Oxford Union Michaelmas Term 2022

Dear all, Welcome to a huge Michaelmas term!

It is an immense honour serving as your President at the Oxford Union. I must say, it hasn’t been an easy journey, though it has certainly been a rewarding one. Just over seven years ago, I was roaming around in the streets of Peshawar, a North-Western city in Pakistan, flying kites and frolicking around. Getting into Oxford was an inconceivable reality, let alone the Oxford Union - an institution that stands distinguished in history. Moving to the UK in 2015, not speaking any English, I did not dare to dream so big. It was unfettered perseverance, hard work and well, you can say a bit of luck, that has brought me here to Oxford. It has been a journey that has taught me many lessons and I am grateful for it all. Today, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Oxford Union for a truly remarkable Michaelmas Term 2022!

As we approach the 200th anniversary of the Oxford Union, I must remind you all of the reason this Union came into existence: Free Speech. It is this very notion of ‘Free Speech’ that we are here to protect at the Union today. The Union has recently faced criticisms for hosting controversial speakers, but one must never forget that it is not merely a platform to host speakers, but a platform to challenge, explore and criticise their ideas. In the words of a previous president, “Disagreement is not a dirty word!” If you do not wish to be intellectually challenged or disagreed with, then perhaps the Union is not the place for you.

Michaelmas is a truly special term at the Oxford Union. From the annual debate on ‘No Confidence In His Majesty’s Government’ to the ‘Benazir Bhutto Memorial Lecture’, I hope to deliver an

Ahmad Nawaz President

unforgettable term for all Union Members, old and new. My exceptional committee and I have worked incredibly hard over the summer to create a truly fantastic termcard for you all.

The Thursday night debates are undoubtedly the most exciting part of any term and this term, they are just unmissable. From a debate on whether “Woke Culture has gone too far” to a discussion on the sly and subtle Economic Neocolonialism, the Oxford Union does not merely participate, but shapes global discourse on some of the most important and challenging issues of our age and I hope our debates will live up to that reputation.

This term, we are honoured to host some of the most distinguished individuals of our time. From the icon herself, Malala Yousafzai to the man himself Imran Khan, AJ Tracey to Alfie Boe to Eddie Hearn, it is a term not only of intellectual discussions and inspiration but also of entertainment and celebrations.

The Union has come a long way in adapting to the needs of its members. We have made strides towards making the Union a more accessible, inclusive and diverse place where everyone feels welcomed and respected. There is of course still a long way to go and I hope my successors will continue the work that we began.

I wish you all a fantastic Michaelmas 2022 and I look forward to seeing you all in the chambers!

Your President,

Ahmad Nawaz Lady Margaret Hall president@oxford-union.org

Daniel Dipper Librarian Joshua Chima Treasurer

Having visited the Oxford Union three years ago as part of the UNIQ access programme, I was struck by how many important people and conversations the Society has hosted. It is surreal and a dream come true to now serve as your Librarian.

Our committee have done a stellar job over the summer working hard to put together a sensational array of speakers. From AJ Tracey and Baroness Hale to Dr Anthony Fauci and our Disability History Month speaker series, I am incredibly proud of the programme of speakers for the coming term.

Meet them, challenge them, and ask questions; the Union is here to ask the big questions of our time. Our special events do exactly this, from standards in public life to Afghanistan and whether to codify the British constitution.

Alongside this, my other role is to look after our stunning Library, containing over 60,000 books: a great spot for a last minute essay crisis. Library Committee meets every Monday at 2:15pm, and we would love for you to come along to shape our collections – don’t hesitate to email me with questions or suggestions.

New speaker events and fantastic opportunities to ballot for speaker meet and greets will be announced throughout term, so do keep an eye on your social media and emails.

It is a privilege to welcome you for what promises to be an exciting term, and I look forward to everyone joining us for the journey!

Wishing you all the best,

Daniel Dipper Magdalen College librarian@oxford-union.org

I would like to wish you all a warm welcome to a new term, and indeed, a new year at the Oxford Union!

Over the next few months, I invite you all to join us in our historic chamber to partake in the most dynamic conversations of our time. This term, we will explore the geopolitical issues surrounding the 2022 World Cup, challenge the role of Western lenders in our Neocolonialism debate, and pose questions to key government players in our annual No Confidence debate. I would strongly urge all members, both new and old, to join the conversation by making a floor speech: a chance to share the stage with some of the world’s most eminent speakers.

Over the summer the Treasurer’s office has been working hard to ensure that you get the most out of your membership. In the term card, you will find a full list of ‘Treasurer’s Treats’ which are exclusive discounts offered to members of the Oxford Union by both chain and local businesses across the entertainment, hospitality, and retail sectors within Oxford. Also keep an eye out for prizes donated by local Oxford businesses for winners of the weekly floor speech opportunity in the middle of each debate.

Lastly, Finance Committee meetings will be taking place on Mondays at 3pm in the Goodman library. Join myself and the committee as we scrutinise the society’s finances and invest more into members’ experiences!

Joshua Chima Mansfield College treasurer@oxford-union.org

Matthew Dick Secretary

Welcome to the start of another year at the Oxford Union! Whether you are completely new to Oxford or a returning member with a booming social scene, I hope that you will find something in this social programme that speaks to you and gives you the chance to meet like minded members of our wonderful society.

I have been incredibly privileged to work with an amazing committee over the vacation; their broad range of interests is behind exciting new events such as an International Poetry Symposium, Wom*n’s Night In, and Desi Soirée. I am also very proud to introduce an Art Festival and the return of fortnightly pub quizzes; alongside a Christmas Soirée and Halloween Haunted House, to satisfy both your intellectual and hedonistic pleasures.

