http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk The political portal of the University of Manchester Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:29:57 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en On Wednesday, the students of Manchester University had their chance to put their questions to Vice-Chancellor Alan Gilbert, hear his responses and debate the issues. The Q&A session took place in the Main Debating Hall of the Students Union. To Jack McGinn, the session left more questions unanswered.  He has written ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/open-letter-to-vice-chancellor-alan-gilbert/ The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Manchester Alan Gilbert had many student activists silenced at the Education Questions and Answers debate organised by the Students’ Union. In the 90 minute event, Gilbert largely and perhaps unexpectedly agreed with the criticisms of the students and admitted that the ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/vc-gilbert-talks-to-students/ Today saw the launch of the government's controversial ID card scheme, with all foreign students who apply for a visa extension now being required to apply for an ID card. To coincide with the launch, protests were were held outside Home Office immigration centres across the country, including Reliance House in ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/manchester-students-protest-at-launch-of-id-cards/ Lech explains the fallacy of electronic cigarettes. My elder brother recently introduced me to the newest production of Star Wars. Being the accommodating youngest sibling of three, I bore witness to George Lucas' latest rehashing or ‘re-editing’ of the famed sci-fi series. My attempts lasted the best part of 300 brutally ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/return-of-the-puff/ In the first General Meeting on the year to reach quorum, University of Manchester students voted to reform the Students' Union Council and ban members of the British National Party (and others deemed to be "fascists") from speaking at the Union. The first motion to pass, entitled "The Change We Need", ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/umsu-gm-reforms-council-and-bans-the-bnp/ Yesterday Politics Society hosted their first session of mini-debates. These debates are an informal chance for any students interested in political issues to practice their debating skills or just to exchange opinions on current affairs. The motions discussed yesterday were: This House believes that Sarah Palin is a good role model ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/first-mini-debates/ Maria Francesca R. Fernandez on why America has made the right choice with Obama as her new President It doesn’t take a pundit to observe that Barack Obama’s election was a happy day for most people on this side of the Pond. Our distant support for this fresh and controversial Democrat ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/yes-he-can/ Laura-Marie Töpfer on why the hyping up of Obama's triumph needs to be treated with caution ‘Historic Victory!”, “New Dawn!”, “Record!” – powerful headlines were emblazoned in big letters on newspaper covers around the world at the beginning of this month, when America voted in the most eagerly anticipated US election ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/obamamania-and-its-flaws/ On Wednesday the NUS held an Extradordinary Conference (called by 36 students unions back in October) to discuss reform and the new proposed NUS constitution. At the conference, the proposed new constitution was passed by 614 votes to 142. There is however a condition that the constitution must be ratified ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/nus-extraordinary-conference/ The Debating Society hosted their first guest speaker debate on nuclear energy this Tuesday. The event was chaired by Ciaran Prendeville, who recently won ‘best speaker’ at the last inter-university competition. The society adopted the stance that the UK should abandon its nuclear arsenal. Guest speakers included Eric Grove, a ... http://www.manchesterpolitics.co.uk/articles/2008/nuclear-energy-debate/