Issue 770- 28 May 2025

TERS 2.0 “could bring the show to a grinding halt”

THE University of Exeter has announced the return of TERS, or The Exeter Release Scheme, a voluntary self-severance scheme first launched in 2024. Since its original implementation, TERS has been a point of controversy for the EUCU (Exeter University College Union), who have argued against its necessity and effectiveness. In a Q&A held in March 2024, the University’s President and Vice Chancellor Lisa Roberts said that accepted TERS applications must be “in the strategic, financial and operational interests of the University”. TERS was launched to combat financial strain on the University, but in an exclusive statement, the EUCU rebuked that “money can’t be too tight — senior management swapped their bonuses for a 12 per cent pay rise!”

The UCU aren’t alone in their concern: an anonymous academic department contacted Exeposé with a statement of discontent at the announcement of the second round of TERS — or, as the UCU have named it, TERS 2.0 — saying, “the impact of the previous round of TERS on student experience (including the worst staff-student ratio of

the Russell Group and reduced module options) hasn’t been assessed — who knows what the next round will do”. Echoing the UCU’s worried statement, the anonymous department told us that “people are losing their minds picking up extra work, tasks are being shunted onto faculty who don’t know how to do them, and the loss of another 160 PS staff could bring the show grinding to a halt”.

“People are losing their minds picking up extra work” Anonymous University of Exeter department

TERS 2.0 was first reported to the UCU by “concerned members of staff high up in the faculties” rather than through official university channels. They told us that “none of the campus unions were consulted on TERS 2.0” and reiterated that it is “the wrong approach, at the wrong time.” In the last round of TERS, the university lost 180 staff members; the UCU suggests that “losing 200 or more staff suddenly on the 29th August will have a terrible impact on student experience”, notwithstanding the present impact of staff losses in 2024.

The UCU are also worried about the impact of TERS on module options, which they say are “one of Exeter’s top selling points for students

and something that sets us apart from other unis.” According to The Complete University Guide, the University of Exeter ranks fourth in the Russell Group for student satisfaction; losing optional modules could change this. And it’s not just students who might suffer — the UCU adds, “We’re worried about the impact on workloads and mental health of staff, especially in our overstretched professional services and with C4C challenges looming. We don’t accept the financial wisdom of this approach.

TERS has a huge upfront cost — the last round cost nearly £13m in severance pay and still hasn’t made that money back. We think a £100k salary cap could save nearly as much as another round of TERS, without losing a single member of staff.”

Staff are clearly concerned about this change, with the anonymous university department telling Exeposé that there should be “proper data […] demonstrating the impact of TERS so far and what plans are in place to mitigate the impact of the next TERS”, describing the “general atmosphere here and in the sector as a whole of insecurity, terror, etc.” They described TERS 2.0 as “risky and incautious” with “uncertain gains”, arguing that “without TERS upfront payments, we’re in the black with operating surplus and we have a good reserve too. We can weather the storm for a few years with steady

management — no need to recklessly and unstrategically lose another 200 staff or more.” If TERS 2.0 does have to go ahead, the anonymous department have called for a staggered release to avoid “chaos when students arrive in September”; they said that the University “can’t absorb the impact of potentially 400 job losses in just over a year and then rejig the entire teaching structure of the uni.”

“We’re worried about the impact on workloads and mental health of staff”

University

Both the UCU and the anonymous university department told Exeposé that they feel that there are better alternatives to saving money than resorting to TERS again. The anonymous department suggested that “we need more creative, impactful and just ways of managing costs”, advising a “£100k salary cap which would save approx £5-6m per year (i.e. one per cent operating surplus) without any upfront costs or job losses or impact on student experience of any kind”.

Continued on page 4

Rosie Peters-McDonald Deputy Editor

Image: Kieran Moore

Devonshire

Editors

Print: Gracie Moore and Amy Rushton

Online: Callum Martin and Katie Matthews

Print Deputies: Charlie Gershinson, Rosie PetersMcDonald, Agata Koralewska

Online Deputies: Emily Roughton and Amberly Wright editors@exepose.com

News Editors

Print: Isabella van der Putten and Nina Exton

Online: Anvi Deshpande news@exepose.com

Features Editors

Print: Honor Borley and Bella MacLusky

Online: Michelle Chung and Jo Howard features@exepose.com

Climate Editors

Print: Charlie Gershinson

Online: Harriet Ball

Comment Editors

Print: Tom Richardson

Online: Sophie Zoltowski comment@exepose.com

Satire Editors

Print: Audrey Alvey Online Caspian Davies

Lifestyle Editors

Print: Anna Spencer and Katie Roberts

Online: Jasmine Payne and Imogen Pearey lifestyle@exepose.com

Arts + Lit Editors

Print: Judy Dodd and Kayleigh Swart

Online: Emily Sara Rizzo and Owen Peak artsandlit@exepose.com

Music Editors

Print: Harry Morrison and Brooke Taylor

Online Zandie Howells music@exepose.com

Screen Editors

Print: Pollyanna Roberts and Charlie McCormack

Online Bronwyn Payne and Dumebi Jibunoh screen@exepose.com

International Editors

Print: Henry Anderson and Jed H. Gibbins

Online: Magdalena Kanecka and Annabel Jeffery

Sci-Tech Editors

Print: Ella-Jade Smith Online Daniel Grayshon sciandtech@exepose.com

Sport Editors

Print: Eloise Grainger and Ben Scott

Online: Reuben Moynihan-Case and Connor Myers sport@exepose.com

Eleanor Stewart

Social

Finance Executive: Rhys Thomas

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Editorial

WE'VE reached our final issue of the year as a committee and it's been such an incredible year. From exposing Islamophobia on campus to hosting #SPANC25, it's been an honour to bring you news from the Exeter student community and beyond. Along with our team of amazing editors, we'd especially like to thank our deputy editors Charlie, Rosie and Agata without whom the paper wouldn't run at all. As ever, if there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com. In this issue, News covers the local elections (Page 4), discusses Exeter's new Master's courses (Page 5), explores the perpetuation of alcoholism on campus (Page 6) and more. Climate uncovers the effects of coastal traffic on marine life in China (Page 10) and Comment discusses the danger of far-right ideology (Page 12). Elsewhere, Satire celebrates the election of Pope Napoleon I (Page 14). Over in Exhibit, Lifestyle are in conversation with comedian Laura Belbin (Page 16) and Music discuss the controversy facing Kneecap (Page 21). Screen writers discuss their favourite summertime films (Page 22) while Exetera Exetera... delve into the feeling of loneliness while studying abroad (Page 24). Also in this issue, Sci-Tech connects the recent blackout in Spain and Portugal to the use of renewable energy (Page 26). Finally, Sport interviews two prolific individuals from the world of running

(Page 30) and prospective graduates discuss how they will maintain their level of sport after they have left Exeter (Page 32). If you have any questions about joining the paper, please check out our socials @exepose. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and a huge thank you to all our writers, editors and proofers!

Gracie and Amy

University news home and abroad

Students hope for return to routine as border tensions abate

WHILE some institutions in India’s state borders remain closed, many students have returned to university in the hopes of resuming some semblance of normalcy. On the 22nd April, a militant attack killed 26 people, the majority of whom were Indian, in Pahalgam, an Indian-administered region in Kashmir. India retaliated with a series of strikes on the neighbouring Pakistan who they believed to be culpable despite Paki stan denying any involvement.

Syrian HE ministry bans all content deemed to incite sectarianism

FOLLOWING growing tensions and sectarian violence on university campuses in Syria, Minister of Higher Education Marwan Jamil Al-Halabi has announced new measures to ensure the safety of students. With 74 per cent of the Syrian population being Sunni Muslims, 1 per cent being Shia Muslims, and 12 per cent being Alawites (a Shia sect primarily found in the country’s borders), the country showcases many diverse communities.

Attacks continued until a ceasefire brokered by the US and other international actors brought the two countries back from the brink of full-blown war.

Despite the ceasefire, many educational institutions remain closed in regions that authorities believe to be most vulnerable to attack.

With the end of the semester looming near, students have been unable to complete final projects and exams, leaving their academic future uncertain.

The ban on sectarian language proposed by the government includes “incitement to hatred, sectarianism, or racism, that harms national unity or civil peace” and applies to all members of the educational system, including students and staff. The Minister of Higher Education has vowed to increase overall campus security and encourage a safe environment for all communities of students.

While many have expressed their gratitude over the new ban, others have speculated whether this will harm their right to free speech, with one X (formerly Twitter) user describing the policy as “ink on paper amidst security chaos”.

UK Government proposes change to student visas

ON the 12th May, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled a white paper titled "Restoring Control over the Immigration System." The paper proposes reducing the time international graduates can stay and work in the UK from two years to 18 months, along with introducing a levy on income from international student tuition fees.

This move follows a surge in net migration post-Brexit, reaching over 900,000 in 2023 and 728,000 in 2024, as well as an increase in international students claiming asylum.

The immigration cuts may end overseas recruitment in the social care sector and raise the skilled worker visa threshold to graduate level, with exceptions for essential areas. Despite the ongoing popularity of the graduate route among students from developing countries, higher education leaders are concerned about the require ments imposed by the Basic Compliance Assessment and the financial implications of these requirements, fearing they may alienate genuine students and worsen financial struggles within educational institutions.

Trump administration cuts extra US$140 million to Harvard

THE US Department of Education has informed Harvard University that millions of dollars in research grants and aid from the federal government would be cut, unless the school agrees to the large list of demands set out by Trump Administration. Having already terminated $2.2 billion from the university’s funding, this additional cut of $450 million comes after the White House described Harvard as “a breeding ground for virtue signalling and discrimination” in a recent press release, due to the school’s recent political opinions and campaigns. Harvard refused to adhere to the Trump administration’s rules, prompted by pro-Palestine protests on the school’s campus, and various campaigns for aid to be send to Gaza. Not wanting to be controlled by the administration, Harvard rejected the list of demands, thus leading to the federal government cutting its funding to the world’s richest university.

By Nina

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“It

makes you feel less alone”: Pride returns to Exeter for 2025

Amy Rushton Editor-in-Chief

EXETER Pride returned to the city on the 10th May this year with thousands lining the streets to celebrate Exeter’s LGBTQ+ community in what is one of the UK’s largest free Pride events.

Exeposé spoke to Roscoe Hastings, Exeter Pride’s Secretary and one of the many volunteers who work to organise the event, about the role of Exeter’s queer student community in the city and the importance of pride in the face of rising transphobia.

Exeter Pride began in 2008, but the first Pride March didn’t take place until 2010. “It essentially came from there being quite an absent visibility for the LGTBQ+ community in the city” Roscoe explains. Pride’s founder, Alan Quick, organised the event to showcase the existence of LGBTQ+ people in Exeter after the then Bishop of Exeter claimed there were no gay people in Exeter. Pride has transformed since then into a largescale event including two stages, a fully licensed bar and a dog show, but as Roscoe explains, the central ethos remains the same, working to not only celebrate the LGTBQ+ community but demonstrate the need for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and globally: “Pride is a celebration, but it’s also an activist moment for us to be able to, very loudly, demonstrate that we have a place in the city”.

Despite over a decade passing between the first Pride March and Pride 2025, the perception that Exeter is lacking in queer culture dominates. Roscoe acknowledges that Devon and Cornwall are not the most diverse places to live and

work in, but that there is a queer community which needs to be seen — “If there’s a visible demonstration of that kind of love and power and queerness, it makes you feel less alone and less isolated”. Pride is a huge part of that he explains, but it’s not the only part. Pride celebrated queer businesses in the city with over 60 vendors taking part.

Community organisations taking part in the march ranged from Exeter Library to Exeter Palestine Action “It’s an opportunity for people to see places in the city that they can feel accepted in all year round”.

Student organisations featured heavily in the march, such as the LGBTQ+ society, Trans Café and Ele4Pal. Earlier this year Exeposé spoke to queer students in Exeter who felt the city could be isolating for LGBTQ+ students. When asked what role students played in Pride and beyond, Roscoe explained that students have a huge role to play not only in Pride but within the local community “It’s important for students to see the diversity of the community they live in. Queerness is not only found in the student community, but in all parts of the community.”

At the same time, he explains, it’s important for the wider community to see the role students play. They may be a transient population, here for three or four years before moving away, but they’re proud to be part of the city “In the time that they’re here they are part of that queer community”.

Exeposé spoke to some of the many students who attended Pride and celebrated with the community. Members of the University of Exeter Fencing Club (UoEFC) were among the many student societies in attendance. One member

“You often don’t see many queer people around Exeter so to be here and see all these people, it shows you how big the community really is”. Another student, attending with friends said, “Exeter can feel quite small and isolating, I feel like I’m always going ‘where are all the gays?’ and it turns out they’re here at Pride”.

Exeter Pride came at a time of concern for queer people across the country after a Supreme Court ruling on the 16th April declared ‘women’ to be defined by ‘biological sex’ under the Equalities Act. When asked what effect this ruling would have on Exeter Pride and the safety of Exeter’s trans community, Roscoe stated “Pride always has been a moment to recognise the fragility of LGTBQ+ rights globally … we’re seeing an increasing hostility towards part of our community, and we’ll be expressing solidarity with our trans brothers and sisters and sharing those feelings at Pride this year.”

Many of the students attending Pride expressed similar concerns and emphasised the need for Pride and campaigning now more than ever: one member of UoEFC said “[Pride] is an opportunity to stand up for the rights of transgender women in women’s sports, which is really important at the moment, and an opportunity to be visible and let people know that I’m a person and not just political.”

Another student in attendance told Exeposé “It’s my first pride and I’m loving the support. With the supreme court ruling its feels like a very dangerous time for queer people, so it’s really important to see everyone coming together.”

Trans Pride launched themselves at Exeter Pride, carrying a trans flag to match Exeter Pride’s

50m long rainbow flag. At Pride they announced the date for Exeter’s first Trans Pride event. Roscoe said “We’re delighted about the launch of Trans Pride Exeter. There is a lot at stake if we don’t take a stand here who is going to take a stand for us when the next attack comes on another part of our community?”

This is only the second year in a row Pride has run in Exeter, after being cancelled in 2023 due to lack of volunteers. Exeter Pride takes an extraordinary amount of work to put together Roscoe details the process of raising awareness and getting sponsors, including grants and wards from the National Lottery and Exeter City Council. He adds “We’ve seen that it’s really easy for prides to disappear, this year Plymouth Pride was cancelled due to lack of volunteers and funding, and that’s where Exeter Pride was two years ago. It’s easy to take Pride for granted and assume that it’s going to happen, but it doesn’t happen if volunteers, sponsors and donations don’t make it happen.

“We were really grateful to the Community for rallying around and helping us bring it back last year and we’re now bringing it back again, bigger and better this year.”

The University plays a key role

as a sponsor for Pride, and staff groups as well as students play a critical role in the march. A Guild spokesperson said “Exeter Pride has always been an act of solidarity and community advocacy. We’re glad to have been able to help our LGBTQ+ students and allies participate across the city and on campus. In a year where national events have sparked fear and frustration, Pride is our reminder that solidarity and visibility matter more than ever.

“It is never ok to harass someone for their gender identity, and this must always be called out. We’ll continue to work with the community, University, and national authorities to ensure the Trans community have the protections they require to be able to live as themselves without fear or discrimination.”

When asked what’s next for Exeter Pride, Roscoe said that alongside working closely with Trans Pride Exeter and attending Prides across the Southwest, Pride puts on events throughout the year and is always interested to hear from people who would like to get involved.

Trans Pride Exeter will run on the 4th October 2025.

told Exeposé

Image: Amy Rushton

Image: Amy Rushton

Image: Amy Rushton

“There is no shared

Continued from the front page

THE University’s targets and objectives with TERS 2.0 are unclear. The anonymous department told Exeposé that “there’s no shared target and no shared strategy for how much we need to save and how many job losses UEB think we need this is an abdication of leadership, and a failure to take staff along with them.”

The department feels that the university hasn’t listened to staff concerns, including surrounding mental health and wellbeing: “Management’s blithe assertions that there is no workload and mental health crisis amongst staff, especially in our decimated professional services, were met with bitter derision and laughter by most staff, and taken as a sign that UEB are totally out of touch about conditions on the ground here.”

Exeposé reached out to the Students’ Guild for comment on the return of TERS: “We know students are concerned about what potential staff redundancies could mean for their course. While the process is still ongoing and we don’t yet know the full impact, we want to reassure students that we’re here to make

target and no shared strategy” for TERS 2.0

sure your voice is heard where it matters most. Our academic reps are working hard to make sure your experience isn’t negatively affected, and student needs stay front and centre of discussions. Contact your rep at exeterguild.com/acrep."

A spokesperson for the University also provided a statement on TERS:

“All universities are facing long-term external pressures, based on long-term factors including rising costs, the realterm reduction in the value of the home student fee and a continued decline in the international student applications to UK universities. We continue to take action across all areas, to ensure our financial position remains strong whilst protecting our student and staff experience. These steps include improving the efficiency of our research and teaching activity, reducing our non-pay spending where possible and using digital transformation to develop new ways of working. We have also reopened our entirely voluntary release scheme for qualifying staff, providing an opportunity for some staff to leave the University to pursue other career

interests or retire early. The scheme will be carefully managed to ensure there is no impact on teaching, research and learning. It is important to stress there are no plans for compulsory redundancies."

The scheme will be carefully managed to ensure there is no impact on teaching, research and learning.”

University of Exeter

Despite having "no plans for compulsory redundancies", the UCU and anonymous department alike have demonstrated concern for the impact another round of TERS could have on staff and students. They feel let down by leadership and continue to question the necessity of voluntary redundancies, especially at the tail-end of August, just before students arrive in September. The anonymous department told Exeposé, “we need leadership who will defend our university (and our sector) for staff and students; we don’t need unimaginative managed decline.”

Students voice opinions on drinking culture at Exeter

Gracie Moore Editor-in-Chief

STUDENTS at Exeter have spoken out about the perpetuation of alcoholism at University. The National Institute of Health has found that in the UK, 61 per cent of male students and 48 per cent of female students exceed the recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week, something that is not representative of the non-student population in the UK. The culture of drinking is often seen as a rite of passage for UK university students, with Queens University Belfast suggesting that post-lecture pints and 9am drinking is a normalised part of a university student’s life. In a journo request conducted by

Exeposé, 86 per cent of respondents said that they find that they drink more alcohol while at University compared to when they are living away (for example, during the holidays with their families).

Also, around 60 per cent of students who answered said that either they or someone they know had been taken to hospital for alcohol-induced reasons in the past.

This comes in the wake of the existence of Exeter students-associated Instagram account ‘Chunder Queens’ — a private account advertised as ‘the private story for the girls’. This account has been seen to upload self-submitted videos of female students vomiting on nights out, in and around Exeter after seemingly having drunk alcohol.

Recently, the account uploaded a post stat-

ing that new followers must private message the account with a video of them vomiting in order to be accepted as a follower.

On the existence of this account, students have spoken out about the perpetuation of alcoholism. One student said that “it can be funny but frankly, making a culture out of vomiting sounds kinda dangerous” and another said “it does perpetuate excessive drinking.

“Drinking to the point of excess often seems normalised at university, when in reality, it’s very harmful for a variety of reasons. I believe the account makes it seem acceptable and more appealing to engage in such a lifestyle.”

Finally, another student said that it “trivialises the problem of sub-

stance abuse among young people.”

On alcohol consumption at the University of Exeter, a spokesperson for the Students’ Guild said: “We know that nights out can be a big part of student life, but excessive drinking isn’t something we support or condone as it can be harmful. We are concerned that this account is promoting unsafe behaviour. We’d encourage anyone feeling pressured to view or share this content, or who is overwhelmed by drinking culture, to prioritise their wellbeing, set boundaries and seek support from University Wellbeing Services or national charities like Drinkaware. You can also visit exeterguild.com/kb/alcoholand-drug-support for additional guidance.”

An official at the University also added, “The welfare and safety of all our stu-

dents is the highest priority, and we are concerned by the nature of this online site and the message it promotes. The University has a number of established initiatives to challenge the perception that alcohol is integral to having a good time, and encourage people to socialise in a responsible, sensible and enjoyable way.”

Lib Dems take control of Devon County Council

Charlie Geshinson Deputy Editor

THE recent Devon County Council elections saw a stunning shift as the Conservative administration, which had controlled the Council since 2009, fell to third place.

Along with many other Conservativecontrolled councils, the party felt stinging defeats across the county as they lost wards both to the Liberal Democrats and Reform. Their seat count fell from 39 — a majority — to seven, only one ahead of the Green Party. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, who last won control of the council 20 years ago, have taken control of the Council for the next four years after winning 27 seats, three short of a majority. Their main

opposition appears to be Reform who, after contesting the county for the first time, won 18 seats — the second highest count.

