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Brits 2020: Where performance met politics

Tumi Olufawo
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Brits 2020: Where performance met politics

This year’s Brit awards took place on the 18th of February, and did not disappoint as a night of celebration of British culture, entertainment and amazing performance. Perhaps the most stand-out part of this year’s awards show however, was the sheer diversity present in the nominees, winners and performers on the stage.

The Brits took place in the O2 Arena in London, and the winners in each category were largely unsurprising. Lewis Capaldi took home both Best New Artist and Song of the Year for ‘Someone You Loved’. Mabel was awarded Female Solo Artist, thirty years on from the time that her mother Neneh Cherry took home the same award. All the artists and guests were in high spirits, from drinking on the podium as Lewis Capaldi did, to downing a glass of neat tequila in the audience in the case of Lizzo. The show was a celebration of British music and culture and a pleasure to watch, anchored by host Jack Whitehall.

Despite the show being an entertaining night, full of the best live performance the country has to offer, the most significant take-away from this year’s Brits was the artists’ use of the platform they were given as a means of political speech. A lack of diversity and representation has been a major issue in many awards shows in the past, and the Brits are no exception. The awards show came under fire in 2016, when it was announced that almost all of the nominees in the British categories were white; provoking the hashtag #BritsSoWhite. This was especially disappointing as it followed 2015: a pivotal year for the UK grime scene, one that is pioneered by predominantly black men and women. Since then, it seems as if the organisers have taken an active effort to recognise and reward the achievements of a diverse range of performers. 

Many artists made use of their short opportunity on stage to call out the faults of the British government. In his acceptance speech for International Male Solo Artist, Tyler the Creator called out ex-PM Theresa May for banning him from the UK for using ‘hate’ speech, not dissimilar to what has been freely said by high-profile white artists such as Eminem. However, perhaps the most poignant speech of the night was made by Dave, a twenty-one year old rapper who took home the award for Best New Album for Psychodrama. Dave chose to perform his song, ‘Black’, written both to highlight the struggles that come with being a black person in our society, and what black people have been able to achieve despite this. In an extra verse written especially for this performance, Dave called out the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, labelling him a ‘real racist,’ and highlighting that even if racism is less of a problem in Britain than other places, this does not erase the fact that it is a very real and present struggle – especially in the current political climate. Dave also used this as an opportunity to bring necessary attention to the victims of the Grenfell Fire who are still waiting for housing, and as a tribute those who sadly lost their lives in the London Bridge terror attacks last year. 

The extremely well-spoken South London native’s performance was met with a mixed response. Many praised his lyricism and use of his platform to spread a meaningful message, whilst others reprimanded him for judging Boris Johnson without knowing him personally. Whether we agree with Dave or not, it is undeniable that his performance marked a monumental moment for Black Britons everywhere. The demand for creativity from more than just white people in a way legitimised his voice, and he used it to present issues close to the heart of many Black Britons – rather than just an opportunity to self promote.

However, it does seem prudent to not be too quick in applauding this change in attitudes towards representation and diversity at the Brits. This wariness is raised simply by looking at its problematic history. Views spiked after Skepta’s performance in 2017 with a stage full of black men in hoodies, which many reported as being ‘outrageous.’ Would the British public have had the same reaction had it been a stage of white men? Unlikely. It is hard not to wonder whether those at the Brits truly see the importance of recognising these artists, or are simply trying to increase their views with provocative performances they know will ignite conversation. Either way, it is clear that diverse artists have been able to pave the way for themselves in an environment which has historically regarded them with apprehension, and we really do love to see it. 

Review: That Reminds Me (2019)

Lucy Tiraham
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Review: That Reminds Me (2019)

Fragmentary, authentic and poetic – Derek Owusu’s latest publication, That Reminds Me, succeeds in its painfully honest exploration of a young Ghanaian boy’s journey into adulthood. 

When plucked out of the security of his foster home, eight-year-old ‘K’, Owusu’s protagonist, must forge new relationships with his biological family in a lonely, metropolitan sphere. Reading the dust-jacket protecting the memoirs contained in this hardback semi-biography reveals that, in just 113 pages, Owusu will question “identity, belonging, addiction, sexuality, violence, family and religion”. 

