Expert Comment

Dr David Lees, School of Modern Languages & Cultures, gives his view on the death of Jean-Marie Le Pen who has died aged 96. The founder of the Front National party in 1972, Le Pen re-established the extreme-right as a political force in France. 

"While the employment rate remains steady at 74.9%, several indicators signal growing strains. Redundancies have risen by 67.8% year-on-year—increasing to 99,000 from 59,000, the proportion of long-term unemployment has grown significantly, and the unemployment rate has climbed to 4.3%. These developments reflect a fundamental structural adjustment in labour market conditions rather than a temporary fluctuation."

"The evening of Friday 13th December sees the maximum of one of the best meteor showers of the year - the Geminids. In fact the maximum rate of meteors will be in the early hours of Saturday 14th December and could reach 150 bright meteors an hour."

“The media report that "Italian" tomato purées are being made using Chinese forced-labour-grown tomatoes has rightly been a shock for English consumers. Unfortunately, exploitation has been shown to be a part of the Italian tomato industry. In recent years investigations have established that South Italian producers have been found to take advantage of migrant labourers – mainly from Africa and Eastern Europe – who are forced to work in conditions that have also been described as modern slavery."

As we deck the halls and prepare to spend time with family, beloved Christmas TV specials become a cherished part of our festive traditions. With the final Gavin & Stacey episode airing this year, it’s clear the show continues to hold a special place in British hearts.