Taking control as a minority administration, the Council has elected Liberal Democrat Cllr Julian Brazil as its new leader. He has stated his main priorities to be “the very best” for the county’s “vulnerable children” as well as fixing Devon’s roads. The Lib Dems have also said they hope to work with all other party groups, especially the Green Party, whose leader is now a cabinet member.

In Exeter itself, the Labour Party saw a wipeout. All seven of their seats (making up their representation in the whole county) were lost to Reform or the Greens, who won four and three seats from Labour respectively. This is despite Labour winning the highest vote share at 27 per cent with Reform winning 24 per cent and the Greens

on 20 per cent. All five main parties won at least 13 per cent of the vote, showing a fractured political environment in the city.

Exeposé had a chance to talk to newly elected Green Councillor Thomas Richardson, the member for St Sidwell’s and St James in Exeter, who is a current University of Exeter student and is the President of the University’s Green Party. He said, “I am very privileged to have been elected by the residents of St Sidwell’s & St James as their County Councillor. I am under no illusion of the responsibility I have to make sure council services are running smoothly, including the vast improvements required to SEND services and better public transport which so many young people and students rely on.

“In terms of my priorities for St Sidwell’s & St James, I hope to make improvements to walking and cycling in the

area. So many students and staff live in the division and commute to the University, so it is important to ensure active travel routes are available and safe.”

On balancing campaigning with his university studies, he said, “Balancing campaigning with full-time university studies was difficult, but I always embrace challenges. I also worked two part-time jobs on top of everything, yet still managed to find the time to do all the fun things as a student. Now three weeks into being a Councillor, I can certainly say it has been exciting although slightly exhausting given the amount of training and days in County Hall.

“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, having handed in my dissertation on the Tuesday of election week and being elected on the Friday, still with an exam to do! The officers at Devon County Council have all

been very welcoming and provided a lot of support in the early weeks. I also feel very welcomed from the other Councillors, including those across party lines. With committees starting in the next few weeks, I am looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Image: Kieran Moore

Image: Gracie and Lily Moore

New courses to be introduced at the University of Exeter

Agata Koralewska Deputy Editor

AS soon as next year, our University will expand its range of available courses. The Master's programme in Interactive Storytelling will launch in September of the upcoming academic year. It will be a part of the English department and it will take place on Streatham campus. The course will combine academia with handson experience, presenting itself as a multidisciplinary subject that will expand on its students’ tech literacy and creative abilities. The content will be based around the notion of storytelling and narrative in the everchanging technological world. One of its unique features will be the insight into the gaming industry, and it will help its students build a vast, creative portfolio. It will allow students to gain practical experience

Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that there is a right to wild camp on Dartmoor, ending a long-running legal feud. In a unanimous ruling, judges ruled against Alexander and Diana Darwall — two landowners in Devonshire-based Dartmoor National Park.

in storyboarding and also guide them on augmented reality, hybrid installation work or locative and immersive audio experiences. The course also aims to increase students' literacy in Artificial Intelligence and give them a competitive advantage in the job market. More details on how to apply for the course and on specific entry requirements can be found on the official University website.

Additionally, the University will introduce a new Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science course in Global Sustainability, and it will start in 2026 on Penryn Campus in Cornwall. The degree aims to combine academic disciplines and it will allow students to shape the course according to their interests. The programme co-director, Tom Currie, stated that: “Many of the planet’s most pressing climate and societal challenges do not fall into neat disciplinary boxes”. The course will address climate change, social justice and sustainable development. It

will combine elements of Geography, Politics, History and Environmental Science. When asked about the degree, Dr Wendy McMahon, co-lead of the course, commented that "What makes it different is that we are not just bringing together these different subjects; we are weaving them together, and moving beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to engage with organisations and stakeholders."

Year two will leave students the opportunity to graduate as a Bachelor of Science or Art, depending on their own subject choices. After graduation, Global Sustainability students can choose to work in politics, education, media or science.

The new courses add variety to the University’s learning programme and promise new, innovative and niche pathways upon graduation. They will provide interdisciplinary approaches to studying and will allow their students to shape their degrees to their liking.

Right to free roam in Dartmoor upheld

They argued that people should not be able to wild camp without permission from landowners. Generally, there is no right to wild camping on private land, but Dartmoor is a rare exception originating from a 1985 law.

The debate began in 2022 when the Darwalls challenged the right to wild camp on their 4000-acre estate. Judges had originally ruled in

their favour but the High Court later reversed course, a decision now upheld by the Supreme Court. In the aftermath of the court decision, campaigners have urged the Labour government to allow wild camping across the country. Caroline Voaden, a Liberal Democrat MP whose constituency includes Dartmoor, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled with this rul-

ing. It is a vindication of something we’ve all known for a long time: that the stars are for everyone, and that access to nature is not just nice to have, but a fundamental necessity for a happy, healthy life. Wild camping is good for body and soul — I’m very pleased the judges could see this.

“In opposition, Labour spoke about extending the right to wild camp

across the UK. I hope they will put those words into action and expand access rights for walkers and campers across the country.”

The CEO of Dartmoor National Park also told The Guardian , “I am over the moon, if I am honest. We are delighted and relieved. It’s a really good day for Dartmoor, for people who access the national park and for future generations as well, as this enshrines their right to enjoy the park. We have defended the right to access but will ensure people access responsibly and treat the commons, and the landowners, with respect.

“The judgement goes back to the people who fought for our national parks in the first place and what they intended for our parks — they are for the many not for the few.”

‘Absolutely epic’ Titanic Exhibition comes to Exeter

Nina Exton News Editor

THE White Star Heritage, a museum group responsible for Titanic exhibitions around the UK, has announced a new exhibition coming to Exeter. From the 15th to 31st October, visitors will be able to follow an exhibition tour that will trace the Titanic’s departure from Belfast up until the ship’s discovery at

the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Visiting time will not be limited, but it is expected to take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to complete the exhibition in its entirety.

The exhibition will have recreations of the Titanic’s anchor, bridge and its wreck. One of the most notable artefacts that will be on display is what is believed to be the largest surviving piece of the golden staircase, as well as the personal belongings of passengers and crew.

Beyond artefacts from the sinking,

the exhibition will explore the Titanic’s legacy and impact through testimonials, detailed recreations and key components of James Cameron’s 1997 film. A series of Titanic experts who have been involved in the wreck site will be available at the exhibition for questions. The exhibition will be held at Westpoint Arena in Clyst St Mary, close to the M5 Junction 30. Tickets will cost £21.99 for adults.

Image: David Smith,

Image: tiny_packages, Flickr

Image: University of Exeter

Guild pledge actions to tackle Islamophobia on campus

Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

THE Students’ Guild has released a statement outlining five ‘strands’ detailing their work in tackling Islamophobia on campus.

The statement from April came amidst an open letter from several societies criticising the Guild’s response to an Exeposé report into a speaker’s event from Freedom Society. During the speech, there were multiple Islamophobic comments such as that Muslims are “literally replacing us in our own country. We’re being genocided” and, when asked how the speaker would tackle policing were they in charge, replied that “there would be no minorities to police.” In the Guild’s statement, they stated that this speech was “unlawful” and that they “took the necessary steps to report it”, though no further details were given.

The Guild has now pledged multiple plans in order to tackle Islamophobia: community safety and belonging; misconduct and reporting; freedom of speech; society risk management and clarity of society processes. In terms of actions, the Guild intends to adopt the IHRA defi -

nition of Islamophobia; “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” This definition will be used to shape the Guild’s official policies, such as the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Their review will adjust society processes such as clarifying policies surrounding outside speakers and improving transparency of risk management. The Guild will also implement further training surrounding freedom of speech for both Guild staff and student leaders to understand its potential impact on different communities.

Their review will adjust society processes such as clarifying policies surrounding outside speakers and improving transparency of risk management

When asked for a comment on the Guild’s new statement, Youth Demand said: “While we are glad to see the Guild engaging in open dialogue with the community around the ongoing Islamophobia scandal on campus, we are worried about the lack of action or consequences for the far-right Freedom Society. The Guild is terrified of legal action from the so-called Free Speech Union and

the new university “free speech” laws, making them unwilling to actually protect marginalised communities on campus from hate speech.”

We are worried about the lack of action or consequences for the far-right Freedom Society. The Guild is terrified of legal action from the so-called Free Speech Union

A spokesperson for the Students’ Guild said: “We’re continuing to tackle Islamophobia on campus. In Term 2, we met with a number of student leaders and societies to listen and understand their perspectives and experiences. Based on the feedback from those meetings and the outcomes of our investigation, we’ve shared a list of actions we’re taking to ensure transparency on what we are working on over the coming months. “Creating cultural and University-wide change isn’t easy and is not always straightforward. For this to happen, we, your Students’ Guild, student group leaders, and the University, must work together with determination and persistence. Please view the statement in full on our website.”

Suspected bomb found on Teignmouth Beach

Amy Rushton Editor-in-Chief

TEIGNMOUTH, a seaside town near Exmouth, saw a large-scale evacuation effort after a suspected bomb was found on its beach.

On Friday 23rd May a 200m safety cordon was established around Teignmouth Pier after the discovery of a suspected piece of unexploded ordnance, meaning an explosive weapon which did not detonate when initially deployed.

Nearby cafés and surrounding properties were evacuated following the discovery with Police informing members of the public to avoid the area, whilst a bomb disposal team was called to the scene.

The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team assessed the object as safe.

In a statement the Ministry of Defence confirmed the object was scrap metal and it was removed from the site.

Whilst the suspected ordnance was assessed, BBC reported John Ayres said the town appeared like a “ghost town”, stating “It’s a glori -

ous sunny day and you’ve got the beach and the den here with the play park [...] you would expect this place to be crowded with a lot of people but today it’s absolutely empty”.

A tourist visiting the beach stated, “We were just enjoying a sunny day out when officers came and told everyone to evacuate”.

Former Chief of the General Staff highlights work of University of Exeter

GENERAL Sir Patrick Sanders, former Chief of the General Staff, recently highlighted the University of Exeter’s significant contributions to defence and security research during a visit to its Centre for the Public Understanding of Defence and Security (CPUDS) and the Strategy and Security Institute (SSI). In his lecture, Sir Patrick emphasized the transformative shifts in global power dynamics, the rise

of autocracies, and the fragility of international security, urging experts to illuminate these challenges and inspire innovative solutions. The event featured a panel discussion with leading academics, including Professor Paul Cornish (Director of Policy@Exeter and CPUDS), Professor Anthony King (Director of the SSI), Professor Frances Tammer, Professor Gareth Stansfield, and Professor Lisa Roberts. They explored how public understanding of defence and security can shape policymaking and the media’s role in influencing public perceptions of the armed forces.

CPUDS, established in 2023, aims to foster informed public debate on national and international defence issues, enhancing democratic engagement in security matters. SSI, founded in 2010, offers advanced degrees and conducts research on military transformation, major power competition, and military ethics. This collaboration between military leadership and academic institutions arguably indicates the importance of integrating expertise into defence & security strategy to address evolving global threats, as well as positioning universities and academic groups as discussion forums.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Gracie Moore and Charlie Gershinson

Image: GetArchive

Felix Massey

Image: Wikim3dia Commons

Image: Student’s Guild

Features

Kashmir Dispute in 2025

Bella MacLusky, Features Editor, examines the recent militant action

THE Kashmir area has been disputed since before India and Pakistan became independent from Britain in 1947. Post-independence, the area’s ruler, Hari Singh, chose to join India. War followed and in July 1949 a ceasefire agreement was signed and the region was divided. Wars have followed since this agreement, erupting in 1965 and 1999. In 2016, another conflict bloomed after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in Uri. The Pulwama bombing in 2019 prompted Indian airstrikes and inspired retaliatory raids.

After a relatively calm period, tensions have risen again. This April, militants killed 26 people in an attack on tourists near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir. This incident sparked a series of attacks on sites in Pakistanadministered Kashmir. Though Pakistan denies involvement in the original attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated “heinous acts of aggression will not go unpunished”. The following airstrikes on Pakistan-administered Kashmir saw a further 31 people killed. The next four days saw escalating shelling and drone attacks on military bases, raising fears of a full-scale conflict.

This April, militants killed 26 people in an attack on tourists near Pahalgam in Indianadministered Kashmir

However, on the 10th May a ceasefire was settled. President Trump announced the ceasefire on social media, brokered by the United States. While US mediators have prevented the violence increasing further, this places Delhi in a difficult position as the Indian foreign ministry has long rejected third-party mediation on the dispute. Over time, the positions of both sides of the conflict have hardened, as both India and Pakistan now claim the full region. Thus, Trump’s comments have irked many civilians as his comment that he will “will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at, concerning Kashmir” implies an attempt to internationalise the Kashmir dispute. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is yet to respond to Trump’s offer of mediation. With India’s history of rejecting third-party involvement and refusing to hold discussions with Islamabad due to their support of what India deems cross-border terrorism, it is unlikely any direct bilateral talks will be restarting soon. Pakistan’s view differs greatly to that of the Indian government. Imtiaz Gul states that “Pakistan has always wanted third-party mediation in the Kashmir issue in the absence of mutual trust between the two countries”. Unlike Indian officials, Pakistani experts argue that the conflict has escalated because of India’s refusal to engage with Pakistan, and would be improved through international intervention.

KPrevious American governments understood the sensitivity of this subject, and avoided US interference despite their relationship with India. As both a member the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group to counter Chinese expan -

sionism, and also India’s biggest trading partner, Delhi may have to consider Trump’s proposition.

Pakistani experts argue that the conflict has escalated because of India’s refusal to engage

Though current tensions have seemingly sub-

sided, the issue is far from resolved. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for “maximum restraint” alongside the European Union. Additionally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged de-escalation. The world understands the danger of this conflict, if it were to escalate again. Though attempts at international involvement are yet to be fully successful, does the ceasefire brokered by the US indicate a more widespread mediation of the conflict going forward?

Labour reforms to reduce migration

Magdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor, discusses recent government immigration reforms

EIR Starmer’s Labour government has recently announced their new immigration reforms, in wake of the topic becoming increasingly polarising in recent years. The Prime Minister outlined the upcoming policy measures in a white paper, which proposes the developments for future laws, the plans to tighten the restrictions around issuing migrant work visas for skilled workers, but loosen them for university graduates. Each of the six chapters within the document starts with a note presenting “the case for change”, showcasing statistics of UK migration throughout time and the impacts this has had over the designated areas addressed.

The document, along with the speech delivered, has raised crucial questions regarding Starmer’s priorities during his time as Prime Minister. He stated that rising immigration in the UK risks the country becoming “an island of strangers”, causing “incalculable” damage to the UK in the long term. Many have pointed out that this is parallel to Enoch Powell’s 1968 ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, which drastically critiques migration and advocates for its complete elimination from the UK.

Starmer has since reinforced that he stands by the comment. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has backed Starmer, voicing that “we (the UK) inherited a failed immigration system where the previous government replaced free movement with a free market experiment.”

We inhereted a failed immigration system where the previous government replaced freee movement with a free market experiment

To this, many members of the public, as well as those in government, have voiced their concerns over Labour’s new policy proposals. These include the Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, who took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to state her view that Starmer’s plans are “shameful and dangerous”, fearing that he is playing into rising right-wing ideologies. The Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Sarah Owen, has further stated that “chasing the tail of the right [can put the UK] on a very dark path”. With the widespread rise of right-wing politics worldwide, Labour has stated that the motivation behind publishing the white paper reflects how the public feels about immigration, yet what Labour failed to consider was that a significant share of their demographic consists of those with migrant backgrounds. The public has broadly expressed that this approach only appeals to the potential for Labour to secure some votes from those traditionally voting for the Conservative or Reform parties — but the

cost of this is much greater, and it seems Starmer’s Labour is ready to take the risk needed to obtain more votes while sacrificing a large percentage of their existing ones.

The aftermath of the policy proposal has reflected a large level of insider opposition across Labour MPs, as well as claims from the public that the current government is focusing on the wrong is-

sues. Ultimately, with external issues such as growing inflation, rising costs of living, as well as societal issues like disability benefit cuts (proposed by Labour in the past year) or legislation surrounding gender identity, it is evident that our government has other things to work on before migration is tackled. Ultimately, a disproportionate level of concern is placed on immigrants and their impact on the UK’s economy and values. There has been only a slight increase in net migration as of June 2024, according to Migration Observatory, a large percentage of which making up of asylum seekers and those seeking employment; both through legal means and complying with all regulations in place to do so.

Starmer’s Labour party is clearly prioritising the potential their new campaigns could have in the future, instead of securing the vote of those who make up their existing demographic. The rise of the right has been evident throughout Europe, and it seems it is rapidly making its way across the Channel, too.

The rise of the right has been evident throughout Europe, and it seems it is rapidly making its way across the channel too

Honor Borley

Bella MacLusky

Image: Alisdare Hickson, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Prime Minister’s Office, Wikimedia Commons

The rise of the far-right in the UK

Honor Borley, Features Editor, considers Britain’s political shift

IN recent years, Britain has experienced a noticeable shift in political discourse, shaped in large part by the rise of Reform UK and the continued influence of Nigel Farage. While Reform UK does not identify itself as a far-right party, its positioning and messaging reflect key features commonly associated with far-right populism. These include the portrayal of national decline, cultural threat, and elite betrayal, often framed in accessible and persuasive language that appeals to a wide demographic of voters.

sentiments he encourages often mirror theirs. His critiques of immigration, European integration, and political correctness provide ideological cover for more radical actors who interpret his language in less restrained ways.

What sets Reform UK apart is not necessarily the content of its message but its delivery. The party does not rely on street activism or provocative symbols. Instead, it leverages mainstream platforms, effective branding, and cultural references to establish itself as a legitimate alternative to both major parties. In doing so, it makes ideas previously confined to the far-right fringe seem increasingly palatable.

what audiences come to see as common sense.

The consequences of this shift are already apparent. Ideas that were once taboo in British politics, such as reducing immigration to near-zero or rejecting the legitimacy of international human rights frameworks, are now debated more openly. Reform UK plays a role in this transition by creating political space for these arguments to circulate without immediate dismissal. The framing of such positions as rational or patriotic, rather than extreme, allows them to gain traction among voters who might not previously have identified with nationalist or exclusionary politics.

the United States, France, Italy and Hungary have also sought to recast far-right ideology in more polished terms. Reform UK operates within this global shift, adapting international strategies to a specifically British context. The result is a political brand that draws from populism, nationalism, and soft authoritarianism without fully committing to any one of them.

Reform UK operates within this global shift, adapting international strategies to a specifically British context Britain has experienced a noticable shift in political discourse

Initially established as the Brexit Party, Reform UK has since redefined its political identity around broader issues. Immigration control, freedom of speech and scepticism toward progressive social policies have become central themes. These issues are presented through a lens of grievance and exclusion, where the nation is depicted as under threat from both external forces and internal decay. In this narrative, multiculturalism is rarely discussed as a strength. Rather, it is implied to be a burden or a destabilising force. Nigel Farage has played a critical role in popularising this discourse. Through his decades in public life, he has managed to blend anti-establishment rhetoric with appeals to national pride, using media platforms to amplify his message. Farage avoids the overt extremism of traditional far-right leaders, yet the

This process does not always require explicit statements. Often, it works through implication and selective emphasis, shaping

This trend cannot be understood in isolation from developments across Europe and North America. Right-wing populist movements in

WWhile Reform UK has yet to make significant gains at Westminster, its influence should not be measured solely in electoral success. The party has already succeeded in altering the tone of political debate, introducing themes that were once marginal into the national conversation. This normalisation carries risks, particularly when more radical groups begin to adopt similar language or claim alignment with Farage’s agenda. It creates ambiguity around the boundaries of acceptable discourse and weakens the ability of democratic institutions to respond to genuine extremism. Addressing this challenge will require more than electoral opposition. It demands a critical engagement with the narratives that Reform UK promotes and a reaffirmation of democratic values that reject exclusion and division. Without such efforts, the British political landscape may continue to shift in a direction that prioritises national purity over pluralism and suspicion.

Papal politics: Was Pope Leo the strategic choice?

Connor Myers, Online Sport Editor, discusses the Catholic Church’s first American Pope

HEN Cardinal Dominique Mamberti emerged onto the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to announce the all-important words of ‘habemus papam,’ many sat awaiting the news of who had been elected to become the 267th Pope. For the previous day, the 133 eligible cardinal electors were locked inside the Sistine Chapel to deliberate, debate and most importantly, vote on who would succeed Pope Francis as the leader of the Catholic Church.

113 eligible cardinal electors were lock inside the Sistine Chapel to deliberate

After just four ballots, one less than was required in the 2013 election of Cardinal Jose Mario Bergoglio and the same number that it took to elect Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in 2005, the reported 150,000 that had made the trip to the Vatican expected one of the heavy favourites to be selected. Conservative cardinals like Peter Erdo (Hungary) and Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy), along with liberals Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), and Matteo Zuppi (Italy), had all be considered frontrunners and papabile, the Italian for ‘pope-able.’

