Norwood Primary School, Eastleigh
Credit - Google Maps
08
APR
2025
Are schools becomming t0o diverse?
Last month, Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, announced its decision to cancel its traditional Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service in 2025.
Despite Norwood Primary having no religious affiliation, headteacher Stephanie Mander explained in a letter to parents that this was done "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented within our school community", aiming to create a more inclusive atmosphere for all students and families.
The decision also escalated to the point of protests outside Norwood Primary when demonstrators from the Christian group Disciples of Christ rallied against what they saw as the "erasure of Christianity. This was , however, countered by a smaller group of parents who supported Mander’s decision. This further triggered backlash from parents and locals who have questioned whether other Christian traditions such as Christmas may be next.
The school later clarified that Easter would still be acknowledged through lessons and craft activities, but the cancellation of the specific events remained a flashpoint.
To further emphasise Mander’s claim to make the school more inclusive, she has repeatedly said her school will be celebrating Refugee Week, which has further escalated frustration from right-wing figures such as former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who has criticised the decision, labelling it “disgraceful" and “cultural surrender".
Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has also criticised the decision in an interview with the Daily Echo, supporting the planned protests, whilst suggesting the move was out of touch with British values.
People have argued that this has only happened to Easter in the name of inclusivity and would not similarly extend to foreign traditions such as Ramadan or Diwali, while the choice to celebrate Refugee Week is seen by some as an attempt to replace British Christian traditions under the guise of diversity, raising questions about whether the identity and heritage of these traditions are still being respected.
20
MAR
2025
Why are so many young people out of work?
On Tuesday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced that the government plans to implement the “largest welfare reforms in a generation” in an effort to reduce the welfare budget by £5 billion.
One of the most affected groups by this decision is young people aged 18 to 24 who rely on the benefit system. This raises the question: why are so many young people out of work?
The number of 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK who are unemployed and not actively seeking work has risen to 789,000 according to the latest statistics. This increase may be attributed to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education and reduced the availability of entry-level jobs.
Additionally, the decline of the high street, driven by the rise of online shopping and store closures, may also contribute. As of this month, the retirement age has been raised to 66 for both men and women, potentially increasing job competition. Growing up on benefits, which can often be more lucrative than low-wage work, might discourage young adults from seeking employment. This situation risks long-term economic inactivity for this age group.
Support from schools could significantly assist young people in entering the workforce. By shifting the focus beyond university—often presented as the primary path forward—schools can better prepare students for various career options.
Currently, curricula and career guidance heavily emphasise higher education. In 2023, 47% of UK 18-year-olds applied to university; however, alternative routes, such as apprenticeships and vocational training, received less attention despite high demand in fields like technology and trades. Introducing practical skills—like coding, construction basics, and real-world mathematics—earlier in education, along with mentorship from industry professionals, could better equip students for employment and reduce reliance on benefits.
Looking ahead, the future for 18 to 24-year-olds will largely depend on how the UK addresses the intertwined issues of work and welfare. With technology transforming jobs, climate-driven industries emerging, and an ageing population raising the retirement age, opportunities may expand if young people receive the proper support. Targeted policies and a reimagined education system could transform today’s challenges into a prepared workforce for the future, balancing economic pressures with a fair chance at stability.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall
Credit - Getty Images
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage
Credit - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch
Credit - (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
11
MAR
2025
Who represents the voice of the right in the UK?
In recent years, the UK's political landscape has changed significantly due to the rise of right-leaning ideologies and the impact of Brexit. The Conservative Party now faces competition from Reform UK, which has leveraged Euroscepticism and populism. This shift reflects a broader global trend towards populism, amplified by digital media and viral campaigns. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, the dynamics between these parties and the digital sphere provide a unique perspective on the evolving right in British politics.
For decades, the Conservative Party has been the voice of the right, offering law and order, limited government, and low taxes. However, since the party’s catastrophic defeat at the 2024 general election, new leader Kemi Badenoch has a mammoth task on her hands to take a party in disarray back into government. With only 121 MPs and 23.7% of the vote share, the Tories lost votes to all sides, which also led to a surge in Reform UK.
But why was this? For years, the economy was a large issue with former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s mini-budget in 2022, which caused inflation to hit 11% and raised the cost of living. Reform UK argued that Tories failed to deliver a “proper Brexit,” especially on issues such as the NHS and immigration, which ultimately split the right-wing vote and cost the Conservatives almost 100 seats.
On the back of the election, Reform’s momentum was driven by Nigel Farage’s leadership on pushing anti-woke rhetoric and a hard stance on immigration. Reform is successfully capitalising on the public’s frustrations with the cost-of-living crisis and political correctness with a primary policy freezing immigration. This has led to them polling at 23% for the next election, just one point behind Labour and one in front of the Tories.
In recent years, the right of populism has reshaped global politics, fuelled by isolationism, anti-woke, and anti-establishment beliefs. Leaders like Trump, Meloni, and Orban have created global momentum for those who feel left behind by the failure of successive past governments. There has also been a huge uprising of online figures such as Tommy Robinson in the UK who have built loyal fan bases to blur the lines between politics and conspiracy theories, leading to an ever-growing post-truth society.
As the UK navigates an increasingly polarised society, the future of the right in this country could lead to one question: can it unite? With the Tories struggling to maintain their traditional base and Reform gaining increasing ground, the right could risk fracturing. If the right were to mount a credible challenge to Labour’s majority, they may need to set aside their differences and find common ground and unite to shape the future of British politics.
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