would have been valid” but “I really more generally. It is the presumption protests are rooted in this kind of ac- disdain as the years before a minimum don’t think it is today.” that the rights we have are not in fact tion. For those who have little power wage was introduced. If you are not left open-mouthed by rights but simply the natural order of or infl uence, laying down your tools Th us, the problem of viewing rights these comments then I invite you to things. on a mass scale is one of the few ways with complacency comes down to a read them again. But let’s take a step It is impossible for Farage to im- that you can show your value to those lack of historical humility. It is diffi - back. What Farage is saying here is agine that any employer would dis- who view you as a commodity and not cult to appreciate where we stand in “The laws that that, 40 years ago (ie before equality criminate on the base of race and that a person. It is a grizzled middle fi nger terms of civil and political liberties be- laws) discrimination was widespread is why he feels that legislating against to exploitation and to argue against it cause naturally we view most things in “We live in a Farage feels but now (after years of equality laws) it is superfl uous. Perhaps it would be is to side with the employers; and his- relation to our own era. Yet we have are needless it is not. Th us these laws should be impossible for others to imagine hav- tory shows that this side is rarely the gained so much in the past century privileged age bygones are scrapped. It would be complimentary ing no minimum wage, or no right to moral victor. alone and this must fi rst be acknowl- in which we to describe that as a thought process vote if you were too poor, for example. For those who still feel it is just to edged and appreciated. can benefit in fact the as it would imply a level of cognitive Th is is a dangerous trap to fall into, complain about trade union action, Th ere is work to be done, however, hard-fought ability. that is, to think that our liberties no whether it is for teachers or train driv- and this is why the views of Farage and from the Farage is totally disregarding the longer need protection. Make no mis- ers, I ask you to check your privilege. others who wrongly feel that our age is groundwork products of importance of this legislation by sug- take that they can be taken away far Are you paid enough for the hours somehow ethically complete mustn’t courage and gesting that societal progress has oc- more quickly than they were gained. that you work? Are you entitled to an- be tolerated. Recognise your liberties, of those who principal curred due to some kind of abstract Take trade unions for example. Th e nual leave? How about a pension plan your rights, and your freedoms be- have fought moral evolution. Why does the UKIP rhetoric surrounding last year’s tube or redundancy pay? If the answer to cause there are many people like him before us leader believe that workplace discrim- strikes was deeply concerning. Th e these questions is no, then this is why who would strip you of them without ” ination has lowered if not because of overriding consensus seemed to be unions are needed. If the answer is a guilty conscience. ” COMMENT 11 Th e law isn’t free of the class system magine you work in an estate he’s just been insulting and highly Em Gates agents where you are put into off ensive to the ears, this time the Pictured: Icompetitive teams to see who Top Gear presenter thought it would Suarez’s can sell the most houses in a certain be a fun ole idea to actually punch infamous bite of time. Now one day, the other team one of the producers of the show… Ivanovic (Source: is doing very well, so to put them off Try and explain how that one was a Andrew Yates , their game and keep your team on misunderstanding Jeremy. Getty Images) track, you decide to racially attack and But as much as my dislike for bite a member of the other team. You Clarkson is exceedingly apparent, would certainly get fi red, probably be who wouldn’t take a few liberties reported and would defi nitely suff er if you were guaranteed to get away for your actions. So why, in the case of with it. Katie Hopkins’ plain nastiness footballer Luis Suarez, despite a four doesn’t aff ect her career, so why month ban, has he returned to his shouldn’t I call a co-worker inept if career as good as new? they’re useless at their job and there Th e answer is the universal truth were zero repercussions? Forgetting that us mere civilians blissfully ignore; that we’re old enough to know better, celebrities can get away with a hell of people are selfi sh beings who only a lot more than we can. Th ere is no really behave to avoid punishment, so bigger example of this than the six eliminate the punishment, only then foot mound of sheer ignorance that is will you really discover who people Jeremy Clarkson. Last year he off ended are. Jimmy Carr’s tax avoidance, Noel the entire country of Argentina and Liam Gallagher’s family dramas, alongside his Top Gear buddies and Chris Brown’s domestic abuse are and managed to avoid the blame by all examples of how major illegal and labelling it a ‘misunderstanding’. Now inappropriate acts don’t even aff ect “Non-celebrities Clarkson is a smart guy, to think that celebrities’ careers, they are literally he had no idea that the license plate judged by a diff erent system to us. will always be was a thinly veiled insult regarding the None of the above activities would an underclass Falkland’s war, well just seems a little enhance any civilian’s career, but to the more unbelievable to me. Th e BBC has had Jimmy Carr incorporates tax jokes Clarkson on his last warning for what into his comedy routines, both Noel famous seems to be about fi ve years, and even and Liam have released music and counterpart though he has now been suspended, autobiographies depicting the family social alienation from our friends. rules. So I’ll just sit here waiting for I feel like it’s only a matter of time rift, and Chris Brown is still recording But I suppose we have to accept the Jeremy Clarkson to be reinstated and living by very before the grey haired hunk of rubbish music talking about how his ‘hoes fact that we live in an unjust society, continue off ending the world, while different rules is back on our screens proclaiming his ain’t loyal’ (the less said about that the and non-celebrities will always be I politely work my way through life. racist and sexist views. But this time better). For regular people, it would an underclass to the more famous Th at seems totally impartial and not ” he really messed up, whereas before have lead to legal action or at least counterpart living by very diff erent biased at all.

Pictured: Why nightclubs are Why do you go to Treatment? (Artist: Naomi hell on Earth Brown) hen I say I don’t under- cally going to be found in a nightclub Jordan stand nightclubs, I honestly that constitutes an enjoyable social Adams Wmean it. I cannot conceptu- experience? Th e last time I was in a alise a situation in which being inside club, some dirty old men (around 28, a cramped, moist, unhygienic hub of maybe) were eyeing up my female sensory deprivation and sexual assault company and making crude gestures would be desirable. After getting past to each other like savages. After they the bouncer who has mistaken his obe- noticed both me and my disapproving sity for muscle mass, deeming himself face, the leader of this pack of animals the hardest man since Marvel’s Th e proceeded to half-assedly apologise. Th ing, you walk into a room compa- To me. Not to my friends. As if he’d rable to that of a CIA torture chamber. scratched my car. Fucking dog. Later Terrible music blares so loud that the that night my friend, a stern feminist, human ear is incapable of processing walked back to the car on my arm – “I cannot it into anything intelligible – like when because she felt safer that way. Indeed conceptualise you scream into a microphone. Mov- after we’d left another female friend ing head lights designed to be used on was pushed to the ground by some a situation TV shows and arena concerts send dirty chav who she had presumably in which their cornea-burning gaze around rejected. being inside the room like the Eye of Sauron. Add So why is it that people go to these buckets of overpriced booze that you places? It’s not fun – it’s an exhaust- a cramped, had to shank your way to the bar to ing exercise in self-defence. Other moist, purchase only to spill half of it down humans can be diffi cult to deal with at yourself and the result is a swash of the best of times – but drunk, entitled, unhygienic dazed and confused idiots, ready to fi lthy chavs who treat nightclubs like hub of sensory reveal their dastardly plot to the inter- a human catalogue are just detestable. deprivation rogating agent. Add that to fact that the majority of Physical environment aside, the hu- club owners are wannabe gangsters and sexual mans that you’ll fi nd in a nightclub are and the stench of cheap aftershave and assault would something else altogether. Between perfume constitutes chemical warfare, the rampant ‘lad culture’ and men I am confi dent in saying that I wish be desirable in their late 30s who seriously think never to set foot in such an establish- they have a chance, what is realisti- ment again. ” 12 COMMENT

Why we don’t need a Welsh Officer In response to last week’s article on the need for a full-time Welsh Officer, the VP Education Rhys Jenkins argues why it isn’t necessary

t may surprise some readers to see natures: scraping over the minimum of meetings and has in its 3 year strategy dents. This goes directly against the Rhys one of the Vice Presidents writing 500. As a result, time and money will “To improve welsh language provision” suggestion of normalisation but causes Pictured: Jenkins Iin the comment section and not just be put into launching a referendum as a top priority. Furthermore the Un- a divide. It would also be impossible being commented upon. However, this that must secure 1500 votes within 5 ion has adopted the Welsh Language to effectively represent those students Above: A disaply topic is of such importance that a bal- days, in order to be binding. Many pre- Charter and recently set up a Welsh on the 30+ groups I alone sit on whilst of Welsh pride anced argument should be presented. vious referendums have failed to reach Language Steering Group to drive the also campaigning of welfare issues, im- in Cardiff city Last week this section featured an arti- this binding minimum and I imagine Welsh agenda. proving sports and society provision, centre cle outlining why we should have a full this will be the case once more. Nev- What concerns me most is last and translating. time VP Welsh Language and thus why ertheless, I agree this shouldn’t be an week’s author felt Welsh speakers were It seems to me to be far more ef- Right: Remaining the referendum is important. Howev- argument not to have one. However, it not represented and were “an invisible fective to write into all the current Anonymous. er, the full story wasn’t displayed, and is an argument for it going to the next minority” with the need for someone positions’ job descriptions a need to (Source: Mattia the argument was one-sided. AGM, and not a referendum. to pass on the community’s feedback. improve Welsh language in their re- Notari, Flickr) The current Union Welsh Language Before I launch into the reasons why Clearly they think little of the work spective remits or something to that ef- Campaign Officer (WLCO), Steffan we shouldn’t have the role full time and done by the current Campaign Officer, fect. That way in all areas of activity the Bryn Jones, tabled a motion originally therefore why you should vote ‘No’ as this is precisely what they should Union could create effective change. to Student Senate to have a referen- in the referendum, let me first dispel be doing. Never mind the fact that The Campaign Officer role as it stands dum for a full time paid Vice President some of the “misunderstandings and the current President is a fluent Welsh should be to advise and feedback to Welsh Language. This was debated and prejudice” that last week’s article at- speaker himself. the current officers on issues affecting narrowly defeated by the body of stu- tempted to address. Last week’s statement that Cardiff their cohorts. Is this not exactly what is dents who have been elected to repre- As a Welshman myself I am fully in and Swansea Students’ Unions are trying to be ‘reinvented’? The resource sent the student population. support of the Welsh Language and the only Unions that don’t have a full for this role could then be put to the Interestingly the motion wasn’t sub- its use. Whilst my own proficiency is time Welsh Language Officer is simply cost of translation and double printing. mitted to the Union’s AGM, the high- ashamedly somewhat limited, I agree untrue. In fact it is quite the opposite: Scrutiny committee would then be est decision making body of the Union, it is an important foundation of Welsh the only HE institutions with a full able to hold all the ull time Officers to It seems to save that of the Trustee Board. Here culture and key to living in Wales. I time role are Aberystwyth and Ban- account should it be felt that enough “ it could have been debated in front of would, however, question the proposi- gor, which both have entirely separate wasn’t being done. Moreover, one me to be far “Don’t get me 650+ students with both arguments tion that using Welsh is deemed per- Welsh Unions and a much higher per- of the full time team could be desig- more effective wrong, we being vigorously examined and fiercely verse or threatening. In my experience centage of Welsh speaking students. nated as lead on the Welsh provision to write into defended. Yet, by the WLCO’s own this certainly isn’t the case. Moreover, The other 7 institutions do not have a strategy to further ensure this agenda must hear admission, it wasn’t tabled at AGM having a full time VP Welsh Language full time role. was driven forward and the Welsh all the current the voice of for fear it wouldn’t pass, which in my will not normalise it but drive the So why shouldn’t we have one? Sim- Language Charter fully achieved. As positions’ job opinion is clearly damning evidence Welsh speaking community further ply put: because it would change little covered above, the Union is already our minority that the full time role isn’t a popular away. I appreciate that poor translation and be a waste of time and resources. making great strides towards achiev- descriptions communities, choice. Don’t get me wrong, we must is frustrating, but I am unsure as to That may sound stark and rather harsh ing this with some very positive steps, a need to which is hear the voice of our minority com- the “lack of service” and “arrogant and but allow me to elaborate. It is my including the taking on of a translator improve Welsh munities, which is exactly why we have dismissive attitude” which was com- understanding that the main remit of and the setting up of a steering group. exactly why the campaign officer role. However, in mented on last week. the officer would be to drive the Welsh Rather than pushing back against this language we have the my opinion, it isn’t necessary to launch The Union has recently taken on a agenda, but also be the contact point progress, I am of the opinion that this in their this into a full time paid sabbatical po- member of staff to be Welsh translator. for all issues pertaining to Welsh stu- should be celebrated and highlight campaign sition. Most University services can be ac- dents. Effectively they would become how well the current system of having respective officer role So as explained last week, a petition cessed through the medium of Welsh the VP Societies, Sports, Welfare, a campaign officer is working. remits was launched which, over the period of if requested. The Union has simulta- Education, Postgraduate and indeed For all the above I urge you to vote ” an entire month, only secured 513 sig- neous translation at AGM and Senate President, for Welsh speaking stu- ‘No’ in the upcoming referendum. ” COMMENT 13 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Why? Anonymous’ vigilantism isn’t achieving anything