Thus, when Mamberti announced the name of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a moderate American Cardinal who in lead-up to the conclave had been deemed too young for the papacy, the world was taken by shock. The 69-year-old from Chicago took the papal name of Leo XIV, refrencing Leo XIII, who as Pope in the midst

of the Industrial Revolution emphasised the importance of dialogue between the church and the modern world. Leo XIV’s choice of name has been seen as a response to what he sees the world’s new Industrial Revolution: the growth of AI, and the threats it poses to justice and labour.

As for exactly how and why the ‘dark horse’ candidate Prevost was chosen is and will most likely remain secret for some time. It wasn’t until 2010 when an anonymous cardinal gave his notebook to an Italian journalist that we were able to learn exactly how Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope Benedict, and to this day, the exact breakdown of the 2013 election still remains purely speculative. Typically, the longer a conclave lasts, the more likely the cardinals are to select a middle-ground candidate to show a united front, but four votes is a curiously short time to elect a moderate candidate.

How and why the ‘dark horse’ candidate Prevost was chosen is and will likely remain secret for some time

Observers have speculated that Prevost was actually never an outsider, and the rejection of the Papacy returning to Italy and the choosing of an American is a strategic and direct statement towards the current American administration, emphasising understanding rather than division, although this seems rather on-the-nose for a 2000-year-old institution.

But one thing that is for sure is the signifi-

cance of Leo’s ascendency to the Papacy. The famous adage of ‘fat Pope, thin Pope’ implies that after the death of a Pope, an almost opposite figure is elected to follow him. The liberal, humanitarian approach of Pope Francis, who in his opening address ditched the Pontiff’s red shoes and furs, communicating his desire for simplicity, was a stark contrast from the conservative and diplomatic approach of his predecessor Benedict XVI. As a result, many thought emerging onto the balcony that Thursday evening would be an older, conservative Pope to serve a short tenure.

Instead, out came Prevost. Much has been made of Leo’s place of birth and English being his native language, but he, like Francis before him, is

seen as more of a cardinal of Latin America due to his career spent as a missionary in Peru. In 2015, he obtained Peruvian citizenship and often referred to the Land of the Incas as his second home. His work with marginalised people in remote communities in Peru has meant that his view on some of the issues that dominated Francis’s Papacy, like his views towards LGTBQ+ people and female ordination, remain unclear. But the election of American Prevost, a lifelong tennis and baseball fan who shares his predecessor’s views on migrants, the environment, and the poor, from a family of Spanish and Italian immigrants himself, appears to be an election with a focus on bridge-building, listening, and pragmatism.

Image: Gage Skidmore Wikimedia Commons

Image: Edgar Beltrán, Wikimedia Commons

Climate

David Attenborough’s Ocean

SCLIMATE EDITOR: Charlie Gershinson

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, dives into Exeter academics’ contributions to David Attenborough’s new book and documentary

IR David Attenborough’s latest documentary and book, Ocean, was released in early May. This account explores life in the sea, detailing oceanic discoveries in marine science from the past couple of decades. It reveals the wonders of the deep blue and highlights the ocean’s capacity to regenerate when it is protected.

Colleagues from the University of Exeter informed chapters within the book as well as the film itself. Professor Daniel Mayor worked on chapters relating to the deep sea and oceanic islands; Professor Callum Roberts re-

Tviewed the film’s script to ensure it withheld scientific integrity; and Madi Bowden, a PhD researcher, reviewed the content on a chapter discussing kelp.

For Madi, this was a special moment early on in her career which saw her meeting and talking to Attenborough as well as contributing her knowledge to the project.

Dr Casper van de Geer, based at the Penryn Campus Centre for Ecology and Conservation, worked alongside Attenborough and his co-author for the book, Colin Butfield. He led the research for this book, featuring a lot of the research discovered by his Exeter colleagues.

The film aims to inform people about the current state of the oceans and what the future forecasts for them. Professor Roberts, whose research reveals the impact of bottom trawl fishing and dredges on seabed life, notes that the film showcases the damage of industrial fishing industries. However, it also makes clear the power that ocean life has to restore itself.

A highlight for Professor Mayor was to sail on the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough around Antarctica for a couple months to understand microscopic marine animals in relation to carbon sequestration, especially because

it was Attenborough that inspired him to dedicate his studies to marine biology and become a researcher.

This film and book are set to become a powerful vessel to understand the ocean and marine conservation and discovery stories, but it also sends a message of hope for our survival amid a climate crisis.

The research born from findings from Exeter researchers and those from around the world highlights the collective global effort needed to approach and engage with climate change and its effects.

Exeter second in SDG Teach-In

Magdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor, celebrates a sustainability education achievement

HE University of Exeter has recently placed second in the annual Student Organising for Sustainability (SOS) competition, seeking to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all stages of education, across all departments and disciplines — with a particular focus on higher education.

The SOS Teach-In aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability, promote curriculum reform while linking training, teaching and learning to encourage students to act against climate change.

A range of events was held in Exeter last term to celebrate and promote careers in sustainability and the environment, as well as talks held to cover the topics of renewable energy and developing adaptation pathways to manage floods and reduce carbon footprints imposed by fast fashion through organising a charity clothing exchange.

In response, the Director of Sustainability at the University of Exeter, Joanna Chamberlain, has stated, “I am delighted Exeter came second in this year’s SDG Teach-In for the

number of students reached — thank you to everyone who took part.”

With the SDGs being a growing part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they list seventeen goals for institutions to reach by its target. This recognises that ending poverty must be incorporated alongside measures to improve health and education while working to tackle climate change. It is an excellent achievement for Exeter to have scored so highly, with 94 institutions having entered the competition in March this year and over 1,000 educators pledging to

New

include at least one of the UN’s 2030 goals in their teachings, which is estimated to reach over 118,000 students.

University research round-up

Climate writers summarise recent research conducted with the help of University of Exeter academics

pests and diseases will cut UK tree growth

NEW research by The UK Plant Health Risk Register (PHRR) and the University of Exeter has identified 581 Plant Pests and Diseases (PPDs) that could invade the UK and affect 74 tree species. At-risk species highlighted in the study include oak, pine and spruce. These invasions are expected to cause damage across the UK and cut tree growth in half by 2050. The spread of pests and diseases has accelerated in response to increased global trade and travel, posing a significant threat to biosecurity. However, tightening biocontrol and tree planting policies could help build resilience. As of 2018, trees cover about 13 per cent of the UK land area, significantly behind the European average (39 per cent). Current government plans indicate the expansion of reforestation efforts; however, these plans still leave the UK trailing behind Europe. This new information has highlighted the urgency of taking care of our natural spaces and minimising future risk in response to global changes.

Rosie Batsford

ILED pots aid fishing for fish and shrimp Boat traffic from coastal mega-cities found to damage ocean wildlife

T is estimated by the MSC that a third of the world’s population still relies on fishing for living. This is why practising sustainable fishing practices is key to make sure future generates will have access to fish and seafood. A new study, conducted by the University of Exeter, has offered a new way to improve fishing practices. During this study, fishing pots that were fitted with LEDs caught more shrimp than the unlit pots. This phenomenon was compared to “moths around a flame” by Dr Robert Enever. A key success in this study is that the pots attract fish, which raises hope for a new way to conduct low-impact fishing. Additionally, it has been suggested that with modifications, pots can be tailored to attract specific species, which will lead to higher yields. While this trial has not yet caught enough shrimp to be commercially viable, there is hope that this will eventually change the way we fish. Dr Tom Horton has said that “finding lower-impact alternatives is essential for more sustainable fisheries”. While this is only the start of this research, it suggests that there could be changes to sustainable fishing coming soon.

Kayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor

NEW research conducted in China’s Greater Bay Area, a coastal megalopolis that encompasses Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, has found that coastal mega-cities expose ocean wildlife and habitats to “relentless” boat traffic. The study was carried out by the Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Joint Centre (ENSURE) — a research partnership between the University of Exeter and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. On the size of the location, the Greater Bay Area has about 86 million people, making it the largest population and the second-largest economy of any bay in the world. This also means that 6,000 vessels move around the bay daily, leaving little room for nature.

Dr Phil Doherty states that “in shallow waters, such traffic is likely to increase rates of shoreline erosion, turbidity (churned-up sediment), noise pollution and collisions with wildlife.” Dr Felix Leung, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong says that “to safeguard these ecologically sensitive areas, governments must adhere to the Global Biodiversity Framework, ensuring both protection and sustainable management for future generations.” Researchers hope that with this information and as major coastal cities continue growing, the findings could aid future marine conservation.

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief

Image: Gracie Moore

Image: Rayhan9d, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Univeristy of Exeter

Comment

EDITOR’S COLUMN

THIS week, I watched Hillbilly Elegy on Netflix, a film adaptation of Vice President JD Vance’s bestselling memoir chronicling his turbulent upbringing in poverty-stricken Appalachia. The film explores themes of family, addiction and the economic decline of rural America.

As a personal narrative written by the Vice President, it focused on his individual story rather than the intergenerational cycles of abuse and poverty it briefly touches on.

Many reviews seem filtered through a partisan lens due to his rise to elected office. Still, this is not entirely surprising. While Vance has been consistent against the side effects of free trade for rural communities as demonstrated in the film, he has since become weary of protecting employment rights, refusing to support pro-worker legislation.

This evolution in Vance’s messaging is a core part of Vance’s journey into politics. From a self-described working class hero, to a moderate ‘never-Trumper’ and now, in his third version as a Trump sycophant, who knows what a possible future Vance presidency will have in store.

WHY is Reform surging? Labour Grandee Maurice Glasman suggested that the ‘lanyard class’ is creating a ‘hostile environment’ for the traditional working classes. However, the same can be applied for young people.

Whilst Putney Labour was celebrating the rejection of affordable housing within its community, almost entirely to be occupied by young professionals, it heralded the return of a Marks and Spencer store.

Young people moving towards the Green Party and Reform is not just a by-product of the ongoing culture war, but also due to traditional economicbased voting behaviour, with two major parties largely abandoning the idea that our generation may own a house, thereby losing our votes in the process.

THE Death Penalty seems like an aging debate, which has lost its relevance in recent years against the more powerful war against ‘woke’ culture.

The Assisted Dying Bill shows that parliament can have a somewhat serious debate once in a while. Perhaps politicians should continue this trend and reevaluate their position on the death penalty after engagement in the philosophical debate of the state’s involvement in ending life.

We see from Axel Rudakubana a man who is incurable and will never be rehabilitated, who cannot even function within a prison let alone society. Without engaging in the typical emotive rhetoric in this issue, he proves that there are cases where it could be a better alternative to decades in solitary confinement.

The dangers of far-right ideology

Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief examines the global rise of far-right populism

THE far-right is surging from attacks on democracy in the US to Reform council gains in the UK.

Even closer to home, we’ve seen extreme Islamophobic language here on Exeter’s campus. Farright ideology seeps into local elections and daily conversations, it’s become normal.

The core principles of farright ideology haven’t changed: authoritarianism, xenophobia and a return to traditional values.

So why is the far-right, once an extreme minority, hurling back into the mainstream?

For one thing, whilst their values haven’t changed, their image has. Figures like Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) Alice Weidel present an attempt to pack up dangerous ideology into a more acceptable image. Weidel is an unlikely figure for a far-right leader: gay and raising two sons with her Sri Lankan girlfriend. Weidel’s actual policies ironically are designed to oppress the people who look like her own family; she’s promised “large-scale

repatriations” of foreigners, an end to “queer-woke insanity” and supported AfD’s definition of family as “father, mother and children”. Weidel’s ideological flexibility has already been exploited by other leaders. Elon Musk in his endorsement of the AfD pointed to Weidel’s relationship stating, “Does that sound like Hitler to you?”

Whilst other prominent leaders may more easily fit the mould, their image centres on a picture of change, which is appealing in the face of economic downturn and a growing disillusionment with democracy. Donald Trump’s millionaire status for instance is easily forgotten through the anti-establishment image he presents, and neo-Nazi Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is much more palatable when he presents himself as “Tommy Robinson”.

Then there’s social media. Musk’s ‘X’ has become a breeding ground for the farright, allowing parties to communicate directly with their supporters and by-pass

traditional media. Not only does this increase their visibility, but it normalises their messaging and lets them reach new audiences.

This normalisation is one of the most dangerous aspects of right-wing ideology today: from immigrants eating cats to claims of ‘white genocide’ in South Africa (conveniently ignoring the actual genocide going on in Gaza), the far-right are living in a different world entirely. However, the power of social-media means their theories, however preposterous, can convince millions before traditional media has the chance to deny them.

Claims of a ‘white genocide’ in South Africa conveniently ignore the actual genocide going on in Gaza

The biggest enabler of far-right ideology however is their adversaries. Established

mainstream parties are growing increasingly nervous and sliding ever more to the right to accommodate supporters. Keir Starmer’s reaction to Reform’s recent electoral success was to embody an Enoch Powell parody act. Whilst this won’t win him any more votes, it does work to legitimise far-right talking points and allow them to become even more mainstream.

Established mainstream parties are growing increasingly nervous and sliding ever more to the right

The far-right’s ideology may not have changed, but their tactics have, and that makes them even more dangerous. To combat them, parties need to embrace the left and provide a real opposition or risk endangering us all.

Tom Richardson

Images: Owain.davies, Wikimedia Commons

Finding employment after graduation

Comment writers discuss their experiences and reflections navigating the job market

AS an aspiring journalist, navigating the exceptionally competitive job market full of young talent and like-minded individuals has been particularly stressful. Trying to balance university work, assignments, a social life, and my own health, both mental and physical, alongside applying for jobs, grad schemes, and postgraduate programmes has been difficult.

The most difficult thing for me was constitently keeping up my self-confidence

The most challenging thing I found while submitting applications wasn’t filling out forms and tailoring my CV to each one; it wasn’t the cover letters or the personalised articles that each news outlet’s graduate scheme wanted — at the end of the day, if there is anything I’m sure of, it is that journalism is something I want to do, and I am prepared to showcase my passion for it. The most difficult thing for me was consistently keeping up my self-confidence and not letting the competition overwhelm me. A great starting point for the process is figuring out what it is you actually want to do — what do you enjoy? What do you want to do for a living? Do you have all the prerequisites and qualifications nec -

Tom

Lessary for it? Once you have figured that out, looking becomes much less chaotic. Admittedly, not being the most confident person made the process much more mentally daunting, and keep ing going was a struggle at times, but I made it! And so has everyone around me that I know of. I’m through, ready to graduate and embark on my journalism journey. My biggest tip is to just keep going, but not to rush your applications; keep putting yourself out there, and soon enough you’ll realise that the world has a funny way of working itself out, no matter what industry you’re going into. You’ll be okay, even if it takes time! Remember to prioritise your well-being first and to reach out for help if you need it, regardless of whether it’s academic or mental help support!

CMagdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor

ALLING myself a ‘graduate’ feels a little bit silly I may be graduating from formal education, but unfortunately I’m finding that I’ve got a whole new learning curve to navigate, except this time there are no professors to mark my ‘formative’ job applications and give me feedback. Every time I submit an application, I’m very much aware of the fact that I’m winging it; and it’s not out of disinterest, but rather, inexperience. Job applications often ask us to be trained on how to present ourselves to employers. Maybe there’s an argument for the fact that the state education system has failed to set many of us up with knowledge of the job market and how to navigate it, but I feel like my teachers at least tried their best. What seems even more frustrating is that lots of ‘entry level’ jobs in industries I’m interested in the creative/media industries are asking for qualifications and experi-

...Am I just misunderstanding the definition of ‘entry level’?

ences which ‘entry level’ candidates DON’T have. Am I alone in feeling held back by my lack of NCTJ/NQJ, or experience on CRM systems, or work experience in national newsrooms/publishing houses/big corps more generally? Or am I just misunderstanding the definition of ‘entry level’? On a more positive note, I do feel like the University career zone has some great resources for interview prep, and I’ve found that my GCSE/A level affinity for flashcards has returned to me for the first time in three years (although I’m not sure my boyfriend’s too pleased about having to ask me what the news of the day is and how my perspective differs from that of others before every interview). And I have to remind myself that years of part-time admin experience, hospitality work and volunteering is worth talking about in interviews; being capable and driven is something employers are always looking for, no matter the industry. The media and arts industries are struggling right now, and the job market reflects that, but I won’t be giving up anytime soon.

The Art of the Deal: Trump’s non-starter trade war

Richardson, Print Comment Editor, discusses the ongoing trade policy of the Trump Administration

AST week, Trump paused his colossal tariffs on China as part of his ongoing erratic tariff policy to ‘Save America’. Tarrifs have been announced and then retracted on most of Americas closest trading partners for weeks now. The key aspect is the ongoing trade war with China. In typical Trump fashion, despite the rhetoric, nothing is actually achieved. Whilst the White House tweeted dystopian messages such as ‘DO NOT RETALIATE AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED’, it is clear the American people were not going to stand by Trump in economic turmoil, it being the primary reason for Biden’s defeat last year.

In typical Trump fashion, despite the rhetoric, nothing is actually achieved

He has since agreed to a trade deal with China that reduces tarrifs on both nations, however most ex -

perts agree this has given China favourable terms compared to before.

Whilst this erratic tarrif war has mostly been a dud policy for America, it would be wrong to suggest that this has not made the international community pay attention to America, though in the same way that you would give atten -

tion to someone hijacking a plane.

this erratic tarrif war has mostly been a dud policy for America

The unpredictable policy of Trump has made the international community pay attention to Trump,

something which his narcissism requires, yet with detrimental effects on the international favourability of America. Positioning itself as the stable power, China is gaining ground in Europe. Though Europe is not jumping itself towards China, it shows that there is a limit to Trump’s tariff policy. Trump

has been a proponent of putting America first, yet he seems surprised that foreign leaders will also do the same to protect their economies at all costs, even if it means re-assessing their policy on China.

Positioning itself as the stable power, China is gaining ground amongst Europe.

Those who are impacted the most by this policy are Trump’s supporters. Making this man a core part of their lives, they are finding it increasingly hard to continuously switch from ‘Trump’s tariffs create American jobs’ to ‘Trump’s removal of tariffs is the Art of the Deal’, after every time Trump erratically announces tariffs then loses his nerve soon after. Still made in America, his tariff policy has not impacted their ability to ‘drink the Kool-Aid’ and follow the line. Back to square minus one, the U.S President is clearly still learning on the Job, despite being in his second term.

Rosie Peters-McDonald, Deputy Editor

Image: pickspik

Image: Colin and Kim Hansen, Wikimedia Commons

Image: The White House, Wikimedia Commons

Satire

JOBS WANTED

Senior Junior Graduate HR Recruiter

This role requires a lethal, inhumane approach to applications from hopeful graduates like yourself. MUST have experience of writing “with regrets” and “after careful consideration” in all emails. Ideal candidate will be less qualified than clients. Perks include stipend allowance for a penthouse via salary sacrifice.

Chief Manager of Explaining Dissertations to Grandparents

Repeatedly define “PPE” and explain why it is not related to healthcare. Ideal candidate will be fluent in jargon. MUST own way too many TP cups.

Salary: a sandwich, a cup of tea, and mild disappointment.

Jr. Vibe Consultant

SlayVibeAura Ltd. seeks a GRADUATE with NO DISCERNIBLE skills but GREAT VIBES. Must be capable of using the phrase “touch base” without irony.

COMPETITIVE SALARY (please note we are not able to sponsor planning permission for you to work in your parents’ shed).

Entry-Level Coffee Cup Replacer @ Big 4

You will not be doing anything of value but may be near people who do. Ideal for LinkedIn Warriors or wannabe finance bros who describe themselves as “driven”, “detailoriented” and “ready to hit the ground running into another pointless Zoom meeting.”

Salary: networking opportunities

Associate Director of Looking Busy

Duties: Open random PDFs, reword internal reports with synonyms (incorrect connotations preferred), read company blog like Tolstoy, drop phrases “leveraging synergies” and “actioning stakeholder insights” in Teams chats alongside occasional raising of the proverbial (digital) hand. 28k pro rata.

Post-Grad Emotional Support Intern @ Magic Circle

Salary: Pret Coffee 1p/breakdown.

In light of workers’ increasing refusal to be exploited, we need someone to reassure upper management that everything is fine. Must be skilled in having stern eye contact and nodding sincerely. 10 years’ experience in childcare is a must.

Assistant to the Executive’s Assistant’s Assistant

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY to follow around some clueless guy who got the job thanks to CEO Dad. Renumeration inc. great exposure (to burnout and printer toner).

Yasmine

Al-Saket

Exeter keepsakes

SATIRE

EDITORS: Audrey Alvey

Charlie Gershinson

Rosie Batsford

CALLING class of ’25!

