By Manthan Pathak. In the last week of January this year, I developed an infection which caused painful hardening of skin inside and around my nose. I made an appointment to see my GP, reminded of a similar condition that caused someone close to me to be prescribed antibiotics...
Opinion Pieces
Opinion: Trans Pride Southampton statement on puberty blockers
By Trans Pride Southampton. Recently it was announced that NHS England will no longer offer puberty blockers, primarily gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists but also other medicines, to transgender youths and youths who are uncertain about their gender. This news is upsetting to a lot of people, Trans Pride...
Opinion: schools should respect pupils’s gender identity
By Mabel Wellman, Trans Pride Southampton. We at Trans Pride Southampton directly oppose the non-statutory guidance the government have given on transgender pupils or pupils questioning their gender. The guidance released states the teachers must speak to parents if a pupil mentions they have a preferred name they would...
Reader’s letter: Southampton Citizen’s Climate Assembly
By Cllr John Savage. Today, Sunday 3 December, marks the end of the final meeting of the Southampton Citizens’ Climate Assembly. Stretched over the last month or so, the council working with the University of Southampton, Involve UK and the Sortition Foundation, has been hosting meetings with over 40...
Opinion: A symbol of peace. Why I’ll be wearing a white poppy
By Charlotte Ndupuechi. This year more than ever, I’ll be wearing my white poppy. As the month of remembrance draws near, many people will be automatically reaching for the red poppy without actually understanding what this symbolises. When wearing my white poppy, I often get asked about it –...
Opinion: Southampton Forward – really ?
by Charlie Hislop A few weeks ago the Southampton Culture Trust announced it is now to be known as Southampton Forward. The Facebook post said it was exciting news. I was excited for news too, I had been waiting months to find out what was happening. I was looking...
Reader’s letter: shop workers don’t feel safe – we need to do more
By Cllr Beccy Greenhalgh. Last week I gave my maiden speech at a Southampton City Council meeting as a Labour Party councillor for Coxford. I gave it in support of a motion by Cllr Noon which was passed, which said: “Southampton city Council stands with unions and employers in...
Letter: Help save Foxlease Girlguiding activity centre in New Forest
In May this year, Girlguiding UK said they intend to close five training and activity centres at the end of 2023 including Foxlease at Lyndhurst in Hampshire. We have worked tirelessly since that announcement, setting up Foxie’s Future to find a solution so that those in Girlguiding and the...
Opinion: Gaza – the Freedom Flotilla visits Southampton
By Charlie Hislop. Fishing is essential to the livelihoods of the people of Gaza, but for the, fishermen going out in their boats has been likened to entering a ‘military zone’. The Israeli-imposed limit as to how far the fishermen can go out varies – frequently set at six...
Reader’s letter: local people lobbied Southampton MPs as part of Greenpeace Warm this Winter event
by Southampton Greenpeace group. “Constituents met with Caroline Nokes MP on a video call and Alan Whitehead MP in central Southampton as part of the nationwide Warm This Winter mass lobby. Several local people came along to the meetings and shared their experiences of how the current rise in...