ccording to the Oxford Eng- across all three major groups is the which they dealt with the affiliated vengeance is focused on a person or Dan Heard lish Dictionary, “Anonymous” largest compiled and verified list ever member who misidentified the killer group that seems guilty to them, even Ais defined as something which to be released to the public.” Members of Michael Brown. if they doesn’t have any solid evidence, is “made or done by someone whose assert that the organisation is not a Phone lines at Ferguson’s City Hall which comes against every precept of name is not known or not made group but a loose collective working to were cut and their website brought the law. Also, in other cases, the vigi- public”. This couldn’t be more apt in advance similar ideals, but sometimes down. The personal details of the lante doesn’t care that much who ends describing the activities of the hack- contradictory ones. While Anony- daughter of the senior officer in charge, up in the cross fire when he enacts his tivist group currently terrorising any- mous espouses privacy, its members Jon Belmar, being touted by the group, vengeance. Sure, vigilantism applies one who is anyone (yes, that includes also use the release of others’ personal as something of an incentive to reveal to the extent where, say, a criminal is Yeezus himself, Kanye West). Their information as a tactic in cases where the name of the police officer alleged running down the street, evading po- activities have peaked the interest of they believe the authorities are not act- to have shot Mr Brown. Belmar held lice, and you were to tackle them to the social media-wielding “citizen journal- ing in the public interest, or the news his nerve, prompting taunts from the ground. That’s as far as it should really ists”- particularly when one of the big- media has not released pertinent in- account threating his own wellbeing, go. Leave everything else to individu- gest mediums in the world was nearly formation. They are quick to condemn before making the crucial mistake - als who are trained and equipped for brought to its knees by hackers. These any individual who claims to speak for accusing a civilian of committing the the job. That is a rather benign exam- activities were in the news again only the entire collective, and dissent and crime. Big mistake. Within hours, ple perhaps, certainly when compared days ago, when members of the hack- infighting are common. Twitter had shut down the account, to the kind of rough justice being ing collective, with help from Ghost- Opinion is certainly divided. Many something which was barely contested dished out by groups like Anonymous. Sec and Ctrlsec, released a list of 9,200 Anonymous members consider them- by other hacktivists. The baiting of Mr How much good can actually come Twitter accounts tied to members and selves ‘crusaders for justice’, and in Belmar was the work of an ‘Anonym’ from this? Even ISIS experts have supporters of ISIS to help suspend launching these campaigns, demon- who was, apparently, “acting against previously said that taking down ac- them. The list is being promoted in strate just how purposeful, if some- the advice of others”, according to fel- counts does little to hit the actual core hopes that it will force the social media times misguided, they can be. More low members. Yet how can the group of activity. And such campaigns have site to immediately remove ISIS sym- than once, they have posed as under- retain any credibility when individual occasionally had counter-productive pathisers from its webpage. age girls in order to entrap paedo- members are seen to be breaking away effects — taking down users that aren’t This is not the first time Anonymous philes, whose personal information from the pack? Isn’t that basically the affiliated with ISIS at all, for instance. has targeted ISIS. The hacking collec- they later sent on to the police. Pub- aim of groups like this? Evoke the so- Twitter doesn’t even prohibit what it tive launched #OpISIS last year and licly, Anonymous persists in claiming cial media masses into some kind of calls “direct threats of violence”- is a “The vigilante claims to have disrupted thousands to be non-hierarchical, despite there frenzy against society and its many better platform for vigilantism avail- is a person, or “Anonymous of websites affiliated with the terror- being four or five individuals touted as flaws? Anonymous attracts people who able? I doubt it. might just ist group. Anonymous also launched the ‘true leader’ of the movement. Yet are willing to ‘push the boundaries’, in The vigilante cannot be held re- in this case a #OpCharlieHebdo after the attacks personal identity and the individual terms of what those they represent are sponsible should they make a mistake, group, driven be the most in Paris earlier this year. A member remain subordinate to a focus on the willing to take. The big question then as no one knows who they are. Their powerful, of Anonymous was even quoted as “epic win”. Anonymous might just be for me is this: is this vigilantism justifi- only use is in societies where the law by emotion, saying, “This is historic amongst the the most powerful, non-governmental able? itself is more of a guideline, like the or even rage non- digital world as it’s the first time these hacking collective in the world. Even Well, in short, no. Not to me any- Old West, where gunslingers dished governmental groups have come together for some- so, it has never demonstrated an ability way. Vigilantism is simply a bad idea. out revenge with bullets and manly at times. This hacking thing this large. Usually they are closed or desire to damage any key elements The vigilante is a person, or in this case stares - not with tweets and tirades group doesn’t off and not willing to work outside of of public infrastructure. To some cy- a group, driven by emotion, or even of abuse. Anonymous may stay just have the law’s collective in their circles but this has become such a bersecurity experts, the dire warnings rage at times. This group doesn’t have that, but should they continue, then the world problem they’re willing to form an alli- about Anonymous sound almost like the law’s resources, or even interest, in their actions will have greater, negative resources ance for what is seen as a greater good. fearmongering. The actions taken in finding out the person he deems guilty ramifications than they could possibly ” The outcome of hundreds of hackers Ferguson, for example, at the way in is actually indeed guilty. The anger and have imagined. ” tweet us @GairRhyddPol mail us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics Budget 2015: Tax cuts and austerity in a pre-election budget as Osborne announces a “national recovery”

ast Wednesday, the Chancellor down to £7bn this week. Th e national its recovery plan, meaning Labour’s Carwyn of the Exchequer, George Os- Economy minimum wage will also be increased, plan is the wrong plan. Bringing the Williams Lborne, gave his last budget of to £6.70 this year, on course for an last Labour government’s economic People don’t this parliament. Th is was obviously a Th e main theme of this budget: the £8 minimum wage by 2020. Living failure into the Budget announcement, “ budget for votes. economy. Th e main message of this standards have also increased, Os- Osborne announced that despite the need a new It became quickly apparent via Twit- budget: “We are delivering a truly na- borne suggested: disposable income country is now paying off century measure ter that many viewers were playing tional recovery”, with Osborne men- had increased for families since 2010. old debt “Th e debt issued by Gordon ‘Budget Bingo’. Instead of numbers be- tioning this several times throughout Miliband attacked this statement, re- Brown will take a little longer to pay which ing called out, Osborne would say an his speech. Starting this pre-election sponding: “On living standards, which off ”, to Labour’s dismay. “Do we return pretends they iconic phrase such as ‘recovery’. Th is budget, stating, “We have grown faster the Chancellor made much of in his to the chaos of the past, or do we con- are better shows that many have become bored than any other major economy in the speech, he knows that on the offi cial tinue along the path that is delivering of the current predictable, boring and world”. measure people are clearly worse off for you,” he said, emphasising the need off. They long budget announcements, although To the joy of Conservative MPs, it under him. So he had a bright idea. for a long-term economic plan. need a new it does not seem to have stopped peo- seems the economy is faring better To invent a new measure of living government ple from watching it. Indeed there than anticipated in the autumn state- standards.” Th e Conservative benches Inflation rate was much reaction on Social Media, ment, with the forecast for 2015 re- were not amused by this statement, predicted for to make them with #Budget2015 trending across the vised up to 2.5 per cent, with growth this was party politics at its worst. 0.2 2015 (%) better off. UK as people analysed the chancellor’s staying at around 2.3 per cent in the Miliband went on to say: “People don’t plan for the next year. following years of a Conservative gov- need a new measure which pretends This is the Th e Deputy Speaker was forced to ernment. Unemployment fi gures were they are better off . Th ey need a new Labour MPs got very rowdy when reality behind intervene several times during the also released on Wednesday morning, government to make them better off . the Chancellor announced that as a Budget and during Miliband’s re- showing a record high number of peo- Th is is the reality behind the Budget country “we are all in this together”, the Budget sponse, due to a particular rowdy ple in work, but yet still 5.8 per cent of that can’t be believed.” Can Mr Os- causing the speaker to intervene. Mr that can’t be budget announcement, with pointing, people unemployed, hoping to reach borne be believed, or is he hiding the Osborne announced the gender pay believed shouting, head shaking and pleading 5.3 per cent by the end of the year. Mr scale of future cuts? gap had never been smaller, while this going on between the benches. Th is Osborne looked proud, uttering, “We Th e Chancellor referred back to his is a positive outlook; it is still up to 24 Ed Miliband again reminds us all of the irresponsi- are getting the whole of Britain back to fi rst budget where he wanted to get per cent in some occupations, still not ble, loud and frankly rude behaviour of work, with a truly national recovery”, national debt falling as a share of GDP a fi gure to be proud of. our Members of Parliament. Osborne despite loud Labour opposition and by 2015/16, and seemed proud that Infl ation was the main change We are also attacked the previous Labour gov- Conservative cheering in the house. he had met it, although looking back though since last year, predicted to “ ernment, as you would expect, but ac- it is obvious he has failed on much be just 0.2 per cent this year, drop- ” getting the cused the opposition of increasing the Percentage of of his defi cit plans. Again Miliband ping from the predicted 1.2 per cent. whole of north south divide, to the displeasure 5.8 UK workforce commented on this, stating that Mr Th is is helped by falling food prices of the Labour cabinet. Unemployed Cameron said in 2010 that halving and worldwide oil price decrease, be- Britain back to Th e Offi ce for Budget Responsi- the defi cit would not be good enough, ing good news for families as accord- work, with a bility however has said that public and Osborne has failed on a key elec- ing to Osborne, “We are delivering a truly national service cuts are planned to be like a On to the all-important borrowing tion promise. Th is comes only a few truly national recovery”. After talks rollercoaster, with ministerial budget’s fi gures: the Chancellor announced months after the new Conservative with the National Farmers Union, Os- recovery deeper than at any point during this that borrowing would be £90.2bn this campaign claiming to have halved the borne has fi nally agreed to let farmers parliament, before recovering slightly year, falling to £75.3bn and £39.4bn defi cit, but as a share of GDP, mislead- average their income over fi ve years. George by 2019/20. Th e decision facing voters in 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively. ing many, critics argued. Mr Osborne NFU President Meurig Raymond re- Osborne is clear, deeper cuts but into surplus However, in the autumn statement, pleaded to the people of Britain that a acted to this news announced shortly quicker with the Tories, or less auster- Osborne hoped to get a surplus of slower recovery with more borrowing after: “We are very pleased that Mr ” ity with Labour. £23bn by 2019-20, but this was revised would mean Britain will deviate from Osborne said that he had listened to 100 Pictured: Osborne 80 delivering his Budget (Source: 60 ft.com)

40 DEFICIT:

20 BILLIONS OF POUNDS 0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

FINANCIAL YEAR POLITICS 15

the arguments by the NFU and will al- account, to be completed by 2020, al- low farmers to average their incomes though announcing that people who Beer duty PhD over fi ve years...farmers are increas- wish to fi ll out a paper form will still cut rate student ingly facing a volatile marketplace and be able to do so. 3p in three £25k loan this will enable them to manage the Another big announcement that years avaliability Continued impacts of this.” was announced was the changes to from the savings tax, and that anyone earning previous less than £1,000 in savings income will Savings on Fuel duty page Tax be exempt from this, a big bonus for the average increase savers, not so much so for students. 16p bottle of 0p in the Tax was also a hot topic in the Miliband accused Osborne of ig- Scotch last four house, with the Chancellor announc- noring big cuts in his Budget, which whiskey years ing that the income tax threshold will would occur between 2015/6 and be increased to £11,000 next year 2018, billions of pounds worth. Mili- Th ere were many incentive tax cuts band claimed that eventually the NHS Green Party, who support the aboli- of austerity will continue. Secretary of for voters, or so it seems, from this would not be able to be ring fenced, tion of student fees, currently polling State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, how- Budget. Th ese include a 1p tax cut leading to NHS cuts if a next govern- at 28 per cent amongst the student ever had a vastly diff erent opinion, being on beer, 2 per cent cut in cider prices, ment was a Conservative one. population. Mr Miliband attacked a Conservative; he said that this was “a that will make that night in Flux a tad Osborne’s actions on students, saying, Budget to help secure Wales’ future.” cheaper. Th e chancellor again con- Local MP Jenny Willott announced fi rmed plans to clamp down on tax Students (%) Students “Th is Budget shows just what Lib Dems avoidance, confi rming a new measures expected in government have been able to achieve penalising tax evaded and avoidance. In higher education, the Chancel- 23 to vote for the people of Wales: creating oppor- From next year there will no longer be lor fi rst announced that the number Conservative tunity for everyone by building a strong- immunity for those who admit to tax of students form disadvantaged back- er economy and a fairer society.” evasion, and will face higher penalties. ground were at a record high. Mr Os- “the next generation has seen wages Th is clampdown, Osborne claims, will borne announced that he had in fact plummet and tuition fees treble.” rise up to £3.1bn in the period of the examined the option of restricting the Th e Chancellor also promised loans Reaction next parliament, helping to reduce the annual allowance of pensions to use up to £25,000 for students studying defi cit. the money to pay for a tuition fee cut. for research-based master’s degrees On Th ursday, the real pre-election Miliband stated that these so called Mr Osborne said: “It involves penal- and PhDs, saying “Future economic campaigning about the budget began, ‘tax-cuts’ were not in fact benefi cial for ising moderately paid, long-serving success depends on future scientifi c with George Osborne denying that families, adding families were £1,600 a public servants, including police offi c- success.” Th is adds on to the £10,000 planned cuts after the election would be year worse off , due to tax rises in many ers, teachers and nurses, and instead loans announced for taught-based tougher than the austerity of the last fi ve areas. Mr Miliband went further, add- rewarding higher paid graduates”, go- postgraduates. Th e UK Commission years. What I will ing the Chancellor had not mentioned ing on to say that such a policy would for Employment and Skills estimates Reacting to the news that the OBR “ anything about VAT in his budget. Mr not be fair, and would not be progres- that by 2022, as many as one in seven said there’d be a rollercoaster of cuts, reverse Miliband added: “And everyone knows sive. Th is comes as expected, but is jobs will require a postgraduate quali- Osborne rejected this assessement from what’s coming if they were to get back still a disappointment to many, includ- fi cation, a worrying fact as the UK’s the independent watchdog. However, is a plan in: another VAT rise. Th e Tax the To- ing the National Union of Students number of postgraduate students lags Osborne refused to spell out in inter- for deeper ries love to raise.” Despite Tory fi gures who stated in their General Election behind international competition. views what his plans would actually look spending cuts rejecting this, the offi cial manifestos manifesto a policy supporting the like, we shall just have to wait and see, is are not yet released and this budget is eventual abolition of tuition fees. the message. in the next not binding, therefore we will have to When tuition fees were raised, there Wales Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls even three years wait and see if the Chancellor even has was uproar in the student community, praised the Chancellor over some of his that option. with many protesting in London and So what about Wales? Th ere were policies, saying that the new Help to Buy than the last Th e annual tax return will also be the conservative student polling be- many positive points in the Budget for ISA, which will help fi rst time buyers, five. scrapped, for a real –time online tax ing stagnant at 23 per cent, while the Wales, starting with the fact that the UK was “an interesting idea”, which he would I think that government is opening up negotiations keep if Labour would win the election. over a £1bn tidal lagoon energy project However, Balls said that “What I will re- is a really Pictured: in Swansea. Th e lagoon, which could verse is a plan for deeper spending cuts risky and Severn Bridge power 120,000 homes for 120 years, is in the next three years than the last fi ve. toll booths, much more expensive in the short term “I think that is a really risky and dan- dangerous price will be for energy than nuclear. gerous prospect for our country. I think prospect for reduced from Th e Chancellor also announced a he’ll end up cutting the National Health our country. 2018 (Source: development of an infrastructure city Service or raising VAT”. Flickr, Sprinter deal for Cardiff . Cardiff and the South With regards to the eff ect the budget I think he’ll Jockey) East of Wales will also benefi t from the will have on the General Election cam- end up cutting reduction of the Severn Bridge tolls, paign, it is yet unclear how the polls will when they come into public ownership react, whether voters will be sceptical the National in 2018. Th e higher rate for vans will be of Osborne’s plans and reject the Con- Health Service scrapped, to pay the same as cars, at a servatives, or be bought in by things or raising VAT rate of £5.40. such as beer and fuel duty cuts. Mr Balls Wales’ Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, told BBC Breakfast that this budget “was Ed Balls was not convinced by the Budget, being quite empty” and had not “changed the devastated that the “devastating impact” fundamental picture.” ” Kieran Lewis Th is week’s PMQs coincided with the within the Labour leader’s own con- the UK was seeing a ‘genuinely’ na- and convincing answers to ques- announcement of George Osborne’s stituency, which showed the Govern- tional recovery and drops in poverty tions from Labour. Th e budget was Prime fi nal budget before the General Elec- ment had been meeting these targets. and inequality. Th ese fi gures were not really mentioned, with the Prime Minister’s tion, although surprisingly this was Nevertheless, this was not suffi cient continually challenged, but the Prime Minister instead returning to claims Questions not a prominent theme in the debate. and when pressed for national fi gures Minister maintained his composure. about his ‘long term economic plan’, Instead, the Prime Minister turned by another Labour MP later in the All this was seemed lost at times and spouting various economic fi g- his attention to newly released un- debate, the Prime Minister claimed in the midst of heated discussions ures. employment fi gures that showed a that half a million more patients had and mocking of Ed Miliband’s two From this week’s PMQs, it seems national decline in the three months been referred to cancer units, with- kitchens, following press coverage in that the main themes of Labour to January. out directly addressing the question. the last few days. Th e Labour leader and Conservative campaigns have Miliband’s attack came in the form While Labour focused on the NHS, responded by criticising the Govern- emerged, with the Conservatives of the NHS. He claimed that the attacks directed at the economy were ment’s Chief Whip, whose kitchen centring on the economy, while La- Prime Minister had broken a number diffi cult to maintain, as the Prime had allegedly been funded by the tax- bour will prioritise the NHS. Howev- of promises, including failing to meet Minister was well prepared with payer. er, both parties will need to work to four hour waiting targets and can- statistics showing a drop in claim- Th e Prime Minister seemed to show their competence in the other cer treatment pledges. Mr Cameron ant counts and plans to increase the maintain control of the debate, and areas as campaigning gets underway responded by referring to statistics minimum wage. Mr Cameron said in the most part gave passionate in the next few weeks. 16 POLITICS Damning UK detention centres report

