Breaking down the stories that matter

RAF bombs Islamic State

Britain has launched air strikes on IS following Parliament’s decision to take action against the group last week.
The MoD reported a heavy weapons post and a vehicle with a mounted machine gun were destroyed in the attacks on Tuesday.
Parliament voted last Friday to conduct air strikes against the extremists.
524 MPs voted in favour and 43 MPs voted against.
The majority of opposition came from Labour backbenchers, although Labour Leader, Ed Miliband supported the appeal for action.
The US has launched airstrikes in Syria, as well as Iraq, but it remains unclear whether David Cameron will commit to such action in the future.

Danny Anderson

Parkinson Tower goes gold for Child Cancer Awareness Month

The Parkinson building’s tower was illuminated gold on the 25th September in support of Child Cancer Awareness Month.
The display was part of CLIC Sargent’s ‘Light it Up Gold’ campaign.
Other iconic buildings across the country such as Blackpool Tower and the National Theatre in London have also lit up to mark their support.
The president of LUU Cancer Awareness Society said: ‘this campaign will raise awareness for a multitude of cancer charities in the local area and nationally, and the incredible work they do day to day.’
Notably, the tower also lights up purple every February in support of LGBT Awareness month.

Robert Cohen

Hong Kong students protest

Protests in Hong Kong escalated over the weekend.
Demonstrators are protesting against China’s decision to allow only those vetted by the Chinese Communist Party to stand in Hong Kong’s upcoming Election.
Protests began last Monday when students boycotted classes and took to the streets.
Since then they have been joined by Hong Kong’s Occupy Central movement, with a following of 60,000 people in total.
Protests have quickly intensified, with tear gas and water-cannons being used, leaving 34 people hospitalised.
Over 70 students have been arrested and many homes searched, as tensions continue to build.

Greg Whitaker

Urban Outfitters apologises for controversial sweater

Urban Outfitters removed a controversial sweater from its website after an online backlash.
The sweater referenced the events at Kent State University in 1970, when the National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War, killing four and injuring nine.
The garment, which displayed a ‘Kent State’ logo on the front, appeared to be blood-stained.
This is not the first time Urban Outfitters has caused offence.
The popular brand has had a number of controversial garments in the past.
Their spokesperson said “It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State.”

Hugh Baillie-Lane