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North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

The voting age for all UK elections has been lowered to 16 – and about time, too

On 17 July 2025 it was confirmed by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer that young people aged 16 and 17 in the UK will be able to vote in the next General Election, which is expected to be in 2029. This means that young people who are currently 12 and 13 will be able to have their say in how they want the future of our country to look. As someone who has been vocal in their support of lowering the voting age to 16 I am very pleased about this change. That being said, I do understand some of the com...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

Corbyn and Sultana’s new party: Hope on the horizon?

Recently, Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn and former Labour MP, Zarah Sultana (who has historically fallen on the left of Labour) have announced that they are starting a new leftwing political party. For some people on the left, this provides them a sense of hope, especially with the recent rise of the far-right which I have mentioned recently that I am concerned about, and with good reason to be so. Corbyn and Sultana have pledged to make this a party for the people, even referring to it as ‘your...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

First year in power for Starmer: A rocky start

At the time of writing, Keir Starmer has been in power for a year. For many of us, it’s marked the only time we remember without the Tories. Yet, it’s been far from a good run.So far, in his time as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has made many U-Turns, with just three in a month last month alone: one on PIP Benefits, one on grooming gangs and one on Winter Fuel payments. Although I oppose Reform, I’m not surprised that they’ve been able to use this to their advantage. After all, the enemy of your...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

Farage in Lancashire: a sign of things to come?

A few weeks ago, Nigel Farage was spotted in Lancashire, specifically, in Blackpool and Preston. His presence here worries me a lot.It already felt as though he was getting too close to home as it was, given that Reform holds control over Lancashire County Council. I had first shared my concerns about the Reform party and my county in April 2025 before the local by-elections, and then after, at the beginning of May 2025. As a neurodivergent person, and a history and politics buff, I am good at r...
The Tab •

Full Monty star Emily Woof awarded doctorate by Lancaster University

Full Monty star Emily Woof has been awarded a doctorate by Lancaster University.
The English actor and author achieved a PhD in dance and novel writing, perhaps not surprising given her exploits in the arts and in the world of creative writing.
The actress is best known for her roles in film and television, such as her role as Mandy in Full Monty. She also played Nancy in Oliver Twist.
Emily Woof graduated as a part of ongoing ceremonies on the 15th July 2025.
When she was younger, Emily attende...
Words With Weight •

Worries with Weight: Existing in A Human Body, Not A Beach Body

It’s summer. The air is humid, thick with heat and expectations of the type of summer whose ghost still haunts many of us. The kind where we were carefree, lively, joyful. I still anticipate it now. I’m an optimist; I can’t help it.One thing I have always found jarring about summer, however, is the expectation (primarily on women) to be ‘beach body ready’ or ‘summer body ready.’ This statement evidently makes several assumptions: that you either live near a beach, or will be going on holiday, wh...
Words With Weight •

Why Are There No Longer Encampments at UK Universities?

Throughout the summer of 2024, there were a total of 36 UK universities which contained Pro-Palestinian encampments, including my own university. This made headlines at the time. Although I was not an active participant in the encampments, I did help by contributing food and drinks for those in the tents, as did my friend. I also participated in some of the rallies and protests, speaking at one. The point of the encampments was to draw the government’s attention to the atrocities and genocide oc...
The Tab •

Lancaster University law student becomes Green Party city councillor

Wilson Colley, 18, is currently a first-year student at the uniA first-year Lancaster University student has been elected into the Lancaster City Council.
At just 18, Wilson Colley put himself forward for local by-elections, garnering 523 votes, and successfully securing his position as a councillor.
He will be representing the Green Party in the local area.
Wilson, a first-year student at the university, was elected as part of Lancaster City’s John O’ Gaunt ward. Originally from Little Clifton,...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

Not my king: why I take umbrage with King Charles having visited Lancaster

On Monday, 9 June 2025, King Charles visited Lancaster for the Ceremony of the Keys dating from 1851, in which the keys of Lancaster Castle are handed over to the reigning monarch, who also traditionally holds the title of the Duke of Lancaster. The king then attended a reception where he met with local businesses and community organisations.Much of the press surrounding his arrival was positive. Mrs Amanda Parker JP, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, said:Given that she is his representative f...
apricus literary •

thank u, next: why i’m grateful for my ex

Break-ups are notorious for being difficult, let’s face it. Even when you’re not completely inconsolable and heartbroken, there are still practical difficulties that can often accompany a relationship breaking down. For me, there has been the difficulty of having mutual friends and keeping the friendship group together. They were my friends, and I introduced him to them, but he still wishes to remain friends with them, due to developing many of the friendships himself. Not only this, but my ex a...
The Tab •

We asked and you delivered: Here are some student takes on King Charles’ in Lancaster

FYI, calling him ‘sausage fingers’ is not a proper answer (you know who you are)Prior to King Charles’ recent arrival in Lancaster, we asked you what you thought of King Charles coming to Lancaster.
It’s the first time the King has been in Lancaster since 2022, and his first time as His Royal Majesty. From young to old, many Lancaster residents lined the streets with various patriotic accessories, early awaiting the King’s arrival.
Needless to say, we got some very mixed results. Here are some...
The Tab •

