Key stories from this week

Academics share opinions on Brexit

Several academics, supporting both Leave and Remain, have spoken to Varsity about the possible effects of Brexit on higher education. For those concerned, future immigration policy and research were common themes, with many expressing fears that Brexit will disrupt European collaboration and funding. Almost 18% of Cambridge’s research income comes from the EU. Dr Victoria Bateman argued that “Brexit doesn’t just take us down a dead-end, it takes us into the danger zone”. However, some academics were more optimistic. Professor Rudolf Hanka argued that students will continue to come to Cambridge from all over the world: “this basic fact will not be changed by Brexit, even if present uncertainty may cause a blip.”

UCU ballots on possible further strikes

The UCU announced on Friday that 70,000 members across 143 universities are being balloted to decide on further strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay and unsustainable workloads. In real terms, staff pay in higher education has dropped by 21% since 2009. Following a ballot in October in which the minimum turnout of 50% was not reached, Cambridge UCU President Dr Sam James told Varsity that he was “optimistic” of improving turnout rates. Last year’s dispute saw 40,000 members strike for 14 days across 64 higher education institutions.

Increased reliance on Food Banks revealed

Foodbank use in Cambridge rose by 17% from December 2017 to December 2018, according to Cambridge City Foodbank. The organisation gave out 1050 food parcels last December, compared to 896 in 2017. Coordinator Jon Edney highlighted that “The most frequent reason now given for people needing the foodbank is low income.” Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, blamed government policy for the increase, saying “This Government needs to take a hard look at their obsession to cut welfare support and realise it is them causing misery”.

No more minimum spending requirement for access

The Office for Students has scrapped a rule which required institutions with higher education fees of over £6000 to create an access agreement with the Office for Fair Access (Offa). From 2019 - 2020 institutions will no longer have to spend a set amount of money to support students from disadvantaged groups. A spokesperson told Varsity that the OfS still expects universities to spend spend money on improving access, but CUSU Access and Funding Officer Shadab Ahmed stated that the removal of the policy will be “incredibly harmful”.

Fitzwilliam College intervenes in JCR election

Matt, a student at Fitzwilliam College, spoke to Varsity following a recent controversial JCR election. Having been elected to the position of Male Welfare Officer by his peers, Matt was not allowed to be announced as the winner by the College because he was intermitting for the year. Still living in Cambridge, Matt explained how even after reaching out to College staff and fellows to query his position, “They didn’t explicitly say to me that I couldn’t stand”. He emphasised the supportive nature of the student body but criticised the JMA’s decision to “overrule” the election result.

On a lighter note...

Fitzbillies co-owner tells all

Tim Hayward, co-owner of Cambridge staple Fitzbillies, confirmed it will remain a uniquely Cambridge icon in an interview with Varsity this week. He explained how he has learned from American diners and used to work as a fashion photographer to keep afloat. Hayward revealed his favorite Cambridge restaurants (Parker’s Tavern and Nanna Mexico) and explains the strict regulations surrounding his freshly made food which make it somewhat, to quote Tripadvisor, “pricey”. The original Fitzbillies is reopening on 18th January after renovations.