Amidst the post-deadline season crash (congrats on making it through) and panicked LinkedIn doom scrolling (oops), do take a moment to cast your minds back to a time you weren’t desperate to move onto the next stage of life. Whether that was long time ago — as a fresher — in a galaxy far, far away — Birks — or 48 hours before the dissertation deadline, those experiences will all (hopefully) become sweet nostalgia when the leg aches from Forum Hill have at last subsided. If these memories feel hard to capture, fret not! There are many ways to ensure you find the perfect souvenir to display on your mantlepiece as you tell your grandkids about the historic change from ELE to ELE2.

As you tell your grnadkids about the historic change from ELE to ELE 2

The acquisition of this first keepsake requires being in the right place at the right time. However, if executed successfully, it will be your pride and joy for years to come — perhaps even a family heirloom. How better to fondly look back at your time at Exeter than to gaze upon a photograph of Napoleon? If you want to au-

thenticate the picture, taking a selfie with Napoleon is the best way forward. Exeposé ’s inside source (the cat himself) claims he only accepts the finest treats as payment. If you are unable to locate our Campus King (now also Pope!), do not fear, for another excellent photo-op awaits on campus. The legendary Old Laf deserves

TA rigourous bashing with your soon-to-beexpired Student ID card should do the trick

But even more important than these physical relics of soon-tobe ancient history, the best way to ensure you never forget the wonders of the University of Exeter is to embed “rah” into your daily vocabulary. I suggest adding this to your daily affirmations. Even better, use positive reinforcement by buying yourself a latte from Pret every time you say “rah” in casual conversation. Similarly, if you encounter anyone talking about a big hill, or a challenging hike, or even a mountain, be sure to remind them of Cardiac Hill, in solidarity with all the poor Birks freshers.

documentation, not just for proof of existence, but to commemorate Season 2 Episode 6 of Skins. Whilst we weren’t graced with the presence of Effie Trinket herself — Bristol would never be that kind to us — part of it was shot in and around our infamous accommodation block. Parts of the Physics Building were filmed too, but who would want to go there? Best achieved when taking that final 2 am walk home from TP, any adventurers may like to consider a detour up to campus to secure a piece of the infamous Exeter Rock. A rigorous bashing with your soon-to-be-expired Student ID card should do the trick. This is far savvier than putting yourself through the queues for a photograph at graduation. Rumour has it, there’s a special ‘bleed green’ message at its core, inscribed by the Queen herself in her 1956 visit. Drop us an email for a feature if you find out.

Pope Napoleon I

HIS just in: two weeks after the appointment of Pope Leo the Somethingeth, the Conclave (no, not the film starring the guy that played Lord Farqaad — the real thing) has rescinded his Papacy for reasons that only God knows. But as something of Gods ourselves at Exeposé, what we do know is the new Pope. We know him very well. In fact — so do you! Maybe you’re a God too. I am, of course, talking about Pope Napoleon the First. Yes, Vatican City has appointed the first ever feline Pope amidst calls for the Catholic Church to be more inclusive. And speaking of Vatican City: the world’s smallest microstate and the easiest answer to the world capitals round at a pub quiz has ceased to exist. Whilst I may be just jesting about us being Gods at Exeter, we are all certainly going to be a little closer to the man in the sky himself as the Holy See is relocating right here to our little Devonshire city. Pope Napoleon does not want to leave the luscious English grass that he enjoys eating and coughing up in furballs so much — but equally does not believe that working remotely is in line with the tradition of the Church. His solution is of course to break the millennia old convention of the Vatican being in, well, the Vatican, and transport the whole thing here. However, because of UNESCO and all that nonsense about protecting invaluable human history etcetera etcetera, the Basilica and all its elaborately ornate furnishings will not actually be transported to Exeter. Only the figurative spirit of the Church will be moving. The University of Exeter has offered its campus as the new home for the largest Christian church. Michelangelo himself will be revived by some of our postgraduate research students of the occult in order to recreate his Sistine Chapel ceiling on that of the Forum. Additionally, as a sign of respect to the University’s newfound Christian holiness, the authoritarian state of Egypt has agreed that the areas surrounding Exeter’s new Cairo campus will be turning back the clocks to the Byzantine era and readopt Christianity as its official religion.

What does this mean for students? Well, firstly they will be adopting the Oxbridge rule of kicking freshers out of their student accommodations over the holidays so the rooms can be used by pilgrims. All lectures and seminars will be held in Latin — but don’t worry if you didn’t learn it in private school like 90 per cent of the student body; there will be free classes on Tuesday evenings at the INTO building. Additionally, the city and its surrounding towns will be hollowed out even more than they already are by AirBnB, driving up student rent prices from exploitative to unliveable to prioritise the anticipated surge in tourism. The thing that hurts us the most, though, is that we can no longer freely pet our favourite orange cat, and must instead gain the approval of his nine bodyguards (one per life).

Audrey Alvey, Satire Editor

Images: University of Exeter, Audrey Alvey

Images: University of Exeter, Audrey Alvey, Travel Coffee Book, Free Range Stock

Image: Gracie Moore

Image: Gracie Moore

Summer scaries?

Niall O'Mara offers some advice if you are feeling thrown by the lack of routine now exams are over

EXAMS are finally over! We survived, though at times it genuinely felt like our final days were upon us. We are now experiencing Exeter in its prime. The sun hasn’t stopped shining, people are out every night, the library is nearly empty and with EGB just around the corner, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve made it!

After months spent ‘locking in’ in the Library, overwhelmed by dissertations, deadlines, and what felt like a never-ending todo list, we have finally won the war! Over the past few months life has been difficult and at times has felt quite isolating. I’ll admit ChatGPT started to feel like a real friend (or perhaps that was just me?) But with this early arrival of summer, the big question is: how do we make the most of it?

HOW DO WE MAKE THE MOST OF IT?

To first and second years, my advice as a rapidly ageing third year is simple: enjoy it. That’s easier said than done, of course. Take this time to reflect on what has un -

doubtedly been a chaotic nine months in Exeter. Whether you’ve got internships lined up or a summer job waiting, use this time to decompress. Get yourself down to Exmouth and soak up that UV7. And if you’ve got no summer plans, that’s okay too. I had no internship last year and ended up having one of the best summers of my life.

I HAD NO INTERNSHIP LAST YEAR AND ENDED UP HAVING ONE OF THE BEST SUMMERS OF MY LIFE

However, if you are a third year reading this… well, the time has come. The past three years have flown by, and now we’re rapidly approaching the end. The advice I’m giving myself right now is to just ride the post-dissertation wave. No more word counts, no more sessions in the library and no more deadlines. I’m not thinking beyond September because otherwise I will spiral. Instead, I’m throwing myself into these last few months in Devon, discovering new beaches, new food spots, avoid -

ing LinkedIn and revisiting favourite places that have meant so much to me. I’m leaning into the nostalgia. September can wait. That said, this time of year, as joyful as it is, can be unsettling. As much as we’ve complained about 9:30s, the structure of term time is comforting and now suddenly it’s gone. For graduates, the future might feel daunting. For returning students, heading home after building a life here can feel equally disorientating. Exeter has this fever-dream quality; when you’re away, it’s hard to believe it ever really happened. So, what now? How do we beat these summer scaries? Try creating a routine, wake up at the same time each day, start a new hobby, reconnect with friends you missed during exam season, reinvention, perhaps? (Personally, I can’t be bothered for that, but it’s an option.) Whatever you do, put yourself first, it’s your summer, there is no right or wrong way to spend it! Ultimately, we’ve earned this freedom. Yes, it is scary, but there is always opportunity in the unknown. If you’re graduating, take things one day at a time — every-

thing will work out. And if you’re coming back in September, I wish I were you. But for now, reflect, recharge, and get a headstart on that summer tan. You deserve it.

Do Gen Z need to party more?

Katie Roberts, Lifestyle Editor, debates whether we are beginning to enjoy

a night in too much

SCROLLING through social media, our feeds seem flooded with a barrage of content promoting morning routines, nighttime rituals, healthy eating regimes, detoxes, and evenings in. From the 'clean girl' to the 'coastal grandma' aesthetics, teenagers and those of us in our early 20s appear to be aspiring to lead this so-called quiet life. Evening drinks have given way to coffee dates, hungover morning debriefs are being swapped for early-morning run clubs, house parties are few and far between, and clubbing culture seems to have been somewhat cast aside, as Gen Z is going out significantly less than previous generations.

TEENAGERS AND THOSE OF US IN OUR EARLY 20s APPEAR TO BE ASPIRING TO LEAD THIS SO-CALLED QUIET LIFE

Of course, health experts may praise these lifestyle shifts that encourage drinking less, eating better, and prioritising sleep. Regular run clubs, gym sessions, coffee dates, and dinner parties can indeed provide

a fulfilling social life—perhaps even more so than being out every night of the week.

However, I can’t help but wonder: is our generation missing out by adopting a lifestyle that feels more fitting for a thirty-something than a university student? By prematurely striving to be the put-together, responsible versions of ourselves — tucked in bed by 10:30 p.m., tomorrow’s lunch prepped, and a 10-step skincare routine complete — are we sacrificing the freedom and spontaneity that our twenties are meant to offer?

ARE WE SACRIFICING THE FREEDOM AND SPONTANEITY THAT OUR TWENTIES ARE MEANT TO OFFER?

It's understandable that, after the isolating effects of the pandemic, we saw through the illusion that large social gatherings are necessary to have a good time. With clubbing becoming an increasingly expensive hobby, it’s no surprise we’ve embraced the joy of missing out (JOMO) over

FOMO. Yet, at the same time, reports of a loneliness epidemic among Gen Z are rising, and I can’t help but think that our enthusiasm for nights in (rather than being out with friends) may be partially to blame. Now, I’m not necessarily suggesting that clubbing every weekend is the answer. But perhaps it’s worth asking: are you regularly turning down time with others in pursuit of a 10 p.m. bedtime? There’s value in putting yourself out there. The 'clean girl' aesthetic and nights-in propaganda can easily become a socially acceptable excuse for isolation, something that can be just as detrimental to mental and physical health.

A SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR ISOLATION

A counter-rhetoric is beginning to emerge. Creators are encouraging people to “bring back house parties to fall in love again,” and last summer’s romanticisation of the brat summer hinted at a resurgence of playful rebellion. Maybe these moments of chaos, connection, and letting go deserve a place alongside the

quiet life. After all, balance might mean embracing both: the serenity of an early night and the thrill of dancing until sunrise.

Image: Pexels

Image: Gracie Moore

Fashion Trends: An indicator of recession?

Kayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor, observes how recession can be evident in the clothes we wear

RECENTLY the brand PrettyLittleThing, a shop known for their going out clothing has announced a rebrand. Now they seem to be changing it up from fun, clubbing outfits, to clothes that look like they can be worn to an office. This rebrand has come as a bit of a shock to everyone, but this decision from PrettyLittleThing hasn’t come from nowhere. In fact, we can see this change happening with all clothing brands. Slowly brands have started to move away from short dresses or more revealing styles and instead creating more conservative looks. These changes have left people wondering if there a reason behind them, or this is just the trend cycle working.

CREATING MORE CONSERVATIVE LOOKS

It should come to no shock to anyone that we’re living in a time of economic struggle. The cost-of-living crisis has been affecting day to day life for the past few years but recently things seem even more uncertain. Between tariff announcements from America and new trade deals being struck with the EU, it seems the UK’s economic status is changing each day. But what does this have to do with fashion? Historians love to say how history always

repeats itself… and they’re not wrong. To understand how the economy relates to fashion, let’s look back a century. In the 1920s, a fashion trend became increasingly popular, known as the flapper. Flappers were young women who wore short dresses and bobbed hair, as a way to embrace freedom. Along with it came a party lifestyle. However, what followed was the Wall Street crash of 1929. During this period of economic ruin, fashion changed and more conservative clothes took over.

The idea of the housewife became more popular, whereas men were pushed into office jobs. This led to longer dresses for women and suits for men.

to remember, millennials will tell you how they went out to clubs wearing smart casual. So, are we seeing the same thing now? As the economic uncertainty grows, the trends of the late 2010s and early 2020s seem to have disappeared to make way to a more conservative fashion. Major fashion companies seem to understand this idea too. Vogue has recently written about the connection conservative fashion has with economics. The company InStyle reports about the phenomenon of the Hemline index, which suggests that as economy worsens, skirts get longer.

UK'S ECONOMIC STATUS IS CHANGING EACH DAY AS ECONOMY WORSENS SKIRTS GET LONGER

The idea that a bad economy can lead to conservative fashion wasn’t just reserved for the mid 1900s. In fact, we can see how the same thing occurred not even thirty years ago. In the 1990s mini-skirts and bring colours were all the rage. People we partying and it was a far more progressive time than what came before. However, in the 2000s there were a series of economic crashes, along with major wars which sparked uncertainty. In turn, fashion became more conservative. While we may be too young

The truth is that politics affects every aspect of life, which includes fashion. In a way, fashion reflects the reality of the time. In times of economic turbulence, people naturally get more conservative in their values, and therefore fashion follows with it. The uncertainty is felt within fashion designers too. When a population has less money to spend, a brand is more likely to create basic, plainer clothing that they know will sell. These clothes are more attractive to a population with less disposable income as more neutral and basic clothing allows for longer wear. It is unclear how long this new conserva -

Ctive clothing trend will last. However, if we judge from the past, it could be assumed it’ll continue this way until there is more economic stability. It is likely that we’ll continue to see more brands lean towards this trend in the coming months..

In conversation with Laura Belbin

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief, interviews Laura on her comedy, childhood trauma and success

OMEDIAN, author and social media star Laura Belbin has been prolific on the scene of comedy for quite some time now after she began posting funny posts on Facebook seven years ago and a fellow Mum told her she should monetise it through a blog. Soon after, her instagram handle @knee_deep_in_life was made a reality. One day, her ex-husband had gone to work, leaving her with the kids and this is where it truly took off. Nine months in to her social media prescence, she had bought a pair of spanx for an event entirely unrelated to her comedy and quite humorously became stuck while trying to get them on this is the video that sent her viral. In light of this, Laura was offered book deals despite claiming she was “absolutlely not an author” and eventually said yes, clarifying that this was “the basis of every single step of my career so far saying yes and putting myself out there.”

THE BASIS OF EVERY SINGLE STEP OF MY CAREER SO FAR — SAYING YES AND PUTTING MYSELF OUT THERE

“So much of my show ends up being ad-lib that it’s an entirely different show from what I planned” but this makes her storytelling all

the more comical and relatable. On her success, Laura wants to spread the message of hope to people of all ages that even with “zero support from management backing, you can get where you want to be,” adding “a couple of years ago, a tour promoter wanted to give me the opportunity at Comedia Club in Brighton to get into stand up comedy.” Laura had five weeks to learn the process, get up on stage and perform. It was a huge success.

As students, we often feel trapped in our feelings of imposter syndrome, as if our success is undeserved and often, not enough.

Laura recognises this: “Up until now, it’s felt like I don’t belong and it’s a fluke and pure luck. But for the first time in my life, I know the stage is where I belong it feels like home.” She also speaks out on supporting the passions of those around us to help them get where they want in life because she is “a believer in following the dream and if you love it enough, you should never give up on it.”

One thing that often goes unmentioned when talking to performers like Laura is the pushback that can come from undertaking something that doesn’t fit the status quo.

“My friends are my lifeline,” she told me, “I’ve fallen on my arse a million times over and I didn’t have the luxury of a supportive family dynamic but you get back up and go for what you want because you’re worthy.”

Recently, Laura suffered a mental breakdown, causing her to cut last year’s tour short for her own personal wellbeing. Since then, she has bravely spoken out about her childhood trauma, the estrangement from her family and the therapy she has undergone to begin the healing process. “Everything embodies self love you have to think about your personal safety and know your boundaries.”

“You’re the only person whose heart beats the way it does, so lean into that and begin to realise that you are special and worthy.”

Elsewhere, Laura has been a proud supporter of women’s rights and safety and the shame that she has had to endure because of what she survived when she was younger. “We as women need to demand better because we are worthy of better.”

“We need to learn to parent ourselves create neurological pathways that weren’t developed in childhood to help to reduce depression and shame.”

WE ARE WORTHY OF BETTER

For all of the abuse she has survived, comedy is “the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” for her: “You should take a minute to look back and see what you have crafted from negative experiences.” For all those dealing with complex trauma and PTSD, Laura recommends the

In conversation about her future plans, Laura told me she loves fictional writing and has been making up her own stories for as long as she can remember. This is something she has an interest in pursuing as her career progresses. Above all, Laura wants to remind students at our University that you should never give up on your dreams, “setbacks still happen but you are worthy of success. It might not be today or tomorrow but it will happen. You are capable of anything you want.”

book What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo

Image: Exeter Northcott Theatre, Wikimedia Commons

Image: pexels.com

arts + lit

I thought I’d have more time

Judy Dodd, Arts and Lit Editor with a plea to take your voice seriously

ITHOUGHT I’d have more time on my hands. But my three years at Exeter are coming to an end at breakneck speed, which makes it difficult to stop and process it all. Life has recently become a checklist of things I’m doing for the last time: last day of school, last £2 meal, last seminar, last essay deadline and I’ve handed in my dissertation which, despite having worked on for months, still felt like a premature goodbye. I’ve come up with my last content call, I’m writing my last articles and I’m currently editing my last ever edition for Exeposé as Arts and Lit editor. With all things slowly trickling to an end, however, I couldn’t have predicted that this would be my busiest term yet. A term of discovering new things, just as I’m about to leave it.

To take you back to the beginning, I moved here from Belgium with a carload full of stuff and my heart in my stomach in September of 2022. To say that I was terrified would be an understatement. As is the case for many first year students, the move away from home made me anxious. I was keen to try new things but scared to give them my all. I wrote the odd article in my first two years and unsuccessfully auditioned for a play — I’ve always wanted to get involved with theatre — but taking myself seriously was something I couldn’t bring myself to do. Only in my third year, aware that time was running out now, did I stop worrying so much. I put myself forward to edit the newspaper and finally wrote a play with one of my best friends — a promise we made to each other

back in first year. I got involved with the University’s theatre community by helping out with set design and marketing and I’m now witnessing my own play slowly come to life.

I’ve learnt so much this past month, from collaborating on ideas, organising photoshoots and running a marketing campaign to sitting in on rehearsals and slowly gaining the confidence to voice my own opinions. I feel a bit like a sponge, desperately trying to soak up the knowledge, experience and skills from the people around me before I go back home.

The prospect of moving away has made me really appreciate the University’s creative ecosystem for the first time, perhaps out of a sadness of losing out on it next year.

Organisations such as Exeposé, Razz, the Enigma

TJournal and theatre societies offer more than just opportunities to stand out on your LinkedIn; they’re platforms to express yourself, have your voice heard, to be taken semi-seriously in your creative endeavours. The beauty of getting involved with these things at university is that you don’t have to be professional. Just willing. I waited until the last possible moment to make the most of my university experience. I wish I hadn’t, as it has influenced me in more ways than I can name. I’ve turned into a better writer, become more self-assured and I’ve made some of the best friende I think I’ll ever have. I reckon my main takeaway from my three years here is that it’s never too late to get involved and never too early to take your ideas seriously. You never know what taking an opportunity might lead to.

A date with Domingo: Dandyism and the Met Gala

HE first Monday in May marks fashion’s most anticipated night out of the year.

The Met Gala celebrates the Costume Institute’s Spring exhibition, with global stars parading the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in all their finery, having been handpicked by the notoriously cut-throat queen of fashion, Anna Wintour. This year’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, was inspired by Monica Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition examines the intersection of fashion with black history: the tension between politics and aesthetics in the use of fashion by Black men, and its subsequent potential to represent both “imposition and liberation”, as argued by Miller.

Regardless of whether a bejewelled ballgown sends you into overdrive or not, the Met Gala invites everyone to embrace their inner Devil Wears Prada for the night

Kizzy Rollings talks about her

and the dazzling ingenuity, celebrity run-ins with exes, and fashion faux pas send group chats into a frenzy the following morning. One particular standout this year was actor and 2025 co-chair, Colman Domingo, who graced the enchanted forest inspired carpet in not one, but two custom Valentino looks. Domingo told GQ: “I just like the idea of a bit more pomp and circumstance in the world. Our resistance is actually having beauty and love, and it’s got to be reflected in your clothing”. With regal composure, he posed in a pleated floor-length cape of royal blue, crowned with a sequinned bolero and adorned with teardrop jewellery courtesy of Boucheron and inspired by the Moors, such as Shakespeare’s Othello.

Domingo reflects on the meeting with Miller that confirmed blue as the obvious colour choice:

“And then she says, “You know what? One of the original dandies who was a freed slave, he said, ‘I can’t wait to save up to dance on my freedom

favourite Met Gala look

day in my finest blue superfine wool.’” I literally almost stumbled. I said, “He named a colour? That’s the colour I want to wear!”.” The blue cape is also a nod to the late Andre Leon Talley, the exceptional nonconformist who made history as the first Black, queer Creative Director at Vogue in 1988. Wintour says of the late Talley: “He understood that, especially as a Black man, what you wore told a story about you, about your history, about selfrespect. And so, for André, getting dressed was an act of autobiography, and also mischief and fantasy, and so much else at once.”

