News
Reform will not defund Bangor university over free speech row, politician says
A politician advocating for reform has stated that the party does not intend to withdraw funding from the university amid a dispute regarding freedom of expression.
A Welsh politician from Reform UK has clarified that the party will not cut funding to Bangor University despite a controversy surrounding free speech on campus.
During a BBC Wales debate, Francesca O'Brien, a Reform UK politician, disagreed with Zia Yusuf, the party's head of policy, who had suggested that Bangor University's funding could be at risk due to a debating society's decision not to invite a Reform MP to speak.
O'Brien expressed disappointment that some debating societies only engage with like-minded individuals, but emphasized that Reform UK does not support withholding funding from universities, citing their vital role in society.
The initial stance taken by Reform UK was met with criticism from other politicians on the program, with one comparing it to tactics employed by former US President Donald Trump.
A source within Reform UK has stated that Yusuf's comments on social media did not reflect the party's official policy.
However, Reform UK has announced plans to introduce legislation that would require universities in Wales to uphold free speech, with potential penalties, including financial sanctions or withdrawal of funding, if they fail to comply, should the party win the upcoming Senedd election.
Francesca O'Brien, a councillor from Swansea, made these comments during a Walescast Your Voice debate in Aberystwyth, ahead of the May vote.
She noted that it is unfortunate when debating societies only engage with individuals who share their views, creating an "echo chamber" that is not conducive to a healthy society.
According to O'Brien, a healthy society should allow for the exchange of ideas among people with differing viewpoints.
She emphasized the importance of upholding the right of all political parties to participate in debates.
When asked who speaks for the party, O'Brien mentioned that Reform UK's manifesto, to be released in March, will outline the party's policies.
Regarding Zia Yusuf's potential involvement, O'Brien said that he might be present.
Glyn Preston, from the Liberal Democrats, pointed out that Reform UK had initiated the debate and then criticized the outcome.
Preston compared this to inviting oneself to someone's home and then complaining about not being let in.
Labour's Calum Higgins accused Yusuf of emulating Trump's approach by threatening a university over a disagreement.
Philip Davies, from the Wales Green Party, stated that the student debating society should have the autonomy to decide who to invite, and criticized English politicians for threatening Welsh institutions.
Conservative Sam Kurtz commended Bangor University's handling of the situation, particularly their response in Welsh, which he saw as a positive gesture.
Nerys Evans, from Plaid Cymru, found the initial response from Reform UK to be alarming.
Evans expressed concern that this incident may set the tone for future political discourse, where disagreement with Reform UK could lead to funding cuts.
The debating society at Bangor University had declined an invitation from Reform MP Sarah Pochin and campaigner Jack Anderton, citing the party's alleged displays of racism, transphobia, and homophobia.
The university itself welcomed debate from across the political spectrum, distancing itself from the debating society's decision.
Zia Yusuf had stated on social media that Bangor University receives £30m in state funding annually, largely from taxpayers who support Reform UK, and suggested that the university would not mind losing this funding under a Reform government.
Following Yusuf's comments, a Reform UK Wales source clarified that this was not the party's official stance in Wales.
Instead, the party has announced a policy to implement a free speech duty on universities, which would allow ministers to impose financial penalties or withdraw funding.
This policy, launched on the same day as Yusuf's comments, aims to ensure that universities uphold free speech.
The proposed law would grant individuals the right to take institutions to court for failing to comply with the free speech requirements.
According to Reform Wales, institutions that continue to restrict open debate despite the new requirements would face penalties, including the loss of public funding.
In a press release, Reform Wales stated that institutions failing to comply with the free speech duty would lose public funding, emphasizing the importance of upholding open debate.
Entertainment And Arts
Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign
The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.
A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.
Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.
A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.
The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.
It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.
Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.
At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.
In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.
Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.
He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.
The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.
News
Zimbabwe Shocks Australia with Muzarabani’s Exceptional Performance
Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, with Blessing Muzarabani playing a key role by taking 4-17.
In the current T20 world rankings, Zimbabwe occupies the 12th position.
The Men's T20 World Cup is underway in Group B at Colombo.
Zimbabwe's innings concluded at 169-2 after 20 overs, with Bennett scoring an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, while Green claimed 1-6.
Australia's reply ended at 146 after 19.3 overs, as Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, and Muzarabani took 4-17.
The match resulted in a 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.
A standout performance from Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4-17, helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling 23-run win over Australia in the T20 World Cup.
After being set a target of 170, Australia found themselves in trouble at 29-4, but a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell for the fifth wicket gave them hope.
With 34 runs needed from the last two overs, Renshaw's dismissal for 65, caught off Muzarabani with eight balls remaining, essentially sealed the game's outcome.
The result has left Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points, ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.
Initially, Zimbabwe's approach to batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium appeared overly cautious.
Brian Bennett's innings of 64 not out from 56 balls, including seven fours, was played at a strike rate of 114.28, as he anchored the Zimbabwean batting.
In contrast, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring 35 off 21 and 30 balls, respectively.
A late surge from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 25 off 13 balls, including the team's only six on the final ball, provided a boost to their total.
Australia's target seemed achievable, given their total of 182-6 in their previous win against Ireland.
However, the Australian batting line-up was severely dented by the loss of key wickets, including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David, courtesy of Muzarabani and Brad Evans.
A partnership between Renshaw and Maxwell offered some respite, but when Maxwell fell for 31, dragged on to Burl, the pressure mounted on Australia.
Muzarabani's return to bowl the penultimate over proved decisive, as he removed Renshaw, and Zimbabwe subsequently wrapped up the win.
There are calls for the ICC to review the rules regarding 12th men.
For more information, including notifications and social media updates, visit BBC Sport.
A blogger who participates in the FPL is also competing in the T20 World Cup.
News
FA Cup Finalists Outside the Big Six Since 2008
As the FA Cup resumes this weekend, assess your understanding of past finalists that have competed from beyond the Premier League’s top six clubs.
This weekend, the FA Cup resumes with 32 teams remaining in contention for the historic trophy, which has been awarded for 155 years and will be presented to the winner in May.
Historically, the Premier League's top six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have dominated the FA Cup, claiming 32 titles out of the last 37.
However, in recent years, teams outside of this elite group have experienced some notable victories in the competition.
Since 2008, 10 teams from outside the traditional 'big six' have advanced to the FA Cup final – can you identify all of them?
For more quizzes, visit our Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections, where you can also subscribe to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.
We have a quiz question tailored to each Premier League team – test your knowledge and see how you score.
Can you recall every team that has won the Women's Champions League?
Which players have made the most appearances in the Premier League – can you name them all?
Explore our Sports Quizzes page for a wide range of challenging and engaging quizzes.
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