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Month: September 2019

How to wear 4 key autumn/winter trends on campus

Autumn has officially begun! It’s now time to put your summer dresses to the back of your wardrobe and start considering what trends you might want to invest in for the new season. Here are four autumn/winter 2019 trends that will fit right into your student wardrobe…

Victorian Dressing 

Looks across multiple AW19 catwalks back in February were heavily inspired by the Victorian era. There were outfits full of exquisite details, such as corsetry, boning, statement sleeves, and exaggerated necklines, often worn alongside lace (another key trend) to create an elegant, feminine look. Although elements of Victorian style can feel formal, pairing a puff sleeve blouse with a pair of mom jeans adds interest to an everyday uni outfit.

Platform Heels

For those who are bold with their style, this season will be dominated by retro platform heels, with Spice Girls-inspired shoes being heavily endorsed by many designers. This trend looks best with other retro staples, which have also been showcased on the catwalks this season, such as wide-leg trousers, padded shoulders, and top handle bags, all in fluorescent colours, as championed by designers such as Balenciaga and Emporio Armani. This eye-catching look is great for a night out when you want to stand out from the crowd.

Feminine Grunge

Another trend seen this season, from brands including The Row, Valentino, and Givenchy, is a grungy take on classic feminine pieces. Not only are they dressing their models in black from head to toe, but feminine romantic dresses are being paired with grungy accessories such as chokers, chains, and studded combat boots. The look is finished with dark, dramatic makeup.

Feminine grunge is perfect for lovers of black and those who already have chokers and chunky boots in their wardrobe. Simply pair these basic items with a ladylike dress or lace slip for a great take on the trend. The trend can be worn casually or updated with grungy makeup, such as a statement plum lipstick, for a night out

Dark Florals

Dark florals are everywhere this season and were seen on the catwalks of Prada, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Giorgio Armani, to name a few. Florals have never been out of style but have traditionally been seen as a spring-summer wardrobe staple. Now, designers are making small adjustments to the colour scheme to make them suitable for the colder months.

Florals are great as they are simple, versatile and can suit a wide range of personal styles. If your style is feminine and girly, a dark floral dress, worn with classic brown boots and a timeless trench coat, makes the perfect date night outfit. Or, if you lean towards an edgier vibe, pair a dark floral top with a biker jacket and black skinny jeans to look effortlessly chic on campus.

5 affordable products to upgrade your skincare routine

Now that summer is over, it’s time to hit the books and get back to university life. But, the upheaval that comes with returning to university can sometimes have a negative effect on your skin. Here are five affordable skincare products that you should consider to help deal with any breakouts and other issues…

For oily skin…

One thing beauty bloggers constantly recommend is incorporating acids into your skincare routine. One that I’ve found to work well is Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic 5% (£5.99). Glycolic acid works by resurfacing the skin, leaving you with a brighter, fresher face. Superdrug recommends daily use but I personally find using it every other night works better for my skin. After using the product for about two months, I’ve found the texture of my skin has dramatically improved. For those with oily skin, this glycolic acid is definitely worth a try.

For dry skin…

Another acid based product; hyaluronic acid, is actually already present in our bodies and works as a magnet for moisture, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and healthy. But, exposure to environmental forces and UV can leave our levels depleted and topical serums, such as Nip + Fab’s Dragon’s Blood Fix Hyaluronic Shot (£24.99), are needed. After using the product for a month, I no longer have any dry spots and my skin looks and feels hydrated. For those in need extra hydration, hyaluronic acid can be a really beneficial step to your skincare routine.

The perfect all-rounder…

If you’re a skincare newbie looking to take better care of your skin, Garnier’s SkinActive Rose Water collection is a great place to start. The products are gentle on the skin; the moisturiser (£5.99) is non-greasy and the cleansing milk (£3.49) leaves your skin feeling silky, smooth and clean. It is lightly scented, without being overpowering.

Maximise your skincare…

Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce redness caused by drying and keep skin calm and comfortable. It is suitable for all skin types and available from Cliganic for just £9.95. If you’re looking to incorporate an additional step into your routine to really maximise the effect of your skincare, jojoba oil could be the one.

For dull skin…

A cleansing brush, such as Superdrug’s Double Sided Facial Cleansing Brush (£8.99), can be used to maximise the effects of your cleanser. Using a brush can also help with exfoliation; removing dead skin to make it appear brighter. Use it as frequently or infrequently as feels necessary, using gentle motions to prevent tearing or causing abrasions to the skin.

Live Review: Disclosure at The Warehouse Project

Concert-goers were scattered throughout the venue during the early hours of Saturday night, dispersed and floating between the three stages of the warehouse. In preparation for Disclosure’s entrance nearing midnight, however, the Warehouse Project audience seemed to multiply, all swarming for the DJ duo.

Facing the jam-packed Depot stage, the pair opened with their track ‘When a Fire Starts to Burn’ – an inviting introduction which sent the crowd chanting to this familiar chorus. Warm toned orange and red LED displays accompanied the matching, fiery crowd before the DJs transitioned into classic garage beats and deep-house mixes.

The DJs seemed equally enthused about their performance. As Howard spun his discs, Guy bopped about with a drink in hand seeming practically like one of us. Although only he was basking in his liberty to roam freely on stage whilst listeners bumped against each other, pumping fists and often cheering in unison.

Although explicitly announced as a DJ-set rather than a self-tribute concert, ardent fans might have been disappointed by the exclusion of many mellower but equally catchy pieces from their revival album Caracal, which proved their ability to emerge from the techno-garage style they had established and made somewhat mainstream with their debut album Settle.

I was personally hoping for them to play their later-released single of theirs, ‘Where Angels Fear to Tread’ – the rippling, deep beats, spitting laser sounds and reverberating vocals in this track are in-keeping with the club, dance floor atmosphere they appeared keen to maintain. Referring to the electronic dance music scene in 2015 in the duo’s LA Times interview for the release of Caracal, Guy claimed that ‘every song’s getting a little bit samey – the same old bass lines, the same old samples.’ And yet for most of the two hours, the brothers retreated into perhaps the more comfortable, familiar territory of producing a ‘jacking house beat’ that only occasionally distinguished them from the preceding act, DJ Seinfeld, or the following set by Annie Mac. In fact, even the set visuals, albeit manic, barely compared to the more personal aesthetics of Annie Mac and Mall Grab, who played later that night.

