Issue 775- 12 Nov 2025

Exeter Students React to Rival Protests in City Centre

ON 25 October 2025, Exeter saw rare high police presence in town to monitor two rival protests which took place in the city.

Started from Dix’s Field, around 250 people took part in the British Unity Walk with their Union Jacks held high and headed towards the High Street. Organised by Stand Up to Racism and supported by the Student Guild, approximately 600-800 people joined the Exeter for Everyone counter-protest in Bedford Square to celebrate diversity in Exeter.

Describing itself as “a movement dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the United Kingdom’s values, culture, and heritage”, supporters of British Unity marched with St George’s flags and Union Jacks in tow, along with chants and signs about stopping the boats, and opposing digital ID cards.

The Exeter for Everyone protest consisted of 20 organisations and many city councillors, including the Exeter Green Party, University and College Union (UCU), and Exeter City Council Leader Councillor Phil Bialyk who gave a speech at the protest. In their official statement, Stand

Up to Racism called on their supporters to attend the “celebration of diversity”. They labelled the British Unity Walk as a “far-right march” and stated that they “reject their politics of hate and division”. They reiterated that “Exeter has a proud history celebrating our city, our wonderful culture, history and diversity … Exeter truly is for everyone.” The counter-protest included signs such as “Refugees welcome” and “No deportations”.

We were unable to get a firsthand account of a student participant of British Unity Walk.

Green Councillor Thomas Richardson of Devon County Council, one of the attendees of the Exeter for Everyone protest, told Exeposé that “there was a strong community atmosphere and people of all ages were there to show that Exeter is a city of sanctuary. I would say that it was a successful protest in response to the British Unity March, there were hundreds more Exeter for Everyone protestors”.

This sentiment was echoed by a student representative of Exeter Labour Society, who told Exeposé that the turnout was “amazing”. They said “We completely dwarfed the far-right march, proving that there’s no room in the city we love for such awful hatred”.

Through a survey, we asked the student body about their expe-

rience with the protests, with individual sections especially focusing on international students and students of colour, and received responses from eight students. Exeposé also conducted an interview with a student caught in the midst of the protest. She is a home student of South Asian background, studying Maths and Finance, who wishes to remain anonymous.

We asked students about their understanding of the British Unity Walk and what they advocate. Racism and anti-immigration were themes present in all students’ answers, with one responding with “an idea of ‘regaining’ Britain in response to the arrival of asylum seekers and refugees, who they believe are a threat to the British community”, and another saying “racism, division, exclusion”. One student referenced migrant hotels as a point of contention, likely referring to The Hampton by Hilton hotel near Exeter Airport, which similarly drew opposing protests concerning migration in August. Another student said “I assume supporters of Reform UK attended this march.”

We also asked students about the use of St George’s flags and Union Jacks by far-right movements. One international student noted concern at seeing St George’s Cross spraypainted over street crossings, and another said

“they should stop politicising the flag”. The anonymous student interviewed by Exeposé said when she sees the St George’s flag she immediately thinks of the far-right – “I don’t want to, I don’t think it should be associated with that. I think it should be something we can be proud of, something that represents our country, but they’ve ruined the meaning of the flag.”

100 percent of respondents had a negative reaction to British Unity’s presence. However. a student acknowledged that everyone has a right to protest if done safely and legally, and that “banning their right to protest is probably not a sustainable solution.” Some of our respondents actually experienced the protest firsthand. This female student had no other route home other than to walk through the British Unity Walk. She faced insults and verbal abuse for wearing a keffiyeh, a Middle Eastern scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. She observed attendees chanting “get them off our streets”, intimidating minorities. This student found this especially concerning as they live in an accommodation with primarily international students.

Another student had vulgar and sexist comments shouted at them by some men at the protest.

Continued on page 3

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Editorial

NOVEMBER has offically arrived, the clocks have changed, and everyone is fighting for a seat in the library. While deadline season is here and you may be feeling the stress, it is important to take a break from your studies. What better way to spend your free time then reading this new edition of the paper!

At the time of printing, we are waiting on the results of our by-elections to be announced, but we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who nominated themselves, and voted! We look foward to welcoming our new committee members very soon!

In other news, as the Movember buzz starts up around campus, we are happy to hear from anyone about challenges, initiatives, or any other Movember events that you are organising or attending this month.

If there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter that we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com.

In this issue, News discusses the recent protests happening around town and talks to people taking on the Movember shave. Climate looks at the new oil exploration liscene in the Amazon rainforest, Lifestyle talks about the significance of the pumpkin spice latte, while Excetera rasies awareness on seasonal depression. In International, our writers look sta the recent Louvre heist and in Sci-Tech we discuss the ride in AI generated content. Finally, in Sport, we give you the run down of the latest varsity game! Also, if you our fortnightly editions

and the website aren't scratching your Exeposé itch, then check out our official podcast, Off The Page, on Spotify and Apple Music — out now! Once again, thank you so much to all our editors, interviewees, and general helpers who lent a hand to get this edition up and running!

Emily and Kayleigh

LEGACY OF ANIMALS ON SCREEN Page 23 SCREEN

University news home and abroad

New campus in Nigeria expands IIT

global reach

INDIA is expanding into Africa’s higher education sector, setting up a campus in West Africa. The campus will belong to the Indian Institute of Technology, and will be in Nigeria. This will be IIT’s second campus on Africa, their first having opened in Zanaibar in 2023. This move seems to be in an attempt to expand their global presence. The location has been seen as having the potential to become a regional hub for STEM. This new campus is part of Nige ria’s plan to provide high quality education. The campus is set to offer both undergrads and postgrads courses in STEM subjects through a curriculum devised by the IIT. The first round of students is set to begin in 2026.

Kenyan student duo wins top award with water harvesting innovation

INSPIRED by both their visit to an arid Kenyan region, and their own experiences of rural communities with limited access to safe water, a student duo, Ogetto and Maruti, developed EcoBlue. It is a system which harvests and processes water, generating water safe for drinking. One of the duo opened up about how lack of clean water affects people, such as a young boy who developed and sadly passed away from cholera.

On the 23rd October, these two students won the German project ACCESS 2.0 for their innovative prototype. This project will not only be able to generate clean water for homes, schools and hospitals, but aims to be environmentally resilient. Powered by solar-technology, a renewable energy source, it reduces dependence on groundwater extraction and through limiting the usage of plastic water bottles, ultimately reduces waste. This is a deeply personal project for Ogetto and Maruti, and their search for a solution looks incredibly promising.

Multiple people shot at Lincoln University fest in Pennsylvania

LINCOLN University in Pennsylvania (USA) recently faced a devastating shooting during its homecoming weekend, as a part of the current trend towards violence during homecoming celebrations in the US, as seen in Mississippi and Alabama. During the event, seven individuals were hit — one dead and six injured — at the school’s International Cultural Centre. Authorities have not detailed the condition of the six injured. This was the main location of the homecoming crowds, who gathered to celebrate following the prior football game. On top of the seven shot, several other people at the scene were treated from more minor injuries, such as being knocked to the ground or trampled during the desperate scramble for cover.The site of the shooting remains an active crime scene, although the campus is open. Individuals, particularly those at the event, are now being provided counselling. However, one has to ask if this is truly enough.

Universities from three countries to set up in Punjab, Pakistan

IN a major event, Lahore, Pakistan, will be home to foreign universities from the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, and South Korea. Four UK universities — University of London, Brunel University, University of Gloucestershire and University of Leicester are set to open full branch campuses in the Knowledge City, Lahore. In the past, similar announcements were made, but did not materialise. To avoid the mistakes of the past, the government is being more careful this time and removing any barriers. Reportedly, the government has allocated land and will be issuing standard operating procedures soon to facilitate the establishment of the campuses. The establishment of foreign universities is a key component of the Punjab Higher Education Strategic Plan 2025–2029, aimed at enhancing education standards throughout the province.

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Exeter Students React to Rival Protests in City Centre

Continued from front

The student we interviewed said she would have made an effort not to be in town at the time of the protest if she had been forewarned — “Even if it was for a few hours, I’d rather not go into town for those few hours and just not risk coming into contact with anybody that could be rude to me. Instead, I had to just brave it given that I didn’t have any clue about it.”

Some students avoided leaving their homes entirely during the protest, with one saying “the protest made me scared, my flatmates and friends, who are Muslim and people of colour were scared to leave our accommodation”.

Even those who did not witness the events firsthand expressed fear and concern over the events: “I did not witness it in person, but I felt that it was worrying considering everything else that is going on politically at the moment”. Many other students also discussed British Unity Walk in relation to other far-right movements currently sweeping the UK, with one expressing their sadness over it, saying that like many other UK cities, Exeter’s assets lie in its cultural diversity “through food, shops and its students”.

The protest is being referred to as the first far-right demonstration in Exeter City Centre since 2013. According to our anonymous interviewee, it is likely more will follow — “if one’s popped up in Exeter then why shouldn’t another one pop up? I only feel like the fanbase is projecting upwards.” She also described her experiences as a person of colour, as becoming increasingly difficult recently — “I just have to watch my back a little bit more now”.

When asked about the rival protests, Reform Councillor Jac-

queline Fox of Devon County Council told Exeposé that “this has nothing to do with Reform UK.”

Reform Councillor

Jacqueline Fox of Devon County Council told Exeposé that “this has nothing to do with Reform UK.”

While all eight respondents were aware of the protest beforehand, none had been informed by a University channel, instead being told by friends, social media and flyers. One student was not surprised by the counter-protests, noting their awareness of Reform’s recent growth in Exeter. Another student, however, was caught by surprise — finding out while conversing with friends who also happened to be people of colour. For the anonymous student we interviewed, she had no idea the protests would be taking place, instead finding out by unexpectedly being caught in its midst. She was in town when the march occurred, studying at a cafe on the High Street. She had previously seen the Exeter for Everyone group gathered in town, assuming it to be a pro-Palestinian protest. In the cafe, she heard noise outside: “It sounded like there was like a football match going on, and I was like ‘that’s not the Gaza protest’”. She looked outside to see the British Unity Walk carrying signs and English flags, shouting football chants. “At first it was a bit comical, because how is this even happening in today’s society? I respect that they have those views because we live in a society where everyone should be allowed

to have their viewpoints. It felt like they were trying to be rowdy and cause a disruption.” She tried to ignore it, which was made difficult by police officers coming upstairs to the cafe six or seven times over the course of an hour.

The Guild published a statement the day before the protest, expressing their support for Exeter for Everyone and said: “We care deeply about protecting and amplifying the voices of all students”. Their officers were also in attendance. One survey respondent noted finding the Guild’s posting about the event helpful. Despite the Guild’s support, many students expressed wanting more direct support from the University, beyond their desires for the University to be alerting students of these events in advance. The Guild responded that: “We’ll keep building on that approach (to share information about events in advance) so everyone can feel part of these moments of community and solidarity.”

While all eight survey respondents were aware of the march taking place beforehand, none had been made aware through a University channel, with 100 percent of respondents, as well as our anonymous interviewee, agreeing that the University needs to be doing more to communicate upcoming events like protests, with one student calling it “vital for student safety”. Respondents felt the most effective channels of this communication were emails and newsletters, with one student saying, “Emails are checked often and so would reach more people especially if sent in an official capacity by the university”.

Students generally felt the university should be addressing how events like the British Unity Walk might disproportionately affect racial minority students and their feelings of safety in Exeter. “They need to do better in catering to students affected by these hateful protests. We feel unsafe and the university did nothing to ease our discomfort”.

[The University] needs to do better in catering to students afffected by these hateful protests. We feel unsafe and the university did nothing to ease our discomfort.”

person said: “We work constantly with local policing teams and community partners to keep students safe. Harassment, hate and discrimination goes against all we stand for as a university community, wherever it is experienced. Students and staff should report any incidents they experience or witness to the police or via the new “Support and Report” procedures. They can also reach out to our Wellbeing teams for support.”

According to the anonymous student Exeposé interviewed, “what they’ve got to realise is, from my perspective, the support for these far-right parties is only increasing and so they’ll have to address it at some point or another”.

In the aftermath of the protest, some students reported feeling uneasy and unsafe in Exeter — “[I] t made me feel scared to leave my accommodation over the weekend. Until this day I feel suspicious of everything around me, fearful of being attacked”. Another student said they were unsure if the march would become violent. According to the anonymous student we interviewed, witnessing the march was eye-opening. “When I was in town, seeing everyone in the British Unity Walk made me realise they’re just normal everyday people. It 100 percent makes me more conscious of the fact that I’m going into shops during the day, going for walks — and it’s like ‘what if that person doesn’t support me being in this country?’. It’s scary how it’s almost becoming more normalised. It’s all around me and I can’t differentiate who I should and shouldn’t feel safe around”.

[I]t made me feel scared to leave my accommodation over the weekend. Until this day I feel suspicious of everything around me, fearful of being attacked.”

Regarding the Exeter for Everyone protest, the same student said it was reassuring to see people advocating for various issues, like trans rights and pro-Palestine: “it was nice to see people coming together to not let Exeter down”. Other students agreed, with 100 percent of respondents describing having a positive reaction to the presence of Exeter for Everyone. Students of colour also expressed feeling reas-

sured by their presence — “it was such a shame I couldn’t join them because I was too scared to walk to the protest”. Another student described the turnout, which saw an estimated 600800 attendees, as “incredible”. For one student, it made them “happy to see people overcome bigotry”. Students also described it as “comforting” and “heartwarming”. One student also noted observing a disproportionately large police presence around Exeter for Everyone — “[it] felt awful because they were just peaceful”.

Jack Dart, a former Devon Councillor and current founder of Reform Watch, told Exeposé that the British Unity Walk does not represent the people of Devon. “These groups move from town to town trying to provoke resentment, but they do not reflect the character of the places they visit.”

Although he no longer lives in the county, Dart served as a councillor in Torquay and spent a great deal of time in Exeter, admitting to knowing the communities there well. He said that “The Devon I know is defined by decency and openness, not hostility. It is a county shaped by hospitality, long used to welcoming people from across Britain and beyond.” When asked about his reaction to the rival protests, he told us that “What [British Unity supporters] lack in numbers, they try to make up for in noise, but the truth is that most people in this country reject the hatred they spread.” However, Dart warned that the people of Devon cannot be complacent. He said that “The rise in organised hatred is real … Communities like Devon, and others across Britain, show a better path when they stand together and say clearly that decency will not be drowned out.”

Councillor Thomas Richardson agreed with Dart that “the [British] Unity protestors do not speak for the people of Exeter or Devon.”

The Devon and Cornwall Police kept both protest groups from clashing. They told Exeposé that “Prior to the event, officers liaised with protest organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest peacefully while minimising the impact on residents and business.” We were informed that no arrests were made at the city centre demonstration.

Images: Melissa Swift

RAMM awarded austim friendly award

Kayleigh Swart Edior-in-Chief

THE Royal Albert Memorial Museum has recently been awarded for its autismfriendly service. The museum was awarded by the National Autistic Society and given their Autism Friendly award. The purpose of the charity and award is to encourage

to encourage places and businesses to be more inclusive to those with autism

places and businesses to be more inclusive to those with autism. The RAMM have been doing just that, stating that their accessibility champions have been working hard to ensure the museum is accessible to people with all different needs.

Bob Foale, Exeter City Council’s lead for Arts, Culture & Tourism has stated: “It’s fantastic to see RAMM’s accessibility work recognised by the National Autistic Society. The museum is a space for everyone, and we remain committed to continually improving its inclusivity. This award is a testament to the dedication and impact of our Accessibility Champions, whose efforts are making a meaningful difference”.

‘This award is a testament to the dedication and impact of our accessibility champions

The national autistic society is one of the leading charities in the UK for supporting people with autism. They estimate that around one in 100 people are autistic, yet there are still many public places and community spaces that are inaccessible. Their aim is to help these places have an autism-friendly environment. For more information about the RAMM and the accessibility they provide, you can go to their website.

Crime thriller lands book deal for University author and academic

Amber Patel Print Arts & Lit Editor

DR Emily Bernhard Jackson, Senior Lecturer in the University of Exeter’s Department of English and Creative Writing and a novelist, has signed an impressive three-book deal with leading publisher Faber. The agreement covers the UK, EU, and Commonwealth countries, alongside a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster for the United States.

Her upcoming crime thriller, Missing , will launch a new series featuring Bristolian detective DI Martha Allen, who must solve the disappearance of a baby. “I intended

Martha Allen to be a real, complex woman faced with a complex puzzle,” Dr Bernhard Jackson explained.

Missing will launch a new series featuring Bristolian detective DI Martha Allen

The idea for Missing was sparked by an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. After deciding that she could make stronger narrative choices, Dr Bernhard Jackson decided to write her own story, a decision that has now led to her biggest career milestone. “This is the biggest deal in my life to date,” she said, expressing her excitement at working with Faber’s crime editor, Lochlan Binney.

Binney praised the novel as “the perfect introduction to a series readers are going to want to come back to again and again.”

Dr Bernhard Jackson joined the University in 2013, and for anyone who has attended her lectures or seminars, this achievement will come as no surprise. Her enthusiasm for storytelling, along with her extensive knowledge of the written word clearly translates into a best-selling author potential.

For anyone who has attended her lectures, this achievement will come at no surprise

Image: University of Exeter

University of Exeter launches new research centre with mission to investigate AI

THE University of Exeter is set to open a new AI research centre. Appointed the Critical AI Centre (crAIC), the

centre will draw on top research from Exeter University's humanities, social sciences and computer science departments to critically investigate the role and risks of AI and its governance. According to centre

director Dr Patrick Gildersleve, “AI is not a singular invention: it is a shifting set of technologies and ideas, bound

AI is not a singular invention: it is a shifting set of technologies and ideas, bound up in the values and power relations of those who build and govern it.

up with the values and power relations of those who build and govern it.”

The move was first announced at a two-day conference headed by the Department of Communications, Drama and Film, to an audience of over 100 academics and researchers from all around the world. This

included both remote and in-person attendees from Brazil, India and Egypt.

The centre will be directed by Dr Patrick Gilderslev, Dr Brett Zehner and Professor Andrea Medrado, who adds that they aim to incorporate a plethora of diverse and nuanced viewpoints in their research and expand their network to “wider academic, policy and social movements.

One such viewpoint was how AI is entangled with issues of identity and labour, particularly in the Global South, and the wider consequences of these dynamics. An overlooked aspect is that AI is not solely powered by technology, but requires human labour to sort through content, label and transcribe data among other things/tasks. Outsourcing these tasks to the Global South has been

incredibly lucrative in the past few years as the demand for data has increased. The World Bank estimates there are currently between 150 and 430 million data labourers, many of whom work in “digital sweatshops” with poor work conditions.

“We understand that colleagues, students, and communities are curious or concerned about AI, often in spaces where it is imposed or unavoidable. We hope to represent and work with these voices, bringing our own expertise on technology and society.” explained Professor Andrea Medrado, one of the centre’s directors.

This is an enterprising move from the University of Exeter and will help pave the way for the university to take on a leading role in the development and regulation of AI.

Anvi Depshande

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

On Saturday 25th October Exeter’s peaceful high street saw an array of protests surrounding the current hot topic in the UK – immigration. The event was organised by a group on Facebook, British Unity Walk, by right-wing members of the community. 250 people took part in this rightwing protest which begun in Dix’s square. The protest was largely organised by Jordan Rowe, who felt the community’s concerns about migration were unheard.

After hearing of the plans, a counter protest, ‘Exeter is for everyone’, was organised by Stand Up to Racism, which was attended by 600 left-wing individuals, opposing the ‘far-right patriots march’. The two protests came together in Bedford Square in the city centre and were separated by a road, which the police used to create

In conversation with Exeter protesters

a barrier, dividing the protesters to avoid physical altercations.

Additionally, a smaller ‘antifascist’ protest collected outside the high-street store NEXT. These individuals wore masks to hide their identity, and refused to provide names and declined any interview. This smaller protest allegedly planned on using physical force to prevent British Unity protesters from marching. The police reportedly broke up the protest by kettling — a tactic where police surround protesters, preventing them from leaving the ring.

According to an article by the BBC, 85 police officers were present in Exeter in Saturday, including some from Wales. On October 25th, the Devon and Cornwall Police Force confirmed no arrests had been made.

In an interview with Exeposé, British Unity Walk protester Harrison Lynn was asked if the identified as having far-right beliefs, responding “I’d like to know what that means”. The protesters from British Unity were excited to speak about their concerns, however, they were reluctant to be recorded.

The coordinator of the British Unity walks, Jordan Rowe did not engage with the BBC , who were also

Harrison, who is 24 and works in Marsh Barton, felt the British public’s concerns around migration had gone unheard, and that it was an issue of “freedom of speech”. He went on to say “It's not migration. The problem is when there's a clash of culture. Our country is built on immigration”.

When Harrison was asked about the topic of migration he felt “that any immigrant who comes over here legally is more than welcome.”

Harrison said he had experienced first-hand the necessity for immigrants, saying “my dad passed away from cancer […] there was a lot of foreign people who looked after him while he was dying of cancer” continuing “we’re built on immigration, in this country, but we're getting destroyed by these people who are coming over”. Despite stating their rhetoric was not hateful, Exeposé was told that one of the British Unity protesters had recently been suspended from work for hate speech.