Integral to Owusu’s story is its indefinability. As readers we are inclined to compartmentalise, to secure a text to a genre, form, or literary tradition. In the critical reception of Owusu’s piece thus far, the terms ‘novel-in-verse’, ‘semi-biography’ and ‘rhythmic prose’ have all been posited. Whilst these terms are helpful, I admire Owusu for his ability to defy such classifications. 

Split into five poignant sections (Awareness, Reflection, Change, Construction and Acceptance), That Reminds Me shows the vitality to be found in momentary flashbacks, whether about significant milestones or mundane everyday experiences. The mention of chocolate cornflake cakes, messages on MSN, getting the annual MOT, Nokia mobiles, Cornettos or the application of Deep Heat makes the novel simultaneously personal and widely relatable.  

The most appealing aspect of Owusu’s narrative is the mosaic-style structure constituted by snippets of K’s memories. K is not on a journey with a destination of unity in mind. Owusu portrays a character who learns to become comfortable in brokenness, and, more importantly, acknowledges brokenness as an inherent facet of the human condition. There are moments where it is difficult to ascertain whether the words on the page are descriptions of reality or K’s imagination ­­– but this is precisely the point. In only ever giving us limited insights into K’s experiences, we arguably learn more about him than if we were reading an extensive description conventional to the bildungsroman novel. 

Each section is signposted by a pencil illustration of a spider’s web. As the narrative progresses, the web develops. In the last section, the spider sits proudly in the middle of the web, surrounded by his intricate creation. The spider’s web becomes emblematic of the narrative web Owusu so delicately offers us. Fragile, awe-inspiring and complex: I could not pick a more apt image for K. Along with the illustrations, the insightful snippets make this novel feel more like a diary you are reading in secret, an opportunity one should feel privileged to have. 

Inscribed in the paratext of the novel is an author’s note:

“This is the story of K. If you believe your life to be as fictitious as K’s, if you find yourself within the pages of this book, then you are holding the pen and not me”

Encapsulated in K’s story is an applicability almost inescapable. This is a story about being human as much as it is about race. When asked by researchers at Penguin Books for the best piece of writing advice he had ever received, Owusu answered with, “For goodness sake, just write in your own voice, Derek!” I can only commend Owusu for not only fulfilling this advice but capturing the voices of other underrepresented people in contemporary literature. I sincerely believe this book has an accessibility inviting to all readers. 

In regard to Derek Owusu himself, I thank him for defying form, for giving readers ‘K’ and for, most admirably, allowing us to ‘hold the pen’. 

Pembroke tutor guilty of possession of child pornography

Cherwell
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Pembroke tutor guilty of possession of child pornography

TW: Child Pornography, sexual abuse

Philosophy tutor Peter King entered a guilty plea on Thursday, charged with possession of child pornography.

Previously a Stipendiary Lecturer at Pembroke, King has since been suspended from his position.

A spokesperson for the college told Cherwell: “Pembroke was made aware of the police investigation and charges against Peter King only the day before his court appearance.

He was immediately suspended from his employment, pending disciplinary proceedings.

The College moved swiftly to put in place welfare and counselling arrangements for students and staff, and alternative teaching arrangements and academic support for all affected students.”

According to The Guardian, Oxford Crown Court confirmed that King has pleaded guilty to three counts of producing indecent photos of a child between 2010 and 2018. Production is understood to mean generating copies of digital media.

King will be sentenced on March 19th.

Philosophy students, and all members of Pembroke’s JCR and MCR, were informed of the matter in an email this week, in which the college stated King was “expected to plead guilty”.

It is understood that members of staff were unaware of the investigation into Dr King until his court appearance.

As well as removing King’s staff page and Oxford email address, Pembroke College has offered welfare support to all students, saying they shall provide “fast-track access to the University Counselling Service”.

Students who did not study philosophy were told of “a serious situation involving one of the Philosophy tutors” the same day, but not of the details of the case.