Disclosure duo, brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence enjoying the presence in mid-set at The Warehouse Project.

Perhaps they were more focused on a lively interaction with the crowd; indeed, they have determined the Manchester Warehouse Project as the ‘best party.’ Although certain beats seemed somewhat unchanging at times, perhaps attributable to their skilled, smooth transitions between tracks, audience members were reluctant to break from the venue at any point during their set. This was despite the warehouse being insanely over-heated, exemplifying a devotion that was unlike the attendees for other DJs that night, whose crowds often fluctuated in size; whole divisions of them sometimes fled in preference of acts playing simultaneously on alternative stages or, simply, for the smoking area.

Instead, Disclosure kept us on our feet by interjecting the set with sudden blackouts, leaving us eager for them to continue before they blasted us with explosions of heavy bass lines and pulsing black and white displays. Perhaps necessary to keep us consistently entertained, more organic, deep-house sounds recalling the likes of Lauer and Four Tet were weaved into their garage-adjacent tracks, and soulful vocal samples and R&B-influenced beats also balanced the previously harder-going atmosphere. With the brothers alternating  between each other with their turn-tabling and free-handed drinking and bopping, it was clear that they were having as vibrant a time as we were and their act remained the highlight of the night.

The duo ended their set by playing the likely long-anticipated, more relatable tracks from their first album Settle, the explosive hits ‘Latch’ and ‘You & Me’ concluding the set and further inciting the already violently-cheering audience. Overall, Disclosure left us with an assurance that a future return to the Manchester Warehouse Project would be very much welcome, their iconic white-line portrait leaving a memorable impression of their appearance.

Disclosure ending their Warehouse Project appearance with a bow and wave to the audience, in front of the emblematic portrait.

8/10

Review: A Generous Lover

A Generous Lover is a brilliant play about a queer person who navigates the public mental healthcare system to support someone they love with bipolar disorder. The production is part of HOME’s Orbit Festival 2019. This year’s theme is “Conquer the Divide.”

The play is written and performed by HOME associate artist La JohnJoseph, who has based this brutally honest, down-to-earth drama on a true story. Though they have kept their own name, they have named their significant other after the classic Greek hero Orpheus, who famously travelled to the underworld to save his beloved.

LaJohnJoseph is the solo performer of the show, and delivers a powerful monologue narrating their negative experience with the public mental health institution. Orpheus, their lover, is struggling with manic episodes that led to him being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. JJ describes their attempts to support him, even though he abuses them in return. It is easy to assume that the protagonist is the “Generous Lover”, but, in reality, the play’s title is a name they give to mania; to describe Orpheus’s relationship with his mental illness.

It quickly becomes clear that JJ views themselves, not their boyfriend, as Orpheus from the Greek myth, and associates the medical institution to the underworld. Key focuses of the play are the bad conditions of the hospital, which JJ compares to Dante’s descriptions of hell, and their own internal distrust of the mental health institution, commenting on how they can be “locked up” simply because of their transsexual identity.

Even though they are critical of the public institution, they avoid talking about the medical complexities – doctors are only mentioned briefly. They focus instead on the basic needs of the patients that are not being met, such as uncomfortable beds, revolting food, and ugly surroundings, such as generic inspirational posters and a mural that is described as “a cloud pissing rainbow on another cloud”.

The play also plainly states how private mental health treatment is far superior to public mental health treatment. The monologue is delivered in a colloquial tone, so that the message is easily accessible to everyone.

LaJohnJoseph skilfully plays a diverse cast of characters. They channel Orpheus’ exaggerated manic episodes, represent the other patients at the hospital, each with their distinct features, and they also play the role of an omniscient narrator from the epic drama tradition. They effortlessly transition between characters by switching their tone, pitch and accents, successfully sounding like a different person every time.

The stage is minimalistic, containing only three white items: classic column in the Greco-Roman style, a hospital screen divider that reveals a vibrant heart with outstretched arms when turned, and a lawn chair. Three vastly different items that represent different aspects of the play.

LaJohnJoseph utilises a few props in their performance and are supported by a team backstage controlling the sound and lighting. The plain setting of the stage underpins the powerful message of the play, giving the audience no possible means of distraction.

I strongly recommend this important production. It talks candidly about mental health treatment in the UK from a unique perspective.

A Generous Lover ends its 2019 UK tour on 28th September at The Byre, St Andrews, Scotland.

Review: 9 to 5 The Musical

The 1980 film 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and (of course) Dolly Parton, is brought to life in the stage-musical, currently running in the West End and touring around the UK. The tour stars Louise Redknapp (Violet Newstead), Love Island star Amber Davies (Judy Bernly) and Georgina Castle (Doralee Rhodes).

The main characters are set up as archetypes: the ‘uptight widow’, the ‘blonde bimbo’, and the ‘small-town girl’. However, each rebel against the audience’s (and society’s) expectations of them.

The performance begins with a narration from the queen herself – blonde bombshell and country music legend, Dolly Parton – through the form of a video-recording in a giant clock-face, followed by a catchy rendition of the title song.

The energy is palpable from the moment the punchy opening chords come in. The musical comes to life as Dolly and the ensemble break into the song that has become synonymous with Dolly and the working life grind. This cameo certainly added to the fun of the whole performance.

Louise Redknapp’s character had several moments of poignant self-reflection. Out of the three protagonists, she seemed to go through the biggest journey. From being a cog in a business machine to becoming the CEO of the company, she grew in terms of ambition. By allowing herself to fall into a new relationship after the passing of her husband, and by experiencing life as a single mother, the performance also portrayed the character as a woman finding her voice and power.

However, it was her ‘voice’ that slightly undermined this character’s portrayal. Unfortunately, Redknapp’s accent was inconsistent and at times off-putting and overshadowing of her acting. There was a twinge of New York and sometimes a California drawl, and sometimes, she just sounded British…

Davies and Castle managed to keep consistent accents throughout. Davies, with a reserved yet commanding voice, delivered some of the standout comedic lines of the show. The audience were in hysterics when she exclaimed that she ‘just miss[es] Dick’ (it is worth clarifying that Dick is the fitting name of her ex-husband).

Each of the three women delivered a knockout musical number. Repknapp’s ‘One of the Boys’ was vibrant and energetic. Castle’s delicate and effortless voice was perfect for ‘Backward Barbie,’ a number about being judged on her appearance instead of her personality and heart. Whilst she is not a ‘big name’ draw, and so her name isn’t used in promotion, her on-point character portrayal, comedy and beautiful voice made her the standout in this show.