Exeposé. When asked, he responded “I don’t think the right are racist” however continued “its racist” to blame asylum seekers and that the problem is “with the Government, it’s with people like Elon Musk”. Andy suggested immigration was a “scapegoat” to underlying problems.

Individuals from both protests, when asked if they felt represented or heard by the current Labour Government, responded "no". In a statement, Andy Gibson said, “I think a lot of people waited for a Labour Government, [and] now it’s arrived they want a change, and no change has happened”. Echoing this, Harrison Lynn showed similar sentiment saying “I’ve never liked Labour”. The recent polls reflect Andy and Harrison’s concerns, as the left are rather unhappy with Labour, leaving left-wing voters with few options, just as the right-wing voters are unhappy with the Conservatives, leading to the move to Reform UK.

On Saturday, the streets of Exeter were covered with St George's flags and Union Jacks. Currently, these flags are tightly associated with the “raise the colours movement.” Kyle Davis, a member of the movement said he would not be attending the right-wing protest as he felt “the raise the colours movement is about uniting all people who live here, to show pride in our country, and to show respect to all people who have lost their lives defending this country. I, for one, also fly it to celebrate this country’s diversity, and to take it back from people who have used it as a symbol of hate.”

Harrison Lynn said the Saint George's flag and Union Jack were a reminder of “where we come from… I think of them lads who died for your country” finishing “it just fills me with pride.” While right-wing protesters clung to their Union Jacks,

To Andy

and St Georges

the

are being used "to make anyone who isn’t British born or looks differently, [or] has a different colour skin feel [they are] not part of our community”.

While right ring protesters clung to their Union Jacks,

wing protesters held LGBTQ+, Palastinian, and Bob Marley flags

Both individuals interviewed claimed to have no religion. Exeter is for everyone protester Andy Gibson said “I respect everyone’s right to practice their religion” suggesting “if we’re [going to] criticise religion let’s look at Christianity - which has an awful record.” On the right, Harrison Lynn, leaned into talking about Islam, saying “I’m all for people if they have their own religion” later saying “I feel that religion is ruining the world […] people's beliefs are too different.”

“People’s beliefs are too different”

On Thursday 30th October, we heard from a select few MPs about the discourse around asylum seekers and immigration, on BBC Question Time . The views of both protest groups in Exeter were shared by MPs and members of the audience, cementing the political undertones of the concerns of those protesting in Exeter. Councillor Phil Bialyk said in a statement on 24th October “Exeter is a city of sanctuary”. After the events that unfolded, we have to question whether anywhere can truly be a sanctuary.

present on the day, and declined being interviewed by Exeposé.

One of the coordinators of Exeter is for Everyone, Andy Gibson, agreed to an interview with

left-wing protesters held LGBTQ+, Palestinian, and Bob Marley flags high.

Gibson,

Union Jack

flags

Image: Melissa Swift

Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor & Melissa Swift

[he] Felt the British public’s concerns around migration had gone unheard, and it was an issue of “freedom of speech”

One of the British Unity protesters had recently been suspended from work for hate speech

left

Image: Lizzie Palmer

Did not engage with the BBC, who were also present on the day, and declinde being interviewed by Exeposé

The hateful views expressed below do not reflect the views and opinions of Exeposé writers & editors.

Harry Morrison Online Editor-in-Chief

THE University of Exeter community has raised over £20,000 in under a week for Movember, ranking first place nationally for UK universities.

November 1st saw the community kicking off their month-long campaign in aid of Movember, a global campaign held every November to raise

Movember campaign begins on campus

awareness for men’s health. This campaign raises money for many male-focused issues including support of male suicide prevention, mental health, and prostate and testicular cancer research.

Early stages of the National Movember Campus Challenge, a healthy competition between 90 UK universities, saw the University of Exeter rank first place for contributions raised.

As of 6th November, total contributions raised were £20,756.98 –this placed the university narrowly in front of Durham University who raised £19,593.95.

Collectively, this university challenge has raised £283,273 (as of 6th November).

“Bigger. Than. Ever.” are the three words Ved Narahari, a Movember Ambassador for the University of Exeter, chose to use in his description of this year’s campaign.

Confirming in an upcoming podcast interview of Off the Page with Exeposé, Ved informed Exeposé that this year’s target was set at

£200,000 – if achieved this would be the most amount raised by any univer sity in the history of Movember.

Many events have taken place so far in support of this campaign, including the notorious ‘Brave the Shave.’

Whilst com monly associated with MacMillan Cancer Support, the global Movember movement has adopted ‘Brave the Shave’ as a staple character to its method of raising awareness.

Taking place on November 5th in the Forum, local barbers and students gathered together to shave their heads in solidarity with the Movember campaign. Leia West, a University of Exeter Movember Ambassador, stated “Brave the Shave is about fully committing and going all out for men’s health.”

For many, raising awareness of the cause is just as important

as the money donated for thepaign. In an interview whilst braving the shave, third-year student Alex Mills confidently said he had “no regrets.”

Alex also said: “There are so many boys out there, so many men, who have nobody to talk to, and by reaching out to your friends you can really help them out and build a deeper bond with them as well. By shaving my hair I’m just showing my support for all the people out there struggling.”

Community action has also proved vital to the first week’s major success. The university’s

Movember group have claimed they are ‘uniting as a community to make a real difference… encouraging everyone, students, staff, and the wider Exeter community, to get involved.’

Immense support has been shown from the local community, with dozens of local businesses dedicating their time and relationship with wider communities to spread awareness of the Movember cause.

Aspects of Movember, such as ‘Brave the Shave,’ are testimonies to this element, with a gathering of local barbers coming together to spread the message across our campus.

A spokesperson from Exeter Students’ Guild said, “Our students have stepped up brilliantly, to tackle the stigma around men’s mental health head-on.

From growing moustaches to hosting events, their work sparks important conversations

about why it’s okay to not be okay. If you’re struggling, remember we’re here to help”

With Exeter sitting at the top of the national leaderboard at the end of the first week, will the momentum continue building? Whether the university can maintain its position at the top remains to be seen – but if the first week is anything to go by, this could be the university’s biggest ever Movember.

Remembrance Day events set to take place through Exeter

Zandie Howells Online Editor-in-Chief

“THEY shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

This week is one of the most important on Britain’s calendar every year. Remembrance Week, containing both Remembrance Sunday (Sunday 9th November this year) and Remembrance Day itself (Tuesday 11th November), is an honouring of those in the armed forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

At the centre of this is the two minutes silence that is observed throughout the Commonwealth countries on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time agreed in the signed Armistice by representatives of Germany and the Entente to end their fighting in the First World War. In fact, November

11th was originally called Armistice Day, before it later became Remembrance Day to include those who fought in the Second World War and all conflicts after. In the US, it is titled Veterans Day, in Poland it is National Independence Day, and in Italy (although it falls on November 4th it follows a similar principle) it is called National Unity and Armed Forces Day.

time to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers during conflicts throughout history.

were making for each other during the First World War:

“In Flanders fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.”

Robert Laurence Binyon’s poem, “For the Fallen or Ode of Remembrance,” a stanza of which begins this article, is often recited at memorial services held up and down the country, alongside the “Last Post”, a musical piece that usually precedes the two minute silence mentioned previously, where individuals are given

At the centre of this is the two minutes silence that is observed throughout the Commonwealth

One of the most remarkable of these services is held at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres in Belgium, a war memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front during World War One, whose graves are unknown. It is an incredible moment of reflection and commemoration that stays with you forever, and holds a lasting legacy completely befitting for the contributions of the soldiers it is honouring.

Perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Remembrance Week is the poppy. Sold by veterans’ associations in exchange for charitable donations that support veterans and members of the armed forces, they are a clear visual reminder of the military personnel who gave their lives for us. The symbol is taken from John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields, where he describes poppies growing amongst the makeshift graves that soldiers

Much like the larks that still bravely sing even over the noise of guns, the poppies appear as representations of blooming life even in places only associated with death, and it is this declaration of hope and beauty in the face of destruction that helps us remember the military sacrifices that were made so that we can now enjoy a time of relative peace.

If you want to contribute to the cause and buy a poppy the British Legion are selling them outside Sainsbury’s in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Otherwise most big grocery stores will have a stand at their enterance. Money made go towards supporting the armed forces and are a sign to give thanks to the over a million Commonwealth soldiers who bravely fought and died for the people they loved

in conflicts throughout British history, particularly the World Wars, so that we do not have to suffer their same fate.

At the time of writing Exeter has planned to honour the fallen at their Remembrance Sunday servce. This is set to take place in Northernhay Gardens. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britian. To celebrate this occasion, the city war memorial has been covered with panels of poppies. These panels have also been used to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The remembrance service is set to start at 10am on Sunday the 9th and will be led by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dev-

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 85th Anniversary of the Battle fo Britian

on. There will also be a county service inside the Cathedral which will start at four pm. I leave you with the powerful closing lines to my favourite war poem, Dulce et Decorum Est, by Wilfred Owen:

“If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the frothcorrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,— My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.”

Images: Harry Morrison

Freddie Wilkins

KTuition fees to rise in bid to fix higher education

EIR Starmer plans to hike university tuition fees in line with inflation to save England’s cash-strapped higher education sector. Nearly half of UK universities are forecast

to run deficits in 2024–25, according to the Office for Students, and Labour argues that higher fees are needed to keep them afloat. The move would see tuition costs climb to almost £10,000 by 2026–27, the first significant rise in nearly a decade.

Labour says the increase will stabilise finances and sup-

port Starmer’s ambition to get two-thirds of young people into higher-level education. But critics warn that rising costs could price out poorer students and deepen inequality. Instead, experts call for the need of a longer-term funding solution to ensure greater access and better-quality universities.

A spokesperson from Exeter Students’ Guild said, “We understand that tuition fee rises may be worrying, especially with the rising cost of living. However, we believe these increases don’t address the real issues in higher education. Universities are already under pressure, leading to course changes and staffing cuts.

As your Students’ Union, we’re actively fighting for your interests. Last year, your Officers have been pushing for student concerns to be heard, in University meetings, discussions with your Exeter MPs and even in Parliament. We’re committed to ensuring you get the best possible education and support.

Additionally, last year your Officers secured an increase in the Access to Exeter bursary threshold to £35,000, allowing more students to access financial support. If things are feeling difficult right now, you can apply for support through the University’s Success for All Hardship Fund.”

66-year-old from Topsham runs 200 marathons in 200 days

Amberly Wright Deputy Editor

A66-YEAR-OLD run-

ner from Devon has just become the first person over 60 to run the full length of the UK. Steve James, a retired banker from Topsham, ran 200 marathons in 200 days around the British coastline, totalling 5,240 miles. Steve told the BBC that he is “looking forward to the prospect of a lie-in”.

Researchers at the University of Exeter monitored his performance closely, studying his calorific intake, energy expenditure, and body composition;

he even sent fortnightly blood samples to Dr Freyja Haigh.

Not only is the challenge a huge personal accomplishment for Steve, but his willingness to provide samples and measurements has contributed to the future of sport science research, especially the impacts of physical activity on older populations. Steve said “The whole roject has been given depth and purpose [...] if there are positive learnings from this experience, this far exceeds my initial expectations”.

Though Steve is no stranger to physical endurance challenges, having taken part in the Ten Tors whilst at school, as

“you’re

never too old to take

on something huge”

well as spending 220 days cycling around the UK, the challenge still pushed him to his limits, as he faced both storm Floris, and storm Amy, and plodded his way through seven pairs of trainers. He recounts the experience has “shown me that you’re never too old to take on something huge”. Steve told me that “from a young age, I’ve always loved a challenge. At age 60, I cycled around the world”, so running

around the UK seemed like a logical next move for him.

Steve completed the challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, a charity which he says “will touch all of us,” and Devon and Exeter Scouts where Steve started his adventures many years ago.

He has already raised £14,500. You can follow Steve to see his other adventures on his Instagram @bankerontherun.

Cancer Research UK, a charity which he says “will touch us all”

Image: PickPik

The Impact of violence against Nigerian Farming Communities

Suhaib Shaukat,

delves into the

attacks on Nigerian Farmers

ITHIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO DEATH IN WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

N Nigeria, farmers are facing an alarming rate of violence from Boko Haram jihadists. The insurgent group killed at least 14 farmers in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno in April. In July, dozens of assailants stormed the village of Yelwata — a fertile area that is the food basket of Nigeria, killing at least 160 people. Violence with farmers has spread across Nigeria, but the Middle Belt is mostly affected. Since 2018, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states have witnessed hundreds of clashes and attacks on communities involving farmers and herders. The constant attacks on farmers cast serious doubt on the country’s law enforcement agencies.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) monitoring group, the number of people killed in attacks on farmers has doubled since 2024, creating an alarming situation in the country. According to Amnesty International, since 2020, Boko Haram has been targeting farmers around Lake Chad. Once limited to local disputes settled within communities, the violence has now escalated into widespread massacres, driven by population

growth, the climate crisis, and the breakdown of traditional systems of conflict resolution.

What happened at Yelwata left homes in ruins and lives shattered. The day after the attack saw Christian prayer books littered in ruins and shattered. A 45-year-old farmer who farmed rice and maize saw eight of his family killed in the ordeal of Yelwata. Most of his kids were burned alive by Boko Haram. Boko Haram is also involved in the kidnapping of farmers, demanding ransom money in exchange for their release. If the farmer cannot pay the ransom, they are executed.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED IN ATTACKS ON FARMERS HAS DOUBLED SINCE 2024.

The escalation in attacks has resulted in criticism of the government, with farmers blaming it for not doing enough to protect them from the insurgents. In Yelwata, the survivors said that the local police were overwhelmed and had no capacity to fight the attackers. Most of the farmers who are under attack are Christians, giving the escalation a religious angle.

The attacks have given rise to concerns about the safety of Christians in north and central Ni-

geria. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has failed to acknowledge the attacks and didn’t visit the Yelwata as promised. In response to the attacks, the government has formulated a special security unit Agro Rangers to defend farmers from Boko Haram and other militants. To protect the farmers, the military has marked a specific area of land where people can grow their crops. Despite the security procedures, the governor of Borno State is in a hurry to reintegrate displaced people back into their land as part of the stabilisation efforts and to counter food disruptions.

The ongoing violence against farmers in Nigeria highlights the deepening security

and humanitarian crisis in the country. Despite government measures such as the creation of Agro Rangers and designated safe farming zones, farmers remain highly vulnerable to Boko Haram and other armed groups. The loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of farmland threaten national food security and worsen poverty. Without stronger law enforcement, effective conflict resolution, and genuine political will, the cycle of violence will persist. Restoring peace and protecting farmers is essential for rebuilding trust, ensuring food stability, and promoting lasting coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

The Rise of The Far Right: A Growing Concern Across the UK

Lola Milroy-Tompkins assesses the growth of the far right in the UK and the government’s response

READERS are likely aware of the protest surrounding issues on migration, organised by British Unity and the counter-protest by Exeter for Everyone, that happened in the city centre on Saturday, 25th October. Some students from the University of Exeter, alongside members of the community, attended the event as witnesses or protesters themselves. Though police were present for the protest, it was confirmed that there were no arrests made. Similar instances have been spreading across the UK recently, most notably in Epping, where violence did take hold, and three protesters have been jailed.

The rhetoric used by anti-immigration protesters has often been linked to what are considered far-right groups and individuals in the UK, including Tommy Robinson, the Activists for the Homeland Party, and the Britain First Party, to name a few. Some have also linked the party line expressed by Reform UK and the UK Independence Party (UKIP) to protesters’ demands.

Having analysed the themes of anti-immigration protests before, there are some common issues that penetrate deeper than a hatred

of migrants. Often migrants are linked by protesters to social issues such as economic instability, crime, and unemployment, a narrative which is certainly echoed by far-right organisations. Seeing as far-right groups have been organising or present at many anti-immigration protests, including Epping, Wethersfield, Peterborough, and Nuneaton, it’s not at all a stretch to say that right-wing groups have been fuelling protests. Furthermore, as it has been repeatedly proven that issues such as inflation and crime are complex issues often exacerbated by misgovernance and prejudice, it also wouldn’t be unfounded to say protesters’ concerns and far-right slogans are based on misinformation.

Local groups also have a role to play. Using social media as a springboard, these are typically the organisers and protesters on the ground. Although not necessarily linked to right-wing groups, their demographics and concerns make these communities key targets and promoters of far-right anti-immigration demands.

The Labour government has made ‘Secure Borders’ one of its foundational principles, taking on a hostile stance towards unauthorised migrants and tightening requirements

for some visas. Their aim is for migration to ‘support our economy, not replace investment in skills at home’, appearing to directly address fears expressed by protesters at economic instability caused by migrants.

Given the rising number of protests recently, it could likely be said that Labour’s attempts to reassure the public have not worked. This is compounded by the narrative of groups such as Reform UK, who explicitly undermine Labour’s stance on immigration. Interviews with protesters are often characterised by a sense of betrayal and anger directed at the governance of migration across years, suggesting that the issue has been fermenting for so long that protests may have been inevitable.

LABOUR’S ATTEMPTS TO REASSURE THE PUBLIC HAVE NOT WORKED.

Social media has played a key detrimental role in the government’s response, spreading misinformation and acting as a medium for

protest groups, especially Facebook and X. Exeter’s British Unity Walk was organised and circulated between Facebook groups and users. Online spaces have become echo chambers for racist language, misinformed news, and general hatred, which is out of the control of the government. As these are independent and non-British companies, algorithms and the content they feed users is extremely difficult for the government to control.

Image: LucasKendall on Wikimedia Commons

Image: Zuesthecreater on Pexels

Men, Movember, and Moustaches

Antoni Kaldunski, International Editor, looks at what you can do to support men this November

BOTH ARTICLES CONTAIN CONTENT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH DEPRESSION CANCER AND SUICIDE IN WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

EVERY November, the moustache takes on a new meaning. What began as a light-hearted challenge between friends in Australia has grown into a global movement dedicated to improving men’s health. Movember isn’t just about growing facial hair; it’s about starting conversations that save lives. From prostate and testicular cancer to suicide prevention and men’s mental wellbeing, the campaign reminds us that men’s health deserves to be treated with the same openness and seriousness as any other issue.

THE CAMPAIGN REMINDS US THAT MEN’S HEALTH DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH THE SAME OPENNESS AND SERIOUSNESS AS ANY OTHER ISSUE

The statistics are alarming. Around the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, and men make up nearly 70 per cent of all suicides. Many still struggle in silence, avoiding doctors or dismissing their own feelings as weakness. The idea that men should “man up” or keep emotions buried has created a dangerous culture of silence. The Movember Foundation was built to change that by helping men live happier, healthier, and longer lives, encouraging open conversation, early health checks, and a sense of community.

“CTHE IDEA THAT MEN SHOULD ‘MAN UP’ OR KEEP EMOTIONS HIDDEN HAS CREATED A DANGEROUS CULTURE OF SILENCE

University life can often make these challenges worse. With exams, financial pressure,

vember matters deeply in these spaces because it gives permission to talk honestly. It reminds young men that seeking help is not a weakness but a powerful act of courage.

At the University of Exeter, Movember has become a unifying cause. Sports clubs and societies host fundraising events throughout the month, from moustache competitions to the “Move for Movember” challenge, where participants run or walk 60 kilometres to represent

and social expectations, many male students quietly struggle beneath the surface. I’ve seen it myself; friends who always seemed confident and upbeat later admitted they were dealing with anxiety or burnout. Mo -

the 60 men lost to suicide each hour. Beyond the fundraising, the Students’ Guild and wellbeing services offer workshops, peer sessions, and open forums where students can discuss mental health and access support. Together, these efforts build a community where looking out

for one another becomes part of campus life.

Getting involved doesn’t have to be complicated. Grow a moustache, even if it’s a bit uneven; it still starts conversations. Check in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Attend a Movember event or share a post that raises awareness. These small, everyday actions build the foundation for lasting change.

For me, the importance of Movember truly hit home when a close friend opened up about his anxiety one ordinary weekday after attending a social on campus. It was the first time he had ever spoken to me about how he felt. That moment stayed with me because it reminded me how powerful simply listening can be, and how giving someone the space to talk can lift a weight they’ve carried alone for far too long. Sometimes, one genuine conversation can make all the difference.