An email sent out on Thursday read: “We have written today to students of Philosophy regarding a serious situation involving one of the Philosophy tutors. We appreciate that the nature of the charges against him may cause distress to individuals and we want to reach out to anyone who may be particularly affected.”

King described his research as relating to “both metaethics and practical ethics”, and in 2008 published a paper entitled “No Plaything: Ethical Issues Concerning Child Pornography”.

In the paper, published in the journal Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, he argues for the existence of a “morally neutral” form of child pornography, which “if it reduces the market for abusive material… might even be morally good”.

Despite terming this hypothetical content “genuinely possible”, King concludes that “child-pornography is morally wrong.”

The paper begins “Academic discussion of pornography is generally restricted to issues arising from the depiction of adults.”

“I argue that child-pornography is a more complex matter, and that generally accepted moral judgements concerning pornography in general have to be revised when children are involved.”

“I look at the question of harm to the children involved, the consumers, and society in general, at the question of blame, and at the possibility of a morally acceptable form of child-pornography.

“My approach involves an objectivist metaethics and a utilitarian view of practical ethics, and I bring out the advantages of these theories to the consideration of moral issues such as this one.”

King, having completed his Masters and Doctoral qualifications at Brasenose College, went on to teach at Christ Church and Somerville, before joining Pembroke College.

Oxford University did not offer additional comment, but did clarify to Cherwell that Dr King was not employed by the university and held no duties at a faculty level.

King’s defence lawyer declined comment to The Guardian.

Pembroke College has been home to scholars for over 396 years.

The college currently houses 375 undergraduates, as well as visiting students on study abroad programs from US and Chinese universities, in addition to more than 283 postgraduates.

Trinity Hall Cambridge embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations

Rachel Cordery
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Trinity Hall Cambridge embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations

TW: Sexual Assault

Dr Jeremy Morris, the head of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, has stepped back from his duties after accusations of mishandling sexual misconduct allegations came to light.

The Rev Canon Morris “voluntarily stepped back from duties as Master of Trinity Hall, pending the Col- lege’s further consideration of recent events,” according to a statement on the college’s website.

Alongside Morris, Dr William O’Reilly has also withdrawn from his college duties pending further investigation. Dr O’Reilly is a University Senior Lecturer in Early Modern His- tory and a Fellow at Trinity Hall.

An investigation by Tortoise Media revealed that O’Reilly oversaw a disciplinary process involving multiple reports of sexual assault by a male student, who O’Reilly allegedly had a “close relationship” with during his time as Acting Senior Tutor at Trinity Hall, according to Varsity, Cambridge University’s student newspaper.

Published last week, the investigation also detailed an allegation against O’Reilly of sexually assaulting another male student. Dr O’Reilly declined to comment.

Ella Hill, a reporter at Tortoise, told Cherwell: “We’ve been concerned about campus safety for a while. At a Tortoise ThinkIn last year, we heard several stories of people who had experienced sexual violence on campus and been failed by their university. In part, those discussions led us to the Trinity Hall story.”

“Trinity Hall is a case study – not an exception. There are serious concerns about how universities across the sector address such allegations.”

Trinity Hall announced further resignations on Tuesday. The college announced that Vice-Master, Nick Bampos, will offer his resignation to the Governing Body next week.

Bampos’ resignation comes one day after the women, who brought forward the cases of misconduct, released a statement.

In a statement, the women said: “We have been moved and encouraged by the response from the student and alumni community. Thank you for fighting on our behalf, and for continuing to work so hard to make Trinity Hall a safer place.”

The women go on to offer four guidelines for what should happen next, including the resignation of Dr Jeremy Morris, the implementation of new leadership that “can command confidence of the student body”, and a disciplinary inquiry into Dr O’Reilly.

The women also called for the college to seek external investigation into the handling of sexual misconduct cases.

They added: “Our experience is not exceptional, and we stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual misconduct – including those whose cases have been mishandled by institutions they trusted to treat them fairly and sensitively.”