Davies gave a powerhouse performance in the song ‘Get Out and Stay Out’. Her song felt not only like a triumph for her character but also a message to the haters who say you can’t be talented and the winner of a reality TV show.

She belted through the song, effortlessly hitting high notes. Some audience-members physically gasped at how she handled it vocally. The end of the song received a mighty applause and even the wiping away of some tears.

All those Love Island cynics can certainly be silenced now. This talented actress has earned her place on the musical theatre stage.

Credit must also be given to the play’s secondary characters. Sean Needham, who played the ruthless and slimy antagonist Hart, was at times a little cringey (though this was undoubtedly intentional), and at many moments sidesplittingly funny.

A particular highlight was when the three women strapped him into his own S&M attire and hoisted him up with the chandelier cables, leaving him dangling from the ceiling with a gag in his mouth. As the lights for the interval came up, Needham continued to hang there, shouting helplessly to the audience for someone to get him down. When the second act started, the curtain crept up to slowly reveal Needham’s legs still swinging back and forth, providing a stellar comedy moment in the show.

Lucinda Lawrence, who plays Roz Keith (Hart’s assistant and corporate spy), was fantastic as a loveable and weedy secondary antagonist. A highlight of the show was the number ‘Heart to Hart,’ where Roz fantasises about being with Hart through the form of a passionate tango, in which Lawrence rips off her dowdy office clothing to reveal a dazzling burlesque-style outfit and the two characters partake in a fantastically funny dance.

Whilst the musical was flawed, the integral message of female empowerment rang true. The conviction and talent of the entire cast, and the sheer joy and unapologetic fun, with a generous helping of cheese, blew the roof off the Palace Theatre and showered us in a dazzling spectacle of good ol’ fashioned musical theatre pizzazz!

Council launch consultation into buffer zone around Fallowfield abortion clinic

A consultation has been launched by Manchester City Council to propose the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) outside the Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Fallowfield. The introduction of a PSPO would create a buffer zone around abortion clinics whereby all campaigning is prohibited. 

The presence of pro-life groups has prompted a number of complaints over “anti-social behaviour” from local residents, individuals and organisations, say Manchester City Council. Pro-choice groups are also known to hold counter-demonstrations at the site.

However, pro-life groups such as 40 Days for Life, who frequently hold vigils outside the clinic, have defended their actions, saying they “believe in freedom of speech.”

Earlier this year, over 1,000 signatures were collected in favour of the PSPO, promoted by the Sister Supporter group, who aim to “tackle the sustained harassment of women” outside abortion clinics. However, many pro-life campaigns have described the PSPO to being a way to prevent their freedom of expression. 

Robert Colquhoun, international director at 40 Days for Life, one of the organisations regularly holding vigils outside the clinic, told the Manchester Evening News: “We organise peaceful, prayerful and legal vigils outside abortion clinics and have done in Manchester for 10 years. In that time we haven’t had a single substantiated case of harassment anywhere in the UK.”

A PSPO would ban protest, interference with staff or users of the clinic, the display of A3-size images and text relating to the termination of pregnancy, and playing amplified music. It could also include the introduction of an allocated space for people to express their views near to the clinic.

However, campaigners are still skeptical that the PSPO will stop protestors from harassing staff and service users. Sister Supporter Manchester still feel that these initial proposals may not be going far enough to protect those targeted. 

Sister Supporter’s Beth Redmond told BBC News: “This allows a loophole for the protesters to bring smaller signs and leaflets which are still visible and upsetting. It also fails to tackle the use of other objects such as foetus dolls, rosary beads and crucifixes which are commonly seen outside the clinic and presented to clinic users, causing great distress.”

A Manchester City Council spokesperson, said: “When considering introducing a PSPO we have to make sure that it is the correct course of action for this community. This is why we are putting this out to consultation for two months, giving everyone in the area the ability to have their say on this matter.
“After the consultation has ended the council will take on board what has been said, and only then make a decision on whether or not to implement a PSPO.”

The Marie Stopes clinic gives women access to counselling 24 hours a day, as well as abortion aftercare and contraception.

 The consultation is due to take place on November 15th.

The opioid crisis in the US: transforming attitudes to addiction

Drug addiction knows no borders, state or nation. It does not discriminate; holding captive anyone from celebrities, politicians, academics as well as friends, family and co-workers. Whilst discourse has certainly improved in the last few years, policy is yet to catch up in the way it handles those affected, still choosing criminalisation over rehabilitation. 

In the last decade there has been a media fascination with the opioid epidemic ravaging America’s suburbs. More than 400,000 people have died from opioid overdoses since 1999 and the problem is unlikely to abate any time soon with those affected increasing. Whilst tragic, it is difficult to avoid the near unanimously sympathetic coverage of white opioid users, as opposed to the decades of derision, demonisation, and criminalisation that black and brown addicts have faced by both law enforcement and the media. This is not just a question of disparaging stereotypes being reproduced – it has led to materially different policies. 

Whilst black and brown bodies continue to be policed, beaten, killed, and imprisoned for drug use, pharmaceutical companies are, rightfully, being taken to court and fined heavily for their role in the opioid epidemic. In a landmark case, a few weeks ago a judge in Oklahoma held Johnson & Johnson liable for the state’s opioid epidemic, fining them over half a billion dollars. This marks the beginning of a long line of lawsuits, with over 40 states gearing up to file similar claims against big pharma. 

This is an undeniably positive thing, for years pharmaceutical companies have been allowed to run amok, with reports showing that they have shipped 76 billion opioid pain pills just between 2006-2012. It is clear that the law’s intervention, if anything, is belated.

However whilst large pharmaceutical companies are being dragged through the judicial system, and political pundits are writing scathing indictments of the callousness of their chief executives, when it comes to minorities the scorn is preserved only for the victims. There is no soul searching, no nuanced and thought provoking op-eds, no hard hitting documentaries. Race does not need to be explicitly mentioned for us to understand the implications, the subtext is clear enough. 

The press is facilitating what has been called a narcotic apartheid by pushing opposing narratives about the same problem. Heartbreaking stories of mental illness and misfortune become unsparing cautionary tales of recklessness and delinquency, but the tone that is taken depends on the colour of who is being discussed. The fact that black and brown addicts have been attacked under the guise of a war on drugs, whilst simultaneously humanising reporting of white addicts, has created a totally separate space in the public’s mind. This in turn has normalised rehabilitation and began a discourse about preventative measures; this discourse unfortunately excludes minorities. 