Movember isn’t about image or trends. It’s about reshaping how we understand men’s health and building spaces where men can be open, supported, and themselves. This November, get involved in whatever way you can: grow a moustache, get moving, start a conversation, or simply check in on someone who might need it. Every moustache tells a story, and behind each one is a man who deserves the chance to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

MOVEMBER ISN’T ABOUT IMAGES OR TRENDS; IT’S ABOUT RESHAPING HOW WE UNDERSTAND MEN’S HEALTH, AND BUILDING SPACES WHERE MEN CAN BE THEMSELVES

Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, explores how you can get involved at Exeter

ONVERSATIONS about young men’s health shouldn’t start in clinics. They should start in communities,” says Bonnie Rowe, the Global Director of Young Men’s Health at Movember. As the clocks change and the evenings draw in, it can seem like all there is to do is to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate and some crumble. However, for many, Novemeber marks a month of fundraising and moustaches, as we raise money for Movember.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT YOUNG MEN’S HEALTH SHOULDN’T START IN CLINICS . THEY SHOULD START IN COMMUNITIES

The University of Exeter students, staff, and alumni are known for raising record-breaking amounts for Movember. This year, the university have set themselves their most ambitious target: £200,000. The motivation to raise money for Movember comes from the harrowing statistic that one man will die from suicide per minute, per day — that’s 525,000 men each year. Men are three times more likely to die from suicide than women, with six million men suffering from depres -

sion each year, but many go undiagnosed and without help, often due to pressure from society to appear ‘more masculine’. This is why it is so important that we create spaces for men to talk about their mental and physical health, ensuring that they have a safe environment to access help, judgement-free. Though society tells us that it’s ‘feminine’ to express emotions, in reality, it is a normal human reaction to have feelings, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

IT IS A NORMAL HUMAN REACTION TO HAVE FEELINGS, AND IT IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF

Movember primarily focuses on men’s mental health and suicide, but also raise funds for prostate and testicular cancer. In 2024, the Movember foundation received $138.4 million globally, from 291,053 registered participants. With these donations, the charity are working to improve young men’s mental health, leveraging sport and gaming opportunities, and improving healthcare equality, by promoting gender responsive healthcare and supporting community-led indigenous health programmes for social and emotional wellbeing.

The team at Movember are also taking steps to improve prostate cancer morality and quality of life. They are helping to discover ways to prevent

progression of high-risk prostate cancer, and in turn, taking important steps to reduce fatalities.

Movember have highlighted sport as “one of the most powerful settings to engage young men”, and that with the right tools, “clubs, coaches, players, and parents can turn the game into a force for connection — sparking conversations, building resilience, and encouraging early help-seeking”.

The University of Exeter is renowned for its sport clubs and societies, who all get involved in Movember, whether it be by running, cycling, swimming, or growing moustaches. The University of Exeter Hockey Club raised the most in Exeter, with a huge total over £18,500 last year.

This year, with their target of £20,000, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Movember, and the fun has already started! On the 5th of November, students braved the shave for £10 each, raising over £1000, and on Saturday 8th November, the Grecian Society, Movember, and Five-aSide football hosted a joint social at the Victoria Inn, collecting donations before the Exeter City FC vs Wigan AFC match at St James Park.

The University of Exeter Tennis Club hosted many events last week, braving the shave on the 5th and sponging their committee on the 6th, and they will be travelling to Dawlish Warren on the 16th for The Big Dip.

The Exeter Windriders are hosting various events, such as sponge the committee, and are running a half marathon to Topsham. The University of Exeter Fencing Club have

set a target of £1,000, with different events happening for each milestone raised. You can also stop by the library to see some of their Movember reads, including the incredible read Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig.

Image: Wikimedia, Commons

Image: OpenClipart

Image: Public Domain Pictures

Climate

The rise of consumerism

Orlando McKillop, delves into Amazon’s new e-commerce project

IN an age where earrings cost less than a cup of coffee, it should be no surprise that Amazon Haul, the latest addition to Amazon’s growing franchise, has begun to take orders in the United Kingdom. Just like the ultrafast e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, items are sold at prices far below what you’d expect to see on high streets. Most products on Haul are advertised as £10 or below, some as little as £1. With the year-over-year sales growth of Temu and Shein in the European Union surging more than 60% in early May, the success of ultra-fast e-commerce in the West is clear. However, with such cheap prices, questions arise about environmental costs.

This article will look at the sustainability of e-commerce through two lenses, the first of which is the pressures of next-day delivery. This is not a feature of all such e-commerce companies, and Amazon Haul is clearly trying to fill this gap in the market. Temu, for example, only offers express delivery which delivers in 3–8 days. However, companies that do offer nextday delivery are often tasked with putting more vans on the road, have inefficient logistics as transport is underloaded to meet delivery deadlines, and some companies may even opt to use airfreight. The carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector alone are a significant contributor to global warming, accounting for

24.8% of global emissions as of 2020, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Secondly, it is important to note the impact of single-use packaging – usually plastic. Like any product that cannot be recycled, nonrecyclable products often end up in landfill. These sites release carbon dioxide, pollute our fresh air and water sources, harm otherwise healthy lands, and destroy local ecosystems. While appearing unsustainable on the surface, some companies are trying to reduce the impact such an industry has on the environment. Amazon, and therefore Amazon Haul as a company under its administration, has pledged to reach net zero by 2030. This includes order-

CLIMATE EDITOR: Amberly Wright

ing over 100,000 electric vehicles for deliveries and investing $100 million in reforestation. However, whether the release of Haul will serve to offset these positive steps towards sustainability is something only time will be able to tell, especially as the previously mentioned demands of delivery and packaging needs increase.

Concerns over FIFA’s carbon emissions

THE 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The expanded format promises

record tourism, economic growth, and global attention. Millions of visitors are expected to boost airlines, hotels, and local transport, with a dedicated World Cup Task Force in the U.S. highlighting the scale of its economic impact.

Yet, this growth comes with a cost. The environmental outlook for the 2026 World Cup is increasingly concerning. Dr Madeleine Orr, a sport and climate expert, told BBC Sport that the event “sends a dangerous message about the intentions of FIFA and other organisers to just get bigger and bigger,” adding that it is “completely misaligned with the promises [FIFA] have made publicly to reduce emissions.” Independent research from the Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded format could generate more than nine million tonnes of CO2, making it the most climate-damaging World Cup ever. Although FIFA’s Sustainability Strategy for 2026 pledg-

es to deliver measurable environmental benefits, critics say it lacks concrete measures to reduce travel emissions or adapt match schedules to rising heat

Extreme heat is one of the most immediate threats. The 1994 tournament saw matches played in 41 °C, but experts warn 2026 could be even hotter. Weather forecaster Simon King noted that recent heatwaves in Texas, Florida, and Mexico reached up to 50 °C in Monterrey and 44 °C in Miami, showing how climate change is heightening the risk of unsafe conditions. Climate Central data reveal that most U.S. host cities already experience far more days above 32 °C than in 1994, making this potentially the hottest World Cup on record.

These environmental risks echo past failures.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil, branded a “Green World Cup,” was meant to leave a

THE EVENT PRODUCDE AROUND 14.2 MILLION TONNES OF C02

lasting legacy but fell short. According to the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, most eborts focused on obsetting emissions rather than cutting them. The event produced around 14.2 million tonnes of CO2, driven by stadium construction and transport, while communities were displaced for infrastructure projects. The question remains whether the positives outweigh the negatives. The 2026 World Cup may bring short-term economic gains, but without real emission cuts and sustainable logistics, it risks becoming another reminder that the spectacle of sport still outweighs its environmental responsibility.

Oil exploration licence in Amazon region

PETROBAS, Brazil’s state oil firm has just received licences to drill in Amapá, a state which is 90% covered by parts of the Amazon rainforest, and is 500km from the mouth of the Amazon river, on the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Though, there were concerns surrounding the environmental impact, the company have said they were able to provide robust environmental protection strategies. The drilling is set to begin immediately, lasting for 5 months, but that it would not be produced at a commercial level. Many conservationists have raise concerns about the oil spills being close to the rainforest, which is home to around 10% of the world’s species, many of which are on the decline and endangered. Greenpeace raised con -

cerns of the license ahead of COP30 which is being held in the Amazonian city of Belém, in the state Pará, which boarders Amapá.

HOME TO AROUND 10% OF THE WORLD’S SPECIES

COP30, which is running between Monday 10th and Friday 21st of November, has created quite a lot of controversy. Brazil, particularly the Amazon regions, can be quite pricey due to tourism, potentially preventing poorer nations from attending the summit. Furthermore, a large section of the rainforest was cleared to create an 8 mile 4-lane highway for over 50,000 people to attend.

Attending the event from the UK is Keir Starmer and Prince William, amongst other political figures, journalists, and campaigners. At the event, many topics are set to be discussed, including fossil fuels, as at COP28, attendees agreed to transition away from fossil fuels, but this motive was not strengthened at COP29. Renewable energy is also a hot topic as countries agreed to treble the use of wind and solar energy by 2030, at COP28.

The launch of Tropical Forests Forever Facility is expected at this year’s summit, a fund which will help to prevent the loss of tropical forests around the globe.

Last year, we saw an estimate of 67,000 square km of the amazon lost, which researchers have claimed could lead to an ir-

reversible decline, especially now warming could exceed the international target of 1.5C.

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Lucas Eley, Comment Editor

AS many of us have learned upon coming to our glorious institution of Exeter University, there is a tiered system of respect from the faculty when it comes to time off and holidays, even within single departments. For example, within Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, the History students receive a reading week in both term one and term two while the rest of us largely only get one. So why the disparity? One could argue that maybe its due to a disparity of required work but this cannot be a complete or even partial explanation given that the total volume of assignments and exams is largely very similar within departments, especially within humanities subjects. So maybe its because of the difference in type of assignments? Maybe those who have two reading weeks have a greater number of coursework assignments instead of exams? While not only is this arguably not a massive differential when within the same department, it is also largely dependent on individual modules and the choice of assignment by module conveners not by the wider subject itself. It is also evidently not based on who is likely to need more holiday due to having a large workload during term time. Some of the students with the highest workload and contact hours get practically no holiday, often in STEM subjects. So if it is not based on who has the most or the least work, or the type of work and how it would lean into having more or less holidays then what is it? Ultimately it seems to be almost completely random as to how departments and subject decide who gets one reading week and who gets two, not really based in rhyme or reason but rather it is more like to a drunk mathematician rolling dice or a blindfolded darts player throwing trips home at a board of different degrees.

Images: University of Exeter

Living with loss at university

Kayleigh Swart, Editor-in-Chief,

discusses dealing with grief during milestones of university life

WHEN I decided to sit down and write this article, the hardest part was figuring out how to start. How to introduce the topic? I felt like I had to bring up the conversation in a sensitive and respectful way, and honestly, I had no idea how to do that. Because the truth is, there is no nice way to talk about death, and most of the time, dancing around the subject helps no one. So, on that note, I want to discuss something that has shaped the way I’ve engaged with university, in the hopes that maybe someone else out there understands it too.

When I was younger, my father passed away, and despite it happening almost a decade ago, it has still managed to greatly affect my time at university. When you lose a parent, every big event in your life acts as a reminder of that, and university has seemed to be one big event after the next.

The two moments of my university career that immediately come to mind when I think of how my dad’s death affected me are my first and last days. The first being the day I moved away from home and into university halls. Moving away from home is an exciting and nerve-racking time for anyone, and while I did have all those positive feelings there was still this overwhelming sense that this was not how it was supposed to be. For people who have experienced loss it is almost second nature to wonder how things could have been different, or to wish the person in question could be there in those moments.

FOR

PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS IT IS ALMOST SECOND NATURE TO WONDER HOW THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT

The same can be said on the ‘last’ day of university: graduation. When I graduated

from my undergrad degree last summer, I got that same looming feeling as when I first moved into uni. As I was there in my robes, surrounded by everyone’s families, it is hard to ignore the fact that I was missing half of mine. This is not to say that I didn’t have a great time at graduation, but once again the whole day felt like a stark reminder of what I had lost.

While I try my best to not spend much time on those ‘what if’s or ‘if only’, those feelings are hard to ignore on big milestone days. Which is why university can be so difficult for people who have lost a parent; when people list the big life milestones, moving out and graduating are normally on the top of the list.

Wishing for things to have been different is not exclusively part of dealing with loss at university, it is a pretty standard part of any type of grief. However, for me at least, university felt like the first time the true scale of losing a parent was right in my face and I couldn’t hide from it. Somehow, it was the first time that my dad’s death was linked to my identity and my ‘story’. This, of course, isn’t helped by the fact that when you move to university no one knows who you are, and therefore you have to go through the motions of relaying the fact again and again.

UNIVERSITY

FELT LIKE THE FIRST TIME THE TRUE SCALE OF LOSING A PARENT WAS RIGHT IN MY FACE

A standard get-to-know you question that people like to throw around, especially in

this university, is “what do your parents do?” While sometimes this question can be brushed off slightly — most people aren’t that invested on asking what your ‘other’ parent does — there have been times where I’ve had to explain to an almost complete stranger that my dad had passed away. While this is not only a conversation I don’t particularly want to have, I can assure you, the other person wants to have it even less. Despite my extensive experience in the matter, I’ve yet to perfect a way to mention my dad’s death without completely ruining the mood of the conversation.

The fact is, is that as university students we’re still pretty new to the world and to life, and most people haven’t had much experience with seeing and dealing with such intense and personal grief. The reason why it becomes so awkward is because people have no idea how to respond. Which, of course, isn’t their fault, but it is also not my fault either. Yet, I often find myself trying to find ways to share the news in the softest and most delicate way possible — as if the news will affect them as much as it affects me. Or I’ll brush off any sympathies quickly to try and make people feel reassured that I’m not about to start crying at any given moment. Additionally, the fact that my father passed away before I came to university makes it very easy for me and others to accept the “oh it was so long ago it’s fine” train of thought, however untrue it can sometimes feel.

No matter the length of time, going to university after experiencing the death of a parent is always going to be challenging and bring up complicated feelings. Another challenge I’ve

found is how it almost feels like you’re living a unique experience. While I know this isn’t true, Child Bereavement UK estimate that around 127 children lose a parent every day in the UK, in the past three years I’ve yet to come across anyone else who has openly told me they’ve lost a parent. But then I think back to the lengths I’ve gone to, to try and avoid talking about it. A girl I had been friends with only found out that my dad was dead almost two years into our friendship. I didn’t think I was hiding it, but looking back on it, maybe I was.

THERE IS NEVER EXACTLY A CLEAR SKY

So, while facing the real and intense feelings of loss at university are one matter, there is this sense that no one else on campus can relate to that feeling. I don’t pretend that I can speak on other people’s experiences in regard to living with loss at university, but if they’re anything like mine, there is this feeling that you have to supress or ignore what you feel. Whether that is because you don’t want to ruin an important day or make a conversation awkward, or you just feel like it shouldn’t matter anymore. All this to say is that death and grief are complicated, especially at university. Things change so quickly and dramatically around you, and it is so easy to pretend that you don’t get affected by it, even on the days that are just meant to be celebrations. It is not like there has been an entire cloud overshadowing the past three years of my life, but at the same time (to continue on with the metaphor) there is never exactly a clear sky. That fact is, it always with you, and as I’ve learnt, it is often pretty difficult to ignore If you feel like you need extra support during your time at university, wellbeing services are avaliable through the university and guild websites.

Labour’s attack on International students harms us all

Tom Richardson, Comment Editor,

argues against the new international student levy policy

IN deflecting from the everlasting problem of boat crossings and the embarrassing ineptitude of the state to tackle it, Labour is pressing ahead with its attacks against International students — regardless of the damage it will cause.

IN DEFLECTING FROM THE EVERLASTING PROBLEM OF BOAT CROSSINGS

A levy on international students prioritizes the appearance of doing something rather than actually achieving it. The policy was previously announced earlier this year in a Government White Paper, titled ‘Restoring control over the Immigration system”, which highlights why this policy went ahead. Fudging the immigration statistics by restricting the amount of International students in the country is a much easier policy for the government than tackling problems of unsustainable legal migration (rather than temporary visas for students) and the ongoing failures with Labour’s key ‘smash the gangs’ policy. I have previously discussed that the International campuses of English universities are a core part of our nation’s remaining soft power (Exeter’s New Institute in China is a Necessary Evil, 8th October) Yet with higher education, international integration is also an eco -

UINTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION IS AN ECONOMIC CAUSE

nomic cause. The new international levy will cost universities £600 million a year, which will be passed directly to the UK Government. To enable universities to pay this bill, the Government has also kindly increased tuition fees to an estimated

£9,900. With fewer international students to subsidise our education, the policy is a very much a lose-lose situation for students. Additionally, it’s also a politically inept move. UCU General Secretary has claimed this policy is about ‘aping Reform’, yet no one has demanded this move. Restricting international students is the least popular immigration control, with only 23% wanting to reduce or stop International students coming into Britain, despite 71% of people believing that immigration has been too high in the past decade, according to polling by YouGov.

THIS

POLICY IS A LOSE-LOSE SITUATION FOR STUDENTS

With 102 constituencies having higher education as one of their top export industries, supporting over 180,000 jobs, 85% of which are Labour held. Clearly, this policy will not make any inroads into Reform and will cause economic damage to the country, while further alienating its student base and constituents.

Cheap Drinks or Market Murder: Wetherspoons

Lucas Eley, Comment Editor, discusses the impact of Wetherspoon pubs on pub culture

NDOUBTEDLY the pub has been an integral part of British culture for hundreds of years, from being a place of warmth and comfort during economic hardship, to a centre of the community since Lords and Knights controlled Britain, it is inarguable that pubs have been a cultural zeitgeist like no other on these isles. However, are they now facing a threat from the inside, a sheep in wolves clothing, an infiltrator wrapping itself in the familiar trappings of cheap food and drinks or are concerns over the role of Wetherspoons pubs in the pub economy largely unfounded.

Arguably “spoons” pubs have become a separate cultural element all to themselves being found on every high street, historic building and airport. The staple of cheap drinks, seasonal discounts and food to the table in under 15 minutes is undoubtedly appealing, especially since they are so widely available and such a standardised experience. This is largely where the argu -

ments that Wetherspoons are choking out more local pub competition by using their massive size to undercut the prices of smaller businesses.

WETHERSPOONS ARE CHOKING OUT THE MORE LOCAL PUB COMPETITION

By being able to order in amounts beyond bulk they benefit

from economies of scale and thus can charge lower prices on the customer end ultimately making them more appealing than pricier independent or even brewery chain pubs. However, I would argue that the economic cultural impact we have seen over the past 30-40 years is less of a gradual suffocation of smaller businesses and more of a market shift; as Wetherspoons take up a larger proportion of the

down market with the ability to undercut prices, local and brewery chain pubs have moved more upmarket with higher quality food and “pub experiences” making up for increased drink prices. This has been made evident with the rise of “gastro-pubs” with a more specific focus on food, or brewery chains having a tiered system of pubs such as Greene-Kings metro pubs which again focus more on cultivating the best possible pub experience with perfected pub classics.

Another important thing to consider is the iconic “Wetherspoons or national trust”, the idea that it’s a toss-up whether an old building will go into complete preservation or be turned into a spoons. Ultimately, this too goes a long way in protecting the local pub economy from Wetherspoons as the non-traditional buildings which they occupy prevent them from infringing on more classical pub buildings a lot of the time. This also benefits the up-market move and focus on traditional

“pub-experience” smaller chains or independent pubs often focus on.

TOSSUP WHETHER AN OLD BUILDING WILL GO INTO COMPLETE PRESERVATION OR BE TURNED INTO SPOONS

Ultimately, while I think it is fair to consider that in certain economic environments a Wetherspoons moving in could be generally bad for business for other local pubs just due to the cost differential, however often in these environments there are extenuating circumstances such as local history with a pub or community relationships that prevent this from having a noticeable or damaging effect. The reality we have seen is that Wetherspoons are a supplement too and expansion of the pub industry rather than an overwhelming presence within its already existing boundaries.

Images: 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia Commons

Images: Ridiculopathy, Wikimedia Commons

Satire

Your new BFF ChatGPT

IT is a truth universally acknowledged that at some point over the course of your university trajectory, a just this side of out-of-touch adult will inform you that “you’ll meet friends for life at university”, usually in reference to their wine and golfing buddies of thirty plus years. However, with the infiltration of artificial intelligence into academic life, it appears more and more likely that in forty years the other side of the pub booth will be occupied by your old friends ChatGPT, Grammarly and Google Gemini instead. (Microsoft Copilot is at the bar getting you all another round.) With an exponential number of students choosing AI over facing more than four brutal seconds of decision making, the effectiveness of assessments at university is facing scrutiny. Dwindling are the days of shared revision and peer assessment. Instead, your future lawyers are sitting alone at their grimy kitchen tables, with a laptop screen harshly split between ChatGPT and a question paper during their so called ‘exam’, asking an electronic study buddy for a summary of a two-sentence legal scenario.

STUDENTS CHOOSING AI OVER FACING MORE THAN FOUR BRUTAL SECONDS OF DECISION MAKING

This bleak situation should make us all wonder if the future of legal counselling (and indeed all customer services) will be a blank faced and blandly suited individual directing you from the foyer of the firm to a dark, windowless room where a computer monitor has an AI interface already loaded up on the screen. You will then be shut in said room, directed to type in your query, receive unverified and unoriginal advice followed by a bill in the post two weeks later for thirty thousand pounds. Ironically, this amount is almost the same as what most students are paying for the flashy degrees. You know, the ones that AI are increasingly completing for them. But it’s alright, no need to worry—the next round’s on Grammarly.