Domingo echoes these sentiments, having told GQ in the run-up to his

Heads Up: Frank’s Story

May 31st, 6PM at the Barnfield Theatre

“An electrifying mix of theatre, film, beatbox, and rap, Head’s Up: Frank’s Story is a bold coming-of-age adventure performed by a talented cast of young artists from refugee backgrounds. Expect comedy, courage, and a thrilling ride to The Island in this unforgettable new show.”

Golden Globes appearance in January: “I don’t just wear clothes, I wear stories”. Domingo’s masterful embrace of Black dandyism is sure to secure him a spot in the Met Gala lookbook of fame, and for all the right reasons.

What’s on in term 3?

Arts and Lit Editors’ culture picks for the summer

Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) June 3rd, 2.30PM and 7.30PM at the Northcott Theatre

“A unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.”

The Book Market June 8th, 11AM 4PM on Exeter Cathedral Green

“Exeter City of Litertature are back with their yearly book market. Join some of Devon’s best independent bookshops and local authors for an afternoon filled with literary activities, food and drink!”

Wild Opening July 26th at the RAMM

“This exhibition explores our relationship with the natural world and looks at how people across the globe are creating, rebuilding and repairing connections with nature. Will going ‘wild’ help us to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis? How do we care for things we can’t see?”

Tabatha Andrews: The Slightest Gesture Ends June 21st at Exeter Phoenix

“An exhibition of new sculpture and moving image works by artist Tabatha Andrews, who is known for making immersive sculptural installations that question our reliance on sight, drawing attention to nonverbal communication, touch, movement and listening.”

Term 3 University plays

Check the University theatre societies’ Instagrams for information about affordable and high-quality student plays and musicals in term 3.

Image: Heute.at

EDITORS:

Judy Dodd and Kayleigh Swart

Our favourite course reads

Arts + Lit writers discuss the best books they’ve read during their studies

UPON taking a Philosophy of Psychiatry module this year, one of the required readings particularly sparked my interest, presenting views I had never encountered before. The theory is critical of the discipline and practice of psychiatry and explains that mental illness does not exist on the premise that it has no basis in biological-pathological malfunction. Instead, Szasz claims that psychiatric patients are not mentally ill, but are facing ‘dissatisfactions with living’ instead. The book immediately caught my eye with its bold title claim, but the more I read on, the more interesting I found Szasz’s ideas. What became even more interesting to me was the fact that Thomas Szasz himself was a psychiatrist before publishing his philosophical writing, with a thorough credibility and understanding of how the system works. Many writers and philosophers have since responded to these ideas, with both appraisals and critiques emerging since its 1960 release. The module for which I read the book, and the essay that I wrote about it, have been my definite favourites this academic year, even though I did not expect to enjoy reading the theory and its background as much as I did at first.

AMagda Kanecka, Online International Editor

S an English student, you can bet I’ve had my fair share of novels, poetry and short stories to sink my teeth into over the years, as well as all the critical theories and academic musings that come with it. This year however, I’ve taken advantage of my year abroad in New Zealand by taking a course in Pacific literature, which led me to the discovery of Potiki. This short novel by Patricia Grace recounts the lived reality of Māori communities in the last few decades, and the cruel onslaught of political and psychological violence suffered at the hands of white New Zealand authorities and businessmen. It’s not all bleakness and woe, though, and Grace weaves a wonderful tale of kinship and community not only between people but also with the natural world, and all things past, present and future. Her writing style also reflects the slippery nature of memory and existence within a spiritual continuum which, while hard to get into at first, is the perfect way to capture and frame the stories within stories that the book narrates. Whether you’re interested in Pacific voices and stories or not, or simply want a taste of something new, or if you’re even just looking for a short story to get you out of a reading slump, I cannot recommend Potiki enough.

Emily Sara Rizzo, Online Arts +

FROM studying English, I could pick a hundred books I’ve read throughout my course to recommend to someone else. However, I normally pick popular novels that are pretty well established in the literary canon. So instead, I wanted to highlight one of the lesser-known texts that I’ve had the opportunity to study in the last three years. This is the Medieval poem St Erkenwald. This poem follows St Erkenwald as he finds a body that has remained perfectly intact inside its coffin. The body then begins to talk to them and tells them how he has been stuck in a limbo state. What is so great about the poem, is it addresses the false belief that the Medieval world was black and white, when in fact, many different groups and cultures interacted with each other. The Medieval people were also a lot smarter than we give them credit for now. However, what really stands out for me is the absurdity of the text. The story is definitely a strange one. A lot of Medieval literature is strange and a bit silly, which is what makes it so fun to read. Also, don’t be afraid of old English! Most Medieval texts (including this one) have modern day translations that are available online to read!

Kayleigh Swart, Arts + Lit Editor

TLit Editor

Northcott’s Romeo and Juliet cast announcment

Kayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor, shares the news of the latest Romeo and Juliet Production

HE Northcott theatre has always been a cultural hub for Exeter, many incredible shows and performances coming straight onto campus. Between student discounts and the wide selection of shows, Northcott has always been a great idea for an evening activity.

After the Covid pandemic, the Northcott company took a three-year break from creating and staging their own shows. Until last year, when they put on an original production called The Commotion Time (you can read our full review online). The show was a big success and very popular among students and locals alike. Now with their next show on the horizon, it is clear Northcott productions are back in full swing.

Romeo and Juliet is probably one of the most famous plays in the English language. It’s studied in almost every GCSE class and has been performed more times than can be counted. A common criticism that I hear in regards to Romeo and Juliet is that there is nothing new to be done with

it. However, I disagree. In fact, I think its popularity makes the play a perfect background for a director’s creative vision. Before we get onto that, I want to highlight some of the casting announcements. The main cast of the production has just been revealed. Five out of six of the main cast members were born, trained or based in the South West. Izzie Harding-Perrott is set to star as Romeo, alongside Madison Grace who will play the role of Juliet. In the Northcott’s previous production — The Commotion Time – the director (Martin Berry) spoke about the importance of using local talent to share Devon and South West stories. In this recent casting announcement, it is clear that those values have stayed the same and can be found in this new production too. Martin Berry is listed as the creative director of this production and it is clear he wants to continue to highlight local talent. In addition to the main cast, the ensemble is made up from young local dancers — for many of them this will be their first major theatre performance.

Now onto the production itself. This will be the first Northcott Shakespeare production in over a decade, but they are no stranger to the Bard’s plays. Northcott have staged various Shakespeare plays, starting in 1967. Between 1967 and 1979, Northcott put on one or two Shakespeare productions every year. The company also began the annual tradition of Shakespeare in Rougemont Gardens every summer since 1994. To look back to the idea I started to discuss above, the beauty of Romeo and Juliet is that you can do absolutely anything with it. As everyone knows the story there is less pressure to stick to an original or more faithful adaptation, which leaves a blank slate for the director to work with. While you never know what you’re fully geting into with a Shakespeare play, we can make some guesses about what this version is going to bring. Looking at the what we know, I think it is a safe guess to assume this is going to be a pop/ punk version of the play. The biggest giveaway is the soundtrack which is set to include

T90s hits by The Prodigy, Dr Dre, Chemical Brothers and Muse. Additionally, the ensemble is made up of dancers, so we can assume it is going to be a quite the musical affair. The show is running in Northcott from the 2nd to 12th July and tickets are currently on sale. Like all new Shakespeare productions, it’ll be exciting to see what direction the show goes in. Whatever way they chose, it is expected to be another hit for the Northcott theatre. To look forward, Northcott are already planning their next original production for the end of the year. The Show Exe Men is said to follow the story of the Exeter Chiefs. I think it is safe to say that Northcott productions are here to stay and I for one can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING WITH A SHAKESPEARE PLAY

International Booker Prize winner announced Kayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor, talks about the historic International Booker Prize win

HE International Booker Prize competition has just come to a conclusion for this year’s entries. The prize is awarded annually like the Booker Prize but has one key difference. This version of the award celebrates the best works of long-form fiction (or collections of short stories) that have been translated into English. It aims to recognise the work of translators and foreign language authors. This year’s winner was the book Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq. What makes this win so historic is that Mushtaq is the first

author writing in the Kannada language to win this prize. Additionally, the translator, Deepa Bhasthi, has become the first Indian translator to win this award.

MUSHTAQ IS THE FIRST AUTHOR WRITING IN THE KANNADA LANGUAGE TO WIN THIS PRIZE

The book, is a collection of short sto -

ries about the lives of women and girls living in southern India. It discusses the struggles these women face living in patriarchal communities while advocating for women’s rights. Fiammetta Rocco, administrator of the prize, describes the book as “speaking to our times, and to the ways in which many are silenced”. In addition to this, Max Porter, the Chair of Judges says the book “challenges and expands our understanding of translation”. In her acceptance speech, Mushtaq thanked readers, saying the book was

born from the belief that “no story is ever small”. She also reminds us of why literature is so important, as she says: “In a world that often tries to divide us, literature remains one of the last sacred spaces where we can live inside each other’s minds”.

CHALLENGES AND EXPANDS OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRANSLATION

The Myth of Mental Illness by Thomas Szasz

St Erkenwald

Image: Wikimedia commons

Potiki by Patricia Grace

Image: Flickr

MUSIC

Tropical vibes but not tropical guys

Harry Morrison, Music Editor, shares his opinions on northern Indie band Cassia

HAILING from Macclesfield in the north of England, Indie trio Cassia are a band to listen to this summer. Consisting of Rob Ellis on lead vocals and guitar, Lou Cotterill on bass and vocals, and Jacob Leff on drums and vocals, these boys certainly know what they are doing when it comes to chill music. Self-described as bringing "Tropical vibes but not Tropical guys," their music transports you across the world.

As the days get longer and the sun becomes an actual part of our day-to-day lives, I can’t help but want to listen to Cassia whilst the days are pleasant. Their uplifting tone is mirrored lyrically, stating that "Everyone feels alright, outside." This comes from their latest album titled Everyone, outside . The band know how their music transpires and have made it blatantly obvious in the title of their third studio album. Since the releases of Replica (2019) and Why You Lacking Energy? (2022), individually these albums differentiate themselves with varying genres, lyrical formats and instrumental styles. This new album

marks some of their best work yet but finds itself shying away from the "tropical vibes.’"

Some favourites of mine from this new album are ‘fractured,’ ‘obvious,’ ‘antidote,’ and ‘miles out.’ In my opinion, the band have steered away in recent years from the tropical vibes that were predominantly seen in their debut album Replica . They’re transitioning into

Ta modern Indie vibe, but still maintaining the structure of uniqueness. Nevertheless, their music continuously makes me feel tranquil, joyful and frankly speaking — on cloud nine. The story of how I came across Cassia is one I find both comical and strange. It was in the lockdown days of 2020, and I found myself, like many people across the globe, suf -

fering from extreme boredom. To cure this, I downloaded a truck simulator on my iPad (desperate times call for desperate measures). It so happens that this app had a live radio feature, and you can guess who was playing... Cassia. The unique tone to his voice, the flowing rhythm of the song, the groove of the instruments — this band was a gem and five years later I’m glad I found them.

After seeing them several times live, these boys know how to bring the tropical vibes whilst performing. Their latest tour sees the band performing in larger and further afield venues than they have ever performed. With venues becoming much bigger in the UK and Europe, the boys have also performed across the USA and Mexico for the first time, establishing a broader connection with fans from across the pond.

Do go and listen to them this summer. Maybe whilst you’re on a run, going for a walk, or waiting at the airport… you never know, some tropical vibes could change your life.

Oh, Peach Pit, Where Did the Hours Go?

Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor, discusses all things Peach Pit, including their latest tour in London.

HE sounds of their hit single 'Alrighty Aphrodite' echoed throughout the O2 Academy Brixton on the 11th April, on Peach Pit’s Magpie tour, my third time seeing the Canadian band live. The band, consisting of four members, began with high-school friends Neil Smith, the lead singer, and guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy. The pair were soon joined by bassist Peter Wilton and drummer Mikey Pascuzz, as the band we know and love today. In 2016, the band released their first EP, Sweet FA , prior to their release of their first album, and my personal favourite album, Being So Normal Each time I have seen Peach Pit perform live, there has been an undeniably positive atmosphere, where everyone seemed like old friends. Once the sun went down, we had a few pints of cider, and the support act started their set. The support was Briston Maroney, whose song, 'Freakin’ Out on the Interstate', lead himself to fame back in 2018, and has been the soundtrack to many summer adventures, and feels right at home in a comingof-age movie. Maroney was incredible, pleasing all the fans as his style was very similar to Peach Pit’s.

with lyrics "Oh Peach Pit, where did the hours go?" detailing a long summer spent with lovers passed, was the first song Neil played to Christopher over a campfire at a local music festival, after his first, and last, experience of MDMA, which ultimately lead to the formation of Peach Pit, a band

Lead singer Neil played one of their oldest and self-titled single 'Peach Pit', as a solo, whilst sitting on a wooden bar stool, with his acoustic guitar and a single spotlight. The song, a mellow tune

progressive nature and their welcoming vibe, fostering a safe space for anyone and everyone, through

their albums, live performances, and social media posts. A highlight of the show was the band’s cover of 'What Once Was' by Liverpool-based duo Her’s, who sadly passed away in 2019. The ode to the duo, whose lyrical style reflects peach Pit’s own, was such a heart-felt surprise, especially when mashed up with 'Techno Show', a single from their first album, and a fan favourite. This cover cements the band’s wholesome nature, recognising friends loved and lost, and playing tribute to a duo whose musical brilliance will go down in history. The concert was their best London performance yet, in my opinion, combining their new album Magpie for their newer fans, with their older hit singles, for older fans like me. My boyfriend, who is fairly new to Peach Pit, loved the concert, and as we boarded the bus back home, was already looking at their other tours. If you find yourself in the US or Canada this summer, you can catch the end of their Magpie tour and experience the magic for yourself!

I know and love today. This sweet memory encapsulates Peach Pit’s

Image: Peach Pit via Peachpitmusic.com

Image: Harry Morrison

EDITORS: Brooke Taylor and Harry Morrison

The Artist's Way: Doechii's story

Rosie Batsford explores Doechii's story to success and her documented YouTube series

DOECHII, a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Tampa, Florida, drew major attention on TikTok in 2020 with her single ‘Yucky Blucky Fruitcake’ from her debut project ‘Coven Music Session, Vol.1’. Fast forward to 2025, following the release of her latest album ‘Alligator Bites Don’t Heal’, she is a Grammy-winning artist and Billboard Music’s 2025 ‘Woman of the Year’. The big questions asked of all superstars are, ‘How did you get here? What was the process?’ For those desperate to know, Doechii has been refreshingly transparent. She has enthusiastically linked her success to Julia Cameron’s book, ‘The Artist’s Way’, for helping her overcome a creative block in late 2019. Over the course of 12 weeks, starting in January 2020, Doechii documented her ‘creative recovery’ through commitment to Cameron’s advice via a series of in-depth YouTube videos and daily writing practice. During this process, she learned to let go of perfectionism and allow creativity to flow freely to reach towards her full artistic potential.

Originally published in 1992, ‘The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity’, categorised under the Self-Help genre, focuses on building confidence through exploring creative thinking, talents, and pathways. It is designed to be more than just a workbook, but a way of accessing creative healing. The Artist’s Way emphasises two core practices:

“morning pages” (three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing done daily) and “artist dates” (solo, playful outings

Kmeant to refill the creative well). Doechii said she found the “morning pages” most helpful, as a means of healing past trauma and doubts to access her playful and uncensored ‘inner child’. This is Julia Cameron’s most well-known book, but she has written several other non-fiction titles, as well as musicals, novels, and plays. An author of many trades, teacher, poet, filmmaker, and journalist, to name just a few, Cameron is incredibly familiar with creative and artistic processes and their widespread uses. She has expressed a correlation between creative power and spiritual connection to God.

The multifaceted uses of creativity have certainly resonated with Doechii. She has described creativity as having “unlimited supply”, permeating into all aspects of life, including family and social dynamics. Embracing this has allowed her to be vulnerable and authentic in her creative output and performance, embracing bold and introspective lyricism. In interviews, she has emphasised the benefits of separating herself from her inner critic, which has enabled her to detach from a desire for approval or to be put in a box of a single identity or genre.

Agata Koralewska, Deputy Editor, investigates the controversy behind Irish hip hop trio Kneecap

NEECAP is an Irish hip hop trio that gained media recognition over their recent controversies. In one of their performances back in November 2023, their member stated that "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." Since then, the Irish group was a subject of heated debates, and their violent rhetoric has been questioned on numerous occasions. For example, in some of their music they reference drug use; hence they’ve been banned from the Irish public broadcaster RTE. They often address polemic topics - one of their videos was reviewed by counter-terror police, as they attempted to express their pro-Palestinian views by shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah."Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed as terrorist groups in the UK and according to the Section 12 of the Terrorim Act 200, expressing support for them is considered an offence. Kneecap defended itself by stating that they are a victim of a "co-ordinated smear campaign" aimed at them after addressing "the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people". “We do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history” they commented. As a result of this, their performance at the Eden Project at the end of April was cancelled.

Their actions sparked debates on what’s allowed to be said on stage and to what the limits of artistic expression are, to a point that the previous Conservative UK government blocked a grant dedicated for them. A spokesperson from the government stated that they wouldn’t encourage spending taxpayer’s money on a band that’s opposed to the United King-

Tdom and that freedom of speech should have its limits. However, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the government and made back roughly the same amount of money. The band itself does not identify as anti-British and Chara, member of the band, stated that "We have English family. We have loads of good friends who call themselves British. It's the British government we don't like." They explain that they treat their music like a form of protest and resistance against reality. However, their strong statement “Kill your local MP” has been met with protests for families of MPs that were brutally murdered – Sir David Ames and Jo Cox. The daughter of Conservative MP Sir David Amess asked that the group issues an official apology regarding their “dangerous, violet rhetoric.” The band defended itself on X by stating that their words were being taken out of context and that they were not a call to action in any way. Some consider that this was not enough of an apology. The existence of the band questions what the boundaries of expressing opinion on stage are, especially in such a problematic way. Some might argue that violence can be a path for change, others might consider it offensive and inappropriate. The fact remains that the Irish band continues to perform in their own, uncensored manner.

EUROVISION 2025

HE 69th Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Basel, Switzerland this year, with 37 countries participating. The UK’s annual contribution is the girl group Remember Monday, with the song “What the Hell Just Happened?”, which has received mostly positive reviews, and with all three members of the group originally starting out as West End performers, their stage presence is looking promising – catching the attention of many. An open letter has been signed by over 70 former Eurovision contestants to disqualify the Israeli contestant, Yuval Raphael, as well as for the Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, to be banned from livestreaming the contest following the nations conflict with Palestine. To this, the contestant has expressed that she herself has been affected by the conflict, and describes almost being shot at a music festival in October of 2023. So far, the country’s representative is still set to compete. Many have since questioned whether the song contest has become too politicised – previous entries have referenced political events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the

conflict in Gaza – with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision, banning Russia from participating in 2022. Besides this, Eurovision is still officially apolitical, and its participants can be fined for making political statements as per the contest’s code of conduct. Ultimately,

the contest remains an opportunity to showcase a country’s musical variety and achievements, with internal nationwide contests being hosted within each participating country before an official candidate is put forward.

Bookmakers have predicted Sweden to have the best odds and therefore the highest chance of winning. Close runners-up predict Austria in second place, and France in third as of the week of the final contest. According to YouTube views, however, whereas Sweden’s candidate, KAJ with “Bara Bara Bastu” is still in first place with 10 million views at the time of writing, Estonia’s Tommy Cash with “Espresso Macchiato” is in second place with 5.7 million views, and Poland’s Julia Steczkowska with “Gaja” in third place, with 5.4 million views. It will be interesting to see if the impact of political events, though indirect, will impact the final scores, as well as to see whether the preliminary predictions will be accurate. I look forward to seeing the UK’s West End performers shine on the main stage in Basel!

Image: jaswooduk viaWikimedia Commons

Image: Doechii via Capitol

Image: Freemalaysiatoday.com

Image: World Intelligence Report

The vampire legend reborn

Zandie Howells, Online Music Editor, reviews the new vampire, musical horror Sinners

SPOILERS AHEAD

RYAN Coogler’s latest film, Sinners , is absolutely brilliant. It’s an exceptional new twist on vampire legend, whilst further exposing the racial inequality and oppression of black people in 1930s Southern United States.

The film succeeds in every element it wants to highlight. The insight into and celebration of black culture and blues music is wonderful, and every character is treated with care so that you are rooting for them the whole way.

