Activism
Missing Medicines: Taking on the big-pharma monopoly
People not profit — The current monopoly of the pharmaceutical industry by corporate giants is costing lives, but individuals and group initiatives are challenging the system, campaigning for widespread use of generic drugs and affordable price tags.
Written by: Marianna Manson
Is nuclear power really that bad?
We asked an expert — Controversial UK nuclear power station Hinkley point looks set still to be built, despite making no economic or environmental sense. But what's so bad about nuclear? We spoke to Greenpeace activist and campaigner Kate Blagojevic.
Written by: Ella Guthrie
Scared as Hell: This is what it feels like when anxiety hits
#WorldMentalHealthDay — It's hard to describe that feeling when the world as you know it starts to slip away, but for many of us living with mental health problems it's an all too regular occurrence. For writer Josh Lee one difficult day was all that was needed for an anxiety attack to consume him.
Written by: Josh Lee
The pioneering female Iranian athlete taking on the world's toughest race
All hail Shirin Gerami — Shirin Gerami is no stranger to defying expectations. Iran's first female triathlete, the first Iranian woman to race in a World Triathlon, now she's set to become the first woman to represent Iran at Ironman Kona.
Written by: Alex Taylor
Poland's abortion law needs fighting, but we must also look closer to home
Our body, our choice — As women in Poland go on strike to fight abortion laws, it's easy to think in Britain our right to choose is secure. The law might be on the side of women, but our autonomy is constantly under threat.
Written by: Marianna Manson
How do the UK's international students feel about being treated like shit?
Cold eyes on campus? — As Britain's Home Secretary announces tough new proposals for restrictions on overseas students, we ask international students in London if they still feel welcome in the UK.
Written by: Alex King
Sorry, there is no more room: My experience of whiteness in academia
The space belongs to us — When Eno Mfon arrived at Bristol University, the prospect of immersing herself in the rich cultural history of black performance and literature was exciting. Within days of arriving though, she'd faced explicit racism from her fellow students, and soon found out there was no room, apparently, on her curriculum for anyone who wasn't white.
Written by: Eno Mfon
Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina learnt young the price paid for standing up to injustice
A life of punk protest — We've all watched the videos, we've seen the pictures of Pussy Riot taking on the Russian state on our screens. For Maria Alyokhina though, a life of challenging the status quo, and paying for the consequences, had started many years before. Sam Williams meets Alyokhina in London, as she performs in a new play, Burning Doors.
Written by: Sam Williams
The young Brits reconnecting with their European heritage after Brexit
Dual citizenship? Yes please — We’ve turned our backs on Europe, our tiny, drizzly island looks set to become more isolated than ever before. But young people in Britain didn't vote for Brexit, and many are desperate to soften the blow. One possibility that’s occurring to thousands of us is reclaiming the heritage of our ancestors from the continent.
Written by: Marianna Manson
Do people really want to chat on the Tube?
Apparently not — Unofficial Tube Chat badges have been handed out on the Underground to get antisocial Londoners talking. Could it work? I went to try one out.
Written by: Alex King