Beth Casey, Screen Editor

Anoushka

Man forgets Rememberance Day

Dutta Online International Editor

“ THERE I was observing my two minutes of silence, and I hear this yelling from outside my window,” Barry, 58, tells us, “these kids running around with large boxes of fireworks in their arms. That’s when I knew, it must be the 5th of November — and realised for the first time in my life that remembrance day and bonfire night are two separate occasions.” Barry’s not the only one. Exeposé finds that nine in every ten people have no clue what bonfire night is for, apart from a vague memory

of being told why in primary school. Meanwhile, 30 percent of the general public thought Guy Fawkes was the director of cult classics Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

30 PERCENT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC THOUGHT GUY FAWKES WAS THE DIRECTOR... OF

SNATCH

Experts attribute forgetting something like Remembrance Day to the concentra -

tion of important dates between October and December. “It’s the gap between Easter and Halloween, you see,” details psychotherapist Anne-Marie, “then October 31st comes round and there’s all sorts of things we’re expected to remember.” In Barry’s case, quippy rhymes like ‘remember, remember the 5th of November’ caused all the more confusion. “Upon reflection however, 11/11 is catchy to be fair,” laments Barry. “Never you mind, I’ll pop it in the calendar for next year,” he reassures us. Catch Remembrance Day, as ever, on the 11th of November, 2025. (Wait, was that yesterday?)

Woman orders PSL just to feel something

HDespite the warming nature of the leaves turning colour, she felt cold and lost – not having heard from Darren for a few hours. Holding her head in her hands, Hazel felt desperately sad, the thought of “HOW COULD HE NOT LOVE ME” pounding into her head. Messages flooded through her phone from her girlfriends, supportive pick me ups, but this was a pain like no other. Lost in her thoughts, Hazel barely registered she had arrived at her local family run coffee shop, until she heard the familiar jingle of the bell as she walked through the door. She offered a heartwarming smile to the owner’s son, “I’ll just get my usual if that’s okay”, before sitting down to thoughtfully gaze out the window. Before she knew it, the homely smell of pumpkin spice wafted through her freckled nose, bringing her back down into reality. Just

Wlike her drink, Hazel knew she was unique, she shouldn’t need to go out to parties and get stupidly drunk for a boy to see her worth. People are like seasons, constantly changing, and she was autumn, when Darren was clearly summer. Realising the importance of her thought, Hazel quickly snapped a picture of her drink, posting it to her story with the tag “Know your worth”. As the likes buzzed through, Hazel smiled, knowing by sharing her story, pumpkin spice lattes were saving one more person’s sanity.

THE HOMELY SMELL OF PUMPKIN SPICE WAFTED THROUGH HER FRECKLED NOSE

Prince Andrew loses privilege?

E bring you today the terribly sad news that Prince Andrew, or the aristocrat formerly known as Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has had his titles stripped from him by his brother, King Charles after an extended time of pressure from the tabloids, news stations, and anyone with a brain who saw his recent interviews. This tragedy has had the masses out in force offering sympathy as he faces a life as a normie. The timing of this has hit the former duke at the height of his royal career of travelling to countries he knows nothing about, opening leisure centres, and destroying the reputation of the royal family more than the years of colonialism, aristocracy, and the

death of Princess Diana. It is a terrible shame that Andrew overshot the royal tradition of one scandal per royal career. Where he could have been inconsiderate on a world tour, or had a messy divorce, or

even killed one of the queen’s corgis – he instead unfortunately tried to thread the needle too closely and is now faced with a lifetime of destitution; as only an extraordinarily rich man with many cars, houses, and global connections, we fear he may be left out in the cold. Importantly in this situation, we must think of the most effected party: the corgis. Their position stays in the air as to who will care for them after Andrew’s sad voting out of The Sandringham House. Sources say that Andrew has been seen at his well-favoured dining establishment, Pizza Express, Woking, ordering a large spicy meat feast as he makes use of his ability to not sweat to eat the hottest jalapeños Pizza Express can provide. We can only assume the worst for Mr. Windsor and wish him and his family who have yet to disown him the best in this trying time.

Local man watches TV, says confidently “I could do that.”

IN other news, a local Devon man woke up last week to find himself on top of the Strictly Come Dancing world. Paul, a 46 year old electrician from Exeter said his wife signed him up to dance on the show as a joke saying, “She thought it would be a bit of fun that’s all, I didn’t even dance at our wedding.” Surprising the both of them, Paul was accepted and has been dominating the dance floor week after week. Head judge Shirley Ballas had this to say after Paul’s killer first dance, “I think it

was the first time anyone’s ever backflipped off the judges table, it was really a sight to see.”

We asked after Paul’s background in tumbling which he replied, “I never done anything like that before, it just felt right in the moment.”

I THINK IT WAS THE FIRST TIME ANYONE’S EVER BACK-FLIPPED OFF THE JUDGES TABLE

Week two went similarly with audience members reported being entranced by Paul’s electrician themed contemporary dance. One witness remarked that, “It was unlike anything we’d ever

seen on the show, Paul was a blur of light and sparks, I wish my electrician could do that.” We showed Paul this quote and asked how he was

able to procure such an elaborate display, he answered that they were simply wires he had taken from the house he was working on before the show! He is an incredible multitasker this man , and is unlike anyone I have ever seen! It’s clear through sitting down with Paul that he is an ordinary man with an extraordinary set of skills. We have even heard whispers that if Paul is successful in taking home the glitter ball, that the judges might make him an official member of the team. This would be the first time in strictly come dancing history that a contestant is made into a judge. Good luck Paul, we are rooting for you!

Lauren Walsh

AZEL walked down the street of her quintessential cosy village, listening to the sound of the leaves crunch as she stepped, the soundtrack of the season.

Ella Clark

Molly Panagi-Williams

Jewel Perry

Image: publicdomainpictures.net

Image: wikimedia commons

Image: Pexels

Image: wikimedia commons

(right to left, top to bottom):Wikimedia commons, Wikimedia commons, Flcikr, Pexels, Wikimedia commons

frames: rawpixel, publicdomainpictures, Pickpik

Go Bush or Go Home!

Emily

S.

Rizzo, Print Editor-in-Chief, bares all on Skims' new faux-hair thong range

KIM Kardashian’s multi-billion-dollar enterprise, Skims, is no stranger to creating controversy within the fashion circuit, but has it finally reached a point of ridicule with their new line of faux hair micro string thongs?

From nipple bras, to face shaping wraps, and now faux bush underwear — it’s unclear where to draw the line between pieces designed to foster self-love, and the shameless capitalisation on insecurities manufactured by the fashion industry for profit. Skims’ take on pubic wigs has sparked endless debates on online forums around this topic, with both sides weighing in with valuable insights that go beyond the surface level of the bush.

SHAMELESS CAPITALISATION ON INSECURITIES MANUFACTURED BY THE FASHION INDUSTRY FOR PROFIT

The idea came to Kim following a 1970sstyle photoshoot, recalling a decade of freer, and more “natural” beauty standards. But merkins have been around for a lot longer, and for a variety of reasons beyond aesthetics: hygiene, privacy, and even seduction. In fact, the first re-

cords of their existence explain how, in the 15th century, they were used mostly by sex workers to cover up signs of syphilis (as well as unwanted odours), as well as to compensate for clean-shaving treatments of pubic lice. Some historians have gone so far as to suggest that merkins were treated as the same luxury item by Geor gian nobility as their fa mous powdered wigs. As hygienic practices improved, merkins fell out of use, and tend to crop up throughout 20th-century history mostly as modesty patches for performances — Kate Winslet was offered one for her role in The Reader , and Gina Gershon donned one for Killer Joe . However, the ‘90s stamped out all hope for bushes globally, as beauty standards rewarded appearances of youth, and equated hairlessness with desirability. While this feeling still haunts today’s

fashions, a more relaxed and body-positive attitude has generally encouraged people to just go with however much or little hair they like. Of course, what could be seen as ridiculous fashion statement pieces could actually be an identity-affirming piece for many people; wearing a bra which creates the impression of nipples could be empowering to those who have undergone chest surgery, and perhaps the faux hair micro thong will bring some sense of fulfilment to those unable to grow pubic hair. Ultimately, these lines could put many minds at ease by providing people with a self-image that is otherwise denied. But whether or not this was the audience that Kim had in mind is another matter entirely. Most likely, these £34 pieces of string, and

their hand-made hairy triangle are another ploy to trick consumers into buying products we don’t actually need. Fashion which is directed (for the most part) at women relies heavily on these manipulative mind games. Skincare brands, makeup companies, and many more create not only the solution to, but the insecurity itself, to convince us we need to spend money on something that will fix a flaw that was never real in the first place: spray tans, dermaplaning, and anything allegedly “fixing” cellulite or wrinkles are just a few that come to mind.

SOME SENSE OF FUFILLMENT TO THOSE UNABLE TO GROW PUBIC HAIR

Whichever the case is, the faux hair micro string thong has made its impact on the world — sparking debates and meditations on all sorts of topics, and (most surprisingly perhaps) selling out immediately. So, there must be people out there who want this product. And, luckily for them, they’re spoilt for choice! Curly, straight, ginger, platinum blonde… Skims is committed to matching anyone’s carpet to the drapes, so whether you’re growing your own, or donning a wig, fashion wills us all to go bush or go home.

The Cultural Significance of the Pumpkin Spice Latte

Phoebe Andrews, dives into the iconic PSL and what's next for the autumn staple

THE iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, in particular its form as the trademarked PSL, has arguably reigned supreme as the beloved autumnal drink since its inception in 2003. But where did the drink originate? And more importantly, will it soon be replaced? Starbucks has an answer to the first question, crediting the drink to Peter Dukes, the leader of the Starbucks espresso team. However, this invention is hotly debated, with other establishments and individuals attempting to take credit for an earlier discovery. Although this may be the case, the PSL is the iteration of the drink most commonly discussed in pop culture, being featured in memes. With around 20-80 million PSLs sold every year in the US alone, the company’s marketing clearly worked.

AROUND 20-80 MILLION PSLS SOLD EVERY YEAR IN THE US ALONE

One part of online culture that the latte shaped was ‘Christian girl autumn’, an all-Amer-

ican subculture popularised among millennials that delights in everything autumn, including infinity scarves, neutral-toned clothing and of course the PSL. The idea of ‘Christian girl autumn’ itself has created its own memes and references, showing the impact of the drink to this day.

PART OF THE ONLINE CULTURE THAT THE LATTE SHAPED WAS 'CHRISTIAN GIRL AUTUMN', AN ALLAMERICAN SUBCULTURE

But how about the future? While coffee chains such as Starbucks and Blank Street have reintroduced Pumpkin Spice to their menus this year, others have chosen to be more experimental with different bases such as Matcha (one of the most popular drinks of 2025) and different flavours like maple, spiced pecan and cinnamon taking centre stage.

With all these new flavours it can be difficult to know whether the cult around Pumpkin Spice will survive but judging by its still-popu-

lar status as the autumn beverage of the ‘basic white girl,’ I believe the drink will be here to stay.

JUDGING BY ITS STILLPOPULAR STATUS AS THE AUTUMN BEVERAGE OF THE 'BASIC WHITE GIRL'

Image: Wikimedia Commons

What's with the trending autism?

Chloe Burrows shares her apprehension with the online trend of neurodivergence amongst the dating scene.

WHETHER you're on the daring dating apps or not, there's a high chance that you’ve heard that autism has started to become a trend. Surprisingly, after being mocked and misunderstood for so many years, the condition is now considered a desirable ‘trait’ within a romantic partner. Straight

men, in particular, are hunting particularly for a ‘slightly autistic girlfriend’, but why is the suddenly obsession? Firstly, it’s important to somewhat excuse men who are autistic themselves as they very well may be looking for a like-minded partner, and there’s very little wrong with this.

STRAIGHT MEN IN PARTICULAR ,ARE HUNTING PARTICULARLY FOR A 'SLIGHTLY AUTISTIC GIRLFRIEND'

Conversely, masses of neurotypical men are swarming after women with, interestingly, only a ‘touch of’ or ‘slight’ autism. This is intriguing because it makes one wonder what these men consider this ‘trait’ to mean. Arguably, it could be a reference to men wanting a woman who is energetic or has strong passions and interests, yet refusing to date one who is easily overstimulated or — more worryingly — is more likely to decline physical intimacy than most. One autistic educator, Milly Evans, puts this down to the fact that “they either don’t know what autism is, or want to attract someone they perceive as more vulnerable”. This is not only concerning in that they’re disrespect -

ing a neurodivergency, but potentially ‘going after’ women in a vile and mistreating manner. It could be said that this stems from the original trend that was kept within the neurodiverse community: ‘tism rizz’. This referred to autistic people (and those with other neurodivergent conditions) discussing how their accidentally endearing traits, such as fiddling with their hair, have helped them succeed on dates without realising. However, this unintentionally catalysed the fetishisation of autism in a post-woke era; under the guise of ‘dark humour’, men have started to claim that they want an autistic partner because this ‘tism rizz’ started to trend in their echo chamber, however insulting that view is. Men doing this have had a hugely negative impact on women. Intuitively, neurotypical women, neurodiverse women without autism (or with severe autism) find it harder to enter a relationship.

HOWEVER THIS UNINTENTIONALLY CATALYSED THE FETISHISATION OF AUTISM IN A POST-WOKE ERA

Furthermore, more frequent attention

to women on the lighter end of the autistic spectrum has started to dismiss their condition as ‘cute’ and they have failed to receive help when overstimulated. This has led to them suffering greatly from severe ‘meltdowns’ from not being treated correctly. Finally, they are more likely to be taken advantage of in the dating world because they are considered most desirable. A somewhat common trait of autism is finding it more difficult to understand subtle social cues within situations, meaning these women are both overly desired and vulnerable. Therefore, they are finding themselves being taken advantage of: all women are suffering at the hands of this trend.

A SOMEWHAT COMMON TRAIT OF AUTISM IS FINDING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND SUBTLE SOCIAL CUES WITHIN SITUATIONS, MEANING THESE WOMAN ARE BOTH OVERLY DESIRED AND

Pop culture and courtroom fashion

Lifestyle writers shares their favourite celebrity and criminal mastermind's court apperances and their style.

SOMETIMES, a scandal works in favour of the accused and the accuser. When Winona Ryder stepped out in a Marc Jacobs dress from the 2001 Autumn collection, she turned heads – and flipped marketing on its head. It wasn’t the dress itself that caused all the tabloid commotion, but rather that Ryder had been caught stealing a Marc Jacobs sweater from a Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills the previous year, and was now repeatedly wearing the brand during her 2002 shoplifting trial! Between a stately headband and trench moment, and the iconic, coquettish sheer black and pink dress look, what started as a scandal became a six-day spectacle that gripped both media and fans of the beloved Heathers and Beetlejuice star.

HER COURT STYLE CAUGHT THE EYE OF THE ONE AND ONLY MARC JACOBS.

While the trial ended with Ryder receiving several sentences, including probation and community service, her court style caught the eye of one and only Marc Jacobs himself, who made Ryder the face of his 2003 spring/summer campaigns. As recently as 2022, the Stranger Things actress was showcased in campaigns for the J Marc

Shoulder bag. This fashionable court case reiterates something our favourite celebrity muses have known for a while: any press can become good press, with the right dress.

Daylyn Carrigan

NO one knows fashion better than a con artist on trial who knows that courts of law don't matter too much, but rather the court of public opinion matters much more.

THE COURTS OF LAW DON'T MATTER TOO MUCH, BUT RATHER THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION MATTERS MUCH MORE

Easily one of my favourite pop culture court moments was the trial of Soho Scammer, Anna Sorokin/Delvey, in 2019. She famously scammed her way into high society, with a Shonda Rhimes adaptation on Netflix documenting her life. She was convicted on eight counts, including second-degree grand larceny, theft of services, and firstdegree attempted grand larceny. Her public meltdowns of not wanting to wear H&M cemented her as a pop culture icon. Anna is a lot of things, and stylish is one of them; her style and timeless style cemented her as one of pop culture’s favourite masterminds. With a plethora of Instagram pages and copycats, keeping track of her court appearances. Her stylist, Anastasia Walker, even sent

Saint Laurent to Sorokin in prison before the trial. Her looks combined luxury and innocence, appealing to the judge, jury, and the masses. Sticking to mainly designer labels, Sorokin donned an all-black outfit, a plunging Michael Kors shift dress. The next day in Victoria Beckham slacks and a Saint Laurent sheer blouse and accessories to match, her signature Céline glasses and a black choker. The image crowned her from micro-criminal to celebrity, even featured on Dancing with the Stars and walking in New York Fashion Week, with an ankle monitor, making headlines and pop culture moments long past her conning days.

WALKING IN NEW YORK FASHION WEEK WITH AN ANKLE MONITOR

Image: flickr

Image: flickr

Yesmine Al-Saket, Lifestyle Editor

Images: pngimg.com, flickr

arts & lit

Mental health through the lens of arts

Janani Kandaramage explores depictions of mental health

ARISTOTLE once observed that catharsis is the purging of extreme emotions, such as pity, grief and apprehension, by experiencing them via performance and art, particularly tragedy. This internal process is rehabilitative, providing a healthy means to release pent-up feelings in a controlled and safe environment: preventing them from escalating in real life during times of crisis.

In the wake of World Mental Health Day, an annual occasion dedicated to publicising and mobilising efforts to ensure equitable mental health support, acknowledging the role of media and literature as a sanctuary for the troubled mind is vital when on the path to healing.

Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is a timeless literary model for mental health that dissects the mental breakdown of the 19 year old Esther Greenwood as she yearns for authenticity in

a world that beats to the drum of gendered social pressures. The psychological toll of conforming to a patriarchal society is evoked in Plath’s visual depiction of the Bell Jar stifling and entrapping, aligning with Esther’s discomfort and failure to transcend the rigid code of femininity she is obliged to follow. The inability to find like-mindedness in a world sceptical of ambitious women inevitably places her in a position of isolation that morphs into depression.

Set in the backdrop of the 1950s, Plath’s exploration of Esther’s cynical stream of consciousness is hauntingly beautiful in conveying the stigmatization of mental health as the juxtaposition of her inner state of disorientation to the ‘bright

and normal’ depiction of external reality successfully shows that she views herself as a shameful burden to others. Esther’s story, which is a semi-autobiographical reflection on Plath’s life is impactful in universalizing depression and giving language to the experience of those who feel alienated, successfully destigmatizing the phenomenon. This eerily murky representation of psychological collapse extends to film in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan starring Natalie Portman whose character Nina Sayers battles perfectionism, paranoia, and a dissociative identity crisis when thrown under the microscope of the professional ballet world. The visual portrayal of her hallucinations, OCD, and

Review: First Ripple

self-harm reveal her gradual deterioration, warning audiences on the unchecked consequences of internal distress that feeds on the dark destructive force of mental health, ultimately leading to a loss of one’s self. While Nina’s descent into insanity serves as a cautionary tale with no resolution, films such as Ron Howard’s A Beautiful Mind are a testament to the need to persevere through adversities. The resilience of exceptional mathematician Josh Nash to continue his work in academia despite his schizophrenia, and his eventual triumph humanize the mental health condition while offering hope to those with similar struggles. In a world where time is dictated by the bureaucratic imposition of foreign expectations on others, these stories assure us that we are not alone, that there exist individuals willing to relate and listen, and that there will always be light even in the darkest of tunnels.

Rebecca Aparicio Vega reviews The Northcott Elevate Festival’s production of First Ripple

A S part of the Northcott’s Elevate Festival, First Ripple was performed, written and composed by three postgraduate students that, through many different stylistic choices, explored the awakening of female sexuality throughout the play. The beginning of the play introduced its main message playfully through humorous jokes hinting at themes of sexuality, yet as the play developed, the use of art, poetry and music created a deeper and intensified atmosphere from which sexuality was expressed as a beautifully vital part of women’s lives. By the ending, the use of Chinese puppetry and sign language added another layer of intensity to the play, however the message became somewhat complexified as one had to decipher the connection between these stylistic choices and the overall message of female sexuality.

Yet, it all came together at the end with the beautiful use of lighting and shadow, ultimately demonstrating that the message was meant to be felt rather than deciphered.

“SEXUALITY WAS EXPRESSED AS A BEAUTIFULLY VITAL PART OF WOMEN’S LIVES”

My favorite stylistic choice was the music combined with the playful use of lighting, shadow, and dance, creating a sense of ethereal beauty across the stage. I found that the combination of such distinct artistic elements

at first seemed to be distant from each other, but as the play progressed, I saw how they all complimented each other and brought about the sentiments associated with female sexuality. For example, the poetry readings in the background as the actors performed different dances and skits complimented each other in a way that allowed for the multifaceted aspect of sexuality to come through for the audience. When discussing the different styles incorporated in the play, I think the use of lighting must be the most essential choice to mention, as it really involved the audience into the feeling of the play. The use of colors, different light being shined on different parts of the stage, shadow play and even projection brought about a beautiful atmosphere which essentially culminated the entire message

of the play: the beauty of female sexuality.

“ COMPOSED OF SO MANY DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND STYLES THAT COMPLIMENTED EACH OTHER ”

The feeling created by this was my absolute favourite part of the play and the one that I resonated with the most. I thoroughly enjoyed this act, composed of so many different activities and styles that complimented each other in a rather surprising and unexpected way. It was a fantastic journey to experience this play.