The move towards treating drug addiction as a mental illness rather than a criminal offence is long overdue, and it does look like the pharmaceutical industry will face the wrath of the public and judicial system. You know things have really reached breaking point when the American legal system seems to actually be punishing the right people. All I suggest is that we perhaps need to start extending this same compassion and justice to all those who need it.

Review: Macbeth

In what might be one of the only productions of Macbeth to cast the title role as a woman, the Royal Exchange Theatre takes on one of Shakespeare’s most famous works to explore ideas about what it means to be ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. Directed by Christopher Haydon, the production encourages its audience to think critically about gender roles both past and present.

The play actively invites the audience to question whether having a female Macbeth makes a significant difference to Shakespeare’s work, when the social background in which the play is set remains the same. Macbeth still exists within a traditionally masculine culture where conflict and power are the foundations of society. Given this, does a female Macbeth in a male-coded environment challenge the masculinity of such a setting? Does changing Macbeth’s gender but not the culture she exists within say anything significant about gender roles? What statement is being made if the outcome is exactly the same; that a female Macbeth falls victim to the same destructive ambition and thirst for power as a male Macbeth?

These questions are asked again and again throughout the play. By leaving in the original pronouns (such as when Macbeth loudly cries out “I dare do all that may become a man”), this production leads us to challenge the construction of gender both in Shakespeare’s original work and this re-invented version.

Another interesting component about this production was its portrayal of Lady Macbeth. One of Shakespeare’s most iconic female figures, Lady Macbeth harshly rejects femininity. It was refreshing to see how this played out in a world where women held significant positions of power. At times, this was more of a weakness than a strength. The famous line “Unsex me now” didn’t carry as much weight, and her fixation on the weaknesses of womankind seemed almost incongruous in a setting where women were only shown as figures of strength.

Despite this, Ony Uhiara was brilliant as Lady Macbeth. Acting alongside Lucy Ellinson (Macbeth), it was refreshing to see the casual intimacy and tenderness exhibited between the couple – and how that slowly deteriorated over the course of the play.

Ellinson’s portrayal of Macbeth was likewise captivating, possessing a natural arrogance when interacting with other characters, yet exhibiting a raw vulnerability in soliloquies.

Also noteworthy for his performance is Theo Ogundipe, who shone in the role of Banquo. He portrayed him with a laidback sort of ease that was gradually lost as the action of the play unfolded. The relationship between Banquo and his son, Fleance (Ayanda (Yandass) Ndlovu) was one of the highlights of the performance, the dynamic between them heart-warming and believable.

Staged in the round, Macbeth saw actors and audience combined. Props and cast-members were planted in the seats to shock and surprise audience members when they were revealed. The actors made their exits and entrances between the rows of audience members, climbed along the scaffolding surrounding the theatre, and even occupied empty seats within the audience. Royal Exchange’s production of Macbeth involved its audience by bringing us directly into the corrupted courts of Dunsinane Castle, giving us an intimate view from which to watch the tragedy unfold.

The set design (Oli Townsend) of the performance cleverly mirrored Macbeth’s descent. It was at first minimal but gradually became more and more lavish, culminating in the extravagant banquet Macbeth holds to celebrate becoming queen. Balloons fell from the roof, confetti burst from cannons, and strobe disco-lighting surrounded the characters onstage. The production felt chaotic, with an ever-changing set and a hoard of props that were continuously strewn about the room before being recollected for sombre moments. Given the chaos inherent within the play, this is perhaps fitting.

In his time, Shakespeare adapted his plays from the source material in order to make it relevant to a contemporary audience. It is therefore fitting that the Royal Exchange’s performance of Macbeth attempts to do the same. Above all, Macbeth is a tragedy about the danger of ambition and what happens when power corrupts. This production appears to make the case that anyone can become folly to these influences, irrespective of gender.

Macbeth runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 19th October.

Envisioning Palestine: The Sea Cloak and Other Stories

Palestine is dominated by its post-1948 existence: Exile, conflict, and above all, its present-day colonial occupation. Its cultural traditions make use of poetry from Mahmoud Darwish, a canonical Palestinian poet and the likes of Edward Said who is most notably known for present-day post-colonial literary theory.

The Sea Cloak is a collection of 11 stories by the author, journalist, and women’s rights campaigner, Nayrouz Qarmout. She draws on her own experiences growing up in a Syrian refugee camp, as well as her current life in Gaza, and these stories range from the struggles of orphaned children to generational tensions.

Qarmout uses the short story form to embody and ‘recontextualise’, as Ali Smith points out, that ‘arts are close to us’. In this collection, The Sea Cloak & Other Stories, the protagonists use forms of art as resistance on both the micro and macro level.

Translator Perween Richards brings this Arabic literature to English-reading audiences. This can be seen in certain phrases such, “ugh…these girls will be the death of me”. This could be a clunky translation to some readers, but it plays an important role as a nod to Qarmout’s writing, the realism which pervades her dialogue: a voice is striking through.

The Sea Cloak is a classic tale of a girl who meets a boy but is ushered away and reprimanded. The girl then nearly drowns and is saved by the boy. These unnamed characters give the feeling that these events take place anywhere in the world, not necessarily in the ‘world’s largest prison’ as the blurb outlines Gaza to be. The resemblance of stability, through these consistent characters, brings a hopeful tone of imagined possibilities.

White Lilies is haunting – a coded, metaphorical and harrowing story of how the drones which unleash bombs are also mistaken for mosquitoes by the younger generation. We see Gaza through Zahra’s youthful, metaphorical gaze where language guards her from the realities of living under surveillance and occupation.

In The Long Braid local teachers are told off by their own community for being taught by American and French counterparts. The characters talk of embodying freedom in a place where freedom is limited – ‘You should loosen your hair, let it be free like you’.

These stories are vibrant, and accessible, and their strength lies in their simplicity. There are no heavy, prophetic details and the endings of each story succinctly round off an emotion. These are observations of everyday life lived as a girl in Gaza narrated in a voice of literary merit.

Palestine will also explored at a Manchester Literature Festival event, ‘Palestine +100’ where writers will respond to the question of what Palestine will look like in 2048, 100 years after the ‘Nakba’ – which means catastrophe in Arabic – the forced expulsion of 700,000 Palestinian people. It promises to be a spectacular event of Palestinian cultural and literary heritage shaped by these issues.