damning report into the state 20 witnesses, including current and Commission and looks into deten- the Home Offi ce means that offi cial Daniel Heard of immigration detention in former detainees. Th e UK’s use of im- tion not only of asylum seekers and guidance, which states that deten- A the UK has urged the govern- migration detention was widely con- refused asylum seekers but also other tion should be used sparingly and ment to bring in radical changes to demned, and radical and immediate irregular migrants who are caught up for the shortest possible time, is not detention policy. Th e report, by the change was called for. Crucially, this in the detention system. being followed, resulting in too many the All Party Parliamentary Group panel believes that little will change In contrast to the review of care for instances of unnecessary detention. into Immigration Detention, criti- by tinkering with the pastoral care or mentally ill migrants in immigration Th e panel recommend that the UK cised the government for detain- improving the facilities. Th e report detention, recently announced by the government should learn from best ing people for indefi nite amounts of makes a number of key recommen- Home Secretary, Th eresa May, the practice abroad where alternatives to time and using detention more often dations, including a 28 day time limit inquiry’s report amounts to a forth- detention are used, which not only than is necessary. Th e panel exam- on the length of time anyone can be right rejection of a focus on ‘tinker- allow individuals to live in the com- ined over 180 written submissions held in immigration detention. Th e ing’ to make immigration detention munity, but which also allow the gov- and heard evidence from more than inquiry goes beyond the scope of the less harmful. It concludes that reform ernment to maintain immigration “While there must amount to a ‘wholesale change control at a much lower cost to the in culture, towards community mod- state. Th e review argued that depriv- is a need Pictured: els of engagement and better case ing an individual of their liberty for to properly Detention working and decision-making.’ It also the purposes of immigration deten- control our centre recommends that the UK emulates tion should be an absolute last resort good practices in other countries and only used to eff ect removal. Th e borders, which operate much more eff ective UK remains the only country in the people who community-based alternatives to de- European Union not to have an upper tention programmes. David Burrow- time limit on detention, and the panel arrive by fair es MP, a member of the inquiry panel conclude that the lack of a time limit means or foul and Conservative MP, said “Th is in- has “signifi cant mental health costs must also quiry is an unusual one. Immigration for detainees, as well as considerable is on the political agenda but rarely fi nancial costs to the taxpayer.” Th is is be treated do we unite on a cross party basis and an uncomfortable subject that most with dignity consider the issue of immigration de- politicians would probably rather not tention. Th e lack of a time limit is re- deal with in public, but the current and respect sulting in people being locked up for system is apparently both expensive throughout months and, in some cases, several and ineff ectively unjust. Because of the years purely for administrative rea- this general refusal by Parliament to sons. While there is a need to prop- engage with the issue and against the immigration erly control our borders, people who background of the dismal failure by process arrive by fair means or foul must also UK civil society to stop the expan- be treated with dignity and respect sion of the detention estate over the David throughout the immigration process.” last decade or so, there is legitimate Th e inquiry panel conclude that scepticism over what this new inquiry Burrowes the enforcement-focused culture of could possibly achieve. ” Russia prepared to use nuclear weapons lthough Russian President nuclear weapons and including those longer exists. In the light of Putin’s ment, a number of countries continue Louisa Idel Vladimir Putin had been mys- awaiting dismantlement, however, the statement, however, serious concerns to increase their nuclear capabilities. Ateriously absent from public Russian Federation is thought to have about Britain’s defence capabilities In this context, giving Trident up en- view, he nevertheless appeared on approximately 8,000 warheads. have been raised. It seems possible tirely does not seem a viable option. If state television on March 15 in the Against the backdrop of deteriorat- that the fundamental component nec- nuclear threats resurface, a minimum pre-recorded documentary Crimea: ing relations with the West due to the essary to drive counter-proliferation nuclear deterrent might be needed, Th e Path to the Motherland. Th e doc- Ukraine crisis, Russia has not been – the belief that situations in which and Putin’s readiness to put Russian umentary, which marked a year since hesitant in reasserting its nuclear nuclear weapons would be used are weapons on alert might infl uence Par- the Crimean referendum, retold the power status. Before the new mili- extremely remote – might be missing liament’s fi nal decision on the succes- crisis from a Russian point of view. tary doctrine was signed in December after all. sor to the Trident programme, which In it, Putin admitted to having been 2014, important military fi gures had Despite global progress in disarma- is expected after the general election. ready to put Russian nuclear weapons demanded that the right to a fi rst nu- on alert during the Crimea crisis, en- clear strike be restored. While it was suring combat readiness. “We were ultimately not included, the doctrine Pictured: ready to do this...[Crimea] is our his- identifi es NATO enlargement as a Mushroom torical territory. Russian people live principal security risk for the Russian cloud there. Th ey were in danger. We cannot Federation and holds on to the right abandon them…We were ready for the to make use of nuclear weapons in worst possible scenario”, said the Rus- response to both nuclear strikes and sian President regarding the use of nu- conventional attacks, given that the clear force. state’s existence is in danger. Th is statement has given renewed Putin’s readiness to make nuclear salience to the issue of international weapons ready for combat has made nuclear security that dates back to the the possible nuclear threat that Rus- second half of the twentieth century. sia might pose to the West ever more Following the collapse of the Soviet tangible. As a consequence, a nuclear- “Important Union in 1991, Russia took over large weapon-free world does not appear military figures stocks of weapons-grade fi ssile mate- feasible, with NATO’s 2010 Strategic rial and a massive nuclear weapons Concept clearly stating that ‘[a]s long had demanded production complex. In a series of as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will that the right international treaties agreed in sub- remain a nuclear alliance’. sequent years, Russia and the United Th e situation has also added a new to a first States agreed to a limit of 1,550 stra- dimension to the ongoing debate re- nuclear strike tegic warheads by 2018. According to garding the renewal of the British nu- be restored recent estimations, Russia is currently clear deterrent programme Trident. in possession of 1,643 deployed war- A chief argument brought forward by heads. Taking into account the total Trident opponents was that the Cold ” amount of deployed and non-deployed War threat from the Soviet Union no POLITICS 17 We can no longer ignore the housing crisis

his newspaper has dealt with itants acquired unfairly poor reputa- Jack quality and aff ordability of tions. Th e policy also had the eff ect Pictured Pickering Tstudent housing closely. In the of changing the original purpose of Belgravia rest of the media, horror stories about council housing from an essentially (fl ickr: Axel the astronomical cost and dire quality well-maintained and acceptable form Drainville) of some accommodation, especially of housing for working people, to a in London, abound. Despite this, no form of safety net for the worst off . party has outlined a credible plan to Alongside the sharp increases in deal with the housing problem. Re- income inequality and in-work pov- cent graduates are perhaps suff ering erty across society there have been the worst eff ects of the aff ordability dramatic increases in the waiting lists crisis given their lack of capital and for council housing, in part because the concentration of the more illustri- of the bedroom tax. Many on the ous job opportunities and internships waiting list are now in emergency ac- in London and the South East, the commodation at the expense of local housing crisis is aff ecting many more authorities or in unsuitable accom- than just recent graduates, and there modation. Many in London are even are no signs that it’s going to get bet- faced with the prospect of relocation ter unless action is taken soon. to another part of the UK. As general Housing is one of the most practi- housebuilding across the whole of cally and politically challenging areas the UK is currently around 200,000 of policy for any government due to homes per year short of estimated the complexity of housing policy’s demand, the revival of the Right to relationship with other policy areas. Buy in a manner which prevents lo- Th ese diffi culties are demonstrated cal authorities from providing like by the large amount of political pro- for like replacements is not ‘austerity’ ber of fi rst time buyers. Th is assumes retrofi tting programs could be re- test concerning regeneration initia- politics’ it’s simply bad policy, which massive intervention in the housing ducing these while providing many tives in London and the overall lack is set to increase costs for local gov- market as this would be necessary jobs. Th e wholesale privatisation of of aff ordable housing. A large part ernment. to provide aff ordable mortgages, and council housing and the obsession of of the problem with housing policy Faced with a well-publicised af- the number of fi rst time buyers under successive governments with facili- Many on the in the UK is the British fi xation on fordability crisis, you would think that this approach would reach 60000; ac- tating owner occupation make deal- “ home ownership. Policies to increase housing would be a crucial issue for cording to Th e Guardian, the last time ing with the serious issues we face waiting list ownership are nothing new, and the the main parties to address before the more than 30000 loans to fi rst time increasingly diffi cult. Housing policy most signifi cant of these was the upcoming general election. Despite buyers were granted (2007), the hous- has knock on eff ects on a range of are now in Right to Buy, which was introduced this, none of the parties have properly ing bubble burst. issues from health and wellbeing, to emergency in the 1980 Housing Act and led to addressed the issue. Th e conserva- We live now in some of the oldest the economy and the environment. In the widespread residualisation of tives have by far the worst housing and most poorly insulated housing neglecting long-term housing policy, housing at council owned housing stock. Th is policy, promising to help people build seen across Europe, at a time when Westminster has been monumentally the expense left the worst off tenants in the worst conservatories by tinkering with the climate change is threatening homes short-sighted and has also potentially quality and least desirable properties, planning system. Labour has pledged directly through fl ooding and sea lev- missed out on proposing what could of local and it also left local authorities with to build 200,000 homes annually in el rise. Heating and powering homes be incredibly popular and realistic authorities a vastly decreased stock of properties order to end the crisis, but still prob- is also responsible for a large propor- policy options before one of the most of much lower quality, meaning that lematically focuses on home owner- tion of the national carbon emissions hotly contested elections in recent ” council owned housing and its inhab- ship, promising to double the num- when sustainable housebuilding and memory. Where next for Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems? n the 12th May 2010, at the form of the House of Lords, and losing inside the party label this “ambitious conceivable that long-standing parlia- Robert rose garden, Downing Street ten of their eleven seats in the Euro- expediency”. mentarian Vince Cable, 72 may stand, Thomas OCameron and Clegg embraced pean Parliament in 2014 is it possible Farron’s record as a canny strate- perhaps his age will prove a virtue hailed a “new politics” of coalition Clegg will remain leader of the Lib gist has meant that he gained 60% of rather than hindrance. partnership in the face of the eco- Dems after the election. the vote in his constituency in 2010. As Stephen Tall, editor of Liberal nomic abyss. Could this coalition last For Nick Clegg to continue as party In 2010 he ended the Tories’ 95-year Democrat Voice puts it: “…it seems fi ve years? Would Clegg stand strong leader after May he must overcome a reign in Westmorland and Lonsdale almost certain that Tim Farron will against a Tory dominated front bench? number of obstacles. Firstly, he must by just 267 votes. In the 2014 Euro be giving the leader’s speech at the And assert his Liberal principles? Th e retain his Sheffi eld Hallam seat where election, it was one of only four areas party’s Bournemouth conference this Liberal Democrats have not benefi t- in 2010 he managed a 29.9% majority. in the UK where the Lib Dems topped autumn. He will, naturally, use the oc- ted from their role in government. Th e Th e Lib Dems must hold on to at least the poll. It is argued that Farron reach- casion to pay full and handsome trib- Coalition Agreement, meant to turn 30 seats within a hung parliament sce- es parts of the electorate where the ute to Nick Clegg. But no-one expects party political pragmatism into joint nario as well as having a coalition deal party usually cannot. While some say him to lead the Lib Dems in the same principles centred on economic recov- with Labour or Conservative possible. he lacks gravitas or charisma, Farron direction.” ery, has left the Tories’ junior partners Lastly, Clegg has to be able to sell that looks forward to rebuilding the party. objects of popular ridicule. deal to the public, asserting his com- Shirley Williams has said: “I have the Leader since 2007, Nick Clegg was petence to his party. Th is is the least highest opinion of him, but he’s not Pictured: the real winner of the TV debates in likely of all. a foreign policy man” but he has at- Nick Clegg 2010, which led to ‘Cleggmania’ and Even the party faithful admit that if tempted to assert his providence on (Source: Th e Lib Dem the Liberal Democrats won 23% of the the Lib Dems do as badly as the polls welfare reform, immigration and civil Spectator) “ popular vote, albeit losing fi ve seats predict (around 7% of the vote) and liberties as well as courting the party’s membership in the Commons. Of course the deci- return to opposition then Clegg’s ten- economically liberal ‘Orange Bookers’. dropped sion to go into coalition was fraught ure will certainly end and a leadership He has been described as “unstoppa- with criticism. Th e party’s member- debate will ensue. Th e clear favour- ble” by Clegg aides. from 65,038 ship dropped from 65,038 in 2010 to ite is Tim Farron. His four year stint But who else may run? It depends in 2010 to 48,934 a year later. In the local council as party president meant touring the on who survives. Danny Alexander, 48,934 a elections of 2011, where the Lib Dems UK, reassuring discontented activ- the clever and eff ective Chief Sec- lost control of Sheffi eld council, Clegg ists while building a base in the party retary, may not, his unpopularity in year after admitted that the party had taken “big unhindered by ministerial offi ce. He government is a detriment in an all- the general knocks” due to a perception that the follows “independent loyalty” – never party ballot; Norman Lamb has many coalition government had returned to reactively attacking the leader but merits but has been called “bland”; election 1980s Th atcherism. After disappoint- proactively voting against £9k tuition Ed Davey has brains on his side; Jo ” ment in the AV referendum, failed re- fees and the bedroom tax – yet critics Swinson would be a radical choice. 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ast Th ursday, Ed Miliband an- lieve that there’s a diff erence between Rhiannon swered people’s questions at an the mainstream parties. Pictured: Tapp Levent in the Millennium Stadi- Gair Rhydd asked Miliband why Ed Miliband um, speaking on a range of issues and students should believe that Labour is arriving Carwyn telling the Cardiff audience, “Welsh diff erent, and he answered saying: in Cardiff , Williams Labour needs a partnership with “For students and young people, lis- greeted by Westminster.” ten to what we’ve got to say on tuition First Minister Lauren Boyd Miliband tried hard to diff erentiate fees… Th is decision will also bring Carwyn himself and the Labour party from the more money to the Welsh budget. Jones, Owen Conservatives, saying: “Tories want Look at what we’ve got to say about Smith MP and wealth to trickle down, however I be- jobs, putting people back to work and Cardiff Labour lieve that the people with the broad- the minimum wage. And look at what candidates est shoulders should bear the greatest we’ve got to say about raising the mini- (Credit: Media burden.” mum wage and zero hours contracts. Wales) With tuition fees trebled, the vast Th ese are massive issues for many stu- amount of zero hour contracts in the dents. So coming up to this election, economy, and the stripping of servic- the message should be made clear to es, young people feel that the last fi ve young people that we have a better of- years have been tough, leading to apa- fer for their future.” and that’s what we’re doing”, saying mean now for public services. We’ve thy regarding voting, critics say. In the Labour recently announced they he would like to go further, but can’t seen the devastating impact and that’s last General Election, 21.4 per cent of would lower tuition fees to £6,000, to promise this. just one of the many reasons why I 18-24 year olds voted for the main two distinguish themselves as the party During the talk, it seemed at points hope people vote Labour.” parties, suggesting they no longer be- who will right the wrongs in the minds Mr Miliband was avoiding fully an- On devolution, Miliband said he of students. swering certain questions. Th ese in- didn’t think an English Assembly was Critics of this plan argue that La- cluded questions on his dismissal of the answer but was in favour of great- Pictured: bour aren’t going far enough. Th e an SNP coalition, the Barnett formula, er devolution across the UK. He went “The one Politics editor practicalities are also a concern. Th e asylum seekers and climate change. on to say that devolution was “a tus- important with Ed Chancellor announced yesterday that In response to this Gair Rhydd asked sle over power”, and we need to fi nd Miliband he had reviewed lowering tuition fees why he was ruling out a coalition with the right balance. Regarding reform of lesson to take at the expense of pensioners, but it the SNP when it’s unlikely he’ll secure the House of Lords Miliband stated: from Nick was not a viable option. Since 2012, a majority government: “I want a democratically elected sen- the Welsh Government has been par- “Th ere are too many fundamental ate of the nations. Th is would increase Clegg’s broken tially subsidising tuition fee for Welsh disagreements between ourselves and the democratic principle and reduce promise is students, and we asked Miliband why the SNP for us to have a coalition gov- hereditary power.” to make his plans didn’t go this far. ernment. But I want there to be a ma- Miliband joked that such a range of “£6,000 is what is aff ordable”, he jority Labour government. I think this bases had been covered in a relatively promises you said, “We’ve got to make our plans add election is still to be decided. Th ere small amount of questions and that can keep, and up. It will make a diff erence for the are seven weeks to go and people are he’d never had people so keen. Mili- Welsh government because at the mo- still focusing on this election. Th ey’re band continuously made joking refer- that’s what ment they’ve got to pay a bigger dif- thinking about their options and I’d ences and kept the atmosphere light. we’re doing ference than they will once we lower say to people that there is a big choice: Various members who took to the mi- the fees. Th e one important lesson to a Labour government or a Conserva- crophone announced their pride for Ed Miliband take from Nick Clegg’s broken prom- tive government. We know what a Miliband and off ered their hopes that ise is to make promises you can keep, Conservative government would he would be the next Prime Minister. ” A week in the Seneddwith Carwyn Williams