The rise of Gen Z slang in fiction

Arts and Lit writers comment on the use of trending language in literature.

THE experience of picking up a new fiction book for the first time in a while and seeing a mention of some social media platform, or an overused and abused TikTok term, does nothing but confirm my preference for older fiction. Why do authors feel the need to include text message bubbles and cringeworthy slang in the place of real grammar?

But the idea of whether ‘trending’ language should or shouldn’t belong between the pages of a book is also dependent on what we want literature to do for us. Often, we look at fiction hand-in-hand with intellect or academia. And for those of us who

seek to enrich our vocabulary, expand our minds to reach new ideas or engage with ancient thinkers, there is absolutely nothing more off-putting than dialogue imbued with words such as “rizz” or “slay.”

Although I don’t suppose it would be fair to dismiss the fact that readers are, to some extent, always propelled into every era they read from. A writer is most likely (whether intentionally or not) to write in a manner representative of their generation. So, unless we revive the lost art of letter writing, unfortunately, the text message font will have to remain.

IN this digital age, language seems to be evolving quicker than ever. Linguistic development is only natural, but it seems that Generation Z, defined as between 1997 and 2012, have contributed to this in ways never seen beofre. As our attention spans are slowly devolving, and literary rates are declining, internet slang seems to be becoming more intertwined with our speech, and thus, our literature. Authors seem to be trying to replicate contemporary speech, for either relatability, or realism. So, is this a good thing?

I think its important for there to always be a market for fun, relatable, and easy to read books. While I do love a more challenging read,

not everyone has the time to read Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, and certainly not everyone has the interest in it. But regardless of personal tastes, reading is an essential skill. Fun and modern novels are not trying to compete with classical literature, and so shouldn’t be treated as such. Even if ‘Gen Z’ slang seems a little tacky, if it gets more people enjoying reading, it’s a good thing in my books!

Images: Pxhere

Zoe Fry

Isabel Bratt, Arts and Lit Editor

Images: pngall, picryl

Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor, would fight for the fantsay genre

FANTASY is by far my favourite genre to read, and while I do enjoy some of the romantasy books that are popular on BookTok, there is a special place in my heart for epic fantasy books. I enjoy the chance to be introduced to a new world with an interesting cast of characters and unique magic sys tems. A longer series gives me more time to get attached to the characters and can make plot twists even more mind-blowing, if they were foreshadowed many

books ago. Plus, sometimes there are dragons. A big part of the appeal of fantasy books is, of course, escapism. You can take a break from the worries of everyday life to read about a world entirely unlike your own, with antirely different set of problems, and forget about your own for a while. Cosy fantasy is a subgenre that is becoming increasingly popular, taking the idea of worryfree escapism even further.

In defence of genre fiction

Daniel Pratt, believes that the sciencefiction genre is out of this world

ACAPTIVATING question that defines fiction is “what if?”; by suspending disbelief and approaching a story by its own rules we experience and appreciate grounded lessons in absurd settings. Whether it’s the importance of virtuousness against evil in fantasy or confronting the hidden depravity of the human spirit within horror, fiction works as a hypothetical for exploration and entertainment. Sci-fi is a genre that distinguishes itself through speculative storytelling, evolving certain truths about the world to explore potential futures that coincide with reality as we move towards the “distant future of 2015”. While some stories use sci-fi as another platform for fantasy,

such as Star Wars , others, like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Blade Runner) explores the human condition in relation to technology. To me, the “Penfield mood organ,” a device that allows characters to program their emotions, including “the desire to watch television, no matter what is on it,” resonated eerily, reminding me of our fixation on distracting ourselves from negativity through doom-scrolling. To me, science fiction is a speculative genre that explores potential futures for humanity, both grand and mundane. As predictions go, these are introspective and entertaining, as programming a desire rather than being paralysed by indecision would be invaluable during movie night.

The Louvre Heist

OChloe Burrows, on why the horror genre is scarily good

ESPECIALLY during Autumn, horror has always been my favourite literary genre.

A well-written horror can leave a lasting impression, either by scaring you or leaving you on the edge of your seat. Moreover, there’s a multitude of reasons why horror is so exhilarating!

The main reason horror is enjoyable is its ability to effectively transfer from literature to film (and vice versa). For example, The Exorcist — the best horror novel of all time — translated into a successful film adapta tion, maximising audiences. Furthermore, the twists and turns within a horror

book make them more intriguing than any other novel. For example, Stephen King’s most suspenseful books, such as Carrie , which is littered with mystery conventions, truly hook the reader. Uniquely, horror is designed to have a greater emotional impact on the reader than any other genre. It evokes fear, surprise, interest, as well as happiness and sadness towards the charac-

Poppy Fellows, explores the Louvre Heist in relation to literature and film

N Sunday 19th October, thieves disguised as construction workers entered the Louvre, leaving with eight priceless jewels, worth €88 million. Two suspects have been taken into custody, but what remains is speculation and mystery surrounding the events. Whilst detectives are busy suspecting an inside job, much of the discourse surrounding the heist online sees it as a romantic spectacle. This high-octane heist in the middle of Paris in Autumn is causing people on TikTok to dress up for an “outing in Paris”, wearing black and white breton t-shirts as if they are robbers from a cartoon, or editing

the jewels onto travel pictures from their previous trips to the city. However, with a setting so innately idyllic such as Paris, this heist rings bells of the glamorous heist films and literature. With comparisons made to Stephen Soderbergh’s Ocean’s trilogy, imagining a rag-tag crew of suave professionals plotting fantastical schemes to nick priceless items — especially as the French Interior Minister suspects an experienced team who have scoped out the museum. Perhaps it is rather the dysfunctional, fast-paced crew of Baby Driver behind this. When we watch these heist films, whether it be George Clooney’s Danny

Ocean, or even his Fantastic Mr Fox, the stories’ narratives are that we root for them to succeed and win against the unlikeable and antagonistic victim. This is perhaps why in response to this illicit heist many have felt excitement over disgrace.

THIS IS PERHAPS WHY IN RESPONSE TO THIS ILLICIT HEIST MANY HAVE FELT EXCITMENT OVER DISGRACE

Moreover, many may be fantasising who the characters behind this are, as unlike in novels

such as Leigh Bardugo’s fantasy Six of Crows, Grace D.Li’s Portrait of a Thief, or even Ally Carter’s YA series Heist Society, we have no insight into the back-stories of the criminals. In these novels, the thieves are dangerously quick and talented, with deep appreciation for art, motivated by more than just the prospect of fortune. Much like in Portrait of a Thief, it is a rebellion against colonialism, and about examining a Chinese-American identity through artwork.

The mystery around this heist is romantic, and it is no surprise we have turned to exciting literature and film to build a narrative.

The rise of AI in creative industries

Sarah-Jane Wilkinson, discusses the complexities of AI in art

THERE’S a new music genre in town: A-pop (artificial pop). Its latest star, Tata Taktumi, just dropped her debut single, produced by none other than Timbaland. The catch? Tata isn’t real. She’s a computergenerated performer, part of a growing wave of virtual artists powered by artificial intelligence. She can sing, dance and interact with millions of fans online, all without existing in the physical world. Alongside her is AI “actress” Tilly Norwood, developed by Dutch company Particle6 to appear in films and advertisements. They can entertain endlessly, but they aren’t human. So, is this the next creative revolution, or just imitation disguised as innovation? AI-generated art has exploded across the

creative industries. Songs, scripts and portraits can now be produced in seconds. Tech companies defend this shift as a way of “democratising crea tivity,” claiming anyone can make art without formal training or expensive tools. But it’s not that simple. Many AI systems are trained on the work of real hu man artists, often with out their consent, credit, or compensation. As The New York Times recently noted, questions

of ownership and authenticity lie at the heart of this technological boom. If machines can mimic human creativity so easily, where does that leave the artists themselves?

This new wave of AI art also challenges how we define human expression. While developers claim these tools “assist” creators, fully synthetic productions often replace, rather than enhance genuine work. These systems don’t truly create; they recombine and recycle what already exists. That raises uncomfortable questions: Who really benefits from this technology? And who loses their jobs, credit, or even their artistic identity in the process?

AI may make creative production faster and more accessible, but accessibility means little if authenticity dies. Art has always been shaped by human experience. The imperfections, emotions and risks are what give it depth. When algorithms take centre stage, creativity risks becoming just another form of content: efficient, marketable and instantly forgettable. AI can generate convincing art, but it can’t understand why that art matters. In our rush to innovate, we should pause and ask: are we expanding creativity, or simply automating it? The answer may determine not just the future of art, but what it means to be an artist at all.

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Image: Heute.at

Image: Flickr

Image: Flickr

MUSIC

"I didn't know it was your pussy palace"

Yasmine Al-Saket, Lifestyle Editor, reviews Lily Allen's new album, West End Girl

IT has been seven years since Lily Allen last released an album. Her new album, West End Girl, is a 14-track emotional autobiographical autopsy of her second marriage’s breakdown and subsequent divorce with her former partner, Stranger Things star David Harbour. At its core, this album is about betrayal, not just the kind between lovers but the silent, accumulating betrayals we face throughout our lives to our partners, our children and to ourselves. The album has received acclaim with four/five stars from The Independent, The Guard ian and Rolling Stone. It is Structured as a play, with a beginning, middle and end, with the production reflecting her real life. The album begins with, 'West End Girl', an insult that Harbour would use, in the midst of her moving to New York, post-marriage, with Allen receiving news about her becoming a West End girl, invited for auditions for a play in London. She hints at red flags from her marriage, such as his demeanour changing; we hear a one-sided phone call of David wanting an open marriage. She shares her discomfort with this: “makes me really sad/I want you to

be happy”. In 'Ruminating' and 'SleepWalking' begins her anxiety, overthinking and panic, with times close to betraying herself, protecting his ego and career. Her anger in the line “If it has to happen, baby do you want to know?” / her response, “What a f****ing line” is the crack in the mirror since finding out about the affair. Her emotions are on full display in every song, “I know you’ve made me your Madonna, I want to be your whore” Allen shares her desire of wanting to be included in his sexual desires. Despite this, Harbour’s refusal to be romantic with her has created a heart-shaped hole in her, fuelling her doubt in her marriage. All of the anxiety leading up to 'Tennis', where Allen asks, “Who the f*** is Madeline?”, the mistress, with Harbour breaking all of their rules: be discreet, there had to be payment and with strangers. The perfect lead up to 'Madeline', a song where their interactions are detailed and the aftermath in 'Replase', where Allen openly shares her drug and

Calcohol addiction and wanting to relapse, “I need a drink”, longing to be numb. Not only is the storyline mesmerising to follow along with, her production is an ode to London’s multiculturalism, dance, R&B, garage, dub, and pop, stitched up together.

HER PRODUCTION IS AN ODE TO LONDON'S MULTICULTURALISM

The most impressive sequence of the album is the middle act: 'Pussy Palace', '4Chan Stan' and 'Nonmonogamummy'. The middle act of the play, where her composure fractures, is where she exposes the most shocking details. 'Pussy Palace' is a deceptively shimmery song, where her girlishness makes the revelations even more shocking. The graphic description upon locating the sexual detritus in her husband’s bachelor pad, the 'Pussy Palace' is balanced with a catchy melody.

'4Chan Stan' is a continuation of this sparkly soundtrack to her carwreck of a marriage, whereas 'Nonmonogamummy'’s production is full of life, al-

most from convincing herself that she could be in an “open marriage” to the illusion of composure shattering. Allen’s shock, outrage, and disgust have morphed into something uglier: desperation and the betrayal of herself. Songs like 'Dallas Major' and 'Beg For Me' cut open the unevenness of their openness. She criticises how easily it is for men to open up sexually and emotionally, whereas for a 40-year-old mother of two, it is just another performance to keep up. The album ends on a true moment of catharsis, 'Fruityloop', what she’s been desiring, being herself again..

Cat Burns: Traitors to Stardom

Eve Buckley explores the rise in Cat Burns' popularity after her performance in Celebrity Traitors

ATERINA Burns-Temison, born in June 2000, is a Streatham born singer-songwriter destined for acclaim. With constantly growing popularity in both the television and music realms, Burns’ career started at just 16 years old in 2016 with an EP called adolescent. However, the success of this EP was cut short by the pall of lockdown shrouding the nation. Despite ‘adolescent’’s stunted growth, lockdown bred massive attention for the release of Burns’ single ‘Go’, released in July 2020, the song was a slow burning hit but peaked in early 2022 with TikTok exploding its success with users miming along to the lyrics. Eventually landing the second position in the UK charts in summer 2022, the single gained a nomination for song of the year at the 2023 Brit awards and was included in BBC Radio 1’s sound of 2023 list. More recently the single has gained platinum status with over two hundred million streams, bolstered by Burns’ album early twenties in 2024. Speaking to the Brits organisation, she invokes

India Arie to be a major inspiration for her musical career, as a strong black woman who creates acoustic pop and soul music. Burns claims that she found it difficult to find her artistic feet, but Arie guided her to her current style of “soulful pop” in which blends R&B, Folk, Indie and Gospel. Most of all, Burns says that the main mission for her music is to have a positive impact on the listener, for people to feel seen, heard and represented.

BURNS SAYS THAT THE MAIN MISSION FOR HER MUSIC IS TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LISTENER

More recently, Cat Burns’ name has been highlighted in the media due to her participation in the hit TV series The Celebrity Traitors. Despite not being one of the most recognisable faces within the star-studded cast for 2025, Burns has

Obecome one of the most prominent figures within the current franchise, pushing her into the nation's perception. This is due to her extremely calm and easy-going nature despite her position as a traitor. As well as this, Burns is extremely open about both her sexuality as well as the struggles that she faces with neurodivergence, adding a level of human depth to an already lovable character. She shares this vulnerability within her music as well, writing in her latest single ‘Lavender’ about a rumoured relationship: "If you’d have told me months ago, I’d call you a liar, I feel brighter, Life feels brighter, Now I can't imagine life without her". This vulnerability and openness into her private life is perhaps why people flock to Burns and her music. She is one of the few artists opening doors to those who have never felt themselves represented by lyricism. Burns also speaks about the problems of being LGBTQ+ as a black woman, she tells Heart FM that “If you’re a black woman, I want you to feel heard and seen. We are

vulnerable people who are capable of having lots of emotions.” Not only this but Burns has been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD, something which the artist has never hidden from. In fact, she regularly speaks about her experiences and uses her fame to raise awareness around the topic. Cat’s rise to fame is a testament to her talent, openness with struggle as well as hard work.

CAT'S RISE TO FAME IS A TESTAMENT TO HER TALENT, OPENESS WITH STRUGGLE AS WELL AS HARD WORK

She is able to appeal to everyone in her lyricism which makes her an extremely wellrounded artist as well as human being. From busking on the streets of London to supporting Ed Sheeran, Cat Burns is one to watch.

Duran Duran concert review: Danse Macabre

Sarah Gould, Music Editor, shares her experience of Duran Duran's creepy concert

N the 31st October, I had the pleasure of attending Duran Duran’s famed Halloween event ‘Danse Macabre’ at the Co-op Live in Manchester. This is the first ever time that this show has been held in the UK, with the Halloween party first held in Las Vegas and then New York City. And you could tell that it was Halloween alright, with thousands of people dressed up in fantastic costumes which really solidified the creepy vibe of the night. Danse Macabre is the title of Duran Duran’s hit EP and album of 2023, which along with new singles, reimagined popular songs from the 70s and 80s. It has distinctive, ghoulish elements which makes it a perfect soundtrack to any Halloween party, and thus the perfect base for their Halloween concert. Of course, they also played their hit songs including 'Hungry like the Wolf',

'Rio' and 'A View to a Kill'. Possibly my favourite of the night was their rendition of 'Girls on Film' which merged beautifully into their cover of Talking Head’s 'Psycho Killer', a surprise remix that fit the theme of the night perfectly.

A SURPRISE REMIX THAT FIT THE THEME OF THE NIGHT PERFECTLY!

With a set list of 24 songs, we were spoilt with incredible performances, but unfortunately, my favourite song 'Save a Prayer' didn’t make the cut. But, hey, unless they performed for three hours straight, there must be sacrifices! The performance production added to the spooky

atmosphere, with the backdrop constantly running creepy videos to match the songs, as well as fire canons shooting off in dramatic bursts. The only let down of the evening was Simon Le Bon’s (lead singer) microphone sometimes cut out, but this was resolved by the mid-point of the concert. Duran Duran first formed in 1978, and the members are now well into their 60s. I think that they all prove age is just a number. They gave their full energy on Halloween, all dressing up in spooky costumes and engaging the crowd. I hope that they keep going for years to come, and I get the opportunity to see them again in the near future.

I THINK THAT THEY ALL PROVE AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

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Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Sarah Gould

AI: the future of music? Or its destruction...

Daylyn Carrigan discusses the rise of AI products in the music industry

AI is a contemporary force that demands to be seen — and heard. The world's largest streaming service for music, Spotify, has adopted its AI policies to be more ‘responsible' by introducing new impersonation policies and spam ‘slop’ filtering.

SPOTIFY HAS ADOPTED ITS AI POLICIES TO BE MORE 'RESPONSIBLE'

However, concerns over the growing normalisation and inconsistent, unchecked use of AI in music add to the controversy, after it was discovered that the service was publishing AI-generated music under the names of late musicians such as Blake Foley and Guy Clark. How do we protect our voices from being lost in the midst of a tidal wave of computer-generated noise? According to Liz Pelly, author of Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and

the Costs of the Perfect Playlist , we can consider the ways in which how we listen to music affects what music we listen to. Pelly identifies the ‘lean-back listen ers’ — those who use music as an auditory backdrop — introducing the idea that intentional listening reduces the mass of computational playlists and AI-produced pieces. As the streaming site’s algorithm would identify an increasing preference for true musician-made materials and push those albums forward. This practice could become essential, as Spotify now allows premium users to create new playlists through chat prompts in their ‘AI Playlist’ generator. The controversy of AI in music doesn’t just lend itself to concerns over listening aes-

thetics or impersonations, however. We’ve seen a rise in bands wholly generated by AI, such as The Velvet Sundown, which garnered extreme media attention following the accumulation of over one million streams on Spotify. The rapid success of a synthetic project sparked conversations about authorship, as the training models to create such projects can exploit independent artists, who find their sounds copied and compensation nonexistent. Critics of these training model practices are wary that an increase in AI could mean a staggering decrease in revenue for human artists.

AN INCREASE IN AI COULD MEAN A STAGGERING DECREASE IN REVENUE FOR HUMAN ARTISTS

However, not all conversations surrounding AI in the music industry are founded in disapproval. Other developments by Spotify, including the rollout of their seamless transitions feature, appear to be readily accepted by users. Several popular TikToks have been made highlighting the new feature, amassing thousands of likes and saves, showing a wide acceptance of the AI customization tool. Overall, it seems the influx of AI in the music industry draws both positive and negative attention. This begs the question: whose responsibility is it to use AI ethically, the platform or the user?

The Last Dinner Party: From the Pyre

Maya Dallal, Online Music Editor, takes us through her thoughts on The Last Dinner Party's new album From the Pyre

LONDON-BASED The Last Dinner Party have just released their second studio album, From the Pyre . Building on the baroque-inspired melodies of debut Prelude to Ecstasy , the album delivers on their dramatic signature sound.

THE ALBUM DELIVERS ON THEIR DRAMATIC SIGNATURE SOUND

From the Pyre opens with 'Agnus Dei', meaning “Lamb of God” in Latin, whose roiling bassline sets the scene for an apocalyptic love story. 'Count the Ways' begins with a dark guitar riff, with Abigail Morris's vocals slowly ascending

in pitch. The saccharine refrain “I count the ways that I love you every day” masks the other obsessive promises in the song, like breaking into each other’s houses and twisting the knife. The band’s lyrics walk a balancing act between charmingly poetic and excessively theatrical, often narrative and relying on metaphors of violence. The third single 'Second Best' is the band’s sound distilled perfectly: choral backing vocals, a layered chorus, a guitar riff that steadily ramps up. It’s followed by the first single, 'This is the Killer Speaking', a piano-heavy, slow-building narrative. This is easily the strongest single of the three, as the track blooms into a gorgeously catchy chorus, and each sequence transitions smoothly. 'Rifle', however, is the band’s best song to date, showcasing their musical abilities to the fullest.

Guitarist Lizzie Mayland takes over lead vocals, with a lighter, sweeter voice than Morris’s indulgent soprano. Narrating the story of a hunter, the track begins slow and heavy,

before exploding into a charged chorus. The song is at its most interesting in the perfectly timed gaps between furious noise, like the sparse keys underlining the French bridge. The second half of the album is unfortunately more homogenous. 'Woman is a Tree' is a slightly forgettable ballad, heavy on undulating vocalisation and nature imagery. 'I Hold Your Anger' also focuses on womanhood, lamenting self-sacrifice and the emotional labour expected of women. Pianist Aurora Nishevci is the lead vocalist on this track, and her lovely piano arrangement is easily its highlight. 'Sail Away' also begins as a vocal/piano arrangement, and as the third ballad in a row, is boring partially just by virtue of its placement in the album. The ending to the song is very pretty though, as the piano melody climbs over the rest of the band’s layered vocals. 'The Scythe', which was the second single, is the second half’s recovery. The song is gentle, giving a tender goodbye at imminent death, and the instrumentals reflect that kindness while maintaining the bluster of a rock song.