The climax of both is of course our Broadway Ball! Expect: a range of theatrical performances; dancing away to your favourite ABBA songs; and even singing in the rain. To fully explore Frewin Court turned into Broadway, stay tuned for the upcoming ticket release, which I am delighted to announce will include non-drinking tickets for the first time!

Finally, socials are the core of what makes the Union not only a series of talks and debates, but also a society of members. I hope that our social termcard is indicative of our desire to include all of our members into our society. Should they fail to do this, or you have any other concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Matthew Dick Magdalen College secretary@oxford-union.org

Debating

Debating is core to the mission of the Oxford Union. For 199 years, the Oxford Union has served as a platform for the continued exchange of ideas, with our flagship Thursday night debates renowned worldwide. Our Thursday schedule is as follows:

19:45 - Emergency Debate. Featuring only student speakers, these debates seek to address pertinent current affairs issues, with motions set weekly. Check our Facebook page and the Noticeboard for the motion of the week, or attend Consultative Committee on Mondays at 13:15pm in the Goodman Library to suggest your own!

20:30 - Main Debate. With high-profile speakers from around the world, our Main Debates have a distinguished history, and are considered an important forum for political and cultural discussion. More details about the motions for this term are on the following pages.

Prizes are awarded for the best speeches of the night, and we encourage you to speak up and take part.

In the Main Debate, Points of Information (POIs) can be offered to guests during their speeches*, and time is reserved for members to give floor speeches before the final speaker on each side. At the conclusion of the debate, you are invited to vote with your feet by walking out of the Chamber through the door labelled “Aye” or “No”.

A ballot will be released each week via email and on our Facebook page for members to attend the pre-debate dinner with our guest speakers.

Any questions about the dinner should be directed to Israr Khan, the Chief of Staff at chief.staff@oxford-union.org.

*See Standing Order B2 for more information.

MICHAELMAS

THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER

This House Has No Confidence in His Majesty’s Government

In power for twelve years, the Conservative Party now has their fourth Prime Minister and the third female Prime Minister in British history. However, despite shrugging off the last of the pandemic restrictions and providing internationally praised support for Ukraine, the problems facing the government over the last year have compounded. Trust in Number 10 plummeted with revelations of breaches of pandemic regulations, causing some to question the integrity of the Tories as the party in power. Liz Truss now faces daunting challenges, ranging from the cost of living crisis to Brexit complications and ongoing strike action. With rising inequality and a Prime Minister selected by less than 2% of the British population, we must ask, in our traditional opening debate of the year, should we have confidence in His Majesty’s Government?

Proposition Opposition

Gina Miller

Gina Miller is an activist and business owner. In 2016 she took the government to court over its decision to leave the EU without approval from parliament, and led “The People’s March for the People’s Vote” on the final Brexit deal. She is also the founder of the True and Fair Campaign which aims to end financial misconduct in the investment and pension industries.

Richard Burgon MP

Richard Burgon MP was the Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership from 2016 to 2020. He was a candidate for the Deputy Leadership in 2020, and is currently Secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs. He has represented Leeds East since 2015 and was described by The Observer as one of “the stars of the 2015 intake”.

The Rt Hon Suella Braverman MP

The Rt Hon Suella Braverman MP is the Secretary of State for the Home Department. An MP since 2015, she previously served as the Attorney General for England and Wales from 2020 to 2022. She has proposed policies to tackle the cost of living crisis and cut taxation.

More speakers to be confirmed

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER

This House Would Boycott The Qatar World Cup

The decision to hold the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar, despite the alleged authoritarian tendencies and human rights violations of the emirate, has troubled billions of football fans preparing to cheer on their national teams. Some accuse Qatar of “sportswashing”, and urge fans and players to take a stand against mistreatment of migrant workers. Others argue that a successful World Cup may lead to progressive humanitarian change, and that calls to boycott represent an arbitrary attack against the first country in the Middle East to host the world’s premier sporting event. Should sporting events be used as a tool - good or bad - within the political forum, and should we turn our back on the tournament?

Proposition

Thomas Beattie

Thomas Beattie was a professional footballer for ten years. Playing across multiple continents for the most prestigious clubs and competitions such as the Champions League in Asia, Beattie’s career as a footballer was cut short due to a severe head injury.

David Fevre

David Fevre is a sports physiotherapist who has been treating elite athletes since 1984. Throughout his career, he has been the Chartered Physiotherapist for Wales, Manchester United, Great Britain Rugby League and Blackburn Rovers FC. In 2014, he was awarded the “Outstanding Contribution to Professional Football” award by the Football Medical Association, and is a consultant to the Football Association and Rugby Football League.

Opposition

Martyn Ziegler

Martyn Ziegler is one of the UK’s leading sports journalists. He is The Times and Sunday Times’ Chief Sports Writer and has written investigative pieces on FIFA’s corruption. He recently won Sport’s Writer, Sport’s News Reporter and Scoop of the Year awards at the Sports Journalists Awards 2021.

Minky Worden

Minky Worden is Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch. She has written news articles and four books on human rights challenges. She has held the position of Board Chair at the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran since 2010. She has been outspoken in condemning Qatar’s human rights violations and has questioned its hosting of the World Cup.