Conservatives’ fault for stripping fam- Monitor senior pay in HE ilies of their disposable income that Th e Education Minister responded to was to blame, with Mr. Davies say- claims from members that the sen- ing it was a “ludicrous answer”. Th e ior level salary in the higher educa- First Minister later added that higher tion sector were out of control. Th e education, such as Cardiff Univer- minister stated he had “asked Higher sity, makes a huge contribution to the Education Funding Council for Wales Welsh economy. (HEFCW) to monitor senior pay levels Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru, mentioned and rewards in the HE sector and to the Welsh language, and disagreed submit a report to the Welsh Govern- with the First Minister that enough ment on an annual basis.” It was re- was being done in the planning pro- vealed last week that a development cess to ensure local communities in director for Bangor University had West Wales can stay Welsh. racked up expenses of almost £50 000, on top of a high salary. First Minister’s Questions Kirsty Williams also mentioned Bond Rejected by Butler Health was again on the agenda this health, and why the Welsh Ambulance It has been revealed that a request Senedd to get Armed Police week, with Muhammad Asghar start- Service was spending £269,653 on tax- made by the makers of the new James Due to an increased threat to security, ing proceedings accusing the Labour is taking patients to hospital in the fi rst Bond fi lm to feature the chamber armed police will now be deployed to run government on breaking their 11 months of last year, an increase of in the Assembly was rejected by the the Senedd. It is following a number of election promise with regards to GP over 50 per cent. Mr. Jones added that Presiding Offi cer Rosemary Butler. It security issues that have been revealed out of hour appointment services. Mr. a taxi costs as little as £4 to transport emerged that the controversial deci- recently. In the wake of a shooting Asghar said that only 0.5 per cent of a non-emergency patient, whereas an sion was not made by the offi cial body at Canada’s Parliament last autumn, GP surgeries had any Saturday ap- ambulance can cost £183. of the Assembly; the Assembly Com- MPs in Westminster were advised to pointments and 7 per cent on late Conservatives leader Andrew RT mission, and members have reported barricade themselves in their offi ce in night appointments, the First Min- Davies mentioned the economy, and to say they would have supported it. the event of an attack. An assembly ister however dismissed this, hitting added Wales has one of the high- In a statement, Butler said “On bal- insider said “It’s a shame this should be back with statistics that 79 per cent of est high street shop vacancy rates in ance, the risk to the Siambr and po- happening, given the Assembly’s com- surgeries off ered appointments until the UK. Mr. Jones lighted a political tential for disruption to business was mitment to being an open institution, 6.30pm every day. match here, adding that it was the too great. but it’s a sign of the times we live in.” tweet us @gairrhyddsci email us [email protected] SCIENCE or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/science

Magic medicine does not work Gambian president HIV “cure” gets British support

s a research student in life in the medical community. theory is “scientifi cally implausible” rageous suggestion has many up in Shanna sciences, I have to absolutely It may seem absolutely astonishing and stated there is overwhelming evi- arms, before even considering a ques- Pictured: Hamilton Abend over backwards to prove then that the NHS spends between £4 dence that these preparations are ab- tionable relationship with a president Above Left: something I might fi nd. Th is involves and £12 million a year on treatments solutely no better for a patient than a who has an atrocious human rights President Yahya mind-numbing repeats, multiple types that have no scientifi c basis. Not only placebo. record who claims he will rule for “a Jammeh of of experiments, revision after revi- is tax payer’s money spent so frivo- However, whilst most treatments billion years”. Gambia, who sion of a manuscript and then intense lously, many of us fall for promises of contain virtually no active ingredients, Even more frightening is the dis- promotes a scrutiny from experts in the fi eld. Th is miracle cures, with the homeopathy homeopathy carries risks. Professor covery that the British charity supply herbal cure for pain-staking process that can take industry worth £40 million in the UK Edzard Ernst, a particularly outspoken homeopathic remedies to the royal HIV(Source: months, if not years, is partly why the alone. I’m sure many of you have fall- critic of these medicines, published a family, through Ainsworths, a London UN Photo/Erin latest in quack medical news angers en for the guise of raspberry ketones review in 2012 of harmful eff ects aris- shop with the royal seal of approval Seagle) me so much, and should anger you. that promise fat loss, acupuncture to ing from such treatments. Over 1000 of Prince Charles himself. Th e Prince Th e Gambian President, Yahya Jam- help sore back muscles, and St John’s patients were reported as having prob- has long been an advocate for alterna- Above Right: meh, not only claims he can cure aids wort for growing pains - the promise lems, and four died. Eff ective medi- tive medicines, and Professor Ernst, a Prince Charles, “Using charisma, herbs, magic and of a quick and easy fi x is too much for cines were often delayed or refused, prominent critic of all things pseudo- who has been charms”, but has British support from some to resist. Even celebrities publi- consequently harming their health. science, claims the royal cost him his described as a homeopathic group who are offi cial cally show their support for unproven It is therefore no surprise that the job. “His Royal suppliers to our very own Royal fam- treatments – Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest actions of GWF and the Gambian In 2005, Ernst slated the Prince’s Quacktitioner” ily. Th e Gambia Wellness Foundation endorsement is a vaginal steam clean, president have concerned scientists Foundation for Integrated Health in a by Professor (GWF) off er alarming homeopathic for a “cleansed uterus” and a rebalance across the globe. Professor David newspaper comment, and on request David treatments to thousands of patients in of female hormones. Colquhoan of University College Lon- of the Prince’s private secretary for Colquhoan Gambia, and this has recently surfaced We have to thank 18th century don, who myth-busts such treatments disciplinary action, was subjected to a (Source: Chris in the midst of the release of a damn- German doctor Samuel Hahnemann at his blog dcscience.net, says, “Th ese 13 month investigation by Exeter Uni- Jackson, Flickr) ing report from the National Health for the birth of quack medicine. Un- people should be prosecuted. Th ese versity who even tried to limit his right and Medical Research Council in Aus- happy with the benefi ts of medical are serious and treatable conditions of free speech to the press. tralia, that slates all types of alternative treatments that seemed more pain- and people should not be distracting In a chapter of his book “Off With treatments. It states; “Homeopathic ful that useful, Hahnemann stumbled from the eff orts to improve things by His Head”, Ernst writes, “Prince remedies are no more eff ective than across cinchona bark in his search for giving people worthless remedies.” Charles has continued to promote al- a placebo. Th e alternative medicine alternatives. Th e plant product caused Th e President of Gambia an- ternative medicine indefatigably, often “I find it does not cure any conditions that are fever, but seemed to “cure” the fever nounced in 2007 that he had found a showing himself unwilling or unable chronic, serious or could become seri- caused by malaria. Th e central theory remedy of boiled herbs to cure aids: to distinguish between real health care somewhat ous.” to homeopathy was born from this “With this project coming to fruition, and blatant quackery, between medi- disturbing For a medical treatment to reach observation: that like cures like, that we intend to treat 10,000 HIV/Aids cine or snake oil, or between the truth doctor’s cabinets, the process from something that can cause a fever will patients every 6 months through natu- and some half-baked obsessions of his that an avid start to fi nish can take 20 years. From cure one. ral medicine.” It is frightening to think own.” supporter basic molecular science work in the Many current alternative treat- how many people may have chosen I fi nd it somewhat disturbing that lab, to extensive animal testing, to long ments are based on extreme dilutions the unproven treatment over anti-ret- an avid supporter of so-called magic of so-called and cautious clinical trials in humans, of so-called “cure” substances. Prac- roviral drugs, that may help many HIV medicines is in line to the throne of there are so many hurdles for pharma- titioners maintain that water retains suff erers go on to lead normal lives. our country, and even more so that a magic ceutical companies to overcome be- some sort of memory of molecules it Th e President has off ered his sup- Gambian president renowned for ill medicines is fore we can even contemplate taking once held, and even after hundreds or port to the London-based charity treatment of his own people could get a new drug. thousands of dilutions, where in actual GWF, helping the group to set up a support from British citizens. Home- in line to the Homeopathy, however, goes fact any concentration of a substance clinical practice within the country. opathy does not work, and it is high Got a story throne of our through absolutely none of this vig- would be negligible or zero, the water Th e list of ailments the charity claim to time the NHS no longer wasted tax idea? Let ourous testing process. Most claims will still have pharmaceutical eff ects. cure with its herbal remedies includes payers money and put patients at risk us know: country are based on anecdotal evidence or A 2010 Commons science and tech- malaria, arthritis, stroke and even rape when eff ective and proven treatments science@ ” single studies, which carry no weight nology committee report found this trauma. Th ere is no surprise this out- are readily available. gairrhydd.com SCIENCE 21