Palestine +100 is a free event at the Anthony Burgess Foundation, Saturday October 19, 2pm.

 

Rain hands Essex 8th County Championship title

Greyness and gloom tried their best to extinguish any hope of county championship finals day reaching the heady highs of this summer’s international cricket, but of course – test cricket produced the exact kind of spectacle that it does best: A gritty, unpredictable game of highs and lows.

Persistent rain and a batting collapse scuppered Somerset’s early hopes of winning their first county championship with a win at home to Essex. Tom Banton’s elation at his debut International T20 call up would have been spoiled by being removed for a duck by the imperious Simon Harmer. Their highest score was a painfully slow 43 off 132 balls from captain Tom Abell. One pleasant reminder of a certain sunny afternoon in Headingley was that Jack “Taunton Tendulkar” Leach was in-fact, not out.

Somerset needed 20 wickets on day four of the test to take their first county title, and with Sir Alastair Cook at the crease, this looked unlikely.

There was of course, some more Leach heroics in the way of the inevitable. Leach used the same spinning wicket that had made Harmer’s attack effective devastatingly well. Cook fell for 53 from a ball that turned and bounced dramatically towards leg stump and found his outside edge through to Craig Overton. Aided by fellow Leg spinner Roelof Van der Merwe they had Essex skittled for 141.

The sun came out and long shadows grew, there was an hour left of play at best. Somerset forfeited their second innings, setting Essex a target of 63 to win. If Somerset were to keep bowling the way they had been even the draw that Essex needed looked challenging. Cook dug in hard however, and despite Somerset setting a very aggressive field and making appeal after appeal at 17.21 with no sign of a breakthrough, the umpires called stumps and Essex won their 8th county championship.

It was not the same story as Surrey met Nottinghamshire at the Oval. A dramatic sky that blew in from the Vauxhall End mirrored perfectly the state of newly relegated Nottingham’s game. Facing a stinging 402-run declaration from Surrey and the loss of their opener and captain Steven Mullaney for only 21, stumps being drawn early on day three must have felt like a relief. No play on the final day secured the draw.

Oli Pope more than justified his England call up with his eighth first class century. Warwickshire vs Yorkshire was also a dismal draw, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s lighting fast 165 seeming almost out of place.

Every game on finals day ended in a draw. It would be very easy to see this as a washed out end to a heady summer for most cricket fans. Yet, as ever in the last few hours of play on an autumnal afternoon, test cricket proved how it can still be utterly gripping.

Labour’s Brexit strategy unites the country where others have failed

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is walking a tightrope on Brexit – he’s promised a second referendum, but is also willing to leave the European Union.

If Labour wins the next general election their referendum will offer a choice between “remain” and a “credible leave option”, negotiated by Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, and his team in Brussels.

Some of Corbyn’s closest allies, including Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, have said that they will campaign wholeheartedly for remain. This is despite Corbyn saying he will remain neutral during the new referendum campaign, seeking to make Labour an open political home for remainers and leavers alike. The motion became policy last Monday at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton, after a close run vote amongst the party’s members.

The new strategy has had its critics. Some argue that attempts to toe the line between remain and leave is an exercise in futility. Many have made the point that going back to Brussels to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, whilst at the same time saying you want a second referendum and to remain, completely undermines the UK’s negotiating position.

For example, surging youth politics group Our Future Our Choice – who believe the UK should remain in the EU – marched at the Labour conference last weekend. They argue that Labour’s policy on Europe needs to go even further, pushing for the leadership to unabashedly embrace remain.

Furthermore, the Liberal Democrats have taken a more extreme and, in my opinion, quite ludicrous step entirely. They are proposing to revoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty outright. This would mean reversing the legislation, saying that the UK is obliged to leave the European Union, without any democratic mandate from the people. In pursuing such a move, the Lib Dems would be riding roughshod over their party’s so-called “democratic” disposition, and the country’s democratic principles at large.

Put this into context with PM Boris Johnson’s pandering to the no-deal fanatics in his own ranks. The Yellowhammer report on the consequences of no-deal has revealed the potential for “social murder” – a phrase originally coined by Friedrich Engels to describe how the actions of the ruling elite cause premature deaths. In an unprecedented, Kafkaesque move, the government is now actually stockpiling body bags. That’s not something I’d expect to be talking about in the fifth biggest economy on the planet, but then again this is the Conservative Party – a gang of political vandals I wouldn’t entrust with organising a child’s birthday party, never mind the entire country.

Labour’s position, unlike the other parties, has historical precedent – something vital to our (unwritten) constitution. Harold Wilson, former leader of the Labour party and Prime Minister on two separate occasions in the 60s and 70s, famously remained neutral during the 1975 referendum on Europe. Wilson neither campaigned for or against his own renegotiated deal – the UK remaining in the common market – therefore making him an effective neutral broker for people on both sides of the argument.

Out of the quagmire and doom of the conduct of the Lib Dems and the Tories comes Labour. In this situation they appear the most sensible, pragmatic, and inclusive. They are looking to draw across the hugely divided social strata of the UK with their strategy, rather than feeding half of the population to the baying dogs of no-deal and revoke.

Remember, when this generational debate on Europe is finally over, we have to live together as a country. The only way this can be achieved is through a government that values compromise and the country at large. Arguably, the only adults in the room with the vision to achieve this are members of the Labour party.

Honest Burger Review: Too good to be true?

When seeing the Honest Burger chain open the doors to their newest branch in Manchester, I was admittedly unphased – just another burger joint, I thought. With a city that has burger giants like Almost Famous, Byron Burger, and Five Guys – to name a few – is there any room for more? I went down last week to find out whether Honest Burgers cut the mustard. 

It’s light and open décor is reminiscent of Byron Burger, but it has more personality with the suitably kitsch, bovine touches like cow horns above the door. A butcher-style blackboard details the hand-written, chalk menu evoking that ‘artisan’ feeling, which is always nice.

Honest Burgers pride themselves on their sustainability, using locally sourced products to comprise most of their menu; a green ethos that I really applaud. This ethos is something that the hospitality industry overlooks a lot, being one of the most environmentally unfriendly sectors with its wastage and carelessness. Honest gain major brownie points for that.

Honest Burgers Manchester (Photo: Elena Bradley)

The menu is minimal with five beef burgers, one chicken, one vegetarian, and one vegan. Concerning sides, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the usual suspects of onion rings, chips (which in this case are rosemary-salted), and buffalo wings were joined by something more original.

