Skip to main content

Day: 1 October 2015

Manchester medic introduces Corbyn at Labour Conference

Written by Beth Adams on . Posted in News.

This week Brighton Centre hosted the Labour Party Conference, the first with newly-elected leader Jeremy Corbyn in charge. Corbyn’s much-anticipated speech to conference took place on Tuesday and first-year Manchester student Rohi Malik was chosen to introduce him in front of the 4,500 members.

Rohi grew up in Corbyn’s London constituency of Islington North and has seen first-hand his work as a local MP. She said, “we have always seen how committed and honest he is, how hard he fights for the things he believes in and stands up for the people of Islington North.”

Rohi began working on Corbyn’s bid for Labour leadership over the summer and said that “to have any part in that was amazing.”

Speaking to The Mancunion on Wednesday she still couldn’t believe it had happened and said it was “terrifying, one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.” But Rohi also said it was incredible to be a part of something she believes in so strongly.

Her speech to Conference touched on why she believes in the Labour Party. Her father was a political prisoner in Pakistan who sought asylum in the UK, trained as a doctor and has been working in the NHS for the last 25 years. Her father was also the inspiration behind the decision to study Medicine at the University of Manchester, which she started only this week.

Speaking about why she thinks Jeremy Corbyn has gained so much support and won the leadership contest so decisively, Rohi said it was because he provided a clear alternative. “People wanted change after the election and Jeremy offered them a real alternative and a different approach,” something he certainly will be doing after his speech spoke of “challenging austerity, creating a kinder politics and a caring society.”

As Conference ends, Rohi will begin studying Medicine in earnest and the country will wait to see how Corbyn’s Labour Party will perform in the House of Commons over the coming months.

England vs Australia: The preview

Written by Toby Webb on . Posted in Sport, Uncategorised.

You would have had to have been brave, or Welsh, to predict that England would lose to Wales in their second match of the Rugby World Cup. However, with the tournament on the line, the team must make every attempt to erase the memory of Saturday’s soul-destroying defeat. The perfect tonic would surely be a win against Australia.

Undoubtedly, this will be one of the biggest England-Australia clashes in their histories, bringing to memory the belligerent and gritty English win at the 2007 World Cup and the drama and ecstasy of the 2003 World Cup final.

Are we in for another Wilkinson-esque drop goal finale from the current fly-half Owen Farrell?

Drawing on these previous World Cup successes, as well as home advantage, will be obvious sources of motivation for the team.

In terms of team selection, injuries as well as performances will result in an altered line-up. It is highly speculated that Jonathan Joseph will return at outside centre, replacing the bulldozer Sam Burgess. Meanwhile, Owen Farrell will retain his position at fly-half after a perfectly executed game against Wales, scoring five out of five penalties, a drop goal, and a conversion.

Moreover, injuries to Courtney Lawes and Billy Vunipola will result in their replacement, likely by Joe Launchbury and Ben Morgan. Scrum-half Ben Youngs will have his fitness assessed later in the week. The energy he provides, if fit, will certainly be important in achieving victory; he will be replaced by Richard Wigglesworth if not.

The probable team to play Australia:

While Burgess was selected last week to neutralise the mighty Jamie Roberts, the need to win has led Joseph, a try-scoring threat with pace and trickery, to be included. This change also allows Brad Barritt to move back to inside centre, his favoured position.

If Joseph is selected ahead of Burgess, it will be the 18th different centre partnership during the Lancaster reign. While it could result in the victory England require, Lancaster’s huge indecision over selection since becoming head coach is already being questioned. Injuries are a part of sport and must be accommodated for; yet, it is fair to say that Lancaster is still unsure of his ideal 1st XV.

With the number 8 position, England are blessed with several high quality players. The loss of Vunipola, a powerful player who continually breaks the gain-line, is easily counteracted by dynamism and scrum-control offered by Ben Morgan.

The Australian team have had the luxury of easy opposition in their opening two matches. Although a slightly laboured performance, they came through comfortably against Fiji 28-13 in the opening match. Their latest match against Uruguay was a try-fest, ending with the score 65-3.

The Australian coach Michael Cheika made 14 changes to the team for the Uruguay game. This will make England’s task all the more formidable, because the Australian team for Saturday will be composed of fully-rested players.

The probable Australia team to play England:

Australia went into the World Cup as one of the favourites for the tournament, particularly on the back of an impressive victory against New Zealand. Full-back Israel Folau is a real threat to England, his prowess under the high ball as well as his speed will present a big problem.

Furthermore, the Aussie back-row of Hooper and Pocock are in great form, the latter scoring twice against Fiji. Both are incredibly mobile and behave like fiends around the breakdown, constantly disrupting the opposition’s flow and making turn-overs. Australia’s chances will depend a lot on their performances.

Form would suggest Australia will be successful on Saturday. However, the last two matches between the teams at Twickenham have resulted in victories for the home team.

How can England beat Australia?

– Scrums: England’s scrum was superb against Wales. Penalties resulting from scrums contributed hugely to England’s accumulation of points. With Farrell’s goal-kicking accuracy, scrum domination, and resultant penalties (Australia conceded 15 against Uruguay), this could be an effective way to build a score.

– Pace: England’s back 3 are rapid. Against Wales, when England got quick balls down the back-line, with players running onto the ball with pace, they scored. A blend of Farrell’s territorial kicking and the raw pace of the back will get the Aussies on the back foot and, hopefully, result in points.

– Securing the ruck: Hooper and Pocock have the ability to seriously disrupt England’s ruck, counter-rucking and turning the ball over. Maintaining possession will be imperative to England being successful on Saturday.

Support Your Breasts

Written by Emily Earle on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Every year over 55,000 people are diagnosed with the disease—the equivalent of a diagnosis once every 10 minutes. 1 in 8 women will contract breast cancer within their lifetime, with just over 12,000 people dying from the disease every year.

Whether or not you have been personally affected by breast cancer, October brings a great opportunity to raise awareness of the disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month raises funds to provide specialist nurses, local services, and a vital emotional support network to those who need it.

Every year, a handful of designers use their creative genius to launch products aimed at raising funds for the charity. Renowned British designer Stella McCartney is to launch her second collection of lingerie this year to support the cause.

Following the success of last year’s range, McCartney has designed a beautiful, feminine collection with a strong underlying message. Not only does her collection look beautiful and fit well, it serves as a healthy reminder to remain vigilant of the disease, no matter your age.

Model of the moment Cara Delevigne is the face of the new campaign. She was chosen by McCartney to represent the younger generation and to push the message of prevention as the most positive approach.

The designer has created the Aliana Playing Range: A balconette bra, soft cup, and a bikini brief in the same shade of hot pink. A percentage of profits from the range will be donated to three breast cancer awareness charities: The Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool, The National Breast Cancer Foundation U.S., and The National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia.

As part of the range, McCartney will launch her first double mastectomy bra. The Louise Listening bra is designed to reduce discomfort during the healing that is experienced post-surgery. The design takes its name from McCartney’s late mother, who died from the disease in 1998. All sales from the style will be donated to the London-based charity Hello Beautiful Foundation.

The range is available to buy now from McCartney’s website, as well as a handful of other retailers. Support your breasts—click here to do your part this month by supporting an incredible charity, and look great while doing it!