The use of vampires is clever, as it acts as a shocking metaphor for the KKK murdering innocent black people and destroying black culture simply because they are not one of them. The promise of free -

dom and becoming one liberated family if they submit to becoming a vampire is hideously ironic and highlights the racism of those white people at the time.

THE USE OF VAMPIRES IS CLEVER, AS IT ACTS AS A SHOCKING METAPHOR FOR THE KKK

Furthermore, Sinners is genuinely terrifying. The vampires act exactly as ruthless, blood-sucking beasts would, there is no remorse, no second thought, certainly no sympathy. Vampire lore is prominent throughout the use of garlic, not being allowed to enter until invited in etc. it is

all there, and I love those accurate details. Integrating folk song into their rituals to almost form them into a cult was a stroke of genius as it is so so creepy. The use of song in general is just fantastic. As mentioned previously, the blues music throughout is a joy and the singing elements fit perfectly. Michael B. Jordan shines in his dual role, but every actor and writer deserves their plaudits because this is a really well thought out story with reams of character depth.

So yes, I loved Sinners. The first trailer was terrible and shows none of the actual great substance of the film (which is most of it), so I implore you to ignore that and make sure you see this film because it is so worth a watch, it is excellent.

What time is it? Its summertime!

Screen Writers reveal their favourite summer time films

THE PARENT TRAP

NANCY Meyers’s The Parent Trap (1998) is the ultimate summer movie — a feel-good classic full of sunshine, mischief and nostalgia. The story follows Hal lie and Annie, identical twins (both played by Lin say Lohan) separated at birth, who by chance meet at summer camp and hatch a wild plan to reunite their divorced parents. The carefree nature of the camp scenes — bunk beds, pranks and adventure — encapsulates the essence of childhood summers. Alongside the fun, there is a lingering emotional warmth, blending themes of family and friendship with the magic of youth, where anything feels possible. The gold en Californian sunsets serve as a backdrop to the film’s final act, symbolising hope and new beginnings. Whether it’s your first watch or your fiftieth, The Parent Trap feels like a hug from your childhood, and its light-hearted tone creates a perfect reminder of summer’s simple joy.

Beth Donovan

MAMMA MIA

While summer isn’t traditionally the season to cosy up to a film, the hot weather doesn’t mean you have to wait until the cold to enjoy a movie night. In fact, I think some films are exclusively meant to be watched during the summer months. So, swap out those hot drinks for an iced beverage and turn on quite possibly the best summer films of all time Mamma Mia! While you might not be able to party on a Greek island, you can certainly pretend during the duration of the film. The best part of this film has to be the soundtrack. Made entirely from Abba songs, even if you’ve never seen the movie before, you’ll be singing along the whole time. The film is funny, heartwarming and a perfect way to spend a summer evening.

THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY

BKayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor

ASED on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller of the same name, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) features manipulation, murder, and mystery during a dazzling Italian summer. From Venice to the Amalfi Coast, in jazz bars and boats, Tom Ripley escapes America and experiences the picturesque, carefree Mediterranean life he always longed for. However, with Mr. Ripley as our increasingly unreliable narrator, the long summer shadows give way to spirals of deceit, obsession, and crime. Twisted and disturbing lengths are taken to keep the blissful summer going for as long as possible. Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a marker of freedom and power. This film is nothing short of iconic. If you feel you have seen it plenty of times (is there such a thing?), try watching the Netflix limited series adaptation (2024) featuring Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. The Talented Mr. Ripley has also served as partial inspiration for more recent hits, including Saltburn (2023), which is well worth a watch.

We asked our editors to suggest films that encapsulate the post-exam experience

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor

Moulin Rouge! (2001) Rosie Peters-McDonald, Deputy Editor Arrival (2016)

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief

Back to the Future (1985)

Charlie McCormack, Screen Editor

Dune: Part 2 (2024)

Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief

D.E.B.S (2004)

Rosie Batsford

Image: Joan Hernandez Mir, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Bruno Rijsman Wikimedia Commons

Image: Lesserkierstenmauritania, Printerval (cropped)

Image: Pexels

Enjoy your stay at the White Lotus

Pollyanna Roberts, Screen Editor, discusses this outrageous and beloved series

SPOILERS AHEAD

IT has been four years since we were first invited to stay at The White Lotus. This iconic TV show was created by Mike White and follows the guests of various branches of the luxury hotel chain ‘The White Lotus’. Each hotel is in a gorgeous location, and viewers get to travel all around the globe. Season one took us to Hawaii, season two to Sicily and the most recent season, whose finale aired only last month, took us to Thailand.

The White Lotus introduces a new ensemble cast in every season; each character is fresh, exciting and unexpected — with greying morals throughout. However, White has some characters reoccur in multiple seasons, such as Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya and Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda. The hotel guests are predominately of the upper class and uber wealthy, the White Lotus is meant to represent the prestigious Four Seasons after all, and, as a result, they are awfully snobbish and privileged. The other characters, mainly the resort staff members, are much more mellow — at least at first.

The first season of The White Lotus is set in Hawaii, and the hotel manager Armond is a recovering drug addict who swiftly falls off the wagon, as he is tormented by his horrendous guests. Connie Britton and Steve Zahn shine in their roles as

CFO wife and paranoid husband, with two ungrateful teenagers that detest one another. Their comedic timing is unmatched and the blindness to their privilege is in equal parts shocking and hilarious. Belinda and Tanya form a short-lived friendship that leaves one side with singed fingers. The way the tension builds throughout the season is captivating only to be released in the finale with a crescendo of betrayal, defecation and death. I finished season one believing it to be the best series I’d seen in a while…and then I started season two. Set in gorgeous Sicily, with breathtaking views, I knew I was in for a treat. The friendship between the two couples, Harper and Ethan, and Cameron and Daphne, was my favourite aspect of the season. Hidden by seemingly perfect smiles, Daphne’s buried sadness occasionally resurfaces, while her husband repeatedly cheats on her. Harper and Ethan’s relationship is tested by the growing distance between them, and the reality of their incompatibility settles in. Tanya is back, with her new husband Greg, who is cold

and volatile. Alongside Tanya, we meet her new PA, Portia. Young and inexperienced, she is one of the more relatable characters in the show. We know what it’s like to choose the risky but exciting option and then get stung. Now onto the most recent season, where old faces return and new ones get introduced. Set in the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, we explore the intricate relations and struggles of the uber wealthy once again. This ensemble cast was outrageously funny and entertaining, especially the Ratcliff family. Honestly it was difficult to watch Tim Ratcliff plunge into anxious turmoil, while Victoria Ratcliff worried about her missing lorazepam (yes, read it in her North Carolina accent). The children were also a joy to observe, even if Saxon and Lochlan maybe got a bit too close. The dark comedic moment of Tim interviewing his family about whether they need money to live, to only reveal when Lochlan was about to die that money really isn’t everything, was an entertaining but unsettling turn of events. Tim’s revelation on the boat home, with

Reflecting on Dune: Prophecy

Ithe crashing waves beneath him is a metaphor for his newfound freedom from corporate chains. Aimee Lou Wood shone as Chelsea, partner to the gruff and unfriendly Rick, struggling with his own family trauma. Rick, with a special appearance from Sam Rockwell, attempts to avenge the death of his supposed father, with a completely unrehearsed plan of action. Safe to say, it went catastrophically wrong. The three lifelong friends reunited was also a favourite story line of mine, and it perfectly encapsulated the cattiness of frenemies. The constant subtle microaggressions and digs between the three was cringe-worthy but intriguing. However, I felt Laurie’s speech at the end, while touching, did dimmish her worth as a friend and a character. The overall ending of the third season was an explosion of crazy chaos. Between its larger-than-life, privileged characters and intimate, or borderline incestuous, relationships, and its absolutely addictive theme music and beautiful location shots, this sultry, seductive and outrageous show has repeatedly captivated viewers. I’m sure everyone will want to check in at The White Lotus. Bring on season four!

THIS SULTRY, SEDUCTIVE AND OUTRAGEOUS SHOW HAS REPEATEDLY CAPTIVATED VIEWERS

Charlie McCormack, Screen Editor, reflects on season one of the sci-fi drama as season two’s filming date is revealed

T is no secret to those who know me that I’m a Dune fan. I recently finished reading Dune Messiah, which beautifully follows on from the first Dune novel as another piece ripe with political and philosophical intrigue. Dune: Prophecy, set 10,000 years before the events of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films and the rise of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), follows the formative years of the Bene Gesserit order as they seek to grow their influence and consolidate their power. Basically, it’s Game of Thrones in space. The trouble is, at least for me, the show isn’t quite as clever as it thinks it is.

AS new Marvel blockbuster Thunderbolts* hit the cinemas on the 1st May, the question on everybody’s mind is “Is Marvel back?” After the success of Endgame, the franchise has experienced mostly lows, with mini-series and movies considered let-downs to the once superior superhero saga. Thunderbolts* explores anti-hero side characters as they join forces to take on new villain, Valentina, the head of the CIA who is under scrutiny for problematic decision making and dangerous projects, with Yelena, played by Florence Pugh, as the central character, voice of reason, and de-facto leader of the misfit group.

Pugh is arguably the standout, portraying Yelena’s grief of losing her sister with depth, whilst showing how working repeatedly for Valentina as part of the “clean-up crew” is leading to Yelena’s vulnerability in her tough, assassin exterior. Her character is one of many in the film to engage with issues of mental health, and the taxation that high-stakes jobs, and traumatic childhood

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fun watch. Emily Watson and Olivia Williams do some heavy lifting with their performances as the Harkonnen sisters. They help elevate the intrigue and tension of dialogue which is just a hair less subtle than it needs be. Part of the joy of the Dune books are the clashing political intents, feints and linguistic manoeuvres that make every conversation into a multi-layered sparring match of intellect and deception. The Game of Thrones show managed (up until the last seasons...) to translate this aspect of its respective novels onto the screen.

Dune: Prophecy does have these moments,

upbringing has taken from her. Pugh herself said in an interview that the film takes inspiration from the trendy indie characteristics from A24 films, such as Pugh’s breakthrough film Midsommar, arguably seen through the nuances in each character and their more edgy personalities and the mature approach to themes of depression and grief. This approach that Marvel is taking to the Thunderbolts* is significant, as previously the franchise has been quick to bypass mental health issues, avoiding discussion of the losses and suffering the heroes endure. This is a fresh and healthy approach to the discourse surrounding superheroes — that they can’t do it all, especially without the burden of mental health issues which would realistically follow the horrors they endure. The metaphor through which the movie deals with the mental health issues of all the characters is both accessible for all audiences yet powerful, much like the messages which follow through to the denouement surrounding found family and vocalising

but as the show goes on you come to understand the biggest deception at play is no lie told by a character, but the lie the script presents that it has something new up its sleeve. A strong start is scuppered somewhat as the show becomes unexpectedly predictable, and I found myself watching it somewhat on autopilot by the last few episodes.

I FOUND MYSELF WATCHING IT SOMEWHAT ON AUTOPILOT BY THE LAST FEW EPISODES

suffering. The film grapples with addiction, depression and anxiety as all-consuming, with Lewis Pullman’s characterisation of Bob urging the audience to treat each member of the Thunderbolts with sympathy. Critics have put forward that Marvel had a much clearer, coherent vision for Thunderbolts* than their other recent projects, and by bringing together side characters from these ”flops”, they have created a SuicideSquad-like found family — dysfunctional yet with great chemistry between the ac-

As a fan of the books I found myself satisfied simply by the strong visuals and expansive worldbuilding of the origins of one of the most important political orders of the series. Yet, as a fan of the books I also was dissapointed by the dragging plotlines and somewhat wooden performance from the younger members of the Bene Gesserit order. I find myself wondering then, who is this series for? Hopefully the second season ramps up the intrigue a little, the show certainly has a lot of potential.

tors. The film is laced with dynamic, wellchoreographed action scenes, funny jokes, quick humour and comedic relief from David Harbour’s ‘Red Guardian’. Despite perhaps too much exposition, too much “tell” rather than “show”, and a lack of screen time for Sebastian Stan, Thunderbolts* is making people excited about Marvel again. This could be due to the more edgy-A24 style cinematography, or the found family trope which rings bells of early scenes of Avengers and the ragtag Guardians of the Galaxy; or ultimately is it Bucky Barnes back on a motorcycle? Thunderbolts* is arguably worth the hype, and people should be feeling excited about Marvel again.

Image: Simone Rossi, Digital-News.it

Image: lospaziobianco.it

E x etera Exetera...

Let’s Talk About It...

Nicole Cracknell discusses loneliness studying abroad

MOVING abroad for the first time can be daunting. Before you leave, you are told by almost everyone that your year abroad will be the time of your life. Whilst it is true that there are moments where you feel like you are dreaming, there is another side to the year abroad that is often not talked about. Loneliness.

In September, I moved to Nantes, a vibrant city in the West of France, to study at the University there. This city would become my home for the next nine months. Having only been to Disneyland Paris when I was four, France was new territory to me! I was extremely nervous but excited to experience firsthand the culture I had been learning so much about. Little did I realise just how wild a ride I was in for. University in France was initially very intense and different from what I was used to. Despite meeting so many new people, making connections that go beyond surface level proved to be a struggle. As the only student from the University of Exeter in Nantes, the move felt like an immense adjustment to go through alone.

The truth is that I found myself desperately missing the warmth and comfort of my friendships and life in Exeter that I had become accustomed to over the last two years. “How are you finding life in Nantes?” A complex (and frequent) question to which the answer I heard around me was often positive. Talking to other international students, I found that it was not until I mentioned that I felt lonely and homesick that others started to open up about experiencing similar feelings. It seems that we were all trying to get by and fit the image of the perfect year abroad.

IArriving home for Christmas felt like a dream; the smallest familiarities became the biggest reliefs. Who would have thought that “please mind the gap” at the train station would have my eyes almost welling with tears?

Along with the sense of relief from the homesickness I had been feeling, soon came the very fragile feeling of knowing I would have to return to Nantes. I realised that what I needed the most was to be honest with my family and friends about just how much I had been struggling.

After opening up, I went back to Nantes holding the comfort and reassurance of all those close to me and feeling infinitely more capable of tackling the rest of the year. For anyone who might find themselves feeling lonely on their year abroad or international studies, don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you. Communities of international students, such as ESN (Erasmus Student Network), can offer the comfort of potential friends and shared experiences. Exeter is also here to help. Be it with mental health or academic struggles, you can always reach out to your tutor or the Outbound team for support. I felt great relief from both ESN, who brought me dear friends, and my academic coordinator, who supported me with my educational struggles. Living in another country is a big achievement, and you should be very proud of yourself. There is no shame if you do feel lonely or homesick, and you do not need to go through this struggle alone.

Exeposé

F exam season has been as stressful for you as it has for me, you likely don’t want to hear anything about exams, assignments or even just degrees. However, that isn’t how archival research works!

As exam season comes to an end in Exeter, we look back on past controversies. In 2017, Exeposé reported on an investigation launched after a maths lecturer emailed some third year students with details about a May exam without making the information clearly available for all.

Exeposé editor Owain Evans reported on complaints registered by students after the exam on the lack of clear and consistant communication from the department. Students spoke to Exeposé on their concerns that the exam wasn’t fair and their

Recipe: Pistachio Cake

DUBAI chocolate has flooded TikTok and Instagram and brands have quickly jumped on the trend, promoting their products and starting to sell modified versions of it by combining everything imaginable with pistachios. The origins of the chocolate bar can be traced back to 2021 when Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian citizen of Dubai, gave in to her sudden pregnancy craving and decided to combine chocolate with a creamy pistachio filling and knafeh Middle Eastern pastry made from shredded filo. Considering the popularity of the chocolate bar and the skyrocket ing prices of the popular des why not try to make a similar delicacy at home? This fluffy, light cake is a perfect combina tion of healthy and sweet, as it puts pista chio cream to gether with fresh raspberries. It has the power to amaze any guests that come to your garden party when you cel ebrate the awaited end of your May exams.

Step 1:

one tsp of vanilla extract and carefully fold in the dry ingredients to thicken the mixture.

Step 3:

Prepare a round cake tin and butter it so that the cake will not stick to it. Bake it for 40 minutes. You can check if it’s ready by poking it with a skewer.

Step 4:

In the meantime, start to prepare the icing. Sift 100g of icing sugar into a bowl and mix it with 250g of mascarpone, 200ml of double cream and 100g of pistachio paste. Mix it until the cream becomes smooth and chill it in

Cut the cooled cake in half and put er on a plate. chio cream on top and top it berries. Add the other sponge half on top and spread the rest of the cream on it. You can decorate the cake with more raspberries or even add some melted chocolate to add some additional flavour to it.

Grind 150g of pistachio in a food processor. If you don’t own one, you can always crush them into smaller pieces with a knife.

Step 2:

Mix the nuts in a bowl with 80g of plain flour, one tsp of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Beat 250g of butter and 225g of caster sugar in a separate bowl and continue to mix until it becomes fluffy. Add four eggs one by one and continue mixing until everything is well combined, then add

archives: 2017 Exam scandal

grades may be impacted, whilst the department launched an investigation into what went wrong an how to make exams fairer.

Whislt university-wide scandals over exams are rare, many students are familiar with concerns over marking, exam fairness and appeals. Last term, Exeposé reported on fears that students were being unfairly impacted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) rules. With fears over cheating exacerbated by AI, its clear that its becoming harder to regulate exams and assignments, and ensure its fair for all involved.

The 2017 scandal is a reminder to be vigilent and appeal when there are concerns over exam ineqaulity, and it also demonstrates the importance of student journalism in raising student voic -

es and holding institutions to account. For all of those poor students who still have exams (laughing in humanities student), good luck, you’ve got this!

Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief

Agata Koralewska, Deputy Editor

Images: Amy Rushton

Image: Exeposé

Image: Andy Li, Wikimedia Commons

STUDY BREAK

CROSSWORD

Across 1/3 6 (4-1-5)

9 Nationalist — flag-waver (7)

10 Commencement - stone (anagram) (5)

11 2 (4)

12 Lorchas (anagram) — person of letters (7)

14 Fertilising flower powder (6)

15 Difficult (situation, say) (6)

18 Boat race meeting (7)

20 1 of 5 (4)

22 Set of 20 (5)

24 Acrobatic swing (7)

25 European country, capital Stockholm (6)

26 Undulation — breaker — roller (4)

ANSWERS

Down

1 Aspiration (4)

2 Drop (3,4)

4 Loathe — hate (6)

5 Rowdy and unruly place (informal) (3)

6 Of the nose (5)

7 Most ferocious (8)

8 Robust (6)

13 Group of assassins (slang) (3,5)

14 Manner of expression — shaper (anagram) (6)

16 Hire Mac (anagram) — a wildly unrealistic dream (7)

17 Fight (6)

19 12 12s (5)

21 In this place (4)

23 Day before a festival (3)

SUDOKU

TRIVIA CORNER

IN THE SIMPSONS ’ VERSION OF MONOPOLY, WHOSE HOUSE OCCUPIES THE MAYFAIR SPACE?

Across:

Half-a-dozen, 9 Patriot, 10 Onset, 11 Pair, 12

Scholar,

Pollen, 15 Sticky, 18 Regatta, 20 Quin, 22 Score, 24 Trapeze, 25 Sweden, 26 Wave.

Nasal, 7 Fiercest,

squad,

Battle, 19

International

Presidential aircraft controversy: Qatar’s offer to US

Sanjiti Banerjee covers the latest aviation news

THE Qatari government has proposed transferring an opulent Boeing 747-8 to serve as a replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet, sparking significant debate across the political spectrum. The proposal comes as the current presidential aircraft face increasing maintenance needs while Boeing’s previously commissioned replacements remain years from delivery.

The administration has signalled openness to accepting what President Trump characterized as a generous gesture from Qatar during a May 12 press briefing. “We’d be foolish to decline such an offer,” Trump suggested to reporters at the White House.

The proposal has generated opposition from many. Legal experts question the propriety of such an arrangement. A Georgetown University legal scholar noted that while technically the aircraft would belong to the government rather than the president personally, ethical concerns remain, particularly regarding potential post-presidency usage.

Security specialists highlight practical challenges beyond ethical considerations. The process of converting a foreign commercial aircraft for presidential use presents substantial technical hurdles. Presidential aircraft require sophisticated communications systems, defensive capabilities, and nuclear attack resilience features

that would necessitate extensive modifications.

Aviation analysts estimate that properly retrofitting such an aircraft could require up to 24 months — potentially extending beyond Trump’s term — and involve considerable taxpayer expense. One aircraft expert cautioned that inadequate security implementation could create vulnerability to intelligence operations by foreign powers.

Some observers, including staunch right-wing supporters of Trump himself, suggest the president’s enthusiasm reflects aesthetic preferences rather than operational priorities. Critics point to Trump’s well-documented appreciation for luxury appointments and impressive visual statements.