The typical inclusion of a green salad, in this case, was pimped with shaved, raw fennel which is both crunchy and mildly aniseed with its fellow side the humble coleslaw, improved by the addition of kohlrabi and pumpkin seeds. Kohlrabi for those who are interested – which I lovingly nicknamed the disco cabbage – is a funky looking turnip with a definite resemblance to a cabbage: Definitely the kind of vegetable you’d invite to join the coleslaw mix. Kohlrabi’s aside, my guest and I went classic with onion rings and wings.

In terms of our burgers, the lovely waitress recommended we try the limited edition ‘Good Karma’ burger; a medium-rare patty with Karma Cola candied bacon, shoestring fries, American cheese, karma bacon gravy, red onion, and pickles. We also opted for the veganPlant’ burger; a plant-based burger with vegan smoked Gouda, Chipotle ‘Mayo’, mustard, red onion, pickles, and lettuce.

The food came quickly, and was presented beautifully: Sexy enough to Instagram but not so preened that it seems unnecessary in a burger joint.

The Good Karma burger was all the things you want from a naughty burger: Rich, umami and pink in the middle, with the slightly sweet candied bacon giving you that salty-sweet we all crave. My one gripe with this burger was that a lot of the ingredients added, like the bacon and gravy, were quite similarly umami. The burger tended to become quite monotonous and ‘samey’ towards the end. However, this did not stop me polishing the whole thing off and being super content.

Equally, as a meat-eater, the ‘Plant’ burger was also very good. I could fully appreciate the meat-like qualities of the plant-based burger, with it’s ‘bleeding’ appearance and savoury flavour. The addition of well-seasoned, home-made sweet dill pickles made this even more perfect. If I had one criticism I would say that the ‘Plant’ burger was ever so slightly dry next to the moist whopper of the other burger we tried. However, if I was vegan, veggie, or just not fancying meat that day, I would still be wholly, wholly satisfied.

Photo: Elena Bradley

Excellent. Absolutely 10/10, the waitresses we had were knowledgeable about the products and were able to give fantastic recommendations, with genuine enthusiasm and friendliness.

The vegan ‘Plant’ burger was £13.50, which at a luxury burger restaurant is admittedly pricey, however, I think many vegans would pay that price considering the quality of the patty compared to so many boring under-seasoned, afterthought offerings elsewhere.

The ‘Good Karma’ burger was surprisingly cheaper than the ‘Plant’, being £12.50. This is incredibly reasonable considering you’d be paying a similar price at Five Guys for an ugly sister version of what you receive in Honest.

I was thoroughly happy with this visit and content in saying that Honest Burgers have definitely earned a place in the Manchester burger scene. Though I’m not sure whether I’d need to go back anytime soon, it executes its burgers well and gives excellent service alongside them.

8/10. 

FA WSL: Tough start for the red half of Manchester

The FA Women’s Super League got underway at the start of the month, and it could not have opened with a more difficult start for Manchester United Women. An opening two fixtures of Manchester City away and Arsenal at home have proven tricky for the Red Devils.

On the other side of Manchester, the Citizens have also faced up to Reading, in addition to their opening day derby fixture. Manchester City finished last season as runners up to Arsenal, but they will be looking to go one better this time around.

The opening game of the season, held at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, was a tight affair. Just one goal separated the two sides, and it was a cracker. Caroline Weir’s 25-yard strike, a few minutes after half time proved to be the winner. The Scottish midfielder latched onto a loose ball and thrashed it into the top corner. Manchester United goalkeeper, Mary Earps, could do nothing about the strike, which ultimately meant her top-class performance throughout the rest of the game was in vain.

However, while it is the home side which gained bragging rights after this result, the game was a massive win for women’s football. The two Manchester sides played in front of 31,000 fans, almost six-times the previous WSL record figure of 5,265.

This game was not an anomaly. The following day saw Chelsea Women took on Tottenham Hotspur WFC at Stamford Bridge, and this attracted 21,000 fans. The successes of the England Lionesses over the summer has clearly done a lot for the popularity of the women’s game.

Manchester United WFC followed up their opening day with another defeat, this time at the hands of Arsenal. The goal came in the 88th minute, at the hands of Daniëlle van de Donk. Casey Stoney’s side had been clinging on and defending heroically against the Londoners, but it wasn’t quite enough to get their first point of the season.

Conversely, the women in sky blue have fared a lot better during the first couple of weeks of this season. They travelled down south, to Reading, with a Pauline Bremer brace ensuring they brought back all three points.

Manchester City are building a bit of a reputation for themselves already this season, with stunning goals being scored in both of their games. Bremer’s opening goal was a sumptuous curled effort from the edge of the box, after some neat footwork to keep the ball away from Reading’s German centre back, Sophie Howard.

Two games in, and the season appears to be dividing Manchester in terms of quality quite heavily. Manchester City sit in second place, joint on points with league leaders Everton, whereas United are currently stuck at the bottom of the table.

There is definitely more hope for Manchester United. Their opening two games were solid performances from a side formed little over a year ago. They travel across to rivals Liverpool next, who have also had a tricky start to the season, and hopefully here they will be able to snatch their first few points. It is a long, old season though, with 20 games still to be played by each team.

Tennis legends give Team Europe Laver Cup victory

It was Team Europe who once again lifted the Laver Cup, as they dramatically defeated Team World 13-11 in Geneva.

The tournament consisted of three singles matches and a doubles match per day, and took place from Friday 20th September to Sunday 22nd September. The twist is that Friday’s matches are worth one point, Saturday’s competitions amount to two points, and the Sunday face-offs can really swing the tie at three points each.

The competition pits some of the world’s best up against each other in a large team format that is not common in the game usually for individuals or pairs.

Unsurprisingly, both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal represented the Europe side, which was captained by Bjorn Borg. However, with talents such as John Isner and Nick Kyrgios under the wing of John McEnroe, the outcome of the Laver Cup was by no means a formality.

The tournament opener saw a brilliant start for the hosts that would continue throughout the entirety of the first day. Dominic Thiem faced the most difficult match, needing all three sets to break down his tough Canadian opponent Denis Shapovalov.

Two more points for Team Europe came swiftly after Jack Stock briefly levelled the scores at 1-1, meaning the visitors entered the Saturday two points behind.

