Category: Topical Talks

Anything relating to topical things, whether it’s religion, politics or something else that’s likely to divide opinion.

Is It Wrong To Draw Muhammad?

Inspired by a frankly embarrassing debate on  the BBC's Sunday Morning Live today, I wanted to address the issue of whether or not non-Muslims should be 'allowed' to draw Muhammad (pbuh*). This debate stemmed from the cancellation of an art exhibition, showcasing numerous images of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and asked as to whether or not the fear of reprisal from Islamic extremists is an infringement on our freedom of speech. This is a topic I covered with my year 7 classes at the end of last Continue reading [...]

A Mock(ery) Election

The past few months have seen nothing but antagonistic and negative press regarding the Labour leadership contest. Seeing the papers this morning is no different and this whole business really angers me. This enitre leadership  contest has been a joke and has made a mockery of the Labour Party. Whilst the Liberal Democrats elected our leader quietly and with dignity, Labour have opened a public blood-bath and are tearing themselves apart. What trust can/should the British public put in a party Continue reading [...]

Setting the Record Straight on “Islamic” Extremism

As part of my school's PSHCEE (that's Personal Social Health Citizenship Economic Education) programme, year 7s and year 10s were treated to a day spent learning about different issues pertaining to diversity (year 7s) and work/business (year 10s). I initially wanted to deliver a session about Paganism, as it's something that is never taught in secondary religious studies and a lot of British culture and heritage, along with Christianity lends itself to Pagan traditions. However, as the school in Continue reading [...]

An Open Letter to Nick Clegg

Dear Mr Clegg, First of all, may I congratulate you on winning your seat in the Sheffield Hallam constituency. I know the evening's results overall were crippling to the Liberal Democrats, but I wanted to offer my words of support for you, and for what you stand for. I first found an interest in politics during the last election in 2010. My dad has always voted Lib Dem and so naturally, I looked into what your party stood for, so that I could inform my decision as to whether or not to carry on Continue reading [...]

A Dark Day to be a Liberal

As the country wakes up to simply dumbfounding news that we are heading for a Conservative majority, there are many people questioning the successes and failures of their respective parties. The Tories have defied the odds and are on course to win 329 seats, 3 more than the required 326 to an outright majority. The Scottish National Party have by far been the clear winners of this campaign, picking up 50 seats across the country, effectively wiping out the Labour and the Lineral Democrat presence Continue reading [...]