The Boeing 747 in question has reportedly been transformed into a lavishly appointed aircraft far exceeding standard commercial configurations, though its current features fall short of the specialized security and communications systems required for presidential transport.

As debate continues, questions persist regarding whether accepting such substantial assistance from a foreign government adheres to established ethics guidelines, and whether the extensive modifications required ultimately justify the arrangement.

BINTERNATIONAL

EDITOR: Henry Anderson

Jed H. Gibbins

US and Saudi arms deal

Magdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor, discusses the intricacies of the new deal

THE United States recently signed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, with Washington rapidly labelling it the “largest defence sales agreement in history”. Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump met in Riyadh on May 13, prompted by the US’s goal of driving up economic investment.

The President further pledged to lift US sanctions on Syria, upon plans to meet with the Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose forces were previously involved in overthrowing the Assad regime in 2024. Donald Trump has stated that his annulment of the sanctions on Syrian oil and reconstruction plans will give the nation an overall “chance at greatness”.

Furthermore, the deal involves more than a dozen US defence companies in areas such as air and missile defence, air force and space advancement, maritime security and communications. The fact sheet further stated that the deal is “a clear demonstration of [the US’s] commitment to strengthening [the] partnership”.

Questions of legitimacy have arisen around the deals. Saudi Arabia is the largest customer of US arms, and Trump proposed over $110 billion worth of sales to the country during his first presidential term in 2017. Additionally, Congress has previously launched an investigation concerning the 2018 mur-

der of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed by agents of the Saudi government in Turkey. It has been speculated that Donald Trump’s family holds significant business interests in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, justifying the deals in the Middle Eastern nations but consequently questioning their legitimacy. Furthermore, in return for said business investments and arms sales, the ruling family of Qatar has gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be converted into a Presidential plane, which Trump accepted on the claim that it would “replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, in a very public and transparent transaction”. Trump has since defended the Middle Eastern transactions and stated that the Democratic party’s demands for an ethics investigation make them “World Class Losers”. Yet another controversy regarding the deal concerned the US’s lack of clarity regarding moving forward with the Saudi purchases of weapons, which could be utilised against US ally Israel. The agreement has been said to threaten the “qualitative edge” of advanced weaponry maintained by Israel, but legitimate concerns ultimately grow over how Israel will utilise the said arms in the current conflict with Gaza.

The return of the Anglophone left: An anti-Trump backlash?

Chalie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, discusses the implications of recent global elections

Y the end of 2024, it appeared that the political right was the dominant force in Anglophone nations. Trump and a Republican trifecta ruled supreme in the US with Reform on the rise in the UK along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand having right-wing governments or poised to elect them in the next few months. However, this unstoppable march appears to be halted in their tracks, as seen in Canada and Australia.

The Canadian Liberals appeared to be set for a wipeout under long-time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A mixture of scandals and the appearance of stagnation across Canadian society seemed to ensure the ouster of the Liberals after 10 years in government and the election of Conservative Pierre Poilievre with over 200 seats of the 343 on offer. This outcome appeared even more definite after Trudeau was forced to resign after his Finance Minister – Chrystia Freeland –declared she does not have confidence in him. However, in a startling comeback, Trudeau was replaced by former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney who was able to al -

most secure a majority in his own right, despite not even being an MP at the time.

On the other side of the world, Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared to be struggling against his Liberal opponent Petter Dutton. However, after a confident and smooth election campaign, Albanese didn’t only beat the Liberals but with one of Australia’s largest post-war majorities. At the time of writing, 93 Labor MPs have been elected out of 160, almost 60 per cent of the total. What caused such a sudden left-wing revival? The most common theme appears to be the second presidency of Donald Trump. Canada has faced the brunt of Trump’s outbursts as they have been especially threatened by his trade war along with repeated threats (or arguably jokes) of coopting Canada as the ‘51st state’. Carney was able to harness public anger to gather the highest percentage of the vote in decades.

Meanwhile, Albanese was able to cast Dutton as a Trump-lite figure who would implement policies and rhetoric similar to the American president, a reality the Australian public turned

their back on. In both countries, the main leftwing parties won at the cost of smaller, ideologically aligned parties. The Canadian New Democratic Party (NDP) which had propped up the Liberal minority government since 2021 collapsed from 25 seats to seven now while the Australian Greens fell from four seats to just one. It will remain to be seen if these are isolated cases or a sign of a renewal of liber-left govern -

ance around the world. More recently, the centrist Mayor of Budapest Nicusor Dan won over his nationalist right-wing opponent, although the Portuguese far-right party Chega almost won second place over the country’s traditional socialist party. The next major global electoral contest coming up will be the second round of Poland’s presidential election on the 1st June.

The beauty of working abroad

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief, discusses

the perks of conducting a work placement in a foreign country

LAST year was easily the best year of my life as I had the opportunity to live and work abroad in Madrid. Not only did it become my favourite city on Earth, convincing me that I do in fact need to spend my life there, I also gained valuable skills regarding working and navigating the bureaucracy of another country. The challenge initially came from having to use my second language of Spanish to obtain the correct documents so I could actually begin working. It meant that I hardly had time to be nervous before my actual work placement because I was preoccupied with navigating a post-Brexit world.

This is definitely one benefit of working abroad in a country where English isn’t the first language — you are thrown into the deep end and this means you accustom to new traditions, a new language and a new job all at the same time. Also, the joy of making friends from all

over the world is an absolute blessing. Not only do you learn invaluable lessons, recipes, songs, trends and much more from them, but it also helps you feel at home in the diversity of it all. When you are not the only foreigner in a place, you don’t feel like you stand out so much and it’s easy to settle in to your job. As Paddington Bear once said: “Everyone in London is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” Luckily, this is applicable to so many places around the world and working in a foreign country will feel like a dream before long.

Also, it’s important to note that working abroad looks fantastic on your CV because it separates you from those who haven’t dared to branch out any further afield. I remember attending a job interview in the UK when I moved back and I found that the interviewers were incredibly interested in talking more about

my year abroad than anything else. It gave me a good way to show off my personality given I had thoroughly enjoyed my year in Madrid.

Above all, aside from the job, living abroad gives you the chance to reinvent yourself in any way you want. Taking on new hobbies, changing your look, whatever it may be, it’s more possible when you are away from the hustle and bustle of Exeter.

My advice remains the same as it did at the start of the year when I wrote an International article on this (with the same image!): throw yourself out there and don’t be afraid to say yes to new and (sometimes frightening) challenges. Do it confident, do it unsure, do it scared. You never know the possibilities that are out there personally and professionally for you if you just take away the need for “What if...?”

MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE

Le 1er mai en France

Ella-Jade Smith, Rédactrice de Sci-Tech, discute comment la France reconnaît la lutte pour les droits des ouvriers le 1er mai

ALORS que les fleurs de muguet sont souvent associées à la pureté ou à l’innocence, en France, leur symbolisme revêt une signification unique et puissante. Le 1er mai en France est plus qu’un simple jour, c’est à la fois un jour férié national et une expression profondément enracinée de la solidarité, des droits des travailleurs et de la tradition. Connue sous le nom de « Fête du travail », cette date rassemble les protestations politiques, le repos pacifique et la célébration florale d’une manière typiquement française. Comme de nombreux pays dans le monde, la France célèbre le 1er mai comme la Journée Internationale des Travailleurs. Commémorant les luttes du mouvement ouvrier, c’est le seul jour de l’année où les employeurs français sont légalement tenus d’accorder un congé payé à leurs employés. Enracinée dans le mouvement ouvrier américain et la lutte pour la journée de travail de huit heures, cette date est devenue un symbole mondial après l’affaire Haymarket à Chicago en 1886. La France a officiellement adopté ce jour férié en 1919 et, depuis lors, il est devenu un puissant symbole de justice sociale et de droits collectifs.

Chaque année, les syndicats, les partis politiques et les groupes d’activistes descendent dans la rue pour défiler et manifester, exprimant leurs préoccupations concernant les conditions de travail, les inégalités sociales, les réformes des retraites et d’autres questions politiques plus générales. Ces défilés, impératifs pour les célébrations du 1er mai dans les villes françaises, reflètent souvent les tensions sociales et politiques du moment. Des pancartes aux drapeaux, en passant par les chants et les discours des citoyens, cette journée est l’occasion pour les travailleurs de faire entendre leur voix. Mais à côté de ces actes de protestation et

d’expression politique, le 1er mai est aussi une journée marquée par une tradition plus délicate et parfumée, le don du muguet. Cette petite fleur en forme de cloche est devenue l’emblème de la fête, offerte entre amis, familles, amoureux, et parfois même par des inconnus, en gage de chance et de bonheur. La coutume remonte à la Renaissance française. On raconte que le 1er mai 1561, le roi Charles IX reçut un brin de muguet en guise de porte-bonheur. Enchanté par ce geste, il décida d’offrir cette fleur aux dames de la cour chaque printemps. Cette tradition a perduré, puis a été reprise et popularisée au début du XXe siècle. Les maisons de couture et les artistes français ont commencé à vendre du muguet le 1er mai, l’une des rares ventes autorisées sans permis de vente. À condition que les fleurs soient cueillies à la main et vendues en dehors des fleuristes, n’importe qui est légalement autorisé à vendre du muguet dans les rues le 1er mai. Cette association de la protestation et de la fleur incarne l’esprit français, alliant résistance et romantisme. Le 1er mai marque chaque année un moment où le pays s’arrête pour réfléchir à la dignité des travailleurs et au progrès social, tout en s’engageant dans un geste séculaire d’entraide et de bonne volonté. À bien des égards, le muguet adoucit l’arête vive de l’agitation politique, offrant un symbole d’espoir et de renouveau. Qu’il soit épinglé au revers d’une veste lors d’une marche ou remis délicatement à un être cher, le muguet du 1er mai est plus qu’une jolie fleur. C’est un rappel discret mais durable de la double nature de l’humanité, de notre lutte pour la justice et de notre désir de paix. En France, où les traditions culturelles s’entrecroisent souvent avec la critique sociale, le 1er mai reste un rappel puissant que le changement et la compassion peuvent fleurir, et fleurissent souvent, côte à côte.

May 1st in France

Ella-Jade Smith, Sci-Tech Editor, discusses how France recognises the fight for workers’ rights on the 1st May

WHILE lily of the valley flowers are often associated with purity or innocence, in France, their symbolism takes on a unique and powerful meaning. May 1st in France is more than just a day, it is both a national public holiday and a deeply rooted expression of solidarity, workers’ rights, and tradition. Known as La Fête du Travail, or French Labour Day, this date brings together political protest, peaceful rest, and floral celebration in a way that is distinctively French.

Like many countries around the world, France observes May 1st as International Workers’ Day. Commemorating the struggles of the labour movement, it is the only day of the year on which French employers are legally obliged to give their employees a paid holiday. Rooted in the American labour movement and the fight for the eight-hour workday, the date became globally symbolic after the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago. France officially adopted the holiday in 1919, and since then, it has become a powerful symbol of social justice and collective rights.

COMMEMORATING THE STRUGGLES OF THE LABOR MOVEMENT

Each year, trade unions, political parties, and activist groups take to the streets in marches and demonstrations, voicing concerns over workers’ conditions, social inequality, pension reforms, and broader political issues. These marches, imperative to May Day celebrations in French cities, often reflect the social and political tensions relevant at the time. From placards to flags, with the chants and speeches of citizens, the day provides an opportunity for workers to make their voices heard.

But alongside these acts of protest and political expression, May 1st is also a day marked by a more delicate, fragrant tradition, the gifting of muguet, or lily of the valley. This small,

bell-shaped flower has become an emblem of the holiday, offered between friends, families, lovers, and sometimes even by strangers as a token of good luck and happiness. The custom dates back to the French Renaissance. It is said that on May 1st, 1561, King Charles IX was presented with a sprig of lily of the valley as a good luck charm. Delighted by the gesture, he decided to give the flower to the ladies of the court every spring. This tradition endured and was later revived, becoming more popularised in the early 20th century. French fashion houses and artists began to sell muguet on May Day, one of the few sales permitted without requiring a vending permit. Providing the flowers are handpicked and sold away from florists, anyone is legally allowed to sell lily of the valley in the streets on May 1st. This pairing of protest and flower epitomises the French spirit, combining resistance with romance. May 1st marks a moment each year when the country pauses to reflect on workers’ dignity and social progress, while also engaging in a centuries-old gesture of mutual care and goodwill. In many ways, the lily of the valley softens the sharp edge of political unrest, offering a symbol of hope and renewal.

PAIRING OF PROTEST AND FLOWER EPITOMISES FRENCH SPIRIT

Whether pinned to a lapel at a march or handed gently to a loved one, le muguet du 1er mai is more than a pretty bloom. It is a quiet but enduring reminder of the dual nature of humanity, and our simultaneous fight for justice and wish for peace. In France, where cultural traditions often intersect with social critique, May Day remains a powerful reminder that change and compassion can, and often do, bloom side by side.

Image: Cancillería del Ecuador, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Sergeant Matt Hecht, rawpixel

Image: Eugenia, via Pexels

Image: Gracie Moore

Sci-Tech

What does the Iberian blackout say about renewable energy?

Gracie Moore,

Editor-in-Chief,

analyses the stability of solar and wind power

ON the 28th April, large parts of Spain and Portugal were plunged into darkness, trains were stranded, phone coverage failed and ATMs stopped working as the electricity blackout across the Iberian peninsula swept through, leaving citizens out of work and unable to use public transport or even connect to the internet. It is believed to be the worst blackout in European history.

While the power was restored by the next morning, an investigation was soon launched into the effects on the nation as well as the initial causes.

Last week, Spain's energy minister, Sara Aagesen, said so far it was clear that an abrupt loss of power at a substation in Granada, followed by failures in Badajoz and Seville, led to a loss of 2.2 gigawatts of electricity, but that the precise cause was unknown.

Despite this still being the case, many have turned the blame on Spain's high reliance on renewable energy — particularly in the way of wind and solar power. This has subsequently reignited debates over plans to phase out nuclear power by 2035.

At the moment, the question still reamins: are renewables to blame for this blackout? Spain is one of the leaders in Europe's green energy transition and still maintains ambitious targets for renewables to provide 81 per cent of its electricity by 2030. Last year, renewables accounted for a record 56 per cent of the country's electricity and solar capacity grew at almost twice the European rate. In fact, shortly before the blackout, renewables accounted for around 70 per cent of Spain's electricity production, mostly from solar.

It is these statistics that have been harnessed by members of the opposition party and nuclear advocates to suggest that overreliance on renewables was at fault. Both the Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchéz, and the country's grid operator Red Electrica de España have disputed this.

Wind and solar power are heavily reliant on weather whereas nuclear can provide a relatively baseload power. On this, Sanchéz has said that there is no evidence to suggest that more nuclear energy would have prevented the events of the 28th April.

Rutger Schlatmann, head of so-

lar energy at Helmholtz Zentrum, an energy research centre in Berlin, has said that using the event to speculate against solar energy is more of a political tactic than factually-based.

Schlatmann also pointed out that countries like Germany also have experienced a high percentage of electricity from renewables while remaining one of the most stable power systems in the world.

To improve grid stability, experts suggest that the system has not adapted yet to the massive change towards these renewable sources and that many electricity grids still reflect the demands of a fossil fuel system.

Nuclear, coal and gas power plants have huge steel generators that provide large rotating mass that can maintain stability if there are fluctuations on the grid and this design can be harnessed for renewable power too. Other solutions are flywheels which use cylindrical rotors that accelerate at high speed, storing kinetic energy that can be used quickly when needed.

Overall, the amount of investment in grids globally needs to double by 2030

to over 600 billion dollars a year, according to the International Energy Agency.

In the wake of Spain's blackout Jordi Sevilla, the former president of the coun-

of the

Can sport go too far? The case of Enhanced Games

Ben Frankland explores the plans for a 'pro-doping Olympics'

IS there a gap in the market for professional sports championships where the athletes are obviously using performance-enhancing substances? Given that billing could at least be a partially accurate description of most Olympic Games over the past few decades, many would be sceptical of the need for such an event. However, Australian businessman and lawyer Aron D’Souza clearly disagrees, for he has founded Enhanced Games, an “athletic competition that embraces scientific achievements to push the boundaries of human performance.”

This isn’t just a flash in the pan. Among others, Enhanced Games is backed by the billionaire founder of PayPal, Peter Thiel, and the US President’s son, Donald Trump Jr. The concept is as follows: athletes deliberately use performance-enhancing substances in the lead-up to each Enhanced Games meeting, thus giving up their eligibility for any traditional competition that abides by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) rules, including the Olympics. Organisers insist everything is in line with Drug

Enforcement Administration laws in the US. They will then compete for significant prize pots in their respective disciplines, in what D’Souza calls the “Olympic games of the future.”

The competition has created headlines even before the Games’ first official meet in Las Vegas in May 2026; this week the swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who represented Greece at every Summer Olympics from 2012 until 2024, beat the 50m freestyle world record in a time of 20.89 seconds, beating Brazilian Cesar Cielo’s 2009 record of 20.91. This earned Gkolomeev, 31, a special award of $1m, an incentive for athletes to ditch traditional competition in favour of (unofficially) claiming world records.

Swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev [...] beat the 50m freestyle world record in a time of 20.89 seconds, trumping Brazilian Cesar Cielo's 2009 record of 20.91

ics has been unanimous in its disapproval of Enhanced Games. Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics and figurehead of the 2012 London Olympics, had this to say about D’Souza’s brainchild: “It’s bollocks isn’t it. I can’t really get excited about it.” Athletes are under no obligation to disclose exactly which substances they have taken, protected by individual medical confidentiality, a clause which the likes of Lance Armstrong, Maria Sharapova and Jannik Sinner must wish was applicable to traditional sport! Unfortunately for them, the only disciplines included in Enhanced’s roster for their first public event in Las Vegas in May 2026 will be sprinting, short-distance swimming and weightlifting. Other banned practises aside from drugs are also permitted at Enhanced; Gkolomeev wore a polyurethane ‘supersuit’ for his time trial despite them having been banned by World Swimming’s governing body, Fina, since 2010. Cheat codes like this are what organisers hope will attract 100+ athletes to their Vegas debut, though before then there are

plans to market “performance and longevity enhancements” to the general public. That can only end well.

So while we’re in the midst of an era of Huel, protein shakes and creatine infiltrating every gym across the country, it might be time to remind ourselves to be grateful that sport hasn’t quite descended into a real-

life Black Mirror episode yet. For if Enhanced Games begins to attract top-level Olympians away from the competitions we know and love, a sporting dystopia may well be on its way.

try's grid operator Red Electrica, told Spanish media it was clear that the country's grid required funding to adapt to the reality

new generation of renewables. SCI-TECH EDITORS:

Gracie Moore

Amy Rushton Agata Koralewska

Image: Danieltarrino, via Wikimedia Commons

How to trick your brain into enjoy good habits

Agata Koralewska, Deputy Editor, disusses how the working of our brain influences habit creation

OUR dopamine addicted brains are conditioned to seek instant gratification in this era of short form content.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), our collective attention span suffered greatly, and many find it harder and harder to focus on one task without getting distracted. In terms of forming habits, scientists suggest that our brains need a few months for a new habit to come naturally. It requires perseverance and regularity to train your brain to form long-lasting habits.

Our brains need a few months for a habit to come naturally

It may seem hard to form a good habit as we get bombarded with social media content that awards us with instant dopamine release. Dopamine, the hormone that’s linked to

the feeling of pleasure, gets released as a response to various stimuli. There are two brain systems that are involved in the process. One is located in the basal ganglia, and it automatically responds to a specific stimulus, for example hearing an alarm clock in the morning is met with a response of waking up. The other system is located in the cortex and it usuallly requires a conscious decision to be made in how to respond to a stimulus. In terms of forming habits, the stimulus-driven system may reinforce bad routines as it responds automatically to stimuli without us even realising. Nowadays, one of the most common examples of how this system contributes to reinforcing our bad habits could be when we wake up and automatically reach for our phone first thing in the morning.

Strenghtening the work of the goaloriented, second system could be the first step towards fighting harmful routines that affect our daily lives. Some strategies for fighting our brain on forming bad habits include

deliberate repetition, which trains your brain to automatically prompt you to perform certain tasks. Reinforcement with small rewards might also help — if you make a connection between going for a run and watching another episode of your favourite series as a reward, it will be easier to keep up the good habit.

Deliberate repetition trains your brain to automatically prompt you to perform certain tasks

The book ‘Atomic Habits’ is a useful source of practical solutions for our inability to change harmful routines. James Clear, the author of the book, highlights how crucial small habits are in conditioning our brain for success. It acts as a step-by-step guide for changing little thing in your routine and approaches the problem by helping you to design a system that replaces bad habits with good ones. It discusses the importance of modify -

ing the space around you to eliminate bad routines, for example by hiding your phone when you need to study. Enjoying good habits might not be as daunting a task if you understand how your brain works and make good use of it. Small changes to your behaviour may have a great impact on lasting improvements in your daily routine.