It was a mixed bag of results for both sides on day two. Federer and Nadal’s predictable victories were sandwiched by success in both the singles and doubles for Team World, keeping the gap at just two points.

Day three was where things got tense. John Isner and Jack Sock’s tiebreaker win was followed by Taylor Fritz comfortably winning his singles match, giving Team World a four-point lead entering the final two contests.

Just when the Europeans needed a hero, who else should step up but tennis legend Federer. His calm straight sets victory over Isner took the tournament into the final match of the weekend.

Team Europe used the momentum propelled by Federer as Alexander Zverev breezed past Milos Raonic 10-4 in the final set of the decider, giving the hosts a third successive Laver Cup victory.

England dominate at the Rugby World Cup in Japan

England have taken two comfortable wins from their opening two games against Tonga and the United States at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Eddie Jones’ side secured a bonus point in each to leave them top of their group.

Their opening game was against a powerful Tongan side in Japan’s fifth-largest city, Sapporo. Tonga had won just one of their previous seven games heading into the tournament, but their physicality was always going to cause a few problems for England.

Tonga frustrated for large parts of the game but breakthroughs came through Manu Tuilagi to put England ahead 18-3 at half time. Jamie George got a third try after the break through a driving maul before Luke Cowan-Dickie secured the bonus point just before the final whistle.

The 35-3 scoreline wasn’t the thumping many England fans were expecting and this was mainly due to poor hands from the Red Rose. Eddie Jones often looked infuriated when opportunities were squandered with 14 handling errors during the game. This is an area of their play that England will need to be cut out quickly if they want to lift the Webb-Ellis trophy for a second time.

After the game, Eddie Jones pointed back to their pre-tournament preparations, namely some of their motivational speakers. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson visited the England team and Jones felt that his words in particular resonated with the squad.

“One of the things his teams were renowned for was ‘Fergie time’,” said Jones, “and the message was be patient, and that’s what I enjoyed about our team today – there was no sign of panic and they kept on playing good rugby and the try came. It might have been easier if it had come a little bit earlier but it came and that’s a good sign.”

England then travelled to Japan’s sixth-largest city, Kobe, for their second match against the United States. It was far more comfortable than Tonga with England running away 45-7 winners, scoring seven tries and receiving their second bonus point.

The game was marred however by US flanker John Quill being sent off for an incredibly poor high take late in the game. It comes after World Rugby introduced new guidelines on high tackles in order to reduce head injuries.

England’s Piers Francis has been cited a tackle during the same fixture that left Will Hooley with a concussion. This means that Francis must appear before a disciplinary panel and may receive a ban of up to three matches. Australia’s Reece Hodge and Samoa’s Rey Lee-lo both got the same punishment after being cited for high tackles.

After the USA win, Eddie Jones said “the conditions were such it was like a wet weather game but we found our rhythm and tempo really well in the second half. We made some handling mistakes but we will improve.”

“They had 14 players in the line and it was hard to get a numerical advantage. As soon as we started to play through them we were much better.”

England now sit atop of Pool C on 10 points. Even if France get a bonus point in their second match, also against the United States, they will still be one point behind England after failing to get a bonus point against Argentina in their opener.

The next challenge for England is Argentina on the 5th October before they close out the group with France on the 12th, a crucial game for England to show there have come to Japan to challenge for the title.

Manchester’s sweet escapes: The best places to explore

No one can deny that the city of Manchester has much to offer – an unbeatable music scene, a hub for football fans, the best of indie lifestyle, pints that won’t cause you to extend your overdraft (exceptions apply) – but another thing Manchester has going for it is its prime northern location, which offers student budget-friendly mini breaks, for when the lectures and ‘Spoons trips become too repetitive.

Edale

If you fancy seeing something other than the views from the top deck of the magic bus, for a mere £8 return train, you can venture over to the village of Edale in the Peak District. The serene little village lies less than 45 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly via rail, offering a quick escape from the city lifestyle.

Get an escape from the Oxford Road traffic for the hills of the Peaks, with bus tours and cycle hire available near the station. Edale makes for the prime short escape offering a variety of walking distances, a handful of adorable coffee shops, and a bewitching atmosphere, ideal for the coming autumn months.

Liverpool

For only £5 with a 16-25 railcard, you can hop on the train to one of Manchester’s sister cities. If you love the metropolitan atmosphere but have already explored through every inch of 0161, Liverpool is ideal for your new city fix.

If fashion, food and booze is for you, head down to Bold Street for a Northern Quarter dupe and a familiar edgy atmosphere. Follow some cocktails up with a night out at one the many unique nightclubs to offer, such as the newly revived Electrik Warehouse; an eccentric three floored night club, where the prices are as cheap as they get (even by a Mancunian’s standards).

If day activities are more up your street, Liverpool has it all entwined with the city’s rich history, such as its Victorian architecture and melodies of music history that twist and shout down its streets. Art lovers having exhausted every inch of The Whitworth and Manchester’s other offerings will love the Tate Liverpool along the picturesque Albert Docks. And what’s best, it’s only an hour’s train ride away!

The Lake District

When looking for a true escape to the countryside, the Lake District is historically renowned in the UK for being the place to go. The Lake District is the perfect place for walking and cycling and places such as Lake Windermere provide an example of the hubs that can be found within the hills.

Windermere offers opportunities for water sports that Manchester’s city centre lacks, as well as aquariums, cinemas, and galleries galore. For all those literary fans, Windermere acres have been inspiration for many writers through the years; from Tennyson and Wordsworth, to a certain Ms Beatrix Potter, who called the area home. Windermere also holds home to another Potter with the carriages of the Hogwarts Express chugging along through the area, offering fans a chance to ride the famous train.

Manchester

If its just a day you have to spare, find one of Manchester’s lesser known gems – such as the Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in Didsbury which allows you take in some fresher air, without all the travel.

Alternatively you can go relieve some of your favourite on screen moments by doing a tour of Fresh Meat’s filming locations such as their iconic Victorian house in Mayfield Road in Whalley Range, The Kings Arms in Salford, or locations around our very University.

If the big screen is more your style, venture into the Northern Quarter and see the streets that have been transformed for many Marvel films across the years, or head to the Vue in Printworks for a more conventional experience. No matter how much time or money you have to spend, there is always something more Manchester has to offer.