THE SONG IS GENTLE, GIVING A TENDER GOODBYE AT IMMINENT DEATH

Morris’s haunting falsetto sets up Emily Robert’s best guitar solo on the album. In a just world, this emotive farewell is the closer. But it’s followed by 'Inferno', the lyrics of which embody various saints, including Joan of Arc watching “The Real Housewives.” This is a short, forgettable closer, dominated by Morris’s vocalisation but lacking any big instrumental moments. From the Pyre is a more con -

sistent album than their debut, but only just. It shines at its biggest, most indulgent ('This is the Killer Speaking,' 'Rifle) but drags its feet in its emotional second half. The band relies too heavily on its vocalist, and uniformly follows a similar melodic structure on most songs. It's still a good album, but begs the question of where The Last Dinner Party will go from here — a third Prelude, or a completely new sound?

BEGS THE QUESTION OF WHERE THE LAST DINNER PARTY WILL GO FROM HERE

Image: Wikimedia Commonsr

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: The Jingle Writer

screen

Looking Back: Then and Now

Nina Exton, Deputy Editor compares a classic with new rom-coms

IN 1934, Hollywood passed the Hays Code, a self-imposed set of guidelines that regulated morality on screen — basically prohibiting any depictions of sexual themes, even limiting on-screen kisses to three second durations. Not wanting audiences to miss out on much-needed romance, Hollywood adapted. The screwball comedy would soon become one of the most popular film subgenres and come to define Hollywood’s Golden Age, depicting romance and sexual tension through chaotic situations and fast-paced, witty dialogue.

Examples include It Happened One Night or His Girl Friday. My personal favourite is Bringing Up Baby (1938). Cary Grant stars as David Huxley, a paleontologist whose plans to secure a museum donation are derailed by Katherine Hepburn’s wild and unpredictable Susan Vance, who drags the uptight David into misadventures, most notably involving her pet leopard, Baby.

I love the scene where, unbeknownst to her, Susan tears the back of her dress at a country club and David desperately tries to protect her from embarrassment. David seems not to stand Susan

but makes a fool of himself to shield her. This is the first time we see them work together as a team, their chemistry and wit complementing each other perfectly.

In the decades following Bringing Up Baby, as social norms shifted and audiences sought more relatable stories, the screwball comedy would become the romantic comedy, or rom-com, one of the most iconic of course being How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (2003). The film follows Kate Hudson’s Andie, a journalist who plans to drive a man away for an

article, and Benjamin, an advertising executive who bets he can make Andie fall in love with him. Where rom-coms really differ from screwball comedies is in their emotion-driven narratives. Despite Andie’s cool-girl status, she is relatable, especially in her ambition and care for friends like Michelle. Screwball comedies’ prioritising of chaos over emotional development left little room to explore friendship, a theme now a mainstay of romcoms (think Elle Woods and Paulette). While Susan is entertaining, we never truly get to know her. Andie

Review: After The Hunt

Yasmine Al-Saket, Lifestyle Editor, examines the shortcomings and lost potential of Guadagnino’s latest project

Ahowever, we want as a friend and root for in love. I personally think friend groups going to the cinema to see screwball comedies together would have appreciated more on-screen friendships. However, Susan and David are a friendship duo in themselves. Screwball comedies embodied a contemporary societal shift surrounding love, with companionate marriages — the idea that your partner can above all be your friend — overtaking previous patriarchal models. While it is fun to watch Andie and Ben confiding in their respective friends while deceiving each other, there is something so romantic about Susan and David always being on the same side regardless of their differences.

SCREWBALL COMEDIES EMBODIED A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETAL SHIFT SURROUNDING LOVE

It’s Not Time for Christmas

Beth Casey, Screen Editor, outlines what to watch in the pre-festive season

FTER the Hunt begins by following the illustrious Julia Roberts as Alba Imhoff, a philosophy lecturer at Yale University who finds herself caught between a sexual assault allegation involving her PhD student, Maggie (Ayo Edebiri), and her close friend and colleague, Hank (Andrew Garfield). The opening party scene, a lively debate among professors and students about the problematic legacies of canonical philosophers and how culture no longer favours “straight, white men”, sets up the film’s central ethical dilemma. Positioned within the post-MeToo cinematic landscape, After the Hunt promises an incisive exploration of power, morality, and truth in the modern academy. Yet, as critics observe, Luca Guadagnino’s film is ultimately more about provocation than exploration: it flirts with themes of cancel culture, generational conflict, and identity politics without truly committing to any of them. I am bound to agree with them, the movie’s cast and visuals could not save it’s focus on identity politics and culture wars.

SPOILERS AHEAD IT FLIRTS WITH THEMES OF CANCEL CULTURE,

The remarkable cast is the only remarkable thing about this film; it feels emotionally hollow, unlike similar movies, such as Blink Twice Guadagnino’s stylish camera angles, slow pans, and intrusive orchestral score often distract from the story’s tension rather than build it. Nora Garrett’s screenplay is dense with philo -

sophical jargon and overloaded with tangential subplots, making the narrative feel unfocused. What should have been a compelling psychological drama about consent and credibility becomes an over-intellectualised spectacle. The characters, too, are burdened with excessive symbolic weight; Alma’s mysterious ailments and Maggie’s complex identity as a queer, Black, plagiarism-accused student with wealthy donor parents turn them into walking signifiers rather than believable people. In theory, After the Hunt should leave audiences debating its moral and political implications. In practice, the movie leaves viewers puzzled, asking what really happened and what it all meant. The film’s visual polish cannot mask its thematic emptiness, resulting in a glossy but frustratingly evasive portrait of modern academic ethics.

THE FILM’S VISUAL POLISH CANNOT MASK ITS THEMATIC EMPTINESS

WHETHER you are a Christmas fanatic, or a reserved ‘First of December-Only’ type of festive individual, hearing echoes of Mariah Carey the day after Halloween is a surreal experience. In terms of media, this month can feel like a murky area. You are likely out of spooky stuff to watch but not quite ready for full on tinsel and snow. There is an elusive sweet spot for the first few weeks of November while everything settles after Halloween, and this article will attempt to help you find it.

THIS MONTH CAN FEEL LIKE A MURKY AREA

For me, the best strategy for easing into the Christmas spirit is through ‘anti-Christmas’ movies, or in most cases — films that are set at Christmas, but the holiday has no significant on the plot, characters or overall themes. This way, you can think of Christmas more as a distant, twinkly decoration deep in the blurry background of a shot, rather than a glaring, flashing car wrapped in colourful lights revving down the street while blasting ‘Last Christmas’. This isn’t to say I wasn’t perusing the cheap

Aldi special buys for holiday decorations on not even the third day of the month, but that is more preparation than immersion. November hasn’t got a lot going for it. It’s cold, it’s often rainy and usually frosty, and if your cheap housemates won’t turn the heating on, you likely are in desperate need of a cosy film to simulate the warmth of the real holiday. The risk is, if you watch a Christmas-esque movie

IF YOU WATCH A CHRISTMAS MOVIE TOO EARLY YOU DILUTE THE MAGIC OF THE REAL THING

too early, you dilute the magic of the real thing. My suggestions for this month therefore include but are not limited to: Die Hard, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Eyes Wide Shut, Batman Returns, Catch Me If You Can, Lethal Weapon, and my personal favourite, The Nice Guys

However, if you really cannot wait for another month to break out a full on festive spirit film, I beseech you watch it in private and let the rest of us get on with our boring, Mariah-free month.

Image: Wikipedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Flickr

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Images: PickPik, frame credits: pnging.com

Holly-woof: The Legacy of Animals on Screen

Evie Merrilees, discusses the ethics and welfare of pets on set

GOOD Boy is a newly released independent horror film that offers a fresh and exciting twist in the genre, by showing the film from the viewpoint of a dog named Indy. Following its commercial success and praise for Indy’s performance, there has been a public outcry for animals to have their own Oscar category. While jovial in nature, it raises interesting questions about the continuing legacy of animals in film and the potential impact on their welfare. Indy is not the first dog to grace the red carpet. Messi the Border Collie, the star of Anatomy of a Fall, attended the Oscars donning a sophisticated bow tie whilst applauding Robert Downey Jr on his win.

However, the involvement of more animals on screen poses serious ethical considerations about animal protection and welfare on set. In both the past and present, Hollywood has an unfortunate legacy of animal exploitation and abuse, with animals being put in cruel and unsafe working conditions due to the prioritisation of

profit over safety. This serves as a potent reminder that behind the glamour and fun of working with animals, it also comes with a grave responsibility on filmmakers to ensure animal welfare is always maintained to the highest standard.

“HOLLYWOOD HAS AN UNFORTUNATE LEGACY OF ANIMAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE.”

So, how can companies ensure a positive legacy for the work of animals in film for the future? One of the main suggestions has been for directors to cast their own pets in the role, with this being the only form of nepo-babies I can get behind! Director Ben Leonberg of Good Boy has been a shining example of this, by using his own dog Indy as the lead role and prolonging filming by three years to re -

duce distractions and make the environment as stress free for him as possible. Moreover, this method comes with its own set of hidden advantages, with Leonberg often using deceitful tactics (like pretending to have a treat) to elicit a much-needed head tilt from the star!

Another step towards fostering a brighter future was taken by James Gunn in Superman, who used his chaotic rescue dog Ozu’s antics as inspiration for the furry crime fighting hero Krypto. Following the film’s success, Krypto and Ozu became an overnight sensation with google searches of how to adopt a dog reportedly rising by 513 per cent, according to The Independent. This growth in public awareness shows the beneficial impact the work of animals in film can have, with the narrative shifting to one that promotes animal rights.

Review: Nobody Wants This S2

As such, the future legacy of our furry friends seems hopeful with filmmakers’ continued efforts ensuring that ani -

“THE NARRATIVE [IS] SHIFTING TO ONE THAT PROMOTES ANIMAL RIGHTS.”

Anoushka Dutta, Online International Editor examines the emotional depth and humour in the new season

THIS autumn, Netflix comes back with a second season to modern romcom series, Nobody Wants This . In the first season, the joke begins: a rabbi and an atheist podcaster walk into a dinner party… how will a couple from seemingly separate worlds come together? As season one concluded with the will-they-won’t-they couple finding their way back to each other, it set up all sorts of questions on love, religion and compromise to grapple with in season two.

The show seems to delve into these issues with increasing intensity. While episode one sees the couple worrying over the first dinner party they’ve hosted together, the last climaxes to the ultimate question of Jewish conversion — and whether Joanne’s unwillingness to convert will be a dealbreaker. In between, the series is speckled with couple’s queries that lend itself to funny plotlines — is it okay to get your girlfriend the same gift you got the last one? How jarring is it to date your therapist? And finally, if my girlfriend says she’s okay, is she really? (The answer is no).

In the process, the series offers something

OH boy now let me tell you something, this might just be film of the year.

Dealing with the period of Bruce Springsteen’s career where he was creating his 1982 album, Nebraska , the story is of course driven by the genius of the music ( Nebraska is quickly becoming one of my favourite albums of all time), and I felt such comfort with the film’s atmosphere and aesthetic.

Bruce’s house in New Jersey is honestly the dream. The quiet, the lake, the vast swathes of forest, the autumnal feeling of the leaves on the driveway - it’s all simply perfection, and to have Nebraska playing alongside it was truly glorious.

The characters are all fantastic too. Jon is just the best human ever, it’s nice to see a genuinely decent music manager for once, and one who has full faith in his client. I really enjoyed his dynamic with Bruce.

I also really loved how poignant and real

Bruce’s relationship with Faye felt - and that’s a key part of this film, the real grounded nature of the characters, embodied best in Bruce himself, who doesn’t feel like an exaggerated caricature, but a living, breathing, loving, suffering human being, they got it so right.

new by showing how healthy communication allows Noah and Joanne to work through these questions. Whilst most comedies would skip the serious conversations in case viewers find them boring, Nobody Wants This breaks the mould. In any case, they provide lulls from celebrity sightings — including Seth Rogen, Leighton Meester and Succession’s Arian Moayed — and witty quips between Joanne and sister, Morgan.

“MOST COMEDIES WOULD SKIP THE SERIOUS CONVERSATIONS... NOBODY WANTS THIS BREAKS THE MOULD.”

Given that, what the show does best is portraying familial relationships. There is something deeply relatable and funny about how Joanne and Morgan, despite their ages, seem to carry the same childish competitiveness yet deep, invincible care for each other that siblings tend to. The comedic perfor-

mances of Kristen Bell and Justine Lupe make a match both endearing and hilarious to watch.

Hitting the same notes as the previous season, the show promises giggles all round alongside growing attachment for Noah and Joanne’s mismatched families. Yet as the season comes to a close, the ending seems similar to the one before, with the lead couple ultimately running back to each other. And while the fate of supporting characters are up in the air, it raises the question of how far a possible third season can go in living up to the first two. Despite these questions, Nobody Wants This surprises viewers — you put it on as a light, background watch and it quickly engages you right until episode ten.

smile on my face and a sense of belonging and that’s really what it’s all about right? All hail The Boss.

Jeremy Allen White deserves so much praise for his vocals as well by the way he sounds so much like Springsteen himself it’s incredible. Perhaps the story dragged on just a bit too much at the end, but I won’t say anymore. Essentially, I completely adored this film — for two hours I felt at ease, I forgot anything else existed, and I sat with a

Zandie Howells, Online Editor-in-Chief, discusses the latest musician biopic

Slagheap,

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons Ticket: Opendipart

Images: Wikimedia Commons, frame: drydenart

Excetera Excetera...

 Student 

 Stars 

CAPRICORN (22 DEC — 19 JAN)

Staring at the screen but not reading anything isn’t actually studying.

AQUARIUS (20 JAN — 18 FEB)

Stop skipping breakfast, you need energy for those essays.

PISCES (19 FEB — 20 MAR)

Keep an umbrella in your bag, the weather won’t get better.

ARIES (21 MAR — 19 APR)

Just because the library is 24/7 doesn’t mean you have to be there 24/7.

TAURUS (20 APR — 20 MAY)

An early night may be just what you need right now.

GEMINI (21 MAY — 20 JUNE)

Don’t say yes to everything, protect your sanity.

CANCER (21 JUN — 22 JUL)

Pay your rent before you decide to book that friends holiday.

LEO (23 JUL — 22 AUG)

There comes a point where you have to decide between a degree or tiktok.

VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP)

You are not out of the flatcest danger zone. It is always a bad idea.

LIBRA (23 SEP — 22 OCT)

Listen to your body, burnout is real, take a real break.

SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) Those bad decisions won’t always be the fun choice. Be sensible.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC)

If you want a seat in the library, try getting there before midday.

Let’s Talk About It...

Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor, discusses seasonal depression

Contains

AS the clocks have changed, and the days get shorter, many of us will begin to feel the effects of seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD affects up to 1.6 million people in the UK and is generally thought to be caused by the the lack of sunlight in winter months. Add in deadline season and it’s no wonder the end of term one can be a tough one for uni students. So here are a few ways to try and help your mental health through the winter months:

Get outside in the sun as much as you can!

Try to absorb what little sunlight is available to us in the coming months. Maybe go for a walk around lunchtime if you’re stuck at home working on an essay all day to get that all important vitamin D. Being surrounded by nature and green space can also help.

Brighten up your workspace

Similarly, try to let as much sunlight into your room as possible. Open the curtains, and work by the window if you can. Decorate with some plants to bring nature indoors, too. As much as is possible, make your workspace somewhere you want to be. Alternatively, if you prefer studying on campus, try to find a study space with as much natural light as possible.

Take care of yourself physically

Taking care of your body can also help your mental health, so try to exercise regularly, and eat well, to help combat seasonal depression. This includes staying hydrated and keeping an eye on any drug use and alcohol consumption. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink with friends to relax after a long day’s work, but try to be aware if these substances are negatively affecting your mental health in the long term.

Give yourself time to do things you enjoy

Whether it’s meeting a friend for a coffee or having a self-care day at home, different people do different things to relax, but it’s important to have some fun scheduled amidst all the uni work. Managing your stress levels is important, so make sure you have breaks while studying to de-stress. You may find that you feel more productive after a break, as opposed to working for hours on end!

APERFECT way to get to fill that sushi craving, without having to go through the pain of trying to make your own rolls.

Makes 2/3 servings Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

· 200g sushi rice

· 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (plus extra for pickling and sauce)

· 1/2 tsp sugar (plus a pinch for rice seasoning)

· 2 tbsp soy sauce (plus extra for sauce)

· 1/2 tbsp honey (plus extra

Check in on your friends

It’s easy to feel isolated this time of year, and the dark evenings and the cold may mean that you’re not going out to see your friends as much. However, they may be feeling the same as you, and a problem shared is a problem halved. If you haven’t heard from your friends in a while, shoot them a text asking how they are!

Plan ahead

If you are affected by SAD, it can be useful to keep a diary to see if you can spot any patterns in your mood. If you find that there are, you can try to plan ahead, for example, by freezing food ahead of time so you don’t have to cook if you don’t have the energy, etc. If you find you are struggling with your mental health, Carecoins, in partnership with UNiDAYS, have announced a collaborative project aimed at helping students to take care of their mental health. The two companies have launched an online hub that brings together a range of free resources designed to help students navigate their mental health. And for those students who need a bit of professional support, Carecoins is offering a discount offer through UNiDAYS which gives students 40 percent off their initial consultation and first session, and 20 percent off every session after that.

Recipe: Sushi Bowls

for sauce)

· 1 tsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

· 200g frozen salmon fillets, defrosted

· 2 sheets sushi nori, sliced into small strips

· 1/2 cucumber, finely sliced

· 1 ripe avocado, sliced

· 100g frozen edamame

· 25g peanuts, roughly chopped

· Salt

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Cut the defrosted salmon into 1-inch cubes. Toss in sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey. Spread evenly on a baking paper-lined tray and bake for 12–15 minutes.

3. Cook the sushi rice using your foolproof rice method (see below). Once cooked, stir in 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar and 1 tsp sugar while warm.

4. Quick-pickle the cucumber: combine the sliced cucumber with ½ cup water, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, and 1 tsp oil.

Chill in the fridge until serving.

5. Defrost edamame: place in a small bowl, cover with boiling water for 1–2 minutes, drain, and season with a little salt.

6. Make a quick sauce by mixing 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, and a splash of rice wine vinegar. Set aside.

7. Assemble the bowls: start with rice, then top with baked salmon, pickled cucumber, edamame, and avocado slices. Garnish with peanuts, nori pieces, and drizzle with the sauce Bella MacLusky

Image: Wikimedia commons

CROSSWORD

Across

1 Sketch (7)

5 Close-knit group of associates (5)

8 Rigorous campaign (against a person, say) (5-4)

9 Be seated (3)

10 If not (2,4)

11 Arred (anagram) - dismal (literary) (5)

13 Ordained minister (6)

15 Tests - trials (6)

18 Watery discharge from the nose (5)

20 Having a single unifying subject (6)

23 Fire - sack (3)

24 Rays of lunar light (9)

25 Notably happy moments (of life, perhaps) (5)

26 Admired woman (7)

ANSWERS

Down

1 Swallow - consume - drink (4)

2 Ritual table (5)

3 Whiffs - has Neil... (anagram) (7)

4 Cereal protein (6)

5 Referred to (5)

6 Carvies (anagram) - large internal organs of the body (7)

7 Belief in nakedness (8)

12 Come near (8)

14 Type of lettuce (7)

16 Place of (plant) development (7)

17 Tough - resilient - durable (6)

19 Salivary gland disease (5)

21 Wipe out - delete - efface (5)

22 Employs (4)

SUDOKU

Trivia Corner

All you need to do is scan the QR code here in order to purchase your society membership from the Student’s Guild. After that you can join our Exeposé Members 25/26 facebook group in which you’ll find content calls from section editors on pretty much any topic you can imagine! We’ll have a link to this page on our instagram! If you see a content call that takes your fancy, simply comment under the facebook post, write your article and send it to the editor. Whilst they may send you some feedback or ask you to make a couple of changes, no articles will ever be rejected and we encour-

age writers to get involved regardless of previous experience. If financial hardship prevents you from gettng involved, the Guild offers a Society Hardship Fund, aimed at any student awarded the University Hardship and Retention Fund or who is unable to take part in societies due to financial barriers. We can’t wait to see all the amazing writing you guys get up to!

Robbery from The Louvre

Charlotte Isbell, explains how the Louvre was ransacked and the ongoing investigation into the robbery

FRENCH authorities are still investigating the heist of The Louvre Museum in Paris.

The heist — which saw eight or nine priceless French items stolen — took place in broad daylight at 9:30 am on Sunday 19th October. Onlookers filmed the gang of four climbing up a mechanical lift into a window of the Galerie D’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo). The thieves used power tools to enter the museum and to break into the cases holding the precious jewels. Footage also captured the group leaving on two scooters just eight minutes after they arrived.

