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How Tibet protests have dented Chinese pride

Be careful what you wish for. These words could well be reverberating in the collective consciousness of China's increasingly rattled political elites, says University of Birmingham Professor Mark Beeson. Read

Don't criminalise my students for smoking cannabis, Mr Brown

Legalise it, classify it or reclassify it? Everyone has an opinion on cannabis. Chris Game says his students shouldn't be criminalised if they're ever tempted to use it. Read

Construction industry's reputation takes a hit

Following the announcement by the Office of Fair Trading that more than 100 companies have allegedly been involved in bid-rigging. Paul Law, partner at Drivers Jonas explains why it is crucial the industry puts its house in order. Read

Anzac Day remembers war heros

Today is Anzac Day, the most revered moment in the Australian calendar. Travel writer Perry Buck, discovers the haunting beauty of an Anzac Day dawn service in Brisbane Read

Importing imams from Pakistan is irrelevant

In a post 9/11 world, young Muslims are increasingly looking West to make sense of the world, says Aftab Ahmad Malik Read

Midlands suffering cross effect in equal pay disputes

Birmingham City Council workers and teachers are on strike today. It could be avoided, says Kathy Halliday. Read

Mayors the most effective form of local leadership

They have brought a new dimension - by and large successfully - to politics, so it's time the Government introduced elected mayors in every major town and city in England, say Michael Kenny and Guy Lodge. Read

Essential NHS power relations need change

Health reforms have left Labour blinded by the private sector and led to a flawed strategy, according to Conservative Party leader David Cameron Read

Fairness and respect in an integrated society

Not a river of blood, but a tide of hope - managed immigration, active integration. Trevor Phillips yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of Enoch Powell's infamous "rivers of blood" speech at a Birmingham hotel. This is an edited version of Mr Phillips' speech. Read

Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech still casting shadows

Forty years ago, an audience at the Midland Hotel, in Birmingham, heard Enoch Powell destroy his political career with a single speech. Read

Was Enoch Powell looking for trouble?

Nicholas Hillman considers Enoch Powell's motives and legacy. Read

Opportunity knocks for Midland firms in China

2008 is a big year for China. Minister for the West Midlands Liam Byrne MP says that's good news for the region Read

'Delay runway extension until we prove its benefits'

Birmingham International Airport should delay its expansion until it can guarantee it won't impact on the quality of life of local communities, argues campaigner James Botham. Read

Time to fight the war on want in Somalia

As a Birmingham teacher is killed in Somalia, economist Dr Terry Lacey remembers the country in more peaceful times and calls for an end to foreign intervention Read

Every business needs plodders and leaders

The business community needs to learn from the world of sport to ensure the correct "players" are picked for the right jobs, argues Peter Sylvester, chief executive of Solihull-based recruitment consultancy Outlook Unlimited Read

Lack of affordability is real issue with housing market

Media coverage of the house price slump is hiding the crucial issue - lack of affordable homes. John Morris and Kevin Gulliver argue their case. Read

Birmingham's new Landmark buildings must have respect

Some of the world's most successful architects have been shortlisted to help create two key city landmarks. Aidan Ridyard, of Broadway Malyan architects, looks at the opportunities. Read

Airport 'will save CO2 on car trips to Manchester'

Birmingham International Airport is to expand but at what cost to the environment? John Morris mounts a robust defence of its plans. Read

Doctors can get it wrong, so trust your intuition too

Kylie Minogue claimed on US television that the first doctor she saw failed to diagnose she had breast cancer. Julie Lewis, an associate with the medical law and patients' rights team at Birmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell, looks at the issues. Read

Bournville is no 'ego boost' - it was Cadbury's great vision

Alan Shrimpton, the recently-retired Director of Bournville Village Trust, hits back at Government Minister's Hazel Blears's claim that George Cadbury built Bournville as a boost to his ego. Read