By James Drakeford: A controvesial ban on police officer Keith Emery from entering the Students’ Union open space at Staffordshire University has been lifted.

The ban was imposed in November 2009 by former Union President Assed Baig.

By James Truswell: Stoke-on-Trent British National Party leader Michael Coleman has said he respects Islamic states – and is still hopeful of a positive response from Muslims after trying to canvas support.
Mr Coleman wrote a letter to local Muslims yesterday (May 3) to ask for their vote in the general election.
And he believes his letter is being considered by the Islamic community.
He said: “They haven’t contacted us back yet which means we believe they are considering the offer from the BNP.”
Mr Coleman – BNP candidate for the …

By Beth Hepple & Emma Glanfield: Staffordshire University President Assed Baig took a step back from politics to compete in a martial arts competition.
Baig, who has won a silver medal from the National Ju Jitsu Council, fought in the amateur category against Martyn Kinder.
The fight,  in Redditch, finished as a tie, despite Kinder being approximately 5kg heavier than Baig.
Baig, known for his strong political views and controversial presidency, sees martial arts as a welcome release.
He said: “I usually train at 6am every morning before work. It’s good to take my mind off all the …

By Jon Gilmore, Kellie Hill and Joe Cuffaro: Police are warning protesters planning to attend the British National Party’s manifesto in Stoke-on-Trent to stay within the law.

Staffordshire University Liason Officer PC Keith Emery said that people should think carefully before attending any protest today (April 23) – and said that doing so could just add more publicity to the event.
“These things are a non-event unless there’s some sort of protest,” he added.
The advice comes as Student Union President Assed Baig announced that he will be leading anti-BNP protests at today’s …

EXCLUSIVE
By Ted Woodward: Staffordshire University Student President Assed Baig was detained by Israeli troops during a Middle East trip, it emerged today.
Baig, known for his strong political views, was visiting students at universities in Palestine to discuss current issues when he was detained by soldiers.
He told StaffsLive how he was talking to interviewees for an article he was writing for London Progressive Journal, when the soldiers approached.
“I was detained on Palestinian soil by Israeli troops whilst looking around a farm but I was not told why this was,” he recalls.
“I was …

By Stefanie Keeling: Staffordshire University’s Students’ Union has sparked controversy by plastering banners and posters around the campus.
Sheets have been tied to trees and hung on the Flaxman building on College Road in the lead-up to this week’s Union elections.
But it has angered some employees who say it has turned the campus into an eyesore the day before a major Open Day event.
Senior Lecturer David Noble said: “Driving into the campus I was surprised to see various banners and flyers decorating the campus.
“Whilst I am in favour of the right …

By Robert Trigg and James Truswell: Stoke-on-Trent BNP leader Michael Coleman has warned of racial-incited street violence in Britain – and blames Labour for his party’s new multi-racial policy.
The BNP has voted to remove references of “indigenous caucasian” people in their membership rules, allowing Black and Asian people the chance to join their party.
Cllr Coleman, who represents Meir North and Weston, believes this will only lead to more racial conflict.
He told StaffsLive: “This will create the dynamics and motors in politics that will bring real conflict.
“There will be fighting on …

By Mark Astley: A vote of no confidence against Staffordshire University Student’s Union President Assed Baig has failed.
The ‘Vote No’ campaign, which was opposed to Mr Baig, narrowly failed to win two thirds of the vote.
The Student’s Union website has announced that 626 votes were cast in support of the Mr Baig, with 1,014 against.
In order to remove him from power, the opposition needed to collect 66 per cent of the vote, but Lawrence Hardy’s Vote No campaign only managed to poll 62 per cent of the votes.
The result signals …

By Kellie Hill and Liz Quinn: The battle against discrimination has been backed by Staffordshire University’s Student’s Union with a Love Music Hate racism gig at the LRV.
More than 500 people attended the event which saw a line-up including outspoken punk band King Blues and support acts like Manchester-based Kid British and hip/hop artist Tinie Tempah.
Student’s Union President and joint organiser Assed Baig, said the event was important in eliminating racism in Stoke-on-Trent.
Click below to see more from the evening:

By Natasha Chumber: Staffordshire University has been attacked by racists who plastered graffiti over the Student Union building.
The words ‘No Pakis’ and a swastika were spray-painted onto the door of the union building during last night.
The attack comes as a vote of no confidence has been launched against the controversial Student Union President Assed Baig.
Baig said today: “I’m upset it has come to this, but all we can do is carry on campaigning.
“I think the ‘No Campaign’ has allowed a climate of racism so it’s no real surprise it has …