URN

Our latest show is available on the podcasts now. David chairs a panel talking about new plans to regulate the press in the wake of the Leveson Enquiry, the economic woes facing Cyprus as part of the ongoing Eurozone crisis, and the appointment of Pope Francis I.

Just go here to listen to the show: http://urn1350.net/node/5163

Comment on the podcast (or here!) and listen in next term for another season of student debate on current affairs at urn1350.net/listenlive!

In this week's issue of the Big Picture, Michael Gaffney was joined by David Hayes, Jonnie Jenkin, Joseph Todd, Luc Chignell, Seb Bench and Louis Cotgrove for three debates focused on the issues behind the ongoing SU Election race.

The Big Picture was presented this week by resident left-wing europhile, Louis Cotgrove. The first topic up for discussion was the recent report that China has developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The topic discussed the impact that this would have on the world political stage, specifically in regard to Sino-American relations.

The next topic debated was the decision taken by credit ratings agency Moodys to downgrade the UK from Aaa to Aa1 and what effect this would have on the economy of the UK. The panel quickly descended into partisanship, debating whether the government had under-performed in their promises to help the ailing economy

The final issue on tonight's show was the scandal in Germany regarding the decision taken by Annette Schavan, the education minister, to step down after plagiarising her doctorate. Seven other ministers have also been found out to have plagiarised their doctorates and the panel discussed the impact this would have on Merkel's campaign in September to retain the Chancellorship

Tune in next week for our SU election special!

Today saw the debut of Sebastian Bench as presenter, in front of a rather partisan panel for the normally demure and composed Big Picture show. The first topic of debate dealt with the fallout from the Nottingham University Conservative Association's (NUCA) controversially advertised debate on whether provocatively dressed women are more likely to suffer sexual assault.

Joining us on the panel for the debate was the treasurer of NUCA, Jenny, assisted by NUCA member and regular panellist Elliot. On the other side of the political spectrum, David, Big Picture Supremo and Louis, producing tonight's show, argued their cases for the Women's Network.

After a lengthy opening debate, the topic changed to the impending elections in Kenya, where David and Alex, enlightened us on the rather sticky situation a the moment in the important East African country, especially regarding the current ICC investigation into the supposed frontrunner, Kenyatta.

Following this discussion, the panel was broadened out to include Rob, an "open-minded conservative" in his own words ["oxymoron!" coughs Louis] and saw the return of Louis and Elliot as they sparred over the suggestion of the 10p tax rate by Labour leader Ed Miliband in the form of a mansion tax on all properties worth over £2m.

All in all a very enjoyable show, thanks to all who texted in and well done to Seb on his debut!

The Big Picture was presented this week by newcomer (to presenting) Elliot Johnson, with his beautiful assistant in producing, Louis Cotgrove. The first topic up for discussion was the upcoming controversial SU referendum on whether the SU should actively take a pro-choice stance on women's reproductive rights. The panel today was joined by Luke Mitchell, SU DemComms Officer, regular Lib-Dem panelist Seb Bench and Big Picture Elder, Jonnie Jenkin.

The next topic debated were the plans by the government to implement a high speed rail network, HS2, cutting the journeys between the North and South of the country by up to 90 minutes in some cases. Joining the panel was panel regular and presenter, Louis Cotgrove.

The final issue on tonight's show was the ever-ageing population of Great Britain and the measures being considered by the government to provide pensioners with pensions whilst simultaneously keeping costs as low as possible.

Well done to Elliot on his first show as presenter!