As humans we gravitate toward shared social opinion, but as Will Nicholl, 22, a Correspondent in London, UK writes, populist movements carry with them the risk of political ignorance. Michel Foucault once quipped “[p]eople know what they do; frequently they know why they do what they do; but what they do not know is what what …

“The political problem with populism” Read More »

London’s business economy has expanded to a 24-hour day, writes Mary Adeyi, 23, a Correspondent in London, UK, as she looks at how the city is adapting to the around-the-clock schedule. London is becoming a 24-hour city, which makes London more attractive. Trends Business Research reveals London’s night-time economy is worth £66bn a year and that …

“The city and the London night tube” Read More »

The debate over the burkini has divided the left and right, but Will Nicholl, 23, a Correspondent in London, UK, frames the symbolic meaning of women’s clothing in the wider debate of power and control. As the debate surrounding the burkini continues, both left and right repeatedly fail to deconstruct the issue. The burkini argument needs to …

“Burkini debate – undressing the meaning” Read More »

To many, Wembly means a sports stadium used for the highest level of competition. But Shastri Sookdeo, 27, a Correspondent from Trinidad now living in Amsterdam, learned it is also a vibrant and diverse community, rich in food choices and cultural co-existence. “We’re going to Wembley” is a phrase commonly sung at English football matches during …

“Wembley is a community as well as a stadium” Read More »

Will Nicholl, 23, a Correspondent in London, UK, notes that in the aftermath of the events of the last six months, commentators have done their best to find patterns through which to make sense of the world. He argues for the need to take a longer viewpoint. Tempting though it is to pivot the narrative onto …

“Take your narcissism, the left didn’t do it” Read More »

Young people of the Commonwealth – make your voice heard in the Review of the Commonwealth Youth Programme! An evaluation is currently underway of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), conducted by the consulting company Public Administration International (PAI). The report will be published online by the Commonwealth Secretariat during 2017. If you have something to …

Make your voice heard in programme review! Read More »

Spreading holiday cheer and winter hospitality gave Nahiyan Pasha, 16, a Correspondent from Ilford, UK, opportunity to appreciate the work of the elders in our communities, and how fellowship can express thanks and give comfort. Amidst the cold and lifeless British winter day, a warm bright light shone through as the organisation, Community Heroes, held their …

“The perfect way to tackle lonely winters” Read More »

Survivors of abuse face a number of hurdles in recovery and rebuilding their lives. Ruth Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent in the UK, tells how the government has taken measures that will remove one hurdle and assist survivors in their efforts. The government in the UK is taking more action to protect abuse survivors from stalking. …

“Taking action to protect abuse victims” Read More »

As social media reaches saturation level, concern grows about the impact on road safety. Mary Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Commonwealth Correspondent in London, UK, writes that earlier hopes about hands-free devices offering a solution are being dashed as researchers find that distraction not tied to just one technology.  New penalties to combat drivers using their mobile …

“Bigger penalty for driving while on the phone” Read More »

A tax on sugar-loaded soft drinks is being advanced as a way to counter the rise in childhood obesity. Ruth Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent in the UK, looks at the reaction from health professionals and the soft drink industry. In 2015 the sugar tax was debated in Britain’s House of Commons after an online petition …

“Sugar levy aims at childhood obesity” Read More »