According to Laura Beccuau, the public prosecutor of Paris, two of the arrested suspects have “partially” admitted to their involvement in the heist. Since then, French authorities arrested a further five suspects, one of which is believed to have been part of the thieving gang of four. Authorities have not yet found the fourth and final member of the group. A team of roughly 60 investigators are now on the case. There has been speculation as to whether the heist could be linked to a recent series of museum robberies around France. There were two major museum thefts in September: robbers stole €600,000 worth of gold nuggets from Paris Natural History Museum and $9.5 million worth of antique Chinese porcelain from a museum in Limoges. Juliette Kayyem, CNN’s senior national security analyst, believes all three cases must be related based on ‘the frequency, the boldness, the similarities in their mode”.

But more importantly for Parisians, the heist marks a devastating loss of cultural heritage. The stolen pieces include jewels worn by Queen Marie-Amelie, as well as a tiara and encrusted bow which belonged to the Empress Eugenie.

Remigiusz Plath, secretary of the International Counsel of Museum Security, says that “we’ve definitely seen in the last five to seven years… [a] shift towards raw material theft.” France’s Justice Minister criticised the museum’s security protocols, saying they “failed” to stop the robbery of these priceless pieces. The bold fiasco will undoubtedly spark investigation into the strength of French museum security.

The Maldivian Generational Smoking Ban

Jed H. Gibbins, International Editor, asseses the enforcment of successful generational smoking bans

FOR the first time, a country has successfully introduced a generational smoking ban. The Maldives, the archipelagic holiday destination in the North Indian Ocean, has made smoking, as well as buying and selling tobacco illegal for anyone born after 1st January 2007.

The Maldives Ministry of Health said the ban is ‘marking a historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobaccofree generation’. The Maldives has a high tobacco use of around 25 percent among its 18-69 year old population, being nearer to 50 percent among Maldivian teenagers. Comparatively the USA is at 20 percent and the UK 12 percent. This ban does not just apply to Maldives citizens, but also to visitors to the island nation. Retailers will face new, higher fines for selling underage people tobacco, with fines up too $3,200 USD. The Maldives also has a complete ban on vape and e-cigarette products. Although The Maldives was the first to successfully enforce the ban, it was not the first to try.

2022, where tobacco sale and con-

sumption would be illegal for anyone born after 1st January 2009. However, the ban, which was supposed to start in 2024, fell through when the new National party government was elected in 2023. Their justification for rolling back the ban and repealing the major legislation was to help pay for tax cuts, much to the dismay of anti-smoking lobbyists and health officials

The UK also approached a generational smoking ban. The government’s Tobacco and Vape Bill would ban tobacco consumption and sale to people born after January 1st 2009. This bill is still going through Parliament but has received criticism from across the political spectrum as infringement on civil liberties. However, some health groups have argued how it would save up to £3.1 billion of NHS money, up, treating smoking-related conditions, such as lung cancer. As well as saving up to 80,000 UK lives a year caused by smoking.

INTERNATIONAL EDITORS:

Jed H. Gibbins Antoni Kałduński

Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Lola

Milroy-Tompkins, explores the election of Japan’s first female, but very divisive new Prime Minister

ON the 21st of October 2025, Japan saw the election of its first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Though this is certainly a historic moment for the country, Takaichi’s policies have been met with extensive debate in politics and online.

Takaichi’s path to election has seen setbacks, the most major having been the LDP’s break from its 26 year coalition with the Komeito party. Severe tension between Takaichi’s hard-line views on Japan’s wartime past and Komeito’s pacifist values had brewed for months beforehand, not helped by the recent slush fund scandal within the LDP. The relationship breakdown that followed nearly jeopardised the outcome of the election, casting unexpected doubt on Takaichi’s election at all. A last-minute coalition formed with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) was enough to save the LDP’s votes.

This is the first of many challenges Takaichi will have to face in her leadership. On a foreign policy front, Japan’s relationship with the USA will likely remain crucial in defence against their nuclear neighbours. In President Trump’s most recent visit in October 2025, this relationship has been only affirmed, as Takaichi promises a ‘golden-age of the Japan-US alliance’. Economically, the partnership between the LDP

and Ishin combines Takaichi’s focus on high spending with Ishin’s mission to increase government efficiency, suggested by economists to bring a more balanced economic approach. This will be particularly important given Japan’s rising inflation and declining real wages. However, more than her foreign or economic policies, Takaichi has been most covered and most contested, especially in western media, about her views on women and same-sex marriage. Despite being Japan’s first female Prime Minister and ‘Iron Lady’, she has advocated for women’s traditional place in the family home, such as refusing policies that would allow women to choose to keep their last name in marriage and succeed to Japan’s throne. Her admiration of Margaret Thatcher has featured heavily in British media in particular. She has also opposed same-sex marriage in spite of increasing acceptance in the country. This has left some disappointed in what they believe may have been a great opportunity for progressive policy. It is hoped that Takaichi’s leadership, as she has promised, will allow Japan to continue to thrive as a country. While some are cautious at her personal beliefs, others see her election as an optimistic chance for Japan and its economy.

Europe’s Most Conservative Country?

Jed H. Gibbins,

International Editor, offers a unique European tourist destination

NESTLED between Austria and Switzerland’s northern border, is one of the world’s two (the other being Uzbekistan) double-landlocked countries, the Principality of Liechtenstein. A small country of only 60 square miles wide, and a population of 40,000 people, is one of Europes five continental microstates.

Liechtenstein is ruled by a Prince, the current Prince is Hans-Adam II, with a net worth of around $7 billion. The Prince of Liechtenstein remains very powerful compared to other European monarchs and is classed as a semiconstitutional monarchy, comparable to that of Qatar or the UAE. A 2003 referendum in Liechtenstein gave the Prince increased powers to dismiss government and veto legislation from Liechtenstein’s 25-member strong Landtag (Parliament). The Prince can also veto national referendum results at will. Liechtenstein remains a very conservative and pro-monarchy country in Europe, being the last to grant women suffrage, in 1984, which was narrowly passed at 51.3 per cent. Abortion is still heavily restricted in Liechtenstein, with a 2011 referendum being voted against in on making abortion more accessible.

Liechtenstein has the second highest nominal GDP per capita in the world, of around $230,000, with 1/3 of its populations being millionaires

while the government is fortunate to be one of the few countries with no national debt. Liechtenstein is also the only country to be 100% in an Alpine region. As such, it is home to a little-known but high quality ski resort. Its economy is mainly service and financial based. Liechtenstein has limited manufacturing but is dominant in one market being the world largest producer of false teeth. As a tourist Liechtenstein offers lots of interesting sights too. From Zurich, it is only a one hour train journey to Sargans, followed by a twenty minute bus to Vaduz, the capital. The Prince’s castle is sat in sight across the county’s south atop a mountain adjacent to Vaduz. Tourists cannot go inside as it still resided in by the royal family. However, its a sight to behold from below, and an excellent hike trial to climb up to it. Liechtenstein has a quality brewery and pub in Schaan, Liechtenstein largest municipality. If you prefer wine, a small vineyard and bar in north Vaduz is home to the Prince’s vast collection of wine. The Parliament building is also unique, looking more like a wooden hut than a national monument. Next to Liechtenstein’s parliament is the tourist centre, where you can get a unique Liechtenstein passport stamp too if thats your thing too. So if you have a spare day in east Switzerland or west Austria, consider visiting one of Europe’s most unique countries.

New Zealand tried the generational ban approach in

Image: HEUTE

Image: Rahuljoshi10, Wikimedia Commons

Dutch General Election

Ewan Duncan, discusses the General Election in the Netherlands

ROB Jetten led Democrats 66 (D66) to a narrow victory in the Dutch snap election as voters turn away from the polarising character of Geert Wilders. By convention, Rob Jetten looks set to become the youngest prime minister in Dutch history and will shortly begin a long series of talks to form what is likely to be a centrist coalition, with the most left leaning parties also losing steam and failing to appeal to public appetite.

ROB JETTEN LOOKS SET TO BECOME THE YOUNGEST PRIME MINISTER IN DUTCH HISTORY

The centre-left, socially liberal D66 party won 26 seats, the same number as Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV), but emerged as lead -

ers in the popular vote. Immigration, healthcare and housing were the most pressing issues for voters who were won over by Jetten’s energetic and pragmatic campaign. D66 took a tougher stance on immigration, arguing for a system where asylum seekers would have to apply from outside Europe. With the Overton window having been dragged to the right by Wilders at the prior election, D66 conceded that the number of asylum seekers entering the country is unsustainable while still emphasising the importance of migrant labour for the economy. D66 aims to build new cities to boost the supply of housing where there is currently a shortage of around 400,000. These solutions seem more promising to the electorate in contrast to the stubborn approach of Wilders which led to the collapse of the Schoof cabinet. However, Rob Jetten should not celebrate the shift back to cen -

trist, optimistic politics too soon as for this to be maintained, the public must see results and noticeable improvements to the economy. Wilders’ refusal to compromise and his view of policy in terms of black and white rather than shades of grey meant he was inherently incompatible with the Dutch political system built on compromise. Instead, he returns to his more natural and comfortable place in opposition where he can be disruptive and continue to play a substantial role in Dutch politics.

D66 AIMS TO BUILD NEW CITIES TO BOOST THE SUPPLY OF HOUSING ... CURRENTLY A SHORTAGE OF AROUND 400,000.

MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE

October celebrations in Peru

Sofia Tapia Ulloa, discusses Peruvian celebrations in October

WHILE most people might only think of Halloween when it comes to October, there are many other celebrations happening all over the world. Peru, in particular, has more than just one. The month of October in itself is called by many the Purple Month as many Peruvians wear purple in honour of El Señor de los Milagros (the Lord of Miracles). This celebration goes all the way back to the 17th century when a devastating earthquake hit Peru’s capital, Lima. Miraculously, one of the few structures that remained standing was a wall with a painting of the crucified Christ. As a result, every October, thousands of people march through the streets of Lima in processions as a show of faith and religious devotion. Music can be heard throughout the city and the traditional “Turrón de Doña Pepa”, a crumbly sweet treat, and Panetón are enjoyed specially for this occasion. Moreover, the 31st of October is not just Halloween, but also the Day of the Creole Song, a celebration of Peruvian culture.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS.

While it is impossible to deny that Halloween has reached Peru, especially in the capital, the Day of the Creole Song is still highly regarded. It is not unusual to see popular creole groups and lesser-known artists performing for stages of all sizes. Creole music has a rich history, developing in colonial times by merging Andean sounds and African rhythms. Thus, this date serves to honour this typical Peruvian music. Celebrations don’t end there, though, as the 1st of November brings All Saints’ Day to Peru. For those familiar with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, All Saints’ Day mixes Christian and ancient indigenous elements. On top of honouring all Christian saints by attending a mass, the day is also dedicated to remembering the dead. On either the 1st or 2nd of Novem -

ber, Peruvians head to cemeteries to colourfully decorate the graves of their dead loved ones and bring them gifts, keeping their memory alive. In this way, Peru manages to bring together their colonial past and ancient history into wonderful celebrations that go beyond just Halloween in October.

THE DAY IS ALSO DEDICATED TO REMEMBERING THE DEAD.

Celebraciones peruanas en octubre

Sofia Tapia Ulloa, discusses analiza las celebraciones peruanas en octubre

AUNQUE muchas personas consideren a octubre solamente como el mes de Halloween, muchas otras celebraciones suceden a la par alrededor del mundo. En Perú, por ejemplo, todo octubre o ‘el mes morado’ es dedicado a celebrar al Señor de los Milagros. Dicha celebración se remonta al siglo 17, cuando un terremoto arrasó con gran parte de la ciudad de Lima. Entre los pocos edificios sobrevivientes, resaltaba una pared con una imagen de un cristo crucificado de tez oscura. Ese milagroso suceso llevó a la celebración que aún se da en la actualidad, donde miles de personas se visten de morado y rinden honor al Cristo Moreno con procesiones de su imagen. Esta celebración también tiene su lado gastronómico, siendo el Turrón de Doña Pepa y el Panetón postres típicos de dicho mes. Además del Señor de los Milagros, el 31 de octubre, aparte de ser Halloween para muchos, es el Día de la Canción Criolla en el Perú. En este día es común que artistas criollos, sean muy populares o de pequeña fama, den conciertos o espectáculos de distintos temas alrededor del país. De esta manera, se intenta mantener viva la pasión por esta parte de la cultura peruana, proveniente de la mezcla entre la música andina y los ritmos africanos durante los tiempos coloniales.

EL 31 SE OCTUBRE, APARTE DE SER HALLOWEAN PARA MUCHOS.

Finalmente, aunque no en octubre, el primero de noviembre se celebra el Día de Todos los Santos. Con algunas semejanzas con el conocido Día de los Muertos en México, esta celebración combina ritos católicos con antiguas tradiciones andinas. Durante este día, y en algunos casos el siguiente también, los peruanos, además de atender misa en honor a todos los santos cristianos, visitan cementerios para decorar y llenar de regalos las tumbas

de sus seres queridos que han fallecido, manteniendo viva su memoria de esta manera. Es así como, en el Perú, sus tradicionales ancestrales y la influencia religiosa de la época colonial se unen para crear festividades que van más allá de solamente el Halloween que la mayoría estamos acostumbrados a celebrar.

VISITAN CEMETERIOS PARA DECORAR Y LLENAR DE REGALOS LAS TUMBAS

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Sci-Tech

The Rise of AI-Generated Social Media Content

Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor, discusses the various ways in which artificial intelligence is being used on social media platforms

WITH the rise of artificial intelligence, AI-made content is now prolific on our social media feeds. But as the difference between ‘real’ and AI content gets harder to spot, where do we need to draw the line?

AI is already pretty prevalent on social media, from AI TikToks or reels (which a few platforms now require to be clearly labelled as AI) or the use of AI in ‘The Algorithm’ to deliver content targeted specifically at you and your niche interests. There are now even AIpowered platforms which allow users to create their own social media content much faster than has been possible before. Services like this are becoming increasingly popular among brands; for example, a survey by Social Media Examiner found that 60 per cent of companies use AI to generate their social media content.

60 PER CENT OF COMPANIES USE AI TO GENERATE THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

Another interesting development in the AI and social media world is the rise of ‘AI influ -

encers’. That is, influencers who don’t actually exist, but are AI bots that run influencer-like social media accounts. They look like humans (or at least, kind of like humans — much like AI-generated art, there is something eerie, and uncanny valley about them) and simulate human behaviour. However they still post content and interact with consumers, using advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to mimic our speech patterns. And these influencers seem to be gaining popularity, as well as brand deals. Brands that utilised AI influencers see 37 percent higher retention of customers.

One of the biggest advantages of AI influencers is that they don’t need to adhere to silly human limitations such as needing sleep, so they can create content around the clock, and thus reach a more global audience. They can also be programmed to speak multiple languages, increasing their audience range. From a brand perspective, they are more costeffective, and if the AI influencer is owned by a certain brand, the brand can then have more control and more consistent messaging than they would get from a human influencer. However, initial costs to set up the AI influencer can be very high, which somewhat

undermines the long-term cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, consumers today value authenticity from their influencers above anything else, and this is something that AI influencers simply do not have. While AI influencers can mimic human speech and behaviour, they lack the real emotional depth needed to properly connect with their followers and form a lasting relationship for the brand. On top of this, there are ethical concerns surrounding transparency if consumers aren’t aware that a certain influencer is AI, and data privacy concerns, as AI influencers need a lot of data in order to tailor their content, which could lead to breaches of privacy or misuse of information if brands are not careful.

Some of the most popular AI influencers at the moment include: Lil Miquela (@ lilmiquela), created by Los Angeles-based startup Brud, who has worked with many famous brands such as Calvin Klein, Prada, and Samsung; Lu do Magalu (@magazineluiza) created by Brazilian retail company Magazine Luiza; and Bee influencer (@bee_nfluencer), who aims to raise awareness of the importance of bees to our ecosystems, as well as other environmental issues. It is particularly

interesting that an AI-powered influencer is choosing to highlight issues surrounding sustainability, when AI itself has a huge carbon footprint — training a single AI model produces as many CO2 emissions as 125 round-trip flights from New York to Beijing. Ultimately, it seems that, while AI influencers and social media content have some advantages for the brands that run them, there are fewer advantages for the consumer, so it remains to be seen if they will become the new norm

Joe Wicks Cracks Down on Ultra-Processed Food

Janani Kandaramage, dives into Joe Wicks’ 'KILLER' protein bar campaign which aims to draw attention to the harms of ultra-processed food

FOR those of us who are constantly on the go in today’s fast-paced world, a protein bar may seem like a convenient snack to stay full between meals or aid recovery after a workout. However, star fitness guru, Joe Wicks, thinks not.

Known for his optimistic wellness campaigns, particularly the lockdown initiative ‘PE with Joe,’ Wicks’ development and launch of the ‘KILLER' protein bar, a food product that may raise the risk of cancer, diarrhea, death, and stroke, is confusing. While contradictory to others, Wicks sees this stunt as his only means of compelling the Government into taking direct action, acknowledging the limitations of civil protests and petitions in driving intervention.

In his Channel 4 documentary Joe Wicks: Licensed to kill , Wicks depicts the ultra-processed nature of protein bars through his visual demonstration of meshing industrial additives with some proteins and vitamins that give it an illusion of nutrition.

Alongside food systems expert and NHS doctor Professor Chris Van Tulleken, Wicks prepares protein bars containing 19g of protein and 28g of vitamins each, flavoured with sweeteners like polyols, aspartame, and maltitol. The product is aestheticised with a chocolate exterior adorned with orange bits:

a common tactic used by food companies and manufacturers to visually appeal to customers.

Despite backlash and initial moral debate over the sale of such a threatening product, Tulleken and Wicks justify this step as a necessary evil to force people to confront the fables the food industry has fed them.

Tulleken calls the bar a representation of existing products traded to people under the guise of health benefits, and argues that it is, therefore, not a violation of law but rather a reflection of the reality of UPFs in contemporary society. Nevertheless, he cautions consumers against relying on it for consumption after purchase.

THE

UK IS THE SECOND LARGEST CONSUMER OF ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD

UPFs are food intended not to nourish but rather to tempt consumers, using industrially produced addictive substances optimised for maximum consumption. As the cause of 14% of premature deaths in England, UPFs are a cause for concern as the UK remains the second largest consumer of UPFs, preceded only by the USA. It accounts for 60% of an average adult’s diet, and comprises 80% of the diet

of low-income earners, according to Tulleken. The unintended effects of these foods include adverse reactions within the digestive organs and reduced immunity against terminal illnesses. Eugenia Hamshaw, a clinical nutrition coordinator, notes that the utilisation of readily available, low-cost fats such as coconut or palm oil in protein bar production risks heart disease. Often added in a relative abundance of around five-eight grams, this saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels, constricting blood flow and therefore straining the heart.

Disruptions to the gut, Hamshaw argues, are, however, the most troubling consequence of UPFs such as protein bars. The inclusion of sugary substances like polyols, while designed to enhance taste and remove the need for 18g of sugar, instead interferes with the process of egestion, triggering diarrhoea.

Despite Wicks and Tulleken’s commendable efforts to spotlight the harmful effects, they have failed to acknowledge the role of UPFs as a cost-effective option for people on a limited budget. One of the main critiques of Wicks' sting operation revolved around his inability to address the varying economic statuses of the British population, underscoring the inaccessibility of healthier alternatives to the majority. They argue that expanding the avail-

ability of whole foods at reasonable pricing is the road to maintaining a balanced meal, not prohibiting their only source of sustenance.

Social media, staying true to its nature as a cesspit for cynicism, responded in fury, seeing this as a move to police their eating habits. One user commented, “Let people eat what they want,” and another added, “This is fear-mongering dressed up as health advice.”

Other critiques include potential legal repercussions for overstepping basic industrial codes of safety. Estate planning attorney Gideon Alper commented that “a competitor could claim defamation and past partners might raise breach of contract issues,” suggesting that Wicks’ feat isn’t simply a benevolent crusade but rather a legal minefield.

Regardless of its extremities, his campaign ignites conversation, pushing us to reconsider what we’re eating and the state to reconsider its laws.

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Sense and Spice-ability

Julia Szewczyk, Sci-Tech Editor, explores the health benefits and

historical medicinal uses of everyone’s favourite

autumnal spice

NOTHING reminds me of autumn more than the warm, comforting, sweet smell of cinnamon. From freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the smoky fragrance of a lit autumnal candle, and the first sip of a chai latte, this time of year certainly wouldn’t feel the same without the aromatic spice. But did you know that cinnamon actually has a plethora of health benefits and, as such, was used historically for medicinal purposes?

Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of tree species in the Cinnamomum genus, which primarily grow in tropical climates. This bark is harvested and then dried, which causes it to roll up into the distinctive cinnamon sticks you can buy in the supermarket. These sticks can also be ground into a powder. There are two main species — Cassia cinnamon is the most common and readily available, while Ceylon cinnamon is regarded as ‘true’ cinnamon. Cinnamon’s medicinal uses date as far back as 2700 BC, when it was used in Ancient China to treat common colds, increase blood circulation, and improve digestion. For centuries, it has been used as a spice that warms and mobilises the body’s vital energy (known as Qi), and it is still widely used today in traditional chinese medicine. Many centuries later, cinnamon arrived in Europe by way of Arab merchants. It was an extremely valuable spice, at times even considered more precious than gold, and became a symbol of luxury and status.