The resignations follow mounting pressure from students and alumni.

In an open letter to the Heads of Houses of the constituent colleges of Cambridge University, the University’s Women’s Campaign wrote: “An investigation published in Tortoise this week has revealed that senior leadership at Trinity Hall made a series of decisions amounting to a complete failure to adequately deal with complaints of sexual misconduct and support survivors. The allegations that have been made reveal that the college leadership closed ranks to protect senior members of staff, and attempted to stifle student complaints and staff who supported them.

“We believe that the Trinity Hall case shines a light on a broader issue in the collegiate university, and forces us to seriously question the ability of any college to adequately handle sexual misconduct cases. Even if a college has a policy which represents good practice on paper, when complaints are administered by untrained individuals embedded in a close knit community, there is no guarantee that the policy will be properly followed. Individuals at Trinity Hall continuously prioritised collegiate relationships and college reputation over their duty of care to students. Senior members of staff had too much discretionary power and made a series of indefensible decisions which betrayed a complete disregard for the welfare of students. There has now been a breakdown of trust between Trinity Hall students and college leadership and welfare services.

“There is no reason to believe that Trinity Hall is worse equipped than any other college to handle these cases. We only know an unusual amount about the series of events at Trinity Hall because the college has come under focused scrutiny and has been the subject of investigative journalism. The reality is that cases such as these are not limited to Trinity Hall. Every college will struggle with conflicts of interest within a relatively small environment, as well as a lack of proper training and expertise. Every year, the Women’s Campaign hears from students who found their case quietly dropped or came up against members of college staff who lacked the knowledge or inclination to support them.

“It is clear that colleges are inadequately equipped to handle cases of sexual misconduct. We call on colleges to recognise this fact and commit to one centralised disciplinary procedure for cases of sexual misconduct.”

“The Women’s Campaign will continue to hold the University to account for its handling of sexual misconduct, and to call for further reform from the university disciplinary procedure. Ultimately we hope for one system that students can have faith in, and that the colleges will demonstrate their commitment to student safety over collegiate autonomy.”

The open letter has been signed by 44 groups and organisations, as well as over 830 students, staff and alumni.

A spokesperson for Trinity Hall told Cherwell: “As has been reported, the College has set up a panel of unconflicted Fellows to co-ordinate its response to the issues raised in recent media coverage. The panel will be submitting an interim report to an additional meeting of the Col- lege’s Governing Body in the week commencing 2nd March.”

Trinity Hall has previously come under pressure after an academic was accused of sexually harassing ten students last year.

Dr Peter Hutchinson later resigned from Trinity Hall in November 2019 after over 1,300 staff and students protested that he had been allowed to keep his post.

In response to the Tortoise investigation, the Master of Trinity Hall released a statement on the college’s website before his decision to step back.

The statement said: “We understand that any allegations of this kind at our College will be a matter of deep concern to everyone in our community, and we take them extremely seriously. There is no place for misconduct or inappropriate behaviour of any kind at Trinity Hall, and we are highly aware how important it is to deal with any issues which may arise in a clear and appropriate manner. The safety and welfare of students and staff at the College is a priority for us, and a natural expectation of anyone who comes to study and work here.”

“We will do everything we can to ensure people raising such issues feel safe and supported. The College has its own mental health team, and significant pastoral and tutorial support, in addition to the provision made by the University of Cambridge for all its students and staff.”

“We are aware that many of our students, staff and alumni have expressed important views on these topics in recent times, for which we are grateful, and hope that they will continue to engage with us in the future. We in turn are committed to listening and learning from previous instances of dealing with often challenging matters in the most rigorous manner possible.”

In light of this, Cambridge’s Office for Students is holding a consultation on sexual misconduct and harassment.

Dr Jeremy Morris has been Master of Trinity Hall since 2014.

Calls for Oxford University to scrap £75 postgraduate application fee

Matthew Schaffel
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Calls for Oxford University to scrap £75 postgraduate application fee

There have been calls for Oxford University to scrap the £75 application fee currently charged to students applying for postgraduate courses.

