News

The Oscar Pistorious murder trial of Reeva Steenkamp is probably the biggest story around the world today. London’s 2012 Olympic games catapulted Pistorious, known as the Blade Runner, to worldwide fame. Perhaps of all the Olympians who participated at the London Games at a global level, Pistorious probably comes second only behind Usain Bolt.

Which is why there is a such a massive interest as this tragic story unfolds. One fact remains however, that a young woman with her whole life to look forward to was shot dead by her boyfriend.

Prime Minister David Cameron is currently in India, reportedly ‘winning over’ Indian students and attracting Indian businesses towards the UK. Accompanied by ten UK Parliamentarians of Indian heritage, Cameron has recognised India’s economic ascent – soon to be the world’s third biggest economy and ‘hopes’ that Britain will be its preferred trading partner.

Today at 12pm, a blue heritage plaque will be unveiled in South Kensington to honour the American Social reformer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Douglass was an important actor in the abolition of slavery and was the first African American to receive a nomination for the presidency of the US.

The plaque will be unveiled on Nell Gwynn House, Whiteheads Grove, South Kensington, SW3 3AX which is the site of the former home of British abolitionist George Thompson, who Douglass stayed with for a time in 1846, while lecturing in London on the horrors of the slave trade.

What is it with Oxbridge Universities courting controversy by inviting political unsavoury characters because they can?

Hiding behind the facade of ‘free speech’ Cambridge University are once again self-promoting at the expense of fuelling and legitimising xenophobic and fascist politics. This time its Marine Le Pen, Leader of the Nation Front in France. One imagines that one of the most prestigious Universities in the world feels it was out done by its arch rival Oxford, who last year invited BNP leader Nick Griffin to its debating chamber.

Ten UK parliamentarians from Indian heritage have underpinned the Prime Minister’s largest overseas business delegation in recent years. David Cameron has taken six Peers and four MPs, and 100 top British companies to India as part of a three day visit to enhance trade links.

Making a speech in Mumbai on the first day of his historic trade visit, the PM said that India would soon be the 3rd largest economy in the world, and he hoped that the UK would be its preferred business partner.

The Romanian people deserve an unequivocal apology over the horse meat scandal. Not just from certain sections of the media here, but one imagines right across Europe too. The blame game, as to how horse meat got into frozen foods, and English school meals has witnessed levels of xenophobia and racism not seen for a long time.

The Romanian Prime Minister, Victor Ponta, understandably stated that he was very angry with the portrayal of his people and the meat industry:

It may seem a long way before the next General Election scheduled for May 2015, but the battle plans for targeted seats, including who can stand, and who will get supported are very much in their advanced stages.

The ‘Sikhs Against the EDL’ will be joining a counter demonstration in conjunction with Cambridge Unite Against Fascism (CUAF) against the 'static protest' being held by the English Defence League (EDL) in Cambridge on Saturday 23rd February. Initially the EDL intended to hold a march, but now have announced to hold only a static protest.

Until yesterday evening, certain sections of the British press and some politicians were articulating the horse meat in processed food scandal as, quintessentially a problem with ‘Johnny Foreigner’.

As the catholic world awoke to the shock news that Pope Benedict XVL resigned, sighting ill health, speculation has quickly grown about who might succeed him. The role, as leader of 1.2 billion followers is fantastically unique , proudly undemocratic, and profoundly archaic. And yet it has emerged that two Black Cardinals have already become the two front runners to replace Benedict XVL.