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER

This House Would Legalise Drugs for Personal Use

Despite a general relaxation of attitudes towards recreational drug use, legal prohibitions are still in effect in most jurisdictions. Critics point to studies that suggest empirical benefits to the use of certain drugs, and argue regulation would reduce the risk of unforeseeable side-effects. Many have further criticized enforcement of restrictions as racially biased or as exacerbating class conflict. In contrast, others cite evidence of dependency and poor mental health, arguing that legalisation would give people carte blanche to abuse addictive intoxicants and lead to increased rates of use. Do states have the right to dictate which of our decisions are noble, and which are nefarious for us? Or in waging the “War on Drugs”, have we been fighting a losing battle from the beginning?

Proposition Opposition

Dr Fabian Steinmetz

Dr Fabian Steinmetz is a European Registered Toxicologist and drug policy specialist, who is a QSAR and Computational Expert at Delphic HSE. He campaigns for humane, evidence-based drugs policies as part of the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies.

Steve Rolles

Steve Rolles is a writer and policy analyst at the drug reform organization, Transform. He was lead author on “After the War on Drugs: Blueprint for Regulation”. He is a regular contributor to the public debate on drug policy and law.

Shaun Attwood

Shaun Attwood is a former ecstasy trafficker. Following release from prison in 2007 he has become an acclaimed speaker, author and YouTuber, focussing on educating young people on the dangers of crime and drugs. His books concern the responsibility of the War on Drugs for the issues facing America’s prisons.

Sir Ivan Lawrence QC

Sir Ivan Lawrence QC served 22 years as an MP. Following his career in politics, he became a member of 5 Pump Court Chambers, and heads various associations for conservative lawyers. As one of the longest serving criminal defence barristers, he has worked on numerous drug trafficking cases across his 60 years of practice.

Christina Dent

Christina Dent is the founder of End It For Good, an American nonprofit organisation which advocates to end the incarceration of drug offenders. She set up End It For Good due to her experience as a foster parent, and promotes approaching drug use as a complex health issue requiring treatment, rather than criminal sanctions.

THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER

This House Blames Western Lenders for the Plight of Developing Countries

According to the World Bank, the pandemic pushed the foreign debt of low-income countries to the highest levels in 50 years, with almost two-thirds of world economies reeling under the risk of debt distress. While foreign loans can be a catalyst for economic development, when borrowed under exploitative terms, they can also be a recipe for economic disaster. Are Western lenders merely responding to the call of developing countries to grant loans, or actively pursuing neocolonialist economic policies? Should the plight of developing countries be attributed to the failing economies of the countries themselves, or is this very failure exacerbated by the self-interest of Western lenders? Finally, can debt alone be blamed for the plight of the developing world?

Proposition Opposition

Professor David Francis

Professor David Francis is a Sierra Leonean politician, academic and author, who served as Chief Minister of Sierra Leone from April 2018 to April 2021. He is widely seen as the most highly influential government official in Sierra Leone, after the President and the Vice President.

Kunal Sen

Kunal Sen is an economist, author, Director of the United Nations University, and a Professor of Development Economics at the University of Manchester. A leading international expert on the political economy of growth and development, he has conducted research in international finance and the dynamics of poverty.

Beatriz Armendáriz

Beatriz Armendáriz is an Associate Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics of University College London. She previously lectured at Harvard and was an Associate Professor at MIT. Her research specialises in microfinance and she is affiliated to the Centre for European Research in Microfinance.

Dr Ben Caldecott

Dr Ben Caldecott is a British environmentalist and sustainable finance expert. He is Founding Director of the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group and Co-Head of the Secretariat for the Transition Plan Taskforce established by HM Treasury in 2022. Caldecott has been dubbed “a leading thinker of the green movement” by the media.

Prof Shawn Cole

Shawn Cole is a professor at Harvard Business School. His teaching and research focusses on corporate and household finance in emerging markets, impact investing and social enterprise. An affiliate of the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development, he has worked in China, India, Indonesia, South Africa and Vietnam.

THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER

This House Believes The American Dream Has Become a Global Nightmare

In a 1967 interview, Martin Luther King Jr. said that his “dream has turned into a nightmare”. While the United States fashions itself as the global exemplar of equal opportunity, heightened income inequality, the overturn of Roe v. Wade and accusations of systemic racism, among other issues, has led some to cast serious doubt on the American Dream as the harbinger of social equality. Should other countries seek to emulate the American model, or look towards alternatives to ameliorate their social inequalities? Does the United States continue to be that shining city on a hill, or has the American Dream become a false idol in the name of social mobility?

Proposition Opposition

Bhakar Sunkara

Bhakar Sunkara is an American political writer who founded the American socialist magazine Jacobin. He is also President of The Nation. He is a former vice-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America and writes for many outlets such as Vice, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Vox.

Prof Randall Kennedy

Professor Randall Kennedy is the Michael R. Klein Professor of Law at Harvard University. Renowned for being unfazed by difficult issues, he specialises in contracts, free speech, race relations law, civil rights legislation, and the Supreme Court. He serves on the Board of Directors at The National Coalition Against Censorship.

Brittney Cooper

Brittney Cooper is a tenured professor of Women and Gender Studies, author, professor, activist, and cultural critic. Her areas of research and work include black women organizations, black women intellectuals, and hip-hop feminism.

Alexander Vindman

Alexander Vindman is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel who has received multiple military awards and been Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council. Vindman is well-known for testifying in front of Congress during Donald Trump’s impeachment, proving instrumental in the eventual charge of abuse of power.