In a resolution now set to be debated on 10th March at the Sheldonian Theatre, PhD student Benjamin Fernando and researcher Mike Cassidy have outlined their plans to scrap the fee.

The University has so far stood firm in opposing the move and maintaining the benefits provided from bringing in over £2 million per year from the fee.

Benjamin Fernando told Cherwell: “The University requiring candidates to pay this fee is clearly elitist and exclusionary, and serves to work against the University’s commitment to advancing access at a graduate level.”

The researcher Mike Cassidy, who worked alongside Fernando in bring- ing this motion to the University congregation, said: “The other motivation for our resolution is that we fear Oxford will raise the fees…and that soon charging for postgraduate applications in other universities will be the norm, looking to Oxbridge for justification. If Oxford votes to abolish these fees, it sets a great example to those other [application fee-charging] universities.”

These views are also shared by Chris Lintott, a Professor of Astrophysics, who said: “I would hear every year from people who couldn’t find the £75. I certainly couldn’t have found that sort of money when I was applying! It also adds to the perception that Oxford is a place for the rich.”

Mr Lintott also warned that “Unless they [the reforms to the application fee] are as liberal as possible (Harvard offers a fee waiver more or less to anyone who asks) there will still be people who are prevented from applying because of the fee”.

The Oxford Student Union has also supported the move, with Ray Williams, current Vice-President for Access and Academic Affairs, saying: “Our position is that the University should do away with the application fee or, at minimum, vastly expand the fee waiver program.”

This was following a vote in support of the resolution during 3rd Week at the Student Council, in which 90% of those in attendance backed it.

A spokesperson for the University said: “Oxford is one of a growing number of institutions that charges a fee at the point of application for graduate study, towards the cost of the systems, staff and other resources that support its admissions process for over 30,000 prospective applicants every year”.

They added: “The University has agreed a Strategic Plan priority to increase the number of graduate scholarships it will offer over the next five years, and is committed to meeting this target.”

The spokesperson also made reference to the expansion of its UNIQ+ postgraduate application programme, which is “a paid research internship programme for students from under-represented backgrounds who might not otherwise consider postgraduate study at Oxford,” and includes an application fee waiver as part of the programme.

Essi Kessler, the HCR (Hulme Common Room) President at Brase- nose College, added that “the money collected from the Application fee for postgraduates is invested in access schemes such as the UNIQ summer school.”

Kessler also made reference to how it would be “highly desirable to reduce the amount of the application fee to bring it down to a more moderate amount”.

Keen Oxford launch #Share One World campaign

Aishah Wilson
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Keen Oxford launch #Share One World campaign

The Charity Keen, based at the St Clements Centre in Oxford, has introduced their #Share One World campaign in which they are pledging for inclusion and spreading the message that everyone has a responsibility to make society fully inclusive.

Founded in 1984, Keen is a charity that provides sessions and projects that incorporates their fundamental belief that everyone should have an equal opportunity to be included in community based social and recreational activities, for example those who are disabled or those with other needs not catered for. 

They run a range of sessions ranging from Allsorts (a session full of sports games), to Zig Zag (a creative play, arts and drama workshop), to Keen Teens (a project club for young people aged 10-19).

Their #Share One World campaign asks people to pledge their promise to make society more inclusive, and includes numerous ways on their website to make a difference, listing activities such as learning more about inclusion and encouraging school children to organise inclusive events in collaboration with special schools.

On their website, they said: “Inclusion isn’t something that one person is responsible for or can achieve on their own. Everyone has a responsibility to help make our society fully inclusive!” 

You can get involved by making the pledge to make your society more inclusive at: https://www.keenuk.org/sow

Dinah Rose QC appointed as new Magdalen president

Imogen Duke
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Dinah Rose QC appointed as new Magdalen president

Dinah Rose QC has been appointed the new President of Magdalen College. She will succeed Professor Sir David Clary FRS in September 2020.

She will be the first woman to hold this position, and the 43rd President of Magdalen College since its foundation in 1458.