How transphobia is harming science

Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief, examines the anti-science sentiment behind attacks on gender-affirming care and the trans community

IN 2024, the Cass Review argued there was a lack of clinical evidence on transgender health care, labelling the science behind puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones as ‘remarkably weak’ and recommending the NHS forbid the prescription of puberty blockers except in clinical

trials. Now however, a clinical trial has been proposed to rectify the lack of research, and ‘gender-critical’ activists have come out firmly against it.

The trial, PATHWAYS, is led by King’s College London and aims to explore if puberty blockers are genuinely beneficial. As transphobia

is on the rise and the availability of gender-affirming care increasingly at risk, increased research seems more important now than ever and is essential to overturning the NHS ban on puberty blockers. Whilst you may be forgiven for assuming the ‘it’s basic biology’ crowd would support biological research, ‘Gender critical’ campaigners have labelled it unethical and called for the trial to be stopped.

Whilst you may be forgiven for assuming the ‘it’s basic biology’ crowd would support biological research, ‘Gender critical’ campaigners ... have called for the trial to be stopped

It’s true that puberty blockers, which act on the brain to stop the release of testosterone or oestrogen providing patients with ‘time to think’, are under-researched. Studies have been contradictory and whilst most have stressed that there are few long-term side effects, others have raised concern over effects on bonemineral density and brain development. However, this calls for more

science, not less. We know puberty blockers can be instrumental in the avoidance of psychological stress and supporting the health of young trans people, and this makes them vital to the future of gender-affirming care rather than something to be quashed by transphobic campaigners. One of the primary attacks levied at puberty blockers is that over 90 per cent of children prescribed the drugs go on to take cross-sex hormones and transition. Aside from the obvious — that children experiencing gender dysphoria are more likely to be trans and therefore more likely to be prescribed puberty blockers — this argument underpins much of the backlash against research into transgender science. It assumes that to be trans is an undesirable outcome, rather than a natural part of the spectrum of human difference In fact, research into transgender medicine and healthcare is essential to wider scientific research. Genetics and biological sex are more complicated than the XX or XY dichotomy we were taught in GCSE Biology; sex is instead dictated by complex genetic signals. Brain characteristics and hormones too exist as a spectrum which varies wildly. Sex isn’t binary, science says so. However, the blocking or dis -

missal of studies fuelled by transphobia, hinders this research. Trump’s Department of Health and Human Sciences recently released a review of scientific research on transgender care. Its (mysteriously unnamed) authors asserted that evidence does not support gender-affirming medical interventions and denied previous studies. His recommendations for government research urge the exclusion of terms such as transgender, sex and female. This is bad science — even the study’s authors couldn’t stand behind it — but in a government which continues to attack and deny trans rights, science doesn’t seem to matter.

In a government which continues to attack and deny trans rights, science doesn’t seem to matter.

‘Gender critical’ activists have positioned themselves as in favour of ‘biological truth’ and science but a refusal to acknowledge the biological diversity of sex is preventing gender affirming care and stymying scientific research.

Image: Ted Eytan

Stories from UK Running

Ben Frankland interviews two leading voices in UK running: Louise Small and Harry Morgan

Louise Small

LOUISE Small (GB Louise) is an elite athlete who ran the 7th quickest marathon of any British female in 2024. She has represented Great Britain on road, track and cross-country since her childhood, and is also a running coach.

BF: What do you put your childhood success down to?

LS: Probably my love for outdoors and exploring. My running really picked up once I joined my local athletics club. Before that point I was just running as and when, and I think that’s the best way to start.

BF: You raced and won at BUCS for St Mary’s University. What are your memories of those events?

LS: I loved the camaraderie around it, and the intensity of varsity against Brunel. My strongest memory from the cross-country was when I finished 2nd and the shouts from my teammates were so intense that it pushed me to get the best out of myself.

BF: In 2024 you ran an incredible 2:29 marathon in Frankfurt. Can you sum up your emotions at the finish line?

LS: The marathon is a real journey, and often throughout the race your goals change. My big goal was to run sub2:30, and I was over the moon because it all came together on the day. When it goes well it’s the best feeling ever.

BF: You missed out on this year’s London Marathon through injury. How do you process injury setbacks?

LS: It’s your body’s way of telling you to back off a little bit. I

look at injuries as a challenge and readjust my targets. I’m hoping to do Chicago Marathon, having a marathon as the new target helps me mentally process the injury.

BF: What do you think needs to change for more athletes to be able to run full-time?

LS: Running and athletics receive less promotion and coverage, so as a result there’s less money than other sports. If we promote athletes better, perhaps through Netflix documentaries, then there’ll hopefully be more money in the sport.

BF: How is it to partner with brands in the running industry?

LS: I’ve been with Hoka since 2016 so it’s been nice to be part of their journey. They really look after you as an athlete. It’s fun to work with these brands, to help your own performance and help them promote their products.

BF: What’s your favourite thing about coaching?

LS: It’s so rewarding seeing people achieve PB’s or doing things they didn’t consider possible. I always thought that I’d coach after my elite career, but I’ve enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would.

BF: What advice do you have for Exeter’s BUCS runners and marathoners?

LS: Always prioritise enjoyment and having fun. You’ve got to enjoy what you do and not put too much pressure on yourself. Consistency is important and looking after your mental and physical health is huge.

The

MCLAREN started this season as the constructor favourites after winning the title in 2024. The team also boasts arguably one of the strongest driver pairings in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. At the end of the last campaign, Norris finished second in the Drivers’ Championship, 82 points ahead of his teammate. Norris outqualified Piastri 21-3, and whilst many would have bet their bottom dollar that Norris was sure to be the stronger of the two McLarens this year, Piastri has proved nothing short of excellent so far during his time at the Woking-based outfit. Piastri, who claimed two victories in 2024, has already won four of the opening seven races, including three back-to-back wins in Bahrain,

rise

Saudi Arabia and Miami. This puts him on the top spot in the standings ahead of Norris by 13 points.

While it is still all to play for as the sport sees its longest season to date with a record-breaking 24 races spanning 21 countries, Oscar Piastri is certainly making his mark. So, what has led to Piastri leapfrogging his teammate?

Well, a lot of it, claims McLaren team principle, Andrea Stella, has to do with the fact that he has just ‘become a faster driver’. Oscar has discussed all the hard work he puts in behind the scenes of a race weekend and how he improved on different areas of his race craft during the winter break between seasons.

As Norris’ strong conclusion to 2024 shows, he has the capability to be

HHarry Morgan

ARRY Morgan’s ‘JOG ON’ YouTube channel has over 60,000 subscribers, and he has big plans for the future, plus advice on creating a similar community.

BF: What was your initial vision for JOG ON?

HM: The very first iteration was a podcast bringing running stories to people, and that expanded to videos over the following eighteen months. Everything has grown a lot now: 8.5 million YouTube views and over eighty podcast episodes.

BF: What factors have been key to JOG ON’s success?

HM: Wearing electric orange has been punchy and memorable. People seem to discover JOG ON through the videos, they’ve driven things further on in a way the podcast never could have.

BF: What were your experiences of running at the University of Portsmouth?

HM: The university running club, UPAC, was the number one thing I enjoyed at university. Travelling to run races was an incredible experience, and we partied very hard as well! We weren’t elite by any means.

BF: Why did you choose the mantra “Go for that run”?

HM: I tried several different taglines, but people I met in-person began saying “go for that run” to me, and I realised it was something that the channel began to be known for.

BF: What do you think at-

of Oscar Piastri

fighting for the championship title — and he was most certainly instrumental in obtaining McLaren’s! But the boy from Bristol tends to be extremely self-critical and dwell on the negatives of a race weekend, and he has spoken openly about the struggles that racing places on his mental wellbeing. It seems what gives Piastri a competitive edge isn’t just his carefully constructed race craft; it could also be symptomatic of Norris’ struggle for grip on mental resilience. Norris often refers to his maiden victory in Miami last year as a ‘relief’, particularly after being tormented by the nickname ‘Lando No-Wins’, whereas Piastri is often praised for his calm personality, which enables him to drive aggressively, yet confidently, on track.

tracts people to parkrun?

HM: It being free is massive, it makes it accessible to everyone. However, I think parkrun could really improve its community aspect, and I’d love to see weekday evening parkruns.

BF: You just ran your first marathon in London, how was the experience?

HM: I was fortunate that everything went well, and the crowd was three rows deep around 85 per cent of the route. It was the closest I’d ever felt to being ready for the marathon so I went for it.

BF: What advice do you have for others who’d like to build a community through sport?

HM: Read Tribes by Seth Godin, and Superfans by Pat Flynn. You can’t build a community without being a people person. In-person meetups are crucial, but video calls are second best.

BF: Where do you see JOG ON in 5-10 years?

HM: I want to start group meals, and retreat days with track and grass sessions. Hopefully there’ll be meetups at a wider variety of events, not just parkruns.

BF: How can people join the JOG ON movement?

HM: Watch a video from the past eighteen months, and within a few minutes you’ll get the gist of what JOG ON is all about. Search ‘JOG ON with Harry Morgan’ on YouTube.

Look out for the full interview soon on exepose.com

What makes the situation more complex is McLaren’s handling of the power struggle between their two drivers, often refusing to outright say who their number one driver is, which rival teams have commented will make managing the pair that much harder.

As Piastri continues to add to his tally of podiums, wins, and front row starts, it seems more evident that combining both a level head and a finely tuned racing style is what gives a driver the advantage.

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, looks into the McLaren driver's

Image: Lousie Small

mage: JOG ON with Harry Morgan

mage: JOG ON with Harry Morgan

Northampton Set for Cardiff Final

Ben Scott, Sport Editor, previews the

2025 Investec Champions Cup Final

THE 2024/25 Investec

Champions Cup final promises a thrilling Anglo-French showdown, as Northampton Saints and Bordeaux-Bègles collide at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday 24th May (kickoff: 14:45 BST). With history on the line for both sides, the stage is set for a classic.

For Bordeaux, it’s a first appearance in the final, a milestone moment for a club whose backline firepower has lit up Europe. Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud, two of the most dynamic wings in world rugby, offer an all-court threat. Bielle-Biarrey’s blend of acrobatic finishing and game-breaking pace has made him near-unstoppable, while Penaud, who is expected to be fit after limping off in the semi-final, brings both flair and creativity popping up all over the field.

But Northampton are no strangers to statement victories. Their stunning 37–34

Fupset of Leinster in Dublin showed that they can punch with the best. Tommy Freeman’s semi-final hat-trick and a standout performance from Henry Pollock, who leads the tournament in turnovers, underline their credentials. In Fin Smith, they have a fly-half capable of unlocking even the most organised defence.

Tactically, the contrast couldn’t be more intriguing. Bordeaux thrive in chaos; their unmatched ability to win turnovers and strike in broken play has yielded the most points, tries and metres in the competition. Saints, meanwhile, operate with controlled aggression, their counter-attack precise, their kicking game calculated. It’s instinct versus structure, flair against finesse.

Northampton’s defence will be under immense pressure. They’ll need to find a way to slow Bordeaux’s ruck speed and contain their roaming wings. Freeman may not dazzle like Bielle-Biarrey,

but his aerial prowess and recent try-scoring form (15 in 10 matches) make him a crucial weapon — and his duel with the French pair could define the final. Also look out for Matthieu Jalibert, who has been Bordeaux’s heartbeat, blending flair with control at fly-half. His ability to spot gaps, vary the tempo, and unleash his backline with precise passing makes him a constant threat and a key one to watch.

A landmark occasion awaits the officiating team too, with Nika Amashukeli becoming the first Georgian to referee a Champions Cup final, alongside assistants Andrea Piardi and Andrew Brace.

Both sides arrive in form: Bordeaux have averaged 42 points in the knockout stages, Northampton just under 45. Neither defence has looked watertight, which suggests a high-scoring spectacle in Cardiff.

Key questions remain: Can Bordeaux crown their fairytale run with silverware?

Will Northampton, returning to the final after 14 years, seize a long-awaited second title?

Prediction? If Saints can weather the early storm and keep Bordeaux’s wingers in check, their game management and clinical edge could be enough.

But if the game breaks open, UBB’s flair may overwhelm. One certainty: this

Running for Change

Rosie Batsford reports on Innes FitzGerald, the record-breaking runner with a mission

IRST-year Sport and Exercise Science student Innes FitzGerald gained attention across Europe for smashing long-distance running records while maintaining a strong stance as a climate activist. You may know her as the ‘Greta Thunberg of Sport’, as dubbed by The Times and The Telegraph She first made her mark in 2022

at the SIAB Schools International, breaking the UK under-17 women’s record. More recently, she has smashed two European U20 records, including the 3000m race in the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold in Ostrava, beating the previous record by 8 seconds. Innes is unstoppable, continuously going from strength to strength. Cur-

rently, Innes is faster than Paula Radcliffe MBE was at the same age. Radcliffe is a long-distance running icon, having held the Women’s World Marathon Record for 16 years. But it’s not just Innes’ immense athletic ability that sets her apart; her commitment to climate activism has sent a strong message across the sporting community to consider the potential

wider impacts of high-level competition. Innes refuses to travel to competition locations where she feels she cannot justify the environmental toll caused by travel. When she does travel, she maps out the most carbon-efficient routes, often opting to use bus, bike, and train.

At the BBC Green Sport Awards in 2023, she was awarded ‘Young Ath-

lete of the Year’ for her inspirational activism. Speaking to BBC Sport, Innes said: “I think it comes from my respect for other people. I feel like I have a responsibility to look after people who are in the Global South or who are directly affected by extreme weather events.”

In Conversation with Leon Braithwaite

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, speaks to the ex-Grecian striker about his time at Exeter FC in the mid 1990s

FOOTBALL is an unforgiving sport. It is demanding, exhausting, and often a lot a work can go in behind the scenes without much to show for it.

I spoke with Leon Braithwaite, an English former footballer who had a couple of spells at Exeter City Football Club, to discuss his journey with the sport, where he is now and the power of the mind. Braithwaite explained his first memories of football were as a young lad seeing the bright lights of his local club Leyton Orient. Years later, he was offered a scholarship to the club as part of a Youth Training Scheme (which at the time was the first of its kind). He decided to not sign the contract, but later returned to football at the semi-professional non-league level. He even had a trial at West Ham.

But soon after, tragedy struck. At 18 years of age, Braithwaite broke his leg, necessitating a metal plate in his tibia for 18 months and sustaining ligament damage and a double fracture. He retrained again, and soon got back into non-league and scored well.

His time with the Grecians started after Exeter legend Danny Bailey bagged

him a trial. The Chief Scout initially rejected Braithwaite, but after Bailey insisted he got another chance, Braithwaite was invited back down to the Devon city and secured a contract in 1995.

His time at St James Park looked promising after some impressive performances; on his debut, Braithwaite darted down the wing with the ball, crossed it, and scored. Braithwaite didn’t come through the academy, and many didn't know him, but he certainly made an entrance. As a striker, his main attribute was his incredible pace, causing any opposition he faced a level of concern. Players knew he was quick. Yet he often spent more time sat on the bench than running on the pitch. Braithwaite is unsure as to why this was the case, particularly when he showcased incredible levels of self-motivation, dedication and willingness to improve. When many of the players spent their spare time at local pubs, Braithwaite opted to practice his craft. Exeter at the time wasn’t as vibrant as it is today for young people, and Braithwaite recounted that the high street was made up of a ‘Blockbuster, a New Look, and a couple of pubs – that [was] it’.

Instead, he decided to enrol in college. Braithwaite was keen to be the best he possibly could be and wanted to spend his time constructively.

But even this didn’t seem enough — he was initially benched for the FA Cup third round against Plymouth despite winning Man of the Match in the game just days before. After the Grecians were down 3-1, Braithwaite was subbed onto the pitch and immediately made an impact. Bruce Grobbelaar, Braithwaite’s football idol from Liverpool, was in goal for that match and approached the young striker, saying ‘had you been on earlier, we might have been in trouble’ — this was Braithwaite’s fondest memory of his time at Exeter, seeing it as an honour to hear such compliments from his idol.

But after the lack of on pitch action, and a spell on loan to Welling United, Braithwaite transferred to St Patricks Athletic in Dublin as part of the League of Ireland in 1998. He was desperate for more game time and to entertain the crowd. ‘Someone could be having a bad day, but for those 90 minutes I want to give them the best day’.

Football can be fickle and very frustrat-

ing when professional careers hang on the opinion of someone else. This takes immense mental strength and perseverance. Braithwaite notes that ‘many don’t see the mental toughness or emotions that go along with football’. After obtaining a BSc in Sport Science, he went on to study MSc Sport Psychology as he was fascinated to learn how he can better people’s mindset to succeed in sport. His brother, Darren Braithwaite, is an Olympic sprinter, and the two often discuss how it is mental capacity that separates the goods from the greats.

Now working in the London Fire Brigade, Braithwaite coaches football and athletics as a way to give back to the community and give people the opportunity to succeed. Visualisations, breathing techniques and reciting words are strategies that he has found useful in coping with mental pressures. When advising young athletes, he promotes the growth mindset and the potential of self-motivation to achieving goals. There is a lot to be said for his perspectives, not only in his approach to football but also in individual improvement.

will be a final worthy of the occasion.

You can watch the game live in the UK for FREE on YouTube, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer OR on Premier Sports.

mage: Leon Braithwaite

Image: wikimedia commons

Sport

Leaving university, but not the game

Sport writers tell us how they will continue their sport after graduation

Hockey Snowsports

IHAVE always been a keen skier. From family holidays to ski school, I knew snowsports was always ‘my sport’. So when I was applying for universities, I was desperate to find a snowsports club that both took skiing seriously and knew how to have a good time.

On day one of Freshers Week 2022, I bee-lined for the Snowsports Exeter stand and signed up for a membership… and I never looked back. Now that the 24/25 ski season has come to an end, it also marks my last time at dry slope competitions, at race training, and many of the socials.

But as I am set to graduate, I’ll ensure my time practicing snowsports and fostering the friendships I have made in the club continues. I have joined the newly formed Snowsports Exeter Alumni, which is set to launch its first Alumni ski trip in the early months of 2026. This will be such a great way to replicate our many Easter ski trips we have had together over the years and keep in touch with the current Exeter generations.

I’ll also endeavour to join a local ski club to practice my techniques that I can transfer to the slopes. Or if I decide to do a gap year after my undergrad, I’ll be sure to make some stops in some snowy locations and dust off the ski boots.

Whatever my next steps will be, I know for certain that I’ll carry my love of snowsports with me wherever I go.

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor

HAVING been homeschooled up until sixth form, sport has been a crucial way for me to keep active and meet new people. I started playing hockey aged 10, joining two local hockey clubs to get more game time. This followed me through my GCSEs and all the way through sixth form. I knew when I came to university in Exeter, I wanted to carry on playing in any way possible. I started playing social hockey at the start of my second year after being unsuccessful in the BUCS trials.

It turned out to be a complete blessing in disguise as I went on to meet amazing people, play great hockey and have fun doing it. Continuing to play hockey in a way that is enjoyable but manageable alongside my studies, as well as with and against some great players, only made me love the sport more and I want to look for ways to carry on playing after I leave. Whether that be returning to my old clubs for a season, finding a new community nearby to my place of work, or looking into volunteering or coaching opportunities. Leaving university can be a daunting and uncertain time but having a passion for a sport or hobby that you can take with you anywhere can bring comfort and stability. Knowing I have hockey as a way of being a part of a team is important to me and I look forward to carrying on being involved in a variety of different ways.

Lily Fawcett

TCheerleading

HOUGH I have been a cheerleader since before I came to university, having gotten into the sport accidentally during my time in secondary school, becoming an Exeter Emerald has been one of the greatest highlights of my time here. Learning new routines, getting ready to perform, putting on my uniform, collecting bows, and our annual showcase are just a few things that I know I’m going to miss about university-level cheer.

Because of the reasons listed, and especially because of the lifelong friends I’ve made through the Cheerleading, Dance and Gymnastics club at Exeter, I am as sure as ever that I will not stop once I graduate. Whether it’s going back to my old cheer gym or finding a new one around my area back home, I know that the progress I’ve made within the sport throughout my time at university cannot go to waste. If anything, I hope I can continue to progress in all-star (competitive) cheer, and that I don’t lose any of the skills I’ve learned through Emeralds. For many, finishing university also means leaving their favourite sport — hanging up your uniform, your matchsticks, looking back on past games or BUCS scores, or in my case, retiring your cheer shoes — but if anything, I’m only excited to keep going. I’m almost surprised I don’t feel burned out yet!

Magdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor

Eloise Grainger

Ben Scott

Image: Exeter Sport

Image: Exeter Sport

Image: Alex Noon

Image: Eloise Grainger