Neal Katyal

Neal Katyal is an American lawyer who served as Acting Solicitor General of the United States under Obama. He is the Paul Saunders Professor at Georgetown, and partner at legal firm Hogan Lovells. Katyal has received the Edmund Randolph Award, the highest award given by the US Department of Justice.

Scott Brown

Scott Brown is an American politician, attorney and diplomat who was United States Senator for Massachusetts from 20102013. While elected Brown worked as ranking member on the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He has also served as US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far

Initially used as a term to empower awareness of systemic inequalities in society, wokeism is now a deeply divisive term. The media’s perpetuation of woke culture has made this term a buzzword. For some, being woke is part of the antidote of acknowledging the instruments of oppression. For others, it is a dangerously absolutist ideology, a sort of reverse McCarthyism, corroding liberal society and encouraging self-imposed victimhood. Is the ‘war on woke’ a legitimate phenomenon, or a reactionary distraction from the real problems being ‘woke’ addresses?

Proposition Opposition

Konstantin Kisin is a comedian and writer known for his satirical style. He has written for various major publications, such as The Spectator and Daily Telegraph. He also co-hosts the YouTube show Triggernometry - dedicated to the promotion of freedom of expression - which has amassed over 30 million views.

Toby Young

Toby Young is a British political commentator who founded the Free Speech Union, an organisation which works to counter cancel-culture. He is an associate editor of The Spectator and writes for various major publications. Young has written multiple books and was awarded the Contrarian Prize for his non-conformist thinking.

Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk is an American conservative activist and talkshow host. He founded nonprofit organisation Turning Point USA, which advocates for the promotion of conservative values on school and university campuses. Kirk became chairman of Students for Trump in 2019. The Charlie Kirk Show is ranked the 21st most popular Apple podcast.

Yasmin Benoit is an activist, writer, and model. Her work serves to increase the visibility of asexuality, aromanticism, and LGBTQ+ people of colour. She has spoken extensively about her experience of being asexual in the single-sex education system, written for magazines like Qwear Fashion, and appeared on various BBC programmes.

James Lindsay

James Lindsay is an author, mathematician, and cultural critic known for his involvement in the ‘Sokal Squared’ scandal, aiming to expose poor scholarship and the erosion of standards in several academic fields. Describing himself as a ‘professional troublemaker’, Lindsay is a fierce opponent of woke culture, which he analogises to religion.

Benjamin Butterworth

Benjamin Butterworth is the Late Editor and Senior Reporter at The i. He has also written for the Guardian, Washington Post and The Independent. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Butterworth criticised Piers Morgan for his comments on transgender issues, subsequently signing a petition to fire him.

Yasmin Benoit

Konstantin Kisin

THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER

This House Regrets the Rise of Hook-up Culture

One night stands, friends with benefits, situationships - as the stigma around casual sex decreases, over 60% of students report engaging in hook-up culture. Normalising hookup culture aims to put an end to “slut-shaming” and eliminate double standards between male and female sexuality, but has this new leap into “no strings attached” relationships been to the detriment of the feminist movement? Does hook-up culture provide a chance for women to finally reclaim power over their sexuality or cover up another form of misogyny masquerading as female empowerment? Does the rise of hookup culture mean liberation for women, or their subjugation to the male gaze?

Proposition Opposition

Yomi Adegoke is a British journalist and author of Slay In Your Lane. Adegoke studied Law, taking a year out to found Birthday Magazine, which discusses race, pop culture, and feminism. She has written for The Guardian and The Independent, and The Evening Standard described her as a ‘frontline pioneer’.

Liberty Poole is a model, brand ambassador, and television personality, having appeared on the seventh series of Love Island in 2021 and the fourteenth series of Dancing on Ice this year. She studied marketing at Birmingham City University and is a brand ambassador for InTheStyle, Skinny Tan and Boux Avenue.

Linda Papadopoulos is a Canadian psychologist, author, research scientist and broadcaster. Specialising in body image and psychodermatology, she was Cosmopolitan’s resident psychologist and contributing editor, and has fronted several BBC and ITV segments. In 2010 the Home Office commissioned her to write a report on the sexualisation of young people.

India Ysabel is an intersectional feminist campaigner. She cofounded ‘The Speak Up Space’ for survivors, an online listening and signposting space for survivors of sexual violence and harassment. She has also campaigned on behalf of ‘Our Streets Now,’ and is a co-host on ‘The Accidental Activist Podcast’.

Gail Porter is a television personality, former model and actress. She began her career in children’s television, going on to become a Little Princess Trust advocate after developing alopecia. Her plethora of appearances vary from the entertaining world of Celebrity Big Brother to hosting a thoughtprovoking documentary on prostitution laws.

Liberty Poole

Gail Porter

India Ysabel

Yomi Adegoke

Linda Papadopoulos

This House Believes Comedy Lives On

From cancel culture to TikTok, live stand-up comedy is experiencing pressure from all sides as the goalposts of comedy shift, as there is a demand for comedy to conform to political correctness. This debate seeks to tackle these existential questions by reintroducing spontaneity, improvisation and light-hearted topics. Five motions will be presented to the House, covering the most universal questions such as “Does Size Matter” and “Are Cats Better Than Dogs”, which will allow professional comedians to demonstrate their wit. In the true fashion of the Oxford Union, the House will then decide whether comedy truly does live on.

Proposition Opposition

Emmanuel Sonubi started his career as a bouncer, before travelling from his home city of London – from which he derives much of his material – to embark on the comedy circuit, where he has received extensive praise. He has performed on Live at the Apollo and presented his set Emancipated at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.