Dinah Rose is a barrister and member of Blackstone Chambers. She has been involved in many of the leading cases in public law, human rights, employment law, and competition law.

Rose studied Modern History at Magdalen College, graduating in 1987. She was called to the bar in 1989 and appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2006.

She was named Barrister of the Year in The Lawyer Awards 2009 and was appointed a Deputy Judge of the High Court in 2016. Rose has represented Julian Assange in front of the supreme court, and Rupert Murdoch’s News International in phone hacking trials.

Dinah Rose said in a statement from Magdalen College: “It is a great pleasure and privilege to be returning to Magdalen, where I spent three happy and unforgettable years as a student. I look forward to fostering a diverse and welcoming community of scholars, where lively debate, and mutual respect and support encourage our students to fulfil their enormous potential, personally as well as academically. Magdalen has in recent years made very substantial progress in broadening access to the unmatched opportunities which it offers. I am determined to do all in my power to ensure that Magdalen is as accessible and inclusive as it is exceptional.”

Magdalen College said: “Magdalen College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dinah Rose QC as its next President. She will take up office in September 2020 as successor to Professor Sir David Clary FRS, who will have completed 15 years of distinguished service as President of the College.”

Growing number of visitors to Covered Market

David Alexander
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Growing number of visitors to Covered Market

The numbers visiting Oxford’s Covered Market have continued to grow, even staying strong during the January lull.

New data from Oxford City Council shows that Oxford Covered Market had almost one million visits in 2019 and there was an increase in year-on-year footfall in the run-up to Christmas. 

Footfall was up 4.22 per cent in the run-up to Christmas, with 115,941 visits in the six weeks to the end of 2019, compared to 111,248 visits over the same period in 2018.

During 2019, there were a total of 997,760 visits. These statistics come from footfall counters installed by the city council, which manages the market, in late 2018, to measure the effectiveness of promotional and advertising activities.

All of the 61 available units in the market were also occupied during December, with a waiting list of would-be tenants. The council is now talking to businesses and organisations about taking on the small number of units that have become vacant since Christmas.

The news follows a number of measures taken to promote and improve the historic building. In the run-up to Christmas, the council, working with local creative agency Monchu and filmmaker Adam Hale, produced an advert to promote the market.

Then, earlier this month, award-winning social enterprise Tap Social announced it would open a bar and events space in the Covered Market this summer. Moreover, the city council is also investing £3.1m into the Covered Market, which is Grade II-listed and dates from 1774, to try and secure its longevity.

The investment includes £1.8m to make sure the roof lasts another 60 to 80 years, as well as £1.3m for internal refurbishment. A new masterplan is being drawn up for the future of the market – it should be ready by the end of the year.

Oxford prepares to celebrate fairtrade fortnight

Florine Lips
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Oxford prepares to celebrate fairtrade fortnight

Oxford is set to host a series of events over the next two weeks in celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight, a campaign which takes place every year to raise awareness of Fairtrade practices.

This year, Fairtrade Fortnight will take place from February 24th to March 8th. Its central aim is to continue the fight for cocoa farmers to earn a living income, and the campaign will include stories showing the foundation’s positive influence on the farmers whose rights it seeks to protect. 

The events will be held by the Oxford Fairtrade Coalition, which is supported by the Oxford City Council.

Events will include the Fairtrade Business Breakfast on Wednesday 25th February, from 7.45am – 9.15am, held in Oxford University Club, as well as a panel discussion entitled ‘She Deserves Chocolate’, held on Tuesday 3rd March from 7pm-9pm in Lady Margaret Hall.

Oxford Town Hall’s café, run by Lemon Zest, will be offering customers a discount of 10% on Fairtrade hot chocolate throughout the Fortnight. The café already offers a variety of Fairtrade products.

Other events include a lecture on Thursday 27th February at the Museum of Natural History entitled ‘Climate Resilience, Social Justice and Sustainability’, which will involve a talk from Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTSA)’s Mohammed Ruzzi, Conservation Hierarchy’s Henry Grub, and a panel discussion on how small-scale farmers can deal with the climate crisis.