Britain wins first World Weightlifting medal for 25 years

Emily Muskett won a bronze medal in the 79kg division of the clean and jerk to become Britain’s first medalist at the World Weightlifting Championships in 25 years. The Commonwealth champion lifted 126kg, 10kg behind the eventual winner American Katherine Nye.

After no member of the British Weightlifting team came home from the 2016 Rio Olympics with a medal, UK Sport removed their funding. This has made Muskett’s achievement so much more astonishing.

“I’ve been working three jobs and just training when I can, which is hard to balance, but all the British lifters are in the same situation,” said Muskett.

“I just hope someone from UK Sport will take a look at us and help because there’s so much potential here, particularly on the women’s side of the sport.”

Following the Rio Olympics, the International Weightlifting Federation banned nine nations for 12 months for anti-doping violations, including Russia and China. This lead to 70 athletes being unable to compete at the World Championships last year.

“I’m in a weight division where there are athletes from nations who have been caught out in the past and for the first time I’m finishing ahead of them,” Muskett said.

“It’s finally a level playing field, which is really encouraging, and we just have to hope it keeps moving in the right direction.”

Elsewhere in the British team, Zoe Smith came sixth in the 59kg division and Sarah Davies finished eight in the 64kg division.

Match Report: Superb Salford beat Cas for Super League semi-final place

Salford are just eighty minutes from the Super League Grand Final after a dominant 22-0 over Castleford Tigers in the Super League Play-Offs.

The Red Devils made an electric start to the do-or-die play-off game, with Tyrone McCarthy diving on Tui Lolohea’s stab through after 11 minutes.

Salford doubled their lead just three minutes later, with Jake Bibby being awarded a try in the corner, although TV replays suggested that the centre had failed to ground the ball properly – that decision was described as a “funny old call” by Tigers Head Coach Darryl Powell.

Despite that electric start in attack, Salford had full-back Niall Evalds to thank in defence, as Cas’ Jordan Rankin broke through and raced past the entire Red Devils backline, only for Evalds’ last-ditch tackle 2m out to prevent the Yorkshire side grabbing a try from nothing.

Winger Krisnan Inu added a penalty kick before half-time, taking the score to 14-0.

The majority of the second half was a game of which side would blink first, with Salford’s aggressive defence proving to be the basis for the win. They kept Castleford scoreless for just the second time this season.

Following a small interlude after Cas fans threw a flare on to the pitch with ten minutes remaining, the home team sprang back into life. Salford scrum half Jackson Hastings, making his last appearance for the Red Devils at the AJ Bell Stadium before his move to Wigan, ran an intelligent J-line to exploit a hole in the Tigers’ defensive line with eight minutes left.

Hastings was by far in a way the best player on the pitch – not only did he score the final try of the evening, but also kicked sublimely to pin Castleford back, thus creating a better attacking platform for his side when possession was handed over.

Inu brought the game to a close, adding two-points in front of the posts after Cas conceded a penalty for obstruction in the tackle.

Salford now will play the loser of the other Super League Play-Off fixture this weekend – as St Helens and Wigan face off in a local derby on Friday. Castleford’s season is over, and will look to build again for another play-off charge in 2020.

If Salford were to beat Wigan or Saints, then they’d appear in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford for the first time – and have a shot at the biggest prize in Northern Hemisphere Rugby League.

Player of the Match: Jackson Hastings. He’s been the best player for Salford this season, and this fixture showed why. Smart kicking, leading from the front in defence, and a running try to finish? The perfect performance.

Student Art Pass: A year’s worth of art for £5

Student Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to almost 250 museums, galleries, exhibitions, historical houses and more, in almost every city in the UK, all for just £5.

Whereas the National Art Pass is £70, students can indulge in the benefits of the Student Art Pass for an entire year for a fraction of the full price.

Art Fund, a national art charity, launched the Student Art Pass in 2017 and has since seen tens of thousands of students sign up to benefit from the scheme.

Examples of some of the incredible exhibitions the pass gives discounted access to include the William Blake exhibition at the Tate Britain, open 11 September to 2 February 2020. This showcase contains over 300 original works, including some frescoes which have been digitally enlarged to the enormous scale Blake had dreamt of.

Another stand out exhibition available at half price on the pass is An English Lady’s Wardrobe, “the largest collection of a single person’s clothing in any UK gallery”. The items belonged to Emily Tinne, a member of a wealthy family from Liverpool, and provide a snapshot of life in England between the First and Second World Wars. The exhibition is open 25 October to 1 march 2020 at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.

If you are looking for attractions in the Manchester area, the historical Lyme Estate with its art, deer park, and picturesque garden is completely free with the Student Art Pass. The Imperial War Museum in Salford, with a view of Greater Manchester 29 metres high, is also offered at a discounted price with the pass.

The Student Art Pass website also advertises opportunities for under 25s to get involved in the art world, such as on the first ever youth panel for the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Art Fund’s director, Stephen Deuchar, said: ‘We have seen at first-hand the appetite students have for experiencing art and culture in their everyday lives. There are 1.4 million full-time university students in the UK right now, and I would encourage each of them to apply for a Student Art Pass to join our creative community, get access to Artful Opportunities, and receive discounted or free access to hundreds of cultural institutions.’

Any full-time UK student is eligible and you can purchase the Student Art Pass for £5 on the Art Fund website.

Labour Party pledge to abolish private schools

The Labour Party has passed a motion to “integrate all private schools into the state sector” at its annual conference in Brighton. The vote by members signals a desire for the policy to appear in the Party’s next general election manifesto.

The motion claimed that “the ongoing existence of private schools is incompatible with Labour’s pledge to promote social justice.”

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said that more details would follow, but a Labour government’s first budget would “immediately close the tax loopholes used by elite private schools and use that money to improve the lives of all children.”

“Private schools’ property, land, and assets will also be seized and redistributed to other educational institutions and universities would be required to “admit the same proportion of private school students as in the wider population (currently 7%)”.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It will enable us to not only provide every child with the best opportunities in life, but also to build a cohesive and equal society in which we live together much more productively.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused the Labour Party of “unbelievable hypocrisy”, claiming that “the offspring of several Labour cabinet ministers and most of Mr Corbyn’s closest associates went to private schools.”

The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, which represents 283 independent schools, has promised to challenge Labour’s plans in the courts, with some suggesting that the freedom to spend money on private education is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Currently, just 7% of children in Britain are privately educated, but 71% of senior judges, 62% of senior armed forces officers, 50% of  House of Lords members’, 20% of University Vice-Chancellors went to a private school.