Korang Abdulla

Korang Abdulla, or Kae Kurd, is the UK’s only professional standup comedian of Kurdish descent. Abdulla has written for several TV shows and starred in his own Edinburgh show. He garnered significant recognition for his performances on Live at the Apollo, also appearing on Mock the Week and Celebrity Masterchef.

Tom Davis started his career as a stand up comedian and has since been involved in numerous films and television series, including his memorable appearance as Gary King in the BBC sitcom King Gary. In 2016 he was recognised as a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, following his co-creation and starring appearance in Murder in Successville.

Grace Campbell

Grace Campbell is a comedian and author, whose work navigates ‘relationships, sex and self’ in the modern world. She is the host of Disgraceful Club and has had a residency at Bush Hall. Both her book Amazing Grace, and her Edinburgh Fringe show, A Show About Me(n) have achieved critical and commercial acclaim.

Josh Berry

Josh Berry is a comedian, writer and impressionist who studied Philosophy and Theology at Oxford. He began doing stand-up after finding fame for his uncanny renditions of Tennis stars and British icons; most recently he has been acclaimed for his satirical character ‘Rafe Hubris’, a send up of SPAD culture.

Tom Davis

Emmanuel Sonubi

Member’s Debates

Drinks, debating, and no external speakers; this takes the Union back to its roots, commemorating the history of the Society while giving you the chance to speak on topic motions to be announced closer to the time.

The application form for opening speeches will be publicised early in term, and we hope to see plenty of members (or for our special Open Period Members’ Debate non-members) entering; after brief remarks from the opening speakers, all members will be able to take their place at the dispatch box, so come ready with an argument or wing it on the night!

The opening speakers for both debates will be in black tie, and we warmly encourage you to dress in the spirit of this.

WEEK 2 22 ND OCTOBER 7PM

1 - This House Believes Monarchy Should End With Queen Elizabeth

2 - This House Believes Boris Was The Right Man For The Job

WEEK 7 20 TH NOVEMBER 7PM

1 - This House Believes Public Figures Forfeit Their Right To A Private Life

2 - This House Would Rather Believe In Something Than Nothing

Floor Prizes DEBATE

BELLA ITALIA

4 x £25 vouchers

HAPPY CAKES

3 x Cupcake boxes

MAMMA MIA

2 x 3 course meal for 2 with a bottle of wine

THE PERCH

THE PERCH

3 course meal for 2 with a bottle of wine

TOMMI’S BURGER JOINT

Meal for 4

VICTORS

£100 voucher TOAD

2 bottles of gin

MICHAELMAS

Treasurer’s Treats

5% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

OPERA CAFE

10%

ANGELS, CAFE CREME , BURROWS & HARE, THE ALCHEMIST , ISCREAM GELATARIA, MOO - MOO’S , OXFORD WINE COMPANY, THE OXFORD WINE CAFE , VAULTS & GARDEN, BIRD AND BLEND , CHATTABOX REPAIR CENTRE, FANTASTEA

HAPPY CAKES, MOSHI (AFTER 15.00PM)

MAMMA MIA PIZZERIA (TUES TO THURS IN JERICHO), CHUTNEY’S (SUN-WED), SUSHI CORNER (COLLECTION), BAREFOOT , GAMESKEEPER, MACSIMPLE

KEBAB KING, TREE ARTISAN CAFE , THAIKHUN, BENITO’S, HEAT - AFRICAN RESTAURANT , VICTORS (FOOD ONLY), PAUL

OTHEROFFERS

ASK ITALIAN, DIRTY BONES - 2 FOR 1 COCKTAILS , SANDYS PIANO BAR (SUN-THURS), TOMMI’S BURGER JOINT

BELLA ITALIA, BYRON BURGERS THAT COFFEE X

PIZZA PILGRIMS £10 (PIZZA & DRINK)

DODO PUBS £5 PIZZAS 12-3PM MON-THURS

CÔTE BRASSERIE COMPLIMENTARY KIR ROYALE WHEN DINING

Special Events

The Union has a proud history of serving as a forum for the discussions that matter, and always attempts to go beyond the ordinary. To that end, this term we have organised a range of special events which explore key issues of our time, through both head-to-head debates and panels which provide the opportunity for more intimate discussion.

Our events range from discussing if there is a future for Afghanistan under the Taliban, to exploring if Islam is compatible with Feminism, to debates on if the British constitution should be codified and how we can increase standards in public life. Also, don’t forget our Poetry Symposium, which platforms poets from around the world, and an intriguing debate on human nature.

We are proud to present important conversations about some of the defining issues of our time, and to uplift voices that often go unheard. We hope you enjoy these events and that they help broaden your mind to new perspectives and ideas.

MICHAELMAS

1Head to Head: Should We Codify the British Constitution?

11 TH OCTOBER 5PM

As the dust settles on Boris Johnson’s premiership, the unwritten British constitution has been pushed to its limits. From the unlawful prorogation of parliament, to Jonhson’s threats to break domestic and international law over the Northern Ireland protocol, the extent to which the constitution relies on convention and governmental integrity has been revealed. In turn, some politicians, scholars, and commentators have argued that a written constitution is a better guardian of fundamental rights and the separation of powers. On the other hand, critics of a written constitution point to the United States, which arguably faces rights retrenchment and an activist judiciary. Would a written British constitution be a stronger shield against tyranny, or would it merely empower unaccountable judges and stymie positive societal change?

Proposition

Professor Randy Barnett

Randy E. Barnett is the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University and is the Faculty Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. He has written five books on the US Constitution.