Nowadays, of course, you can find cinnamon at your local shop for fairly cheap. Its decrease in monetary value has not, however, decreased its value in medicinal properties, and it is still of much interest to modern scientific research.

CINNAMON’S MEDICINAL USES DATE AS FAR BACK AS 2700BC

The characteristic aroma and flavour of cinnamon is caused by the organic compound cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for many of its health benefits. There is growing evidence to suggest cinnamaldehyde has antidiabetic properties, and thus cinnamon is considered beneficial for people with type two diabetes. One study found that administering one gram of cinnamon powder for 12 weeks to patients with poorly controlled type two diabetes reduced fasting blood sugar levels as well as decreased glycosylated Hb (which is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the last two-three months). Cinnamon has also been found to decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into your bloodstream after a meal by interfering with digestive enzymes, as well as increasing sugar uptake into your cells. Type two diabetes is characterised by reduced levels of or resistance to insulin, the key hormone that manages your metabolism and blood sugar. Some

studies have found that cinnamon may increase insulin sensitivity, though more research is needed on this mechanism. In summary, cinnamon is great at lowering your blood sugar levels, which may help reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and vision problems, as well as help patients with type two diabetes manage their condition.

Cinnamon is also hailed for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that build up in the body). Cinnamon is high in the powerful plant-derived antioxidants known as polyphenols, particularly proanthocyanidins. It is also these compounds, as well as cinnamaldehyde, that give cinnamon its antimicrobial properties, allowing it to be used as a food preservative, and its anti-inflammatory properties, helping prevent or reduce the risk of developing conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

CINNAMON HAS ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES

And as if all this wasn’t impressive enough, cinnamon may also play a role in protecting us from viral infections. One study found that cinnamon bark was highly effective

in preventing viral DNA replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 through the inhibition of various enzymes needed for this process. It has also been suggested for use in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, though more research is needed to determine a clear mechanism. So, the next time you sprinkle some cinnamon on your morning granola, or eat a spice-infused festive treat in the run-up to Christmas, you can be sure that this wonderful spice not only smells and tastes great, but is also doing your body a little bit of good.

Eye Implant Restores Vision in Blind Patients

Phoebe Andrews, explains the new technology which shows promise in restoring sight in patients with dry agerelated macular degeneration

IN October, a medical trial went ahead at Moorfields Eye Hospital to test the the PRIMA device — a technology which promises to enable people who have lost their sight due to dry age-related macular degeneration to regain their vision. Dry age-related macular degeneration, or dry AMD, is the most common form of blindness among older people, leaving individuals with functioning peripheral vision but without

DRY AGERELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF BLINDNESS AMONG OLDER PEOPLE

high acuity central vision due to the collapse of the retina’s central light-sensitive cells. Affected people are forced to give up activities such as reading, watching television, and driving due to the loss of sight, which was a negative impact on lives across the world. However, this may soon change with the invention of the PRIMA device. PRIMA, standing for Photovoltaic Retina Implant MicroArray, was originally developed by the company Pixium Vision but was acquired by the California-based

Science Corporation. The device itself consists of three parts that work in conjunction to restore the patient’s sight. First, a two millimetre photovoltaic microchip is inserted under the retina, which connects to the AR glasses, equipped with a camera and digital projector as well as a pocket processor. The AI used in the glasses processes the information, which is converted through the infrared beam, via the eye to the chip, creating an electrical signal which passes through the retina and optic nerve. The brain then interprets these signals as natural vision, with the infrared light artificially replacing the rod and cone light-sensitive cells that degenerated.

Mahi Muqit, senior vitreoretinal consultant at Moorfields, suggests this new technology represents a major shift in medical history. The PRIMA chip procedure is able to be “safely performed by any trained vitreoretinal surgeon in under two hours — which is key for allowing all blind patients to have access to this new medical therapy” he said. After the surgery, all patients are given rehabilitation to learn how to use the PRIMA system effectively and for the emotional process involved in regaining lost vision.

The initial research for this study was published first in the New England Medical Journal, and the device was sent off to trials around the world since being hailed as the

first implantable device to restore eyesight. So far, the trials have been very successful with 84.4 per cent of people regaining the ability to read letters, numbers, and words.

THE TRIAL HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH 84.4 PER CENT OF PARTICIPANTS

One participant of the study, Sheila Irvine, who found her life changed by the diagnosis, said, “I cried all day long when I sent my driving licence back over 15 years ago, but then I said to myself, move on and get on with things.”

Now with the PRIMA implant, Sheila is beginning the process of seeing letters again and is feeling “more optimistic now” about her future.

The project still has a long way to go, with the implant only enabling black and white vision rather than colour, for example. Other projects dealing with dry AMD are also taking place, including investigations into the possible use of stem cell therapies to regenerate photoreceptors and optogenetic therapies involving the introduction of light-sensitive proteins into remaining retinal cells. Despite these other projects, the PRIMA device has been the most successful so far, and

there are hopes of the device being made available to select patients through the NHS in the next few years; however, there is currently no word on availability to the wider public.

THE PRIMA DEVICE ONLY ENABLES BLACK AND WHITE VISION

Hopefully, this initial device will bring about a new era of medical technology that is developed not just to save lives but also to increase the quality of life for generations to come.

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The truth behind Lamar Jackson's injury reports

Connor Meyers, Online Sport Editor, discusses the NFL's handling of Lamar Jackson's injury status

THE Baltimore Ravens found themselves on the receiving end of a $100,000 fine from the NFL for incorrectly listing quarterback Lamar Jackson’s practice status. Two-time league MVP Jackson was originally marked as a ‘full participant’ in the team’s practice ahead of their match against the Chicago Bears, but the following day was quietly downgraded to ‘limited participation’ and ruled out of the game in Chicago.

Jackson had sustained the hamstring injury in the Ravens’ week four matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs and was forced to sit on the sidelines as they slipped to a 1-5 record. In the days leading up to the Bears game, Jackson only took a handful of light reps, separate from the rest of the first-team offense, yet was listed as a ‘full participant’ in the practice in the official report teams have to send to the NFL. When the Ravens realised the problem, they attempted to downgrade the listing, but the information had already circulated widely.

RECIEVING END OF A $100,000 FINE FROM THE NFL

The NFL places a highlevel of importance on accurate injury reports, especially now as the league has grown closer to the sportsbetting industry. A ‘full participant’ label indicates a player undertook all practice reps, but if they are restricted to scoutwork or isolated exercises, they must be listed

as a ‘limited’ participant. With Jackson listed as a full participant in practice, it also implied he would start that Sunday’s game, meaning journalists, media personalities and gamblers were operating on false information. After reviewing the mistake, the NFL dealt the Ravens a $100,000 fine for breaking the injuryreporting rules. They described the misreporting as ‘negligent but not inten -

tional,’ indicating they found no evidence the two-time Super Bowl winners were trying to deceive their opponents that weekend, but wished

Ito reinforce their zero-tolerance approach to misleading medical information. Had the Ravens been found to have deliberately misled the league, they would have received a harsher penalty in the form of a draft-pick penalty for next year’s draft. Baltimore head coach, John Harbaugh, called it a ‘clerical misunderstanding’ and that they would not appeal the ruling, while also promising the franchise would be more careful going forward. In the game against the Bears, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started in Jackson’s place as the Ravens won their first game in five weeks 30-16.

JACKSON LISTED AS A FULL PARTICIPANT IN PRACTICE

Jackson returned this past week, throwing four touchdowns in a 28-6 dismantling of the Miami Dolphins.

Premier League Matchweek 9

Wilf Smith gives an overview of the Premier League Matchweek 9

F you had asked me on the opening day to predict the Premier League table after game week 9, I never would have imagined Bournemouth and Sunderland sitting

in the top 5. And yet, that is the peculiar reality we find ourselves in, after Sunderland came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1, and despite the best efforts of Sean Dyche, Bournemouth breezed past a floundering Nottingham Forest.

Top of the table Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 and now have five clean sheets in their last five, while ranking 17th in the league for goals from open play. Truly exhilarating football from Arteta’s men. In other news, Newcastle, Leeds, Spurs and Burnley all secured wins, while Wolves and West Ham continue to linger miserably in the relegation zone.

Aston Villa beat Man City 1-0 to move 8th,

BOURNEMOUTH AND SUNDERLAND SITTING IN THE TO 5

and their disastrous start seems to have stabled nicely with a string of recent victories.

As a Liverpool fan, the elated optimism from our flying start to the season has utterly evaporated after four losses in a row, and I find myself at 2-0 down wishing Brentford would score more against our abysmal back-

LINGER MISERABLY IN THE RELEGATION ZONE

line, so that Arne Slot finally abandons his 4231 obsession, and benches Salah and Gakpo indefinitely. If that isn’t bad enough, out of nowhere a rejuvenated Man Utd have three wins on the bounce after beating Brighton 4-2. They now sit above 7th place Liverpool, and are only two wins away from @ TheUnitedStrand finally cutting his hair!

Manchester United transfer block

Antoni Kaldunski, International Editor, explores how Ratcliffe's block shapes United's transfer strategy

SIR Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to block Manchester United’s proposed move for Robert Lewandowski has sparked debate about who truly shapes the club’s future: ownership, management, or the fans. The 36-year-old striker, still technically sharp and prolific at Barcelona, represents an older type of marquee signing that clashes with Ratcliffe’s vision of rebuilding United through youth, efficiency, and long-term thinking.

SIGNING AGEING STARS FOR QUICK SUCCESS

Since taking control of football operations, Ratcliffe has tried to steer United away from

chasing short-term solutions. His message is clear: the club must stop repeating the same mistakes that have defined the post-Ferguson era. Blocking Lewandowski is not about questioning his talent but about refusing to continue the cycle of signing ageing stars for quick success, as seen with players like Falcao or Ronaldo. This decision signals a cultural change. United’s focus appears to be

wards players who can grow with the team and embody its new direction. Emerging forwards such as Evan Ferguson or Benjamin Šeško fit this model far better. It also sends a strong message to Erik ten Hag that football decisions will now be part of a wider structure, where sporting logic and financial sustainability go hand in hand.

UNITED'S FOCUS APPEARS TO BE SHIFTING TOWARDS PLAYERS WHO CAN GROW WITH THE TEAM

Yet the question remains: who should have the final say? Managers want proven quality,

owners think long-term about investment, and fans crave immediate results. In truth, each plays a part, but Ratcliffe’s stance shows that the club is beginning to value planning over impulse. Blocking Lewandowski might disappoint those hoping for a big name, but it reflects a growing maturity in United’s approach. The club is finally beginning to think less about reputation and more about building something that lasts.

THINK LESS ABOUT REPUTATION AND MORE ABOUT BUILDING SOMETHING THAT LASTS

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What's new...

Annabel Gowling, Sport Editor, reviews recent sporting news this week

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s World Series Masterclass

YOSHINOBU Yamamoto’s World Series masterclass wasn’t just a great night, it was a statement about pitching in a modern era built around bullpens and pitch counts. In Game two of the 2025 World Series, Yamamoto threw a four-hit, nine-inning complete game in a 5–1 Dodgers win, striking out eight, issuing zero walks and throwing 105 pitches while retiring the last 20 batters he faced. Pressure sharpened him rather than fraying him. Facing a potent Blue Jays lineup in a hostile Rogers Centre, Yamamoto absorbed an early scratch and then methodically erased threats, sequencing his splitter, curve and cutter to induce chase-swings and weak contact. The result, eight punch-outs and 20 straight outs to finish, looked less like lucky sequencing

and more like surgical command: a starter deliberately taking initiative on the biggest stage.

Stamina here is physical and mental. His conditioning enabled him to reach 105 pitches without collapse, but the mental half, trusting a full arsenal the third time through a lineup, holding composure after a mistake inning, executing late-game splitters and cutters, is what

Image: msn.com

separates an endurance outing from an endurance masterpiece. That combination is why his back-to-back postseason complete games) are likened to feats not seen since Curt Schilling in 2001.

What does this dominance say about modern pitching trends?

It serves as a reminder that bullpen specialization isn’t the only path to postseason suc-

THE PERFORMANCE WAS PURPOSEFUL THROUGHOUT

cess. Teams still place value on starters who can command multiple looks at elite lineups and shorten a game by themselves. Yamamoto’s outing suggests a hybrid ideal: pitchers with modern conditioning and analytics-informed pitch mixes who also harbour the old-school warrior mindset to “go the distance” when the moment demands. In a season of matchup arms and early hooks, his complete game was a clarion call that sometimes the single best matchup is the pitcher who refuses to leave.

MBL's fight to keep the game honest in a betting world

MAJOR League Baseball stands at a crossroads where tradition meets transformation. As legalized sports betting sweeps across the United States, Commissioner Rob Manfred has made protecting the game’s integrity his defining chal-

lenge. Baseball’s long history with gambling scandals, from the 1919 Black Sox to Pete Rose, looms large, and Manfred. Public faith in fair competition is the league’s most valuable asset.

To that end, MLB has adopted a data-driven approach to oversight. The league now partners with integrity-monitoring firms that track betting patterns in real time, flagging anomalies that could indicate manipulation. Clubs and players are educated on the strict prohibitions surrounding gambling, and MLB maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violations. Transparency has become a guiding principle: the league regularly shares compliance updates and works closely with sportsbooks and regu-

Ilators to ensure accountability at every level.

MAINTAINS A ZERO POLICY FOR VIOLATIONS

IT BECAME WIDELY ADOPTED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Yet, the effort to preserve integrity exists in tension with MLB’s growing financial stake in the betting industry. Partnerships with major sportsbooks generate millions in revenue and offer new ways to engage fans. Betting data has become part of broadcasts, and odds appear on official MLB platforms, blurring the line between safeguarding competition and selling it as a wagering product.

This balancing act defines the modern sports landscape. Can a league profit from

gambling without undermining its moral foundation? Manfred insists that careful regulation and technological vigilance can make both goals compatible. Still, the risk is undeniable: one integrity breach could shatter decades of work to rebuild trust. As MLB deepens its relationship with the betting world, it must constantly reaffirm that the drama on the field, not the odds off it, remains the soul of the game.

THE BALANCING ACT DEFINES THE MODERN SPORTS LANDSCAPE

Women's World Cup: England seal second in group

N Visakhapatnam on Sunday, England wrapped up their group-phase campaign in authoritative fashion, thumping New Zealand by eight wickets to clinch second place in the table and set up a semi-final date with South Africa Women’s Cricket Team. The performance was purposeful throughout, from the bowlers’ resurgence to an opening partnership that demolished the chase, and sent a clear message that England mean business in the knockout rounds. NEW Zealand batted first and looked to be in reasonable shape early, but once England tightened in the middle overs the innings unravelled. The White Ferns posted 168 all out in 38.2 overs. England’s spin attack held the key: Linsey Smith claimed 3 for 30 (9.2 overs) after a somewhat erratic start, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 2 for 31 and young seamer Alice Capsey chipped in with 2 for 34. But the one concern coming out of the bowling effort was the injury to England’s premier spinner, Sophie Ecclestone. After fielding a ball near the boundary and landing awkwardly,

she jarred her left bowling shoulder and left the field shortly after beginning her spell. She managed just four deliveries (including a wicket of Brooke Halliday) before departing the attack.

While her early exit did not hamper England on the day, it raises questions about her availability for the semi-final. In reply, England made light work of the target. Opener Amy Jones was the star, finishing an unbeaten 86 off 92 balls, dominating the chase from the outset. She shared a strong 75run stand with Tammy Beaumont (40 off 38) and later added an 83-run partnership with Heather Knight (33 off 40) to take England comfortably past the target in 29.2 overs. The victory was wrapped up with 124 balls to spare. Securing second spot behind Australia

Women’s Cricket Team in the group matters for England. While they were already assured of a semi-final berth, finishing above South Africa and other contenders gives them a crucial buffer: should their knockout match be washed out, England progress thanks to superior table position.

As England turn their attention to Wednesday’s semi-final against South Africa in Guwahati, there are positives aplenty. The batting looked calm and clinical under pressure; the bowlers (even without Ecclestone for much of the match) recovered after a shaky start; and the team fielding displayed energy in hot conditions. Jones’ knock demonstrates that England have options at the top of the order, while Smith’s spin haul emphasises the depth in the bowling attack.

Yet the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone looms as a wildcard. Her shoulder injury — sustained while diving in the field — triggered cautious murmurs in the camp. With South Africa known to struggle against spin, England’s optimum strategy may hinge on whether she can return at full strength. The management must balance the temptation to risk their star spinner with prudence if she is not fully fit.

In sum, England’s dominant eight-wicket win over New Zealand was as much about sending a message as it was about finishing the table in style. If Jones carries her form forward, and if England can field a near-full strength spin attack, then their semi-final clash against South Africa presents a very real chance to advance to yet another World Cup final.

University Of Exeter Rugby Varsity: Clash Of Titans

RAIN poured down on Sandy Park, but nothing could dampen the roar that followed Exeter University’s 45–7 demolition of Durham in this year’s Varsity. In front of a sold-out crowd, Exeter produced a performance of complete dominance — physical, disciplined, and ruthless — to erase the memory of last season’s loss to the same opponents. From the first whistle, it was clear that Exeter intended to make a statement. Durham barely had a chance to settle before Exeter began battering at the defensive line. The opening exchanges were intense, with the slippery conditions demanding precision that Exeter found and Durham could not. Every carry was met with noise from the stands. The breakthrough came early.

After a poor clearance from Durham’s fly-half gave Exeter a line-out deep in enemy territory, the home side struck through sheer directness. Clean ball, quick hands, and Ollie Miall charging through a gap for the game’s first try — converted to make it 7–0 — set the tone for the night. What followed was a masterclass in control. Exeter’s forwards squeezed

in the scrum while the backline sliced through any defensive space that appeared. Struggling to exit their own half, Durham were pinned down by a relentless kicking game. Even the wet conditions seemed to play in Exeter’s favour, their handling remained crisp while Durham spilled possession at crucial moments. Tyler Bayley soon added Exeter’s second, finishing off a driving maul that rolled powerfully toward the posts. The supporters were on their feet again, drenched but ecstatic, as the lead doubled. But the crowd had barely caught its breath when Exeter struck again. Noah Fenton collected a bouncing ball on the halfway, shrugged off two tackles, stepped inside another, and sprinted home. When Ben Coen added the conversion, the scoreboard read 21–0. Exeter’s midfield pairing of Nic Allison and Ollie Batson ran the show from there—slick in attack, impenetrable in defence. When Batson darted onto a short ball to slice through Durham’s line and score just before half-time, the contest felt over. Coen’s boot made it 28–0 at the break, and the stands shook as the players jogged off.

The student crowd, packed shoulder to shoulder in the rain, knew they were witnessing something special — a redemption story. The second half began just as fiercely. Durham, to their credit, tried to regroup and mount some pressure, but every surge met a green wall. Exeter’s defensive line held firm, and their coun-

ter-attack punished any loose pass or hopeful kick. Within minutes of the restart, Kian Gentry injected fresh pace into the backline, carving through defenders before flicking a miraculous offload to Fenton, who finished again in the corner. 35–0. Game well and truly gone.

PINNED DOWN BY A RELENTLESS KICKING GAME

The substitutes only strengthened the onslaught. George Newman darted through a broken defence to score from close range, adding another five points. Jed Findlay added his name to the list late on, capping off a flowing move down the right. Fenton, unselfishly passing instead of chasing a hat-trick, sent Findlay diving over in the corner to make it 45–0. Durham scored a late try in the final minutes, finally breaching Exeter’s defensive wall and converting to bring the score to 45–7. The final whistle blew soon after, confirming a result that will echo through BUCS Super Rugby for the rest of the season. It wasn’t just the scoreline that stunned the crowd, but the manner of the victory.

Exeter’s defensive coordination was immaculate; their tackles precise, their structure unshakeable. Even when Durham enjoyed spells of possession, Exeter’s line speed snuffed out any hope of creativity. Their communication kept

the team connected through every phase. What stood out most was their energy. The crowd fed the players, and the players fed the crowd in return. The student section behind the posts didn’t stop chanting for eighty minutes, their voices carrying across the stadium even as the rain intensified. For Durham, this was a night to forget. Their set-piece held at times, and their second-half effort showed character despite the scoreboard. But the gap in sharpness and cohesion was stark. Their defensive line fractured under pressure, and their attack rarely looked coordinated enough to challenge Exeter’s structure.

UNDISPUTED POWERHOUSE OF UNIVERSITY RUGBY

This wasn’t just revenge for last year’s defeat, but a statement of intent for the rest of the season. This was more than a win; it was an exorcism of ghosts past — a declaration that Exeter remain the undisputed powerhouse of university rugby. Under the floodlights, Exeter were unbeaten, unyielding, and unstoppable.

By Annabel Gowling , Sport Editor, and Chloe Burrows

Durham

Image credit: Ellis Brewer