[04/03/24-10/03/24]
Let’s see what happened this week…
Ireland Referendums: redefining family and women's roles in the Constitution defeated
A dual referendum in Ireland that wanted to modernise language in the Constitution has been defeated. The first question sought to redefine the family from being solely founded “on marriage” to being founded “on marriage and other durable relationships”. The second question would have changed the statement that women’s “life within the home” was necessary for the “common good” to saying the state “shall strive to support” the provision of family-based care.
Counting is continuing however, Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said, “it is clear” that the referendums have been defeated, the current vote standing at 32.9% ‘yes’ compared to 67.6% ‘no’. He added that the Irish government have accepted the result and will “respect it fully” but that "It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote 'Yes' and we clearly failed to do so."
The phrasing of the questions has been criticised as being “confusing” and “vague” with some worrying their vote would lead to unintended consequences. Despite expectations of a “Yes-Yes” vote on International Women’s Day, “no” campaigners argued that the concept of a “durable relationship” is undefined and that women are being forgotten from the Constitution.
2. The felled Sycamore Gap tree springs back to life
Seeds collected from the Sycamore Gap tree are beginning to “spring into life” according to Conservationists at the National Trust. Originating from the Sycamore tree that felled following an act of vandalism in September 2023. Having been a prominent fixture for approximately two centuries, the Sycamore had evolved into a North East landmark cherished by both residents and visitors.
Experts have used a range of techniques to ensure life will return to the Sycamore Gap, including one named “budding”. This technique combines a single bud from the original tree to a rootstalk of the same species and they eventually join together to create genetically identical replicas of the original Sycamore Gap tree.
The director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, Andrew Jasper commented that “there’s a way to go before we have true saplings, we'll be keeping everything crossed that these plants continue to grow stronger and can enjoyed by many in the future.”
3. Thousands attend Pro-Palestinian march in London calling for Gaza ceasefire
In central London, thousands of protestors advocating for the Palestinian cause marched, urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Welsh singer Charlotte Church joined the front of the march commenting that she wanted to “show solidarity with the people of Palestine for all that they are suffering through”. Church has been vocal about her support for the Palestinian cause, even leading a choir of 100 people at a gig she co-organised to raise money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance charity.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in central London displayed Palestinian flags and carried banners reading "stop the war on Gaza" and "ceasefire now" as they marched from Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cautioned against extremists targeting democracy and urged the public to reject extremist messages, particularly in the context of pro-Palestinian protests.
4. Anthony Joshua secures victory against Francis Ngannou
In a compelling display of dominance in the heavyweight division, 34-year-old Briton Anthony Joshua asserted his authority with a commanding second-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Joshua sent the former UFC champion to the canvas in the first round and swiftly followed up with another powerful right in the early moments of the second round.
Joshua, a two-time world champion, secured his fourth victory in 11 months, fueling his determination to reclaim a world title. Eddie Hearn, who has been Joshua's promoter throughout his professional career, urged him to confront the winner between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The upcoming match in May aims to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion, with a scheduled rematch later in the year. Joshua stated that he envisions stepping away from the ring in five years, entrusting Eddie Hearn and his team to guide his future path.
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