Opposition

Sir Robert Buckland

The Rt Hon. Sir Robert Buckland KBE QC MP has been Secretary of State for Wales since July 2022, after having served as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice until September 2021. He has been the Conservative MP for South Swindon since 2010.

2 Black History Month Panel: Paving the Way Forward: Celebrating Black Britons in the 21st Century

19 TH OCTOBER 5PM

What does it mean to be Black and British in the modern world? In this Black History Month panel, we hope to explore the role of the Black British community in the foremost industries such as education, entertainment, and business. Black Britons contribute so much to popular culture, vernacular language and the British economy, but how does this appreciation manifest in the professional sphere? How best can we value the lived experiences of Black people in managerial roles, on our screens and in business? Some have argued that in the effort to promote a display of diversity, key players across a range of industries have fallen into mere tokenism rather than meaningful inclusivity. Do successful Black Britons feel like trailblazers in their own right, taking charge of their narrative and setting precedents for others, or agents in a neo-colonial act of ‘White saviourism’? How can Black Britons become ubiquitous, appreciated and wholly welcome in all aspects of professional life?

Lord Taylor Warwick is an International leader who informs and inspires the Black community, having been the First Black Lord to have spoken at The White House, United Nations, and the Kremlin. He became the only Black Baron in the world in 1996, as well as the first Black University Chancellor in British history.

Lord Taylor Warwick

Head to Head: Are Humans Naturally Good?

Whilst this question traces back to the 4th century Christian theological dispute between Augustine and Pelagius, it came to its clearest definition in the Enlightenment texts of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. These positions are no less prominent today, and shape contemporary debates surrounding the power of the state, criminal justice and the education system. The Oxford Union asks: are we born perfect in the state of nature and corrupted by society? Or does society create a thin veneer of civility over our intrinsically brutish selves?

Proposition Opposition

John Dunn

John Dunn is an English political theorist. He is emeritus Professor of Political Theory at King’s College, Cambridge. He is renowned as the founder of the Cambridge school of thought towards politics, which focuses on applying a historical perspective to modern political theory. He wrote the seminal text, ‘The Cunning of Unreason’.

Rogers M. Smith

Rogers M. Smith is an American political scientist with a focus on issues of citizenship and racial, gender, and class inequalities. Smith is also the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a former President of the American Political Science Association.

4

Head to Head: Is There a Future for the Afghan People Under the Taliban?

7 TH NOVEMBER 5PM

Twenty years have elapsed since the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to rout the Al-Qaeda terrorists behind the September 11 attacks and toppled the Afghan Taliban regime. After an exponential military campaign and spending of $2 trillion dollars, the US and its allies were defeated with Afghanistan back in control of the Taliban. Tens of thousands of Afghans ‘including educated elites’ have fled. They either fear for their economic future or lack freedom. With more than $9 billion dollars of its foreign assets frozen by the US, the regime faces the loss of billions of dollars alongside the issue of developing a wartorn country. In this era of darkness is there hope for a prosperous Afghanistan? Should the global community give international recognition to the Taliban regime? Or is there a case to be made for a renewed attempt to emancipate the Afghan people from the Taliban’s control?

Speakers TBC

Panel: The End of The ‘Good Politician’: How Do We Escape The Eternal Cycle of Westminster Scandals?

14 TH NOVEMBER 5PM

The flow of new scandals from Westminster seems inescapable; from bullying to sexual harassment to a lack of respect for values in office, begging the question: were enough lessons learnt from the 2009 expenses scandal? With not one but two of the last prime minister’s ethics advisers resigning after being placed in untenable positions, do safeguards such as these and ‘independent’ authorities really have the power they need? We ask how we can get the best politicians regardless of background, and how best to uphold standards in office, such that our politicians are fit to represent the people they serve.

Dr Emma Crewe

Emma Crewe is Research Professor at the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS, specialising in politics, identity and governance. She has been involved with NGOs across Africa and Asia and taught Anthropology and Development at SOAS and the University of Sussex. She authored Lords of Parliament: Culture, Rituals and Manners, which explored the culture and reform of the House of Lords, the culmination of four years of research, and made a two-part BBC series on this topic. She was a Leverhulme Research Fellow in Westminster from 2011-2013, researching identity and representation in the Commons.

More speakers TBC

Opposition

6 Panel: Mental Health Awareness

In the digital age, teenagers feel pressured by the online world to compare themselves to others. The online world seems deeply impersonal, with individuals spending longer and longer online to try to find self-worth, further exacerbated by addictive platforms such as TikTok. How can one mentally thrive in a world of screens and gleaming teens, where the grass always seems greener on the other side?

Poor mental health is stigmatised all over the world, implicitly and explicitly. Yet it affects so many people, often unknowingly. This panel seeks to bring awareness to issues such as ‘pill-shaming’, the effects of social media and the aftermath of the COVID lockdowns. Further, we seek to explore mental health in relation to various socioeconomic and cultural bases.

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Johnson is a Welsh broadcaster and mental health advocate who has worked as a presenter on ITV’s This Morning. He is an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind, and in 2017 he presented the documentary exploring his personal experience with depression.

Gabe Howard

Gabe Howard is an awardwinning podcast host and author. In 2003, he was diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorders. Howard hosts the weekly Inside Mental Health podcast for Healthline Media and is the author of Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations.

Ella Greenwood is an awardwinning filmaker and activist whose critically acclaimed work earned her a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. In founding Broken Flames productions, she has made numerous films about mental health, such as Faulty Roots. She also works as an ambassador for the mental health charity stem4.