Get your trumpets ready because King Charles III is coming to Lancaster today

The monarch will be given keys to Lancaster Castle during his visitKing Charles III is visiting Lancaster today (Monday, 9th June 2025) and marking his first visit to the city since being crowned King. 
The King, who is also the Duke of Lancaster will tour the Lancaster Castle, where he will be given the keys to the Castle
The monarch will then go on to attend a reception with a range community organisations and meet with local business owners.
Upon his arrival, King Charles will be greeted by t...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

I’ve just finished watching The Good Place: Here’s what it taught me

Created by Michael Schur, The Good Place aired from 2016 to 2020, following a young woman called Eleanor Shellstrop (portrayed by Kristen Bell, known to a young generation as the voice of Anna from Disney’s Frozen). Eleanor has recently died, and finds herself in the afterlife. A being called Michael (played by Ted Danson), opens up a door to an office and greets her. He explains that she is in ‘The Good Place’, although he is clear that the afterlife does not adhere to Christian ideas of Heaven...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

SEND is not overdiagnosed: My take as a SEND student and tutor

Growing up with dyspraxia wasn’t the easiest thing.It meant that I was often ostracised by my peers, who had little to no understanding of neurodiversity, and did not know how to broach these topics sensitively.  Generally speaking, if they perceived anyone to be what they considered as weird or different, they would be socially excluded. Not only that, but I struggled with a lot of school subjects-PE and Art especially. I also struggled in Music, Design Technology, Food Tech and with some aspec...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

I was right to be worried about Reform UK: why we need to respond to Lancashire’s local election results

England’s local elections have just occurred, and like many people up and down the country, I cast my vote for the party I wanted to represent the local area. Because I am at university, I was voting in the place I study as opposed to my home area. However, both are in Lancashire. I voted for the party I felt would best represent the interests of my local area and the people in it. What I can say is that I most certainly did not vote for Reform or the Conservatives. Yet Reform UK absolutely swep...
The Tab •

A disabled student's guide to the seven best spots for resting on Lancaster Uni's campus

This isn’t just a review of the cafes on campus, we swear, and yes, the South Spine is superiorA lot of students struggle with mobility, which can mean that having a place to rest is invaluable. So, where are the best spots for students who struggle with mobility to sit on campus?  
Let me break down my top seven recommendations for you, as a disabled student myself.

Conveniently located in Alexander Square, at the heart of the campus, Costa provides a brilliant place for respite. It’s a warm a...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

Dark days have arrived: Trans women are no longer classified as women

On April 16th 2025, just over a month after International Women’s Day, it was announced that trans women would no longer be legally classified as women. In their Press Report, they said that the reason behind the judgement arose from three laws: The Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) of 1975, interpretation of the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) 2004, and an interpretation of the Equality Act (EA) 2010.This was a dark day for many trans women who just want to live their lives, and be taken seriously, as...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

Thoughts on the Heartstopper film announcement, from a Heartstopper fan

On Tuesday, 22nd April 2025 (exactly three years after the first season aired), it was announced that there would not be a fourth season of the Netflix hit, Heartstopper. This came after a period of mass speculation, from the fans and the media alike, about whether the story would continue on the screen, or if Season Three marked the end of Heartstopper altogether. Instead of there being a fourth season, it has recently been confirmed that a film is going to be made, instead of a fourth season....
My Site 2 •

Tacking Taboos: Why Jacqueline Wilson is One of My Inspirations to this Day

By Lydia PearsonI haven’tAs a twenty-one year old writer, if you asked me about writing inspirations, I'd have a few names to give you. Here's just one of them. (Warning: spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk). On May 23rd, 2023, I had the honour of meeting my lifelong idol, the author who made my childhood with her books. I read her books so much that, at my primary school, they asked me to read more books by other authors to diversify my writing. She came to Kirkham, in the county I live in (L...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

The rise of Reform UK in Lancashire: why I’m concerned

At this point, it’s a well-known fact that there is a trend in general of countries moving to the far right. Look at the AFD Party in Germany, for example, or the Republicans and MAGA in the USA. Several supporters of the far right own big social media companies (the likes of Elon Musk, for example), so there appears to be a lot of online radicalisation pushing people in this direction and I fear this trend can be found in Lancashire too.I’ve always lived in Lancashire. I was born here, I was mo...
YoungMinds •

Dyspraxia: How I Got Through My Education

It’s been really hard, being dyspraxic.
A lot of people will look at that word and say, ‘what’s that?’, ‘don’t you mean dyslexia?’ or ‘doesn’t that make you clumsy?’ There isn’t as much support or understanding out there for dyspraxia as there should be, and as a young dyspraxic person, I’m determined to change that. Getting through my education with dyspraxia has been hard, but with the right support I’ve been able to achieve a lot. I hope reading about my experience can help you to get support...
North West Bylines | Powerful Citizen Journalism •

The second presidency of Donald Trump: dark days ahead

“Those who do not learn history are condemned to repeat it.” – Spanish-American writer and philosopher, George Santayana (1863-1952)If you were asked a few weeks ago who the US President was when one of the most powerful people in the world performed a Nazi salute to a cheering crowd, you’d probably find yourself looking up who held the presidency in the 1930s. Now, you would likely say it’s Donald Trump. On 5 November, 2024, the United States elected Donald J Trump for a second term as presiden...
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