The Unpleasant Symptoms Pictured: Symptoms of The rise of scarlet fever. (Sources: Red Rash First, RBSS Infectious Diseases, scarlet fever After 12-28 hours, a Second, characteristic and painful Tamisworth Informed, rash appears. It feels like Th ird, Is increasing antibiotic sandpaper at first or an itchy Imagearcade) sunburn, progressing from the face across the whole resistance to blame? body. Small bumps conjoin to form what appears to be a is face grew very fl ushed, ing and coughing, means authorities large red rash. Shanna and he talked in his sleep, are closely monitoring disease pro- Hamilton “Hand his little body was so gression. hot that it burned the Rabbit when PHE researcher Dr Th eresa La- he held him close.” Children’s novel magni said: “We’re continuing to see “Th e Velveteen Rabbit”, written by a considerable increase in the number Margery Williams in 1922, is a much- of people diagnoses with scarlet fever loved classic but also an early literary across England confi rming this is the Strawberry Tongue reference to a contagious disease that second season in a row with excep- is now on the rise in the UK. tionally high numbers.” Scarlet fever is highly contagious. In Wales, while cases have risen, What begins as a white While rarely fatal, it can become life- the increase does not match that of coating on the tongue threatening in the weak, young and it’s bordering country. A spokesman progresses as scarlet fever elderly. Due to its serious nature, the for Public Health Wales (PHW) said, condition remains a notifi able disease “We would like to reassure people develops. After a few days – health professionals must report on that Welsh scarlet fever fi gures do this peels away leaving the any suspected cases. Th anks to such not show any unusual increase for tongue very red and swollen, rigorous surveillance, Public Health this time of year. Patients are always hence the nickname England (PHE) has noted a dramatic advised to contact their GP if they “strawberry tongue”. increase in cases compared to winter have any concerns about their health.” last year, and are urging the public to Although there has been no sig- be vigilant. nifi cant increase in Wales, more than Th e condition dates back centu- 14,000 people were diagnosed with ries, but thanks to medical advances the disease in 2014, reaching lev- is now uncommon. Some researchers els not seen since the 1960s. While suggest scarlet fever dates back over nowhere near the scale of previous 2,500 years, to the times of ancient centuries, thanks to the discovery of Greek physician Hippocrates. Th e penicillin, antibiotic overuse may be Peeling Skin fi rst paper distinguishing the condi- contributing to the rise of scarlet fe- tion from its similar counterparts, ver. In the past two decades, there has measles and smallpox, appeared in been a resurgence of several illnesses As the rash begins to fade 1553, where Italian doctor Giovanni caused by S. pyogenes, including the after 6 or 7 days, skin Ingrassia describes the disease as “ro- fl esh-eating necrotizing fasciitis, and begins to peel on fingertips, salia”, referring to a rash. some experts think our fl agrant use of Much like the fl u, symptoms in- antibiotics may be to blame. toes and groin areas. This clude sore throat, fever, body aches Published in Emerging Microbes & painful process can last for and nausea. What makes scarlet fever Infections, Samson Wong and Kwok- weeks, even after the rash so recognisable is the rash fi rst ap- Yung Yuen of the University of Hong has subsided. pearing as itchy sunburn with bumps Kong comment on penicillin as the around the face and neck, before drug of choice for scarlet fever, de- spreading across the entire body. Th e spite serious warnings from health of- bumps merge together, giving the af- fi cials that growing resistance to anti- fected area a bright red appearance. biotics is like a “ticking time bomb”. Suff ering a bout of scarlet fever is Professor Dame Sally Davies, the wholly unpleasant experience. government’s chief medical offi cer, Th e fever is most commonly caused spoke of the threat at the 2013 G8 Prevention and treament Pictured: “If we don’t by group A streptococcus bacteria, summit: “If we don’t take action, then Table of Streptococcus pyogenes, well known we may all be back in an almost 19th advice, take action, for causing “strep throat” that many of century environment where infec- Be vigilant of symptoms, especially in young sourced from then we may you will have suff ered. Infections typ- tions kill us all as a result of routine Public Health ically begin at the throat or skin, and operations.” children England all be back are usually mild. However, complica- According to Wong and Yuen’s Wash your hands in an almost tions can arise if a person’s immune study, resistance to antibiotics is ris- system is weakened. If the bacteria is ing in S. pyogenes infections. One Th row used tissues in the bin 19th century spread through the bloodstream, life- group of antiobiotics, macrolides, is threatening complications can arise, over-subscribed for minor ailments Avoid contact with infected materials - tissues, environment including meningitis, toxic shock such as bronchitis, sinusitis and even where syndrome and pneumonia. 20 per the common cold, and the level of use eating utensils and bedding cent of patients with an invasive S. corresponds to the prevalence of re- infections pyogenes infection will die. sistant bacteria. Report any symptoms to your GP or NHS Th e rise in cases therefore has PHE Matthew Smallman-Raynor of the kill us all concerned. Th ey have reported a 66 University of Nottingham, an expert Direct as a result per cent increase between winter in in the history of disease, says the rise Take the full course of prescribed antibiotics, of routine 2014 and 2015, the number of cases in cases could also lead to infection jumping from 762 to 1265 in the same becoming resistant to treatment in and avoid misuse operations 6 week period. Th e highly contagious the future. “Th e more cases there are, nature of the bacteria, passed on the greater risk of development of Stay at home to avoid spreading the infection ” through aerosols produced by sneez- antibiotic-resistant strains,” he said. 22 SCIENCE

Pictured: Men are being Th e HPV virus is delivered via a series of injections denied life-saving (Source: Ruben Diaz, Flickr) HPV vaccine ecently in the media, accusa- ing teenage girls was that it would be Maria tions have been brought to light cost eff ective, as young girls are less Mellor Rclaiming that the government likely to have had any contact with the are ‘homophobic’ for not immunis- virus. ing men against HPV. Since 2008 girls Scientists, campaigners and media aged 11-14 have been given the jab on personalities alike have recognised the NHS, whereas boys and men, re- the discrimination behind this, as men gardless of how likely they are to con- who wish to be immunised must pay The annual tract the virus, have been ignored. for private treatment. With the policy “ HPV, or the Human Papilloma Vi- of only immunising girls, prevention cost of rus, is a sexually transmitted infection of the spread of the virus relies on a known to lie in wait and show no signs society where only heterosexual rela- treating or symptoms until it emerges, caus- tionships exist. Dr Christian Jessen, of anal cancer directly related to HPV mittee on Immunization Practices every case ing warts or even cancer. Even the use of ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ fame, notes across the UK is between £70 million (ACIP) of the Center for Disease Con- of condoms doesn’t provide adequate that “to only vaccinate 50 per cent of and £90 million, whereas the cost of trol and Prevention have previously of anal protection as it is spread by skin-to- the population doesn’t make sense” as gender-neutral immunisation would recommended that boys and young cancer skin contact; new research as of No- “You need to vaccinate enough of the only be around £20 million. men receive the vaccine routinely. vember 2014 has even shown that population to shut down an infection”. It is also apparent that the policy of However, the European Centre directly HPV could be spread through kissing. Th e Joint Committee on Vaccina- only vaccinating young girls has had for Disease Prevention and Control related to Th ere is no cure once it is contract- tion and Immunisation have advised other negative eff ects. Studies have (ECDC) have noted that while the vac- ed, and after weeks, months or even the government to provide gender- shown that the public health cam- cine is eff ective, currently including HPV across years, the virus can cause cells in the neutral immunisation. Not only would paigns which encouraged people to get boys in HPV vaccination programmes the UK is body to mutate, forming cancerous tu- it help prevent the spread of HPV, but their daughters vaccinated have given is not yet proven to be cost-eff ective. mours in the mouth, genitals or anus. it would also be economically benefi - inaccurate impressions about the mat- Dr Jessen had this to say: “I under- between HPV is a major cause of cervical can- cial, saving the government millions of ter. With the focus on the protection stand there’s a need to economise, but £70 million cer, hence why the government chose pounds that would otherwise be spent against cervical cancer, many do not this is entirely a false economy and will to immunise girls rather than boys, on treating the cancer caused by it on realise that HPV can aff ect both men leave a whole cohort of the population and £90 and the treatment protects women the NHS. According to Dr Max Pem- and women of all ages, and that the jab at risk of problems caused by HPV million as well as the men who have sex with berton, editor of ‘Spectator Health’, can also prevent other kinds of HPV which will be very costly to treat – them. Th e idea behind only vaccinat- the annual cost of treating every case related cancers. Th e Advisory Com- more costly than the vaccine.” ” Th ere’s something fi shy about pheromones lam on a Saturday night pre- predators because they are so intent were exposed to the two potential tests coming back positive. Meryon sents an interesting cocktail of on fi nding the female. pheromones in concentrations that Th e case against human phero- Roderick Gsmells. Th e over riding smell Obviously if you could apply this are thousands or even millions of mones is fairly damning which makes is bound to be sweat but there’s also eff ect to humans you’d be on to a times higher than would ever occur the fact that you can still readily buy that unique fragrance that can only winner. A lot of people would pay in nature. Other researchers have them quite a concern. Th e phero- derive from a mixture of Sambuca, very large sums for a scent that would struggled to replicate the results and mone industry, like so many others, Jagermeister, and cheap lager slowly drive the opposite sex wild, even more one study found no candidates for profi ts from pedalling pseudosci- drying onto the walls and fl oor. Th is so than liberally applying Lynx on top receptor cells that could even detect ence to desperate people. Rather is usually mixed with the acrid smell of your clothes. Indeed, if you search androstadienone or oestratraenol. than spend large sums on question- of too much cheap aftershave as a for human pheromones on the Inter- Furthermore the work was funded by able perfumes to make us more like group of lads on the pull stride past net there are myriad websites claim- EROX who sell pheromones so they moths, why not be more like people and if you happen to be standing near ing to sell perfumes to improve your obviously have a vested interest in the and just talk to one another. the toilets then you’ll also pick up on love life. One website even claims to a hint of urinal cake with vomit un- sell pheromones for women that will dertones. make a man “Fiercely determined to Pictured: You can tell a lot from a smell but copulate”. Romantic. “Sex panther” it’s not clear exactly how much. You Sadly, or happily depending on cologne: 60 could be blind and deaf but as long as your view of fi ercely determined cop- percent of the you still possess your sense of smell, ulation, there isn’t actually any hard time, it works you’ll always know if you stumble scientifi c evidence that humans can every time. into Glam. But could we be subcon- communicate with pheromones. So sciously be discovering intimate de- far there have been several potential tails about one another via our noses? candidates for an eff ective human “A lot of Since the 1950s, scientists have pheromone, the fi rst being andros- been aware that some animals com- tenone and androstenol, which are people municate by releasing chemicals, known to be pheromones in pigs and would pay called pheromones, into the air. One are also found in human armpits. of the most famous examples of this When little was found to support very large is in moths. Female moths secrete a any eff ect on humans focus shifted to sums for a sex pheromone into the air, which is androstadienone and oestratraenol, capable of travelling extremely long which are oestrogen derived sub- scent that distances. When a male moth detects stances that are present in the sweat would drive this chemical with his antennae it al- of pregnant women. ters the way his brain works, making Trials appeared to show that these the opposite him hell bent on tracking down the two compounds are capable of caus- sex wild female and mating. Laboratory tests ing arousal in men but later scrutiny have even shown that male moths revealed huge fl aws in the experimen- ” in this state will ignore the calls of tal design. Th e men who were tested DEAL-LICIOUS BUY ONE 1 DELIVERING UNTIL 5AM GET ONEFREE Medium & large pizzas when you collect in store, available 7 days a week! COLLECTION ONLY

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In other news, the Societies Ball tickets have now almost sold out! If you have yet to get a ticket you Barney’s Note need to move fast. Some tickets will be held back for societies that are shortlisted but there is no guar- f you are reading this, it means Fringe Festival is now over! High- antee of this so get a move on! For that Go Global is either about to lights for me included the puppies those that have a ticket, you will be Ihappen or has just happened – at Inner Child Day (courtesy of Stu- pleased to know that I am currently I am sure it will be/was one of the dent Minds) and the Variety night. getting quotes for chocolate foun- best nights in the Union calendar You all remind me that I have the tains! I can’t wait to see you all there! and you should totally come/have best job ever and why I keep doing Much love from the Societies team come! On top of that, the Cardiff it! and get in touch if you need us.

Skills Development Service Journalism Society Short Course in Personal Journalism Society Spring Ball 2015 What’s On Effectiveness 7pm - 11:59pm 2pm - 4pm Angel Hotel, Cardiff For location information e-mail SDS. Monday 23rd March A Cappella Society Effective Altruists Society A Cappella Spring Showcase The Palestrina Singers Talk by Professor Alan Fenwick Student Advice 7pm - 11pm A Concert for Reflection - Director of the Schistosomiasis Student Advice Drop In See article for more details 6.30pm Control Initiative Noon - 2pm CF10, Students’ Union Church of St Martin, Roath, CF24 3JL 7pm - 8pm Meeting Rooms close to the IV UHW Heath Park Campus Lounge Chemistry Society People and Planet ChemSoc’s Chemistry Ball AGM Bioscience Society Krishna Consciousness 7pm - 1am 7.30pm Bioscience presents - End of Year Soul Jam Swalec Stadium Gate 5 4H, Students’ Union Casino Royale Ball 6.15pm - 9pm 7.30pm - 3am 4G, Students’ Union Erasmus Society English Literature Society Millennium Stadium Erasmus Ball 2015 English Literature Society Spring Ball Nightline 7pm - 11:59pm 7pm - 1am Friday 27th March Call Nightline to chat about anything Cardiff Museum The Parc Hotel Every night 8pm - 8am Boardgaming, Roleplaying and Broadway Dance Society Thursday 26th March Wargaming League Music Society Dirty Dancing theatre trip National Student Roleplaying and MuSoc Acoustic Night 7.30pm – 10.30pm Expression Wargaming Championships 9pm Fitness Noon - 29th March 10pm Vulcan Lounge Act One 6pm – 7.15pm De Montfort University, Leicester Dr Faustus 4A/B, Students’ Union Tuesday 24th March 7.30pm - 10pm Saturday 28th March See article for more details Student Enterprise Cardiff Women’s Association YMCA, Roath Speaker Session: Confessions of an Erasmus Society CWA AGM Entrepreneur A day at the seaside - Gower Trip 6pm Baking Society 6pm - 8pm 9am - 5pm 4G, Students’ Union Baking Society social 4J, Students’ Union 8pm - 10pm Optometry Society German Society Face 11, 105 Cathays Terrace Student Minds EyeBall 2015 German Society AGM Eating Disorder Support Group 7pm - 2am 6pm Wednesday 25th March 6.15pm – 7.15pm City Hall, Cardiff The Taf 4F, Students’ Union Hitting the right notes with the A Cappella Society in their Spring Showcase