Ella Greenwood

MICHAELMAS

Head

to Head: Is There a Place for Modern Feminism in Islam?

28 TH NOVEMBER 5PM

Formed in the 7th Century, Islam is one of the world’s major religions. While popular Islamic rhetoric touts being the first religion to empower women, Islam has been characterised by Western media as holding archaic values which do not align with Feminism or the modern world. The proponents of Islam argue that women’s emancipation and gender equality is part and parcel of the Quranic notion of equality of all insan (human beings), whereas some feminists argue that Islam is not compatible with the principles of equality embodied in individual autonomy, freedom, and women’s rights. Such feminists assert that Islam privileges men over women and further entrenches patriarchy and its androcentric practices into the fabric of society on theological grounds. It is amidst this background that this debate unwraps whether Feminism and Islam are compatible. Is there a place for Feminism in Islam?

Proposition Opposition

Hibba Abugideri

Hibba Abugideri is an historian of postcolonial and Islamic feminism and women in the Middle East. Currently an assistant professor at Villanova University, she has published articles in Gender and History, the Journal of Arab Studies and the Muslim World.

Etin Anwar

Etin Anwar serves as the Chair of Religious Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York. She is the author of Gender and Self in Islam and has published several articles on Ibn Sina, Meister Eckhart, Ibn Arabi, and Muslim women’s movements in Indonesia in various journals.

Panel: International Poetry Symposium

Poetry is a raw form of expression like nothing else; it is a firework of the mind and a riot of colour. It is the opportunity to convey a powerful message with words alone. Yet of what use is the mouth if there is no ear to listen? In 2017 only 11.7% of the US adult population were reading poetry. This is not due to an incapability to appreciate the art, but a lack of exposure to what poetry can be. In light of this, the Oxford Union is hosting an International Poetry Night, where poets and students from around the globe will gather to share the poetry that impassions them; a gentle reminder that poetry extends far beyond the Western canon. We seek to celebrate the myriad of experiences, histories and voices spanning across time and space, and engage with the ways in which writers differ in their approaches, whether that be sonically, structurally or tonally. Through creative interaction, this event promises to bring together a range of different cultures, in a lively session of readings and conversation.

Nikita Gill

Nikita Gill is a British-Indian poet, playwright, writer and illustrator who has written and curated seven volumes of poetry. She has been described as one of the most successful ‘Instapoets’ and ‘one of the most exciting young writers working today’. Her poetry mainly revolves around feminism and womanhood.

Joumana Haddad

Joumana Haddad is a Lebanese writer, journalist, and human rights activist, and she has been recognised by Arabian Business magazine as being one of the most powerful Arab women in the world. Furthermore, she was the founder of the first International Feminisms Festival in the Middle East, and has been lauded by Apolitical, a global platform for government, for her influential role in gender policy.

Savannah Brown

Savannah Brown is an American novelist, poet, and YouTuber who currently lives in London. She was named patron of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2022 by The Poetry Society and the Foyle Foundation.

Ulrike Almut Sandig

Ulrike Almut Sandig is an award-winning German writer, who has published four volumes of poetry. She is also the frontwoman of Landschaft, an artistic group that blends poetry, visuals and musical beats. Sandig’s latest novel, Monsters Like Us, was published this year.

9

Panel: Psychedelics & Meditation: How To Expand Your Mind Beyond The Ordinary

9 TH NOVEMBER 5PM

When the Biden administration this summer indicated that they will likely approve the use of psilocybin (the ingredient in magic mushrooms) for healing treatment-resistant depression, it reflected the recent shift in mainstream views about psychedelics. Scientists have rediscovered that psychedelics, rather than being mere “drugs of abuse,” can actually be powerful treatments for a variety of mental health conditions. Unlike conventional medicines, such as antidepressants, psychedelics alter a person’s state of consciousness: for example, they can create feelings of profound interconnectedness. Meditation expands the mind in similar ways, with non-dual spiritual traditions imparting the teaching that the essence of the self is the same as the essence of the whole universe. What are the parallels between meditation and psychedelics? Are the experiences that they induce mere hallucinations, or do they reveal the true nature of the mind? Is the mind far more vast than we tend to think?

Dr Leor Roseman is a postdoc at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London. His research interests cover neuroscientific, phenomenological, therapeutic, and psychosocial aspects of psychedelic use. Currently, Roseman is investigating relational processes and group dynamics in psychedelic rituals. His main line of research is examining the potential of psychedelics for peacebuilding.

Rupert Spira is a spiritual teacher, philosopher and author. Spira has researched classical Advaita (non-duality) in which he sees psychedelics from the non-dual perspective. He continues to investigate Sufism through the art of Mevlevi Turning, a form of sacred movement combining prayer and meditation.

Dr Leor Roseman

Rupert Spira

Speakers

Each week, the Union hosts a wide range of influential speakers from around the world and from a variety of fields to address members directly. These events are not only a chance to hear from some of the world’s most celebrated figures, but also a chance to engage with them and ask questions.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and mailing list (which you can join via the website or through emailing enquiries@oxford-union. org) to stay up-to-date with the latest events and information. Here, we also circulate forms to ballot for a place on our Meet and Greets for members so you can interact with guests in a more intimate setting. The ballot is random and successful members will be notified on the day of the event.

Please note that additional speakers may be confirmed after the start of term, and that our events are subject to change. We hope you’ll find something to interest and inspire you this term!

Any questions about Meet and Greet ballots should be directed to Chloe Glynn, the Chair of Consultative Committee (ccc@oxford-union.org).

For those members with accessibility requirements, please email events.access@oxford-union.org and we will be happy to accommodate you.

WEEK 1

Tiernan Brady

LGBT Rights Campaigner and Global Director of Inclusion at Clifford Chance

Tiernan Brady is an equality rights campaigner, influential in furthering LGBTQ+ rights across the world. He has served as the Director of Yes Equality, the campaign which resulted in Ireland becoming the first country in the world to pass marriage equality by a public vote. Brady is currently Global Director of Inclusion at international law firm Clifford Chance, and has spoken extensively about how workplaces can increase their inclusion post-COVID.

10TH OCTOBER - 12.00

WEEK 1

Charlie Sloth

Radio DJ and hypeman

Charlie Sloth is a DJ, presenter and hype man producer. Sloth rose to fame after his music video Guided Tour of Camden won ‘Most Original Video’ at the CraveFest Awards Canada. He presents The Rap Show and The 8th on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. Sloth’s trademark freestyle band Fire in the Booth has hosted the biggest MCs from grime and hiphop, including Drake, Migos, Bugzy Malone and Tinie Tempah.

10TH OCTOBER - 17.00

WEEK 2

Charles Dance

Game of Thrones, The Crown and The Sandman actor

Charles Dance OBE is an acting titan, from Game of Thrones, The Jewel in the Crown and Bleak House, to Godzilla and For Your Eyes Only. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before he made his screen debut in 1974, he is also a screenwriter and director - most notably for Ladies in Lavender. His most recent projects include The Sandman and the hugely acclaimed Netflix series The Crown.

11TH OCTOBER - 20.00

WEEK 2

Sir Tony Robinson

Blackadder star and TV presenter

Sir Tony Robinson is an actor, author and TV presenter. He found acclaim for his role as Baldrick in Blackadder, and starred in his own one man show Tony Robinson’s Cunning Night Out. He has hosted a variety of shows, including Classic FM’s Guide to Classical Music and history series Time Team, and presented numerous historical programs including The Worst Jobs in History, Walking Through History, and Birth of Britain.

12TH OCTOBER - 20.00

MICHAELMAS 2022

SPEAKERS

AJ Tracey is a West London rapper, songwriter and producer. Having first uploaded tracks to SoundCloud in 2011, his work has reached the top 20 on both the UK Albums Chart and Singles Chart on multiple occasions, including his acclaimed eponymous 2019 debut album. He has collaborated with other prominent industry figures such as Digga D and Dave, and his most popular songs include ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Ladbroke Grove’.

17 TH OCTOBER

17.00

AJ Tracey

Rapper and singer-songwriter

WEEK 3

Dame Barbara Woodward

Permanent UN Representative of the United Kingdom

Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE is the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations since 2020. She started her career at the Foreign Office in 1994. She was Deputy Head of Mission to China during the 2008 Olympics, and Director General for Economic and Consular Affairs at the FCO from 2011-2015. From 2015-2020, she served as the British Ambassador to China, the first woman in the role.

19TH OCTOBER - 15.00

WEEK

3

Bonnie Tyler Singer

Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer famed for her distinctive voice. Her most famous song, Total Eclipse of the Heart, is among one of the bestselling singles of all time, and she has released legendary tracks such as Holding Out for a Hero and Bitterblue. Tyler has been nominated for three Grammys and three Brit Awards, and released her most recent album The Best is Yet to Come in 2021.

19TH OCTOBER - 19.00

WEEK 3

Anupam Tripathi

Squid Game star and actor

Anupam Tripathi is an actor based in South Korea. Originally from New Delhi, he moved to South Korea in 2010, beginning acting in plays and commercials during his third year of university. Tripathi’s first main cast credit was as the undocumented worker, Abdul Ali, on the viral Netflix original series Squid Game in 2021, where the director praised him for his extensive emotional acting capabilities and fluency in Korean.

21ST OCTOBER - 17.00

WEEK 3

Drew Pavlou

Anti Chinese Communist Party Activist

Drew Pavlou is a political activist and former university senator from the University of Queensland. He is well known for his criticism of the Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party. In December 2021, Pavlou launched the Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance federal political party, whose policies include fighting corruption, protecting human rights (specifically on alleged issues related to the Chinese Communist Party) and tackling poverty and homelessness.

24TH OCTOBER - 17.00

Charles Dance OBE is an acting titan, from Game of Thrones, The Jewel in the Crown and Bleak House, to Godzilla and For Your Eyes Only. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before he made his screen debut in 1974, he is also a screenwriter and director - most notably for Ladies in Lavender. His most recent projects include The Sandman and the

WEEK 3

Sir Tony Robinson

Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan 25

Blackadder star and TV presenter

Sir Tony Robinson is an actor, author and TV presenter. He found acclaim for his role as Baldrick in Blackadder, and starred in his own one man show Tony Robinson’s Cunning Night Out. He has hosted a variety of shows, including Classic FM’s Guide to Classical Music and history series Time Team, and presented numerous historical programs including The Worst Jobs in History, Walking Through History, and Birth of Britain.

Imran Khan is a politician and former cricketer who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. One of the all-time cricketing greats, he won the 1992 World Cup. He founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996. As Prime Minister, Khan oversaw the country’s response to the SARSCoV-2 pandemic. However, perceived failure to tackle corruption and declining performance in economic and social indexes led to a successful no-confidence motion.

12TH OCTOBER - 20.00

WEEK 3

Dan Snow

Historian and Television Presenter