On Sunday 1st March, the Student Union will host a Great Fairtrade Bake Off, organised in collaboration with colleges’ environmental representatives. 

Several colleges have already announced their plans to support the campaign. Wadham, one of the colleges to take part, will provide Fairtrade products such as chocolate brownies, cookies, and Divine chocolate bars in their New Refectory.

The Oxford City Council has pledged its commitment to the use of Fairtrade products and encourages local residents to buy from businesses that stock Fairtrade products. Oxford has been a Fairtrade City since 2004, meaning that the Council has passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and has agreed to serve Fair Trade tea and coffee at meetings.

A range of Fairtrade products is also available at local establishments, and Fairtrade products are used by local workplaces and community organisations. 

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “We are delighted that Oxford continues to be a Fairtrade City, having first been awarded this in 2004. We are a member of the Oxford Fair Trade Coalition and contribute funds to support the promotion of fair trade activities, goods and events such as the One World Fair. We work hard to ensure workers in our city are paid the Oxford Living Wage, but it is just as important to tackle poverty away from home where we can. Simple changes such as selling Fairtrade drinks (try some at our Town Hall café) and goods can make a difference to those who need it. Producers all around the world deserve to be fairly paid for their work.”

Ben Ashton, Chair of the Oxford Fairtrade Coalition, said: “Imagine a world in which the person who grows the cocoa could set a fair price for it. If everyone in Oxford chose to buy a Fairtrade option whenever they could and the small difference in price we pay made its way back to the producers at the beginning of the chain we could change their lives and their communities forever.

“The Fairtrade logo you can see on some food packaging means that the product includes certified Fairtrade ingredients which have been produced by farmers, organisations or co-operatives in a way that meets agreed social, economic and environmental standards. They will have been paid a fair price and will also receive a premium to spend in their community as they choose. There are over 4500 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers, chocolate, bananas, beauty products, and much more. So when you shop, look for the Fairtrade logo.”

Oxford University has been a recipient of the Fairtrade University and College Award since 2018, something that requires a commitment to supporting Fairtrade practices in departmental cafes and sites.

Firefighters called to help flood victims despite current law

Amelia Wood
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Firefighters called to help flood victims despite current law

Unlike the rest of the country, firefighters in Oxfordshire do not have a legal obligation to help flooding victims, according to current rules.

Despite this, firefighters have been called to assist in hundreds of rescues in Oxfordshire following Storm Ciara and Dennis.

As a result, the county branch of the Fire Brigades Union, who have been campaigning for a rule change since 2016, argued that the rules as they stand could prevent money and other vital resources being available to residents of Oxfordshire when they are most needed.

A spokesperson from the group said: “We need government ministers and Chief Fire Officers to get around the table with the Fire Brigades Union and look at resources that are needed, what investment is required and look at a long term plan to deal with flooding incidents. Flooding is nothing new, and will only get worse with climate change, but our ability to tackle its consequences has been utterly undermined by a lack of long-term planning from this government.”

He further criticised the flooding response from the conservative government as a “shambles.”

Following a request for comment, Chris Dyson, Press Officer for Oxfordshire County Council, wrote: “Although the fire and rescue service has no statutory responsibility to deal with flooding or water rescue, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service has invested in equipment and training so we can provide assistance during flooding.

“The service provides support and carries out rescues following accidents on or in the water, and for people and animals stuck on ice or in mud.Each frontline appliance carries a water rescue capability, including floating lines to throw to people and inflation equipment for our hose to allow us to deliver it to people in need of rescue.

“Each appliance also carries dry suits and associated equipment to allow us to enter water, and life jackets to allow us to operate safely in and around bodies of water. This capability is enhanced by our specialist water rescue crew, based at Kidlington. They are trained to the highest level and are capable of swimming to casualties or accessing them via boat in order to rescue them.

“During times of mass flooding, we can also call upon a resilience stock of equipment held at Abingdon Fire Station. This equipment is delivered by the station to wherever it is needed and can include, extra life jackets and dry suits, inflatable rescue sleds, used to ferry people to safety.”

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