ow in our second full have also enjoyed working more experiences and have enabled us other groups from across the UK. Rob Hindle year as a society, the A with the local community, by to network with other societies. We also plan to record a CD, to Pictured: N Cappella Society has gone performing Christmas carols We also entered our groups into go and see Pentatonix on their An A Cappella from strength to strength and has in town with Cardiff Marrow, the Voice Festival UK which is a European tour and, of course, Society especially improved over the past singing for the elderly and national a cappella competition. organise a massive trip to see performance year to become a gold-tier society. running workshops for teenagers, We will be attending in April Pitch Perfect 2! Making music with only your all of which have been rewarding to collaborate and develop with The society will hold its end-of- voice is something that anyone year summer showcase on March can do and this year we have had 24th in CF10 at the Students’ an amazing increase in members Union. Doors will open at 7pm who want to sing along with us. and tickets cost £5 for general We arrange all of our own music sale and £3 for society members. and everything that you will hear It will be an evening of singing, at our showcase has had hours of dancing and music all made from listening, arranging, teaching and our mouths – and a few claps! rehearsal time to it. The results With performances from the are amazing, as are the responses Acapelads and Decibelles and our that we get from audiences when two new groups InterChorus and we perform! Vox, it is sure to be an amazing This year, we have had some evening and not one to be missed! great performances such as our For more information about the collaboration at Sinatra Society’s event and the society, search CU Black History Month event and A Cappella Societyon Facebook or the Cardiff Fringe Festival. We @CUACappella on Twitter. SOCIETIES 25 Should we have a UKIP Society? A student has set the wheels in motion for the founding of a society for fellow students who support UKIP he UKIP General Election can- the presence of UKIP on the Universi- Societies Exec will be held this Tues- David Hooson didate for Cardiff North, Ethan ty of Derby’s campus. Here at Cardiff , day, March 24th. TWilkinson, has expressed his there is a recent precedent for found- If a UKIP Students Society is intent to found the fi rst-ever UKIP ing political societies with the Cardiff formed after Tuesday’s meeting, it Students Society at Cardiff University. University Green Party having been will come just in time for the new so- Wilkinson, who is in his fourth year resurrected this year. ciety to campaign and raise support studying Italian and Spanish at Car- It looks very likely that plans here for the party among students ahead of diff , stated in a tweet last Wednesday will fare better than those at Notting- the General Election that will be held that such a society would be the fi rst ham and Derby. Anyone who wishes on Th ursday May 7th. of its kind in Wales. to establish a society within the Union Th e rapid growth of UKIP sup- When he was interviewed by Gair must fi ll in an application form that port in recent times has had little Rhydd Politics in February, Wilkin- can be accessed on the Union’s web- impact among students. Opinion- son opened up about his experience site. Th e form gives applicants an op- Panel reported in February that just of standing as an election candidate portunity to explain why they want to two per cent of students intended to while still being a student, as well as form their society and what they plan vote UKIP in the upcoming election, being a married father of one and a to do if their application is successful. putting them in sixth place among member of the Mormon Church. He Applications are put before the So- students behind the SNP. Th e same also stated his support for the UKIP cieties Executive Committee, who de- group reported last June that 80 per policies tuition fees, climate change cide whether they have made a good cent of students considered UKIP to and equal marriage. case for the need for their society in be racist. At Nottingham Trent University, the Union and how it could benefi t Th is might account for the opposi- plans for a UKIP society were blocked Cardiff students. tion the party have faced on univer- and there is an ongoing debate about Evidence of student support for ap- sity campuses in other parts of the plications is also an important factor, UK, but there does not seem to be Ethan Wilkinson (@ethanrwilkinson) with a minimum of 20 students re- any legitimate reason why an appli- quired for a new society to be formed. cation to form a UKIP society would In a further tweet last Th ursday, fail. With proven support for such a “ I am in the process of setting up the very Wilkinson told Gair Rhydd Societies society at Cardiff University and their first @UKIP @YIofficial @cardiffstudents that he had 45 students signed up in parliamentary candidate leading the uni society in Wales #VoteUKIP support of a UKIP society and would charge; it looks likely that a Cardiff be submitting his application as soon University UKIP Students will soon ” as possible. Th e next meeting of the have their fi rst meeting. and fi elding skills with the option of one on Give it a Go Dance-Sport one coaching to help everyone progress on 7pm – 9.30pm 24th March an individual basis. Salsa 7pm Talybont Sports Hall Latin & Ballroom 7.30pm Technique Class 9pm Be Creative Great Hall, Students Union

Give it a Go Circus Skills Th ought, Faith & Culture 3.30pm 25th March Cardiff University Circus Society are Give it a Go Model UN teaming up with No Fit State Circus for 2 6pm 24th March Have an hour weekly sessions every Wednesday. Th is Students Union, Room 4H event is perfect for anyone interested in learning you some new and exciting circus skills or to Give it a Go Debating want improve on existing talents! 7pm 26th March Meet at the front of the Students’ Union Would you like to become more confi dent, improve your public speaking, sharpen Give It a Go Manga Library your skills of analytical thinking, make new 6pm 23rd March friends and maybe even have fun? Th en A weekly screening of either a movie or the come along to Cardiff University Debating fi rst fi ve episodes of an anime. Th ere’s a good Society! mix of old and new, genres from across the Cafe in Bute Building board and no repeats! Th e Lounge, 3rd Floor of the Union Heath Park

Give It a Go Sci-Fi Give it a Go Healthcare Basketball 6.45pm 23rd March 2pm 28th March Meet at the front of the Students’ Union Spend 1 hour learning new drills or honing All events must be signed up for in advance. Th e techniques of Jiu Jitsu try to use as little in your amazing skills and the 2nd hour To sign up and for more information on force as possible to overcome an attacker. Give It a Go Creative Writing playing full-court matches in a tournament any activities head to cardiff students.com/ Th is means it does not matter what size, 6.45pm 24th March style. GiveitaGo. build or sex. Meet at the front of the Students’ Union Heath Sports Hall Talybont Dojo Try a Sport Give It a Go Anime Workshop Give It A Go Medics Hockey Give it a Go Ladies Cricket 7pm 24th March 4pm 29th March Give it a Go Jiu Jitsu 5.45pm 24th March Large Shandon Lecture Th eatre, Main Talybont Astroturf 6pm 23rd March Ladies cricket has members of every level Building Th e Jiu Jitsu Club welcome everyone of ability and have coaching to suit all levels Try Volunteering including absolute beginners and those from complete novices to experienced Music, Dance & Performance what want to give martial art a try. Jiu Jitsu players. All are welcome to come along to Give it a Go Feed the Homeless is a martial art which concentrates on self any session and try your hand at a new sport! Give it a Go Slash Hip Hop Dance 3pm 25th March defence by utilizing locks, throws, strikes, Training twice a week at Talybont Sports 7pm 23rd March Beneath the Queen Street railway bridge on holds and immobilizations to defend oneself. Hall they teach and improve batting, bowling Room 4J Students’ Union Newport Rd 26 SOCIETIES

Cardiff Fringe Festival concludes ast week saw the second an- atic Society is it provides students with show, and thought it went very well. began on Wednesday and ran until Sat- Hannah nual Cardiff Fringe Festival held the opportunity to experience produc- She states “for me a particular highlight urday at the YMCA Theatre. Described Pictured: Sterritt Lpredominantly at the Students’ ing and performing an opera – which is would have been Molly Garfoot per- by many as ‘incredible’, reviews were Clockwise Union between Friday 13th March un- certainly no easy task. The Fairy Queen forming her solo ‘O Let Me Weep’ with staggeringly positive for director and from top: til its climax with Go Global on Satur- did a great job of showcasing the talents Jess Thomas dancing alongside her. Ev- writer, Alex Gatherer. PhotoSoc light day 21st March. of the students of Cardiff University eryone participating in the variety show The Comedy Society presented a painting, Art The week kicked off with Afrogene and revealed some true gems among were brilliant, and I thought it was a Comedy Night on Wednesday 18th Society Giant hosted by the African Caribbean Soci- them too! Bring on next year’s produc- great demonstration of the diversity March in CF10. After several pefor- Art Attack, ety on the Friday, held in Y Plas. Af- tion!” of the performance societies at Cardiff mances by society members, Will PhotoSoc rogene is the ACS’ annual cultural ex- The Art Society put on a Giant Art University. It feels good that we got to Seaward performed an hour long set exploring the travaganza which was billed to be a cel- Attack in Y Plas on Sunday afternoon, show students who may never have as part of his ‘Ghost Stories’ tour. Re- great outdoors, ebration of African/Caribbean cultures using various natural resources and re- seen an opera before some of our show.” ported to have the audience in constant Afrogene ACS through avenues such as dance, music, cyclable materials to create a giant re- A real highlight of the Fringe week for tears of laughter, his surreal storytelling event, an Inner drama, fashion and even food. production of Cardiff Castle. many students was the Inner Child Day, style was a real hit. Child Day in- The Operatic Society performed If you passed through the Food Court attracting many students not otherwise On Thursday 19th March in CF10, flatable, Baking Purcell’s The Fairy Queen on Friday of the Students’ Union on Monday af- involved in the week’s events. Featuring the Jazz Society invited the public to Society making “I thought it 13th and Saturday 14th March. Jordan ternoon, chances are you were handed inflatables, face painting, free refresh- join them in a Latin 60s themed eve- Welshcakes. Nicholls reviewed the opera at The one of the many delicious Welshcakes ments and even puppies, the day was a ning, featuring a surprise performance Centre: puppy was a great Gate Arts Centre, stating: “First per- which were being made fresh by the roaring success with a consistently long from two Dancesport couples perform- at Inner Child demonstra- formed in 1692, The Fairy Queen is an Baking Society. Unfortunately due to queue for the puppies for the duration ing latin inspired routines, a set from Day adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved, A an error in promotion of the location, of their visit. The Inner Child day ended Cardiff jazz/funk/soul band The Antz (Photographer: tion of the Midsummer Night’s Dream and centres the Baking Society didn’t get as much with three films screened by the Film Wandle Project, finishing with a jam Laura Sargent) diversity of around King Oberon’s birthday. Follow- involvement as anticipated. However, Society: Mulan, My Neighbour Totoro night. The jam nights are normally held ing on from last year’s roaring success Em Lowthian, Baking Society’s presi- and the Goonies. monthly in the Yard bar in the town the per- of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, one of dent, stated that “some people had On Wednesday evening the Photog- centre, so placing the nights in a new the biggest highlights of the evening never even tried Welshcakes before so raphy Society headed down to Pont- context and with a specific jazz sub formance was the Operatic Society’s take on the it was great to get them involved. Lots canna fields for a Light Painting Work- genre was welcomed by new attendees. societies classic ‘Hush, no more’ choral number. of people had a go at making the dough shop, changing the shutter speed on At the time of going to print, the Recently seen in the Welsh National too so the event was very positive from their cameras to create long exposure Music Showcase, Broadway Dance at Cardiff Opera’s compilation of best-loved cho- those who did engage.” images known as light painting. For Society Around the World produc- University ral numbers in Chorus! it was a treat to Monday evening was the turn of the more information on the Photography tion and Go Global are still to fol- see this beautiful song in context, and Variety Show featuring 11 different Society, see their article on the next low. A full lowdown of the entire it certainly didn’t disappoint! The great performance societies. Operatic Soci- page. festival will be available online from ” thing about Cardiff University’s Oper- ety member Katie Blackwell was in the Battle Scars, Act One’s new musical next week. SOCIETIES 27

Pictured: Faustus: a hell of a Faustus promotional show by Act One poster

e all think we know the of madness and sanity, reality and Aimee story of Dr Faustus: a man the imagination, and finally, salva- Hardman Wsells his soul to the devil tion and damnation. “Our produc- Alex Diggins for twenty-four years of unlimited tion is short, intense and visceral. freedom and opportunity. However, Inspired more by the work of Hitch- having reached heights of knowl- cock than Shakespeare it presents a edge and power his contemporaries man on the edge of sanity confront- can only dream of, he finds his life ing an abyss of madness, death and empty and meaningless. And so be- damnation”, says Alex Diggins. gins his inevitable downfall towards This dark take on a Jacobean clas- madness, death and damnation. sic allows the words to feel modern This bold and stripped down and fresh, connecting the audience production, directed by Alex Dig- intimately with the actors on stage. gins and presented by Cardiff Uni- Performing on 24th March at the versity’s Act One, forces you to re- YMCA Theatre, Roath. Doors open consider this simple narrative. Alex at 7.00pm with the performance Diggins, the director, notes, “Dr beginning at 7.30pm with tickets “a man sells Faustus is a great play but it is too priced at £5. This is a one night per- long and tonally all over the place. formance and is definitely not to be his soul to My production aims to intensify the missed. pyscological conflict at the heart of As we head towards the end of the devil for the play by focusing much more on Act One’s mammoth season of pro- twenty-four Faustus’ internal struggle for sanity ductions, Faustus represents the and salvation.” third to last performance of the sea- years of Is Faustus the victim or the vil- son. To follow, Act One will present unlimited lain? Does he summon supernatural Voluntas Electio, written and di- powers or is he simply being manip- rected by Poppy Parker and choreo- freedom and ulated? Is damnation a reality or just graphed and directed by Lucy Spain, a figment of his imagination? Chal- and Staging a Coup, a night of short opportunity lenging, thrilling and innovative this original plays. Look out for more in- production toys with the boundaries formation in coming weeks. ” PhotoSoc provide a snapshot of their society activities

ardiff PhotoSoc is a group technical and artistic. We believe who don’t have one of their own. We have various studio backdrops Laura created for and by people who that photography doesn’t have to be We aim to improve students’ and lights available for members to Sargent Clove photography. Th roughout high-tech and expensive, so even if confi dence in using cameras and use during workshops. the year we run a really diverse set of you just have a compact camera or related equipment, and create a For Cardiff Fringe week we held workshops, trips and socials which an iPhone, you can still take part in diverse network of like-minded a very successful light painting aim to entertain, as well as inform our almost all the same activities. Th e individuals who want to improve workshop. Light painting is best members about the many styles and society also owns a DSLR camera their photographic abilities and are done at night and is where you set types of photography. We are always which we lend out to members for dedicated to the teaching of basic your camera to a long exposure time happy to answer questions both free during events and trips for those principles of photographic lighting. (10-30 seconds) and then use torches to ‘paint’ patterns and doodles in the sky. We’ve had all sorts of creative photos taken and members have Pictured: been sharing some beautiful shots Th e stunning on our Facebook page all week. If you results from the think you’d be interested in giving light painting light painting a go, we’re holding a workshop second workshop after Easter. Th is (Photographer: workshop takes things to another PhotoSoc level where we’ll be heading to members) Penarth beach and using burning wire wool (which works like a giant sparkler) to create the photos. In addition to the light painting, we’ve got a few other exciting events planned alongside our regular Wednesday afternoon tea socials which includes trips to Dan yr Ogof show caves, the Brecon beacons to do some long exposure star photography, and Tredegar House in Newport. For more information about our society and details on all upcoming events, search for our page ‘PhotoSoc - Cardiff University Photographic Society’ on Facebook. A magical, chocolate filled end of term party

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Beth ydi dy rôl di fel capten y tim? raeg ar y cae. Da ni’n lwcus iawn o gael Dylan Deff ro Gwion Ifor, prynu styds a shin- Flares yn noddi ni, dwi’n meddwl fod Williams pads i Dyl Trainers, sobri Rhys Wil- pawb yn mwynhau’r 80’s vibe. liams, golchi sgidia Tirion, gwneud popeth o fewn fy ngallu i wneud yn Pwy ydi Gareth Bale y tîm? siwr na fydd Garmon Williams byth yn Gerallt Hywel, mae ganddo droed chwarae eto. Dwi hefyd yn trefnu so- chwith sydd yn fwy lethal na Tom G ar cials a gemau a wedi helpu i gael kits a dancefl oor disco room Pryzm. noddwyr i’r tim. Mae na si yn mynd o gwmpas bod Mae’r noson Ar y cyfan, pa fath o dymor mae’r tim rhai bwydo Tom G er mwyn iddo allu breuo! Oes gen y tîm unrhyw rivals? “ wedi gael hyd yn hyn? sgorio, ydi hyn yn wir? Neb penodol, ond mae pawb yn edrych yn dechrau Ar y cyfan, tymor da iawn! Da ni yn y Fedra’i gadarnhau fod hyn yn wir. Tom Unrhyw atgofi on da o’r tymor yma? ymlaen i chwarae CARBS (business “Premier Division” ac yn chwarae pel- G ydy ei’n prif sgoriwr, clinical! Ennill Jomec 2-1 mewn gem agos yn school) eto ar ol i ni golli yn erbyn nhw yn eitha droed da. Mae na ambell “confronta- mis Chwefror, Geth James yn gwyll- cyn ‘dolig. tions” wedi digwydd mewn rhai ge- Pa mor aml y mae socials y tîm yn tio ac yn gweiddi “Grow some ___” ar parchus, ond mau, un yn cynnwys Ianto Gruff ydd yn cael eu cynnal? Sut bydde ti’n eu dis- chwaraewr nath o daclo. Beth ydi targedau’r tîm erbyn di- gwthio rhywun a wedyn cuddio tu ôl i grifi o? wedd y tymor? mae pethau’n Tom G. Fel arfer bob yn ail nos fercher. Da ni Oes ‘na gymeriadau yn y tîm? Trio ennill pob gem sydd ar ol, da ni’n fel arfer yn cyfarfod yn Flares a symud Mae banter y freshers yn ofnadwy, criw ddigon da i ennill y gynghrair ond yn dechrau Oes unrhyw beth sy’n gwneud i dîm ymlaen i Retros wedyn. Mae’r noson eitha boring sydd byth yn mynd allan i anff odus da ni heb ennill digon o gemau troi’n fler pel-droed y Gym Gym fod yn waha- yn dechrau yn eitha parchus, ond mae fod yn onest. Ar y cae, mae Iwan Gar- ar ol ‘dolig i allu cystadlu am y gynghrair. nol i dimau eraill? pethau’n dechrau troi’n fl er ar ôl i’r mon yn arwain pawb yn yr amddiff yn, ” Mae’n fantais fod pawb yn siarad Cym- Twat/Man of the match gael eu gwo- Rio Ferdinand-esque. Diolch i Wiff am ateb y cwestiynau. Canlyniadau Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol 2015 r benwythnos Mawrth 7fed, fe Prifysgol Abertawe – 10 Steffan Bryn dyrrodd dros 600 o fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Aberystwyth – 1446 Llun: Jones ACymraeg o bob cwr o Gymru Prifysgol Bangor – 1312 Fawr o siâp ar i Aberystwyth ar gyfer penwythnos Prifysgol Caerdydd – 209 gôr Caerdydd yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol 2015. Bu Prifysgol y Drindod Dewi Sant – 6 ddiwedd y cryn dipyn o lwyddiant i griw Caerdy- prynhawn! dd felly rhaid yw eu hadrodd yma. Aberystwyth oedd yn fuddugol felly Dyma oedd y canlyniadau terfynol ar eu tomen eu hunain, gan gipio’r swyddogol, wedi eu darparu gan Ly- tlws oddi ar Fangor oedd wedi ennill wydd UMCA Miriam Williams: llynedd yn Abertawe.

Gala Chwaraeon Llun: Ar brynhawn dydd Gwener 6 Mawrth, Mared Roberts cyn yr Eisteddfod dydd Sadwrn, fe gy- a gipiodd y nhaliwyd y twrnament chwaraeon ar goron i Brifysgol gaeau Blaendolau rhwng Aberystwyth, Caerydd yn yr Bangor, Caerdydd ac Abertawe. Eisteddfod Enillwyr y twrnament oedd Aber- ystwyth, a dyma’r canlyniadau unigol: Yr arweinyddion oedd Anni Llŷn ac Prifysgol Bangor – 1035 Pêl-droed bechgyn: Aeron Pughe, a’r beirniaid oedd Elain Prifysgol Caerdydd – 113 1af – Caerdydd Llwyd, Non Williams a Tudur Phillips. Prifysgol y Drindod Dewi Sant – 6 2il – Aberystwyth Dyma ganlyniadau’r gystadlaethau ll- 3ydd – Bangor wyfan: Bydd modd gweld canlyniadau’r holl waith cartref yn Yr Awen a fydd yn Pêl-droed merched: Prifysgol Aberystwyth – 249 cael ei gyhoeddi yn fuan, ond dyma 1af – Aberystwyth Prifysgol Bangor – 272 ganlyniadau’r prif gystadlaethau: 2il – Bangor Prifysgol Caerdydd – 86 3ydd – Caerdydd Y Gadair – Marged Tudur, Prifysgol “Bu cryn Wrth gwrs, cyn y penwythnos, Aberystwyth Rygbi bechgyn: roedd pawb wedi bod yn brysur yn Y Goron – Mared Roberts, Prifysgol dipyn o 1af – Aberystwyth ennill pwyntiau i’w prifysgolion yn y Caerdydd 2il – Bangor cystadlaethau gwaith cartref. Y Fedal Ddrama – Alaw Gwyn, Pri- lwyddiant 3ydd – Caerdydd ac Abertawe Diolch i’r holl feirniaid am eu gwaith; fysgol Aberystwyth Eurig Salisbury, Bleddyn Owen Huws, Y Fedal Gelf – Lleucu Lynch, Prifys- i griw Rygbi Merched: Arwel Pod, Lleucu Roberts, Marged gol Aberystwyth Caerdydd 1af – Aberystwyth Haycock, Ian Hughes, Guto Dafydd, Medal y Dysgwyr – Rhys Dilwyn Jen- 2il – Bangor Felicity Roberts, Matthew Woodfall- kins, Prifysgol Bangor felly rhaid Jones, Manon Dafydd, Gwenan Grif- Tlws y Cerddor – Siwan Tudur, Pri- Yr Eisteddfod fi th a Bethan Antur. fysgol Bangor yw eu Yn gynnar fore dydd Sadwrn, ar ôl no- Diolch i UMCA ac i Bwyllgor Trefnu’r Ei- son fywiog yn y dref, dechreuodd yr Dyma ganlyniadau’r gwaith cartref: steddfod am benwythnos gwerth chweil! hadrodd yma Eisteddfod yn y Neuadd Fawr, Canol- Prifysgol Abertawe – 10 Ymlaen â’r Eisteddfod i’r brifddinas fi s fan y Celfyddydau am 10:30yb. Prifysgol Aberystwyth – 1167 Mawrth nesaf! ” 71AV78A7 'A C%7F "1 !VDA"UAV"QCAFQ @7143F@P!C$F @7146"C7FVC U%T&(!!)%5!+&+!)%#-!%)U)T(%0#'A@A @7144@TEF &-%U+-T!-%T-&+0#++-U-T&!T2-#!-U1%!SU7F@BB#&AF "1 !P)-!S!T!'-!9T2T2U -()!!-U1%!H& (7 A7#&AF "1 !T2-#!-U1%!+%T!#%T&&UT!%2%T!-(I-+0#T20#+-%2'T!!-!!(%!)%S9-(0# U+-T!-%T-&T!!)%T%!-%')%0#%)U)T(%I%--!UT2-++!#2%!IUG%T-!0+%2%!T-&I HU -()!!-U1%!&0T%T-&T9&%'-!)!)%'%&)%T-!0)%TU1T(% 7 V7"("C

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Pos. Team Pld. Pts. Cont’d: Preview of Wales’ 1. Israel 3 9 2. Wales 4 8 3. Cyprus 4 6 crucial Euro qualifying 4. Belgium 3 5 5. Bosnia 4 2 fi xture against Israel 6. Andorra 4 0 integral roles in their respective have Omar Damari to be thankful – full of confi dence. teams, there are plenty of reasons for the Leipzig striker has scored three Israel are a team who like to Wales fans to be cheerful. goals in each of Israel’s three games control the tempo of matches and Th e Welsh national team are on the making him a player that Coleman enjoy slowing the play down. In the Continued brink of qualifying for the European will want to keep an eye on. match against Bosnia, Israel made from back Championships for the fi rst time in Despite playing in the second tier 495 passes and this is where Joe Allen page their history, and Bale has even said: of German football, the 25 year-old will infl uence the game. Allen enjoys “I feel football can overtake rugby possesses an excellent touch and has breaking down attacks and then works soon”, a bold statement taking into ingenious ball work, and his tenacious to distribute the ball eff ectively. He account that the people of Wales live workhorse-like attitude makes him has also vastly improved his dribbling and breathe rugby. comparable to Luis Suarez. ability and is looking more and more Wales have enjoyed a sublime start Swansea captain Ashley Williams like the ultimate midfi elder. to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign will no doubt be keeping tabs on the If Allen is allowed to dictate the and are now within touching distance former Tel-Aviv hit man and will try game early on then Wales’ strike of booking a fl ight to France for the and prevent him from scoring four force will have a license to attack. championship next year. Having from four. Supported by the Premier League played four games, they have won Elsewhere, former Chelsea and duo of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley, two and drawn two, picking up wins Manchester City defender Tal Ben the Wales triangular midfi eld looks against Andorra and Cyprus. Haim captains the Israel side and exciting and Ramsey can only execute Belgium, boasting the likes of will be looking to shutout the Welsh his attacking role if Allen is sensible Eden Hazard, Th ibaut Courtois strike force. His pace is a weakness in front of the back four. and Romelu Lukaku, were the clear and his Premier League spell was It promises to be a competitive favourites to take Group B by storm characterised by clumsiness; the fi xture and it would be surprising but Wales managed to pick up a vital Wales attackers should be licking to see Israel keep up their winning point away from home against such their lips at a potential goal fest. streak. Th ey are yet to play Belgium competitive opposition. Aside from the goal-scoring threat and face a Wales side beaming with Bale and co. would have been of Bale, this game will be won at confi dence. Wales should come back disappointed not to pick up a home the heart of the midfi eld. Th e player with at least a draw from Haifa, but win against Bosnia, but eight points who holds the key for a Wales win is Bale has a point to prove and the from four matches is a commendable Liverpool’s Joe Allen. Former Swansea Madridistas will be watching closely. start. playmaker Allen plays a quiet role Depending on Williams keeping Many will be shocked that Israel for both club and country but his Damari quiet and how well Allen head the group, but their credentials sensible ball work and creativity is distributes the ball, Wales have were confi rmed after a convincing making him a fan favourite at Anfi eld. enough quality in their team to edge 3-0 win against Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia He is hitting form at the right time the win and will be in pole position who played at the World Cup. Israel and will go into the game with Israel to qualify. Analysis: Gareth Bale’s form his just in: Gareth Bale is human. As a result, his response in the early season form which featured 22 Dan Heard Yes, you heard me. He’s not just recent game against Levante was wins in a row in all competitions. Th is Tsome emotionless robot who quite fantastic. When scoring the fi rst little spell of struggle has featured a 4-0 runs down the wing, whips in a cross or of his two goals in the 2-0 win, Bale hammering in a Madrid derby, a loss in smashes home a free-kick from miles ran towards a corner of the Santiago Bilbao and that remarkable second leg out, but rather a man who thinks and Bernabeu Stadium, kicked over a Champions League defeat to Schalke feels, and so there can be no way that corner fl ag and cupped his ears. Th is which ultimately counts for little. the recent abuse he’s received from the was him showing that the criticism he’s Bale has been at the centre of this and ours.” Real Madrid fans and the Spanish press been receiving lately wasn’t aff ecting storm, largely because attempts to “Because they have a bad result, all won’t have aff ected him somewhat. him. Judging by Cristiano Ronaldo’s look elsewhere are met with more players get criticised. Th ey’ll bounce Th e Welshman has come under rather bizarre reaction his steadfastness than a sideways glance at Ronaldo’s back from it, as will Baley. He is too fi re in Spain since his world record might not necessarily be universally remarkable scoring rate, something good a player not too.” £85m move, despite scoring crucial admired, but so far this is a test that which really only one other player in If Bale goes on to have a long and goals that helped Real Madrid secure the Welshman has come through with world football can match. He goes into successful career in Madrid then those the Champions League and Copa del fl ying colours. So why the criticism? Wales’ game against Israel on March he cupped his ears to on Sunday night Rey last term. Th e former Tottenham Well, Real were winless in their 28th as the best player in both squads, will always be able to say that they stalwart says he ignores abuse from previous three games, enough of a run something that every player on the were there. Th ey wouldn’t have been “In spite of Madrid fans and opposition supporters to spark talk of a crisis at that most pitch will also know. amongst those abusing him though, of the mounting when playing, yet the attacker’s demanding of clubs. And when there’s Coming through this spell of course. performances this season have dipped, a crisis, the most expensive footballer criticism still smiling and still scoring pressure he and he has accused of being selfi sh in the world is probably going to might well be the making of him, just is facing from after deciding to go it alone rather than get singled out. In truth Bale hasn’t as Wales’s manager Chris Coleman said Wales squad fans, Bale says passing to teammates when through on been performing to his normal high when interviewed by Gair Rhydd back Wayne Hennessey, Owain Fon Williams, Danny goal. standards for a few weeks now. in February: “He isn’t that type of lad, Ward; Ashley Williams, James Collins, Ben he just shrugs Th ere have even been calls for him Before the Levante game, his he won’t let things get to him. “ Davies, Chris Gunter. Sam Ricketts, Ashley it all off and to be dropped and sold by sections of previous strike was a last minute “He is the most expensive player in Richards, Adam Henley; Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, fans following polls in Madrid based penalty to win a game at Cordoba on the world, and one of the best, playing Aaron Ramsey, David Vaughan, Dave Edwards, focuses on his newspaper Marca. However, in spite January 24th, which was largely due for the best team. He is a strong lad, Shaun MacDonald; David Cotterill, Hal Robson- football of the mounting pressure he is facing to an overall malaise at a club who and a strong character. He’s proved Kanu, Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Simon from fans, Bale says he just shrugs it all were always going to have to have a time and time again how good he is. He Church, Sam Vokes. ” off and focuses on his football. comedown following the sparkling is an important part of both Real’s team 34 SPORT Team Talk: AsianSoc F.C. Captain of the IMG 7-a-side champions Aneel Parmar talks about his side’s fortunes and the future prospects for Asian players in Britain

ow has your season gone? sessions before matches, but a lot of James Lloyd Last week was the fi nal people go home so they are quite hard game of the season, and to organise. we played Riders of Rohan. HWe were on twelve points and they As you’re a Manchester United fan, were on ten, so they had to win to pick a United player to put into take the league, whilst we only needed your team. a draw. It was a tough game; they I wouldn’t have Di Maria in, that’s for played very well and both teams went sure. I’d probably have to say Rooney for it by attacking. Th ere were a lot - the thing about 7-a-side is that of tackles and it was an aggressive, you have to have the ability to play passionate game - it was fair though. anywhere, and Rooney is an engine It ended in a 0-0 draw - it was end- and is versatile, as well as being a good to-end but we did enough to win the leader. league with 13 points. Th ere is much debate around Lionel What’s your role as captain? Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, pick At the start I wanted to get a good one to put in your team. team together, as each year we get I have always been a Ronaldo fan a new team, so we held trials. We and I love his style of football, but for wanted to get a good team of lads 7-a-side I’d like Messi as he has good together who played some good close control and a load of skill that football, and winning the whole would be useful. Also, in IMG you thing wasn’t on my criteria; we just rarely cross the ball and Ronaldo is wanted to do well, so to actually win good at headers so it wouldn’t be the league was fantastic. I organise much use, so I’d pick Messi. in Wales? year, other teams have worked hard the team, the tactics, the formations, Rugby is so big in Wales that people so it would be nice to have a prize. Pictured: and make sure everyone gets a game. Michael Chopra and Neil Taylor don’t play football quite as much Former Cardiff Sometimes we have arguments so I are two players with Asian as in England. Th ere are plenty of Who are your rivals in the league? City player sort that out and get the best out of backgrounds who played in Wales. opportunities to play football here Riders of Rohan were fun, they were Michael everyone. Rotation isn’t too much of a It won’t be long until a player of though, and the facilities are good; competitive and played in the right Chopra, whose problem actually, as we only have ten Asian origin breaks into one of the football in Cardiff is very fun. way. We played a team and the match family is of players in the squad. British national sides. What are almost broke out into American Asian origin We have won your thoughts on this and what How can the IMG league improve? Football as they were playing rough “ How do you work game day? does the future hold? We have had a mixture of standards - they were going into tackles with the league this Th e two centre-backs and goalkeeper Hopefully we will see more Asian in refereeing - some are good, some studs up, but we won 2-1 that day year having never change, then we play with two players make it at that level. It’s hard are bad - this is frustrating because which was satisfying. Campus Sport wingers and a striker. I tend to use the though; a lot of Asians play football refereeing decisions can change are also fun to play; they’re a top team played 14 three substitutions to rotate as our as a hobby, but they can never get games. Th ankfully a referee has never and they were the team to beat. We games, and midfi eld often gets tired as they are very far, and they often have to stop cost us a game, but we rode our luck drew 0-0 with them and then lost 1-0. constantly tracking back and forth. as parents want them to go down the on one occasion, as we conceded but didn’t receive IMG has no off side rule, so we play education route as opposed to sport. the referee deemed the scorer to be in Finally, who is the Gareth Bale of a prize, but deep, stopping the opposing team Th at’s why you see a lot of thirteen the D, where you can’t score. the team, the Welsh Wizard? we paid £50 playing the long ball. Th e game is or fourteen year olds with a lot of We have won the league this year Yusuf Siddique is a fantastic player, faster paced than 11-a-side which I natural talent, who have not had the having played 14 games, and didn’t he could make it semi professionally to enter the prefer. We have to be on point with opportunity to make it at the top, as receive a prize, but we paid £50 to I reckon; his dribbling is amazing, league and our passing as you don’t get much they have changed their life goals. enter the league and then £20 a week he can play anywhere, can destroy time on the ball, and it requires a lot Th ere is a lot of emphasis now in in match fees to play, so I think there defences and is a pleasure to watch. then £20 a of fi tness. training kids young, so hopefully in should be a prize for the winners - a He can certainly change a game, and week in match the future we’ll see a lot more Asians trophy or cash prize or something. I he also comes back and defends all fees to play. Do you have to organise training in the British national setup. messaged the guy in charge and he the time and is always focussed. He sessions? said the only prize is bragging rights scored 6 goals all season and which We sometimes have weekend training What are your thoughts on football which I don’t like - we worked hard all was impressive from midfi eld. Steffan” New life has been breathed into the Rodney Parade in the quarter-fi nals this season, to lift silverware would aid If so, then acting head coach Dale Thomas Cardiff Blues’ season in recent weeks, of the Challenge Cup now has added the Blues in their quest to expand their Macintosh, or even former Wales full- with morale-boosting victories over signifi cance, with the Arms Park supporter base in light of the worrying back Mike Rayer may be the answer. Edinburgh and Connacht ensuring outfi t looking to put a halt to the slow trend of increasingly dwindling Or do Blues hierarchy wish to that the Blues still have a mathematical decline of rugby in the capital city. crowds. reinvent the wheel by appointing chance of qualifying for the Rugby With Cardiff City struggling in the With rugby seemingly being at a visionary with no preconceived Champions Cup through the PRO 12. Championship it would appear that a crossroads in the capital city it loyalties to the current squad? However, the Blues are still thirteen rugby has a genuine opportunity to is imperative that the Blues board Elsewhere the Blues’ head of points behind sixth-placed Connacht, pull fl oating supporters back onto their make no mistake in their search for recruitment Billy Millard has with their best chance of qualifying side. However, the Blues have suff ered a replacement for Hammett. Th e confi rmed that recruitment for for next season’s Champions Cup a poor campaign up to this point board must identify what they want next season is well under way, with realistically going to come from which culminated in the departure out of their new head coach in terms Leicester Tigers’ USA international Europe’s second-tier Challenge Cup. of Director of Rugby Mark Hammett of whether they want to appoint winger Blaine Scully thought to be Next month’s east Wales derby after only six months in the role. somebody who already has the Blues’ close to committing his future to the against Newport Gwent Dragons at Despite their wretched run of form values and heritage ingrained in them? Arms Park outfi t. SPORT 35 Canoe polo players descend on Cardiff

n the weekend of the 14th whilst fl oating in the middle of a lake is James Cable and 15th of March, Cardiff something people would normally ask OUniversity Kayakers hosted the NASA to fi gure out, but alas Cardiff second largest Canoe Polo tournament University Kayakers have been coming in the country after BUCS. Th is up with solutions like this for free for year saw 35 teams from Universities the past decade. Despite the constant all around the UK assemble at the rain, President Franklin Neathercoat Taf Bargoed Lakes for the annual turned down all off ers of a rain coat, tournament. keeping his track record of never once Th e tournament comprised of wearing waterproofs in Wales clean for three divisions. A division 1 for the its second year. hard-core nutcases who have decided After an evening of pretending to fl oating around a lake in sub-zero be happy that all the other Universities temperatures all winter was a better had arrived. We woke up to the perfect option to paddling actual rivers. A Canoe Polo conditions; 1 degree above division 2 for those who aren’t quite as freezing with a strong wind and light hard-core as the division 1 players, but rain, “Th e Bank Team” was very happy. were still having trouble making the With an early start of 9am, everyone correct lifestyle choices. And fi nally, a began arriving at the lake and kitting ladies division because who doesn’t like up, not many smiles all around as watching a canoe polo match happen frozen polo players huddled together in slow motion? Most Universities trying to get warm. Meanwhile “Bank brought 2-3 teams of their fi nest Team” were having a great time, James players, Cardiff was simply overfl owing Cable had delivered a captain’s talk that with talent so fi elded 6, including an suggested to us he had been watching Old Girls, Old Boys and the blindingly too much “Braveheart”. good D Team. Sunday came around too quickly Th e weekend started on Friday, with with the majority of people suff ering a small elite team of van-mounted from hangovers from the “Under the committee members arriving around Sea” themed party the night before. midday at the lakes to set up the After people had resurrected, car pitches. Whilst this may sound like a keys had been discovered and tactical matches, and players began realising Andy Bucknell and Rob Haley. A huge pretty straight forward task, getting chunders were had, players began to that the sooner they got eliminated, the congratulations and thanks to all the Pictured: a 1.5m x 1m goal to stay suspended trickle back down to the lake. Sunday sooner they could get warm. teams that braved the cold, and it was Above: A and stationary 2 metres in the air saw the start of the elimination Half of Swansea’s Ladies team took amazing to see so many teams from visiting player this a step further by simply not turning around the country getting involved, making a pass up, a lesson to be learnt from the pros. truly making this one of the largest Left: Cardiff ’s Th e C team kicked off the day with an tournaments in the country and the Vaughan epic win scoring 7 goals to 2, proving biggest one Cardiff have ever hosted! Roberts that being inebriated can sometimes be Th e weekend would not have (pictured an advantage. Th e B team played some been possible without the support of right), who polo again (I lost the scores sorry), Cardiff University Kayakers offi cial famously lives special mention to Stu Clark who from sponsor Canoe & Kayak Store who in a box the bank looked awesome in his new kindly donated a £100 voucher for the (Credit: Rob cag, and to Polo Sec Mitch Davis who division 1 winners, as well as prizes Haley) somehow managed to play the entire for the charity raffl e this year, in aid weekend without actually paddling out of Dartmoor Search and Rescue who from under the goal. rescued a Cardiff Uni Kayaker from the For those keen beans who actually Upper Dart, earlier this year. We cannot enjoyed being cold and throwing a ball thank Canoe & Kayak store without around, fi nals saw Cardiff Old Boys thanking their Cardiff Manager Ronnie and Bangor Old Boys facing off for the Rogan the kindest man in the world division 1 crown. After a good start who took time out his weekend to from Cardiff the score at half time was come and help run the tournament. a draw, however come the second half A huge thank you also to Up and Bangor dominated to take 1st place. Under for supplying a lot of the Th e division 2 league saw Manchester equipment used in the tournament, A playing Southampton B, for some and for donating the 1st place prizes reason Manchester A had to be in for Division 2 and the Ladies Divisions. Division 2, and with Manchester taking Finally a massive thank you to Aberfan 1st place, we think we may know why. Canoe Club, who let us host the event Finally in the Ladies Division, at their club, helped set up the pitches, Cardiff Old Girls steam rolled ULU did the playlists for us, and taught us Ladies whilst having to put up with the how to build the biggest rafts we have questionable commentating skills of ever seen in our lives.

Cardiff capped a fantastic run of Federico Macheda and Alex Revell into the game the free-scoring South particular that has been on display Dan Heard form in recent weeks with impressive scored after the Bluebirds had fallen Coast side had hit the back of the net in these two matches in particular is performances against two of the big behind. City had both Kadeem Harris more times than in the league than any evidence of a turnaround in fortunes hitters in the league, Brentford and and Federico Macheda dismissed in side in the top four divisions, including for the much-maligned Russell Slade. Bournemouth, with the Cherries close the second half, but showed a new- putting eight past City already this Following such outstanding displays, to the Championship summit and the found mettle to hold on through six term – fi ve in the league and three in taking four points from a possible six Bees not far behind. Th e Bluebirds, minutes of injury time to win at Griffi n the Capital One Cup. against two promotion-chasing sides, meanwhile, languish in lower mid- Park. At the Cardiff City Stadium though, Cardiff can now hopefully look to table. Following these two results Following this fantastic victory they had to rely on a screamer from build on this good form leading into though, City have bucked their recent against a side who had put three past Harry Arter to gain the lead. Th eir their fi nal games of this season. Th ey poor form. Cardiff at home late last year, the lead was pegged back by superb play will hope to lay some foundations for Russell Slade’s men came from a fans who made the journey back had from the resilient Bluebirds to bounce a promotion tilt next campaign, which goal down to win at Brentford despite some confi dence going into Tuesday’s back just after the hour, thanks to a will hopefully see them emulate the seeing two men sent off ; more than encounter with Eddie Howe’s well- thunderous header from Cardiff ’s two sides that they managed to so 1,500 City fans cheered their team as drilled Bournemouth team. Coming Bruno Manga. Th e resilience in impressively blunt in attack. tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport

Wales prepared for Israel Euro clash After an impressive start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Chris Coleman’s side face table-toppers Israel in Jerusalem

hris Coleman’s Wales team head a team carrying a lot of momentum. more ruthless having missed a series of of players who can make the diff erence James Lloyd into Saturday’s game with Israel Looking at the rather questionable opportunities in previous matches. in tight games. Not many have that Cknowing that a win would make world rankings, Israel have the slight With Gareth Bale leading the line, talent and Wales are privileged to have them favourites to top the group. Th is edge as they are ranked 26th with goals should be frequent despite the someone of Bale’s calibre in their team; fi xture has overriding signifi cance as Wales 37th. Welsh wizard hitting a bit of a rough he makes things happen and he will no Israel have taken maximum points Both teams haåve an attack-minded patch. Under harsh scrutiny from the doubt cause Israel problems. from their fi rst three games including a mentality, but are also resolute in unforgiving and overly brutal Madrid Football in Wales is slowly on the comfortable 3-0 win versus Bosnia. defence. Israel scored nine goals in fans, Bale’s character will be tested. up. It is constantly competing with the Travelling to Israel will be extremely qualifying to date, whilst Wales have Th e thing with Cardiff -born Bale is beloved sport of rugby that the Welsh challenging for Wales and they will face only managed four. Coleman will want that he can turn a game on its head, adore so much. With the likes of Bale, Continued on an intimidating atmosphere, playing his team to take more chances and be and is amongst only an elite number Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen playing page 35

Blues column: Gradual improvement Team Talk: AsianSoc F.C. Analysis: Bale’s Madrid struggles P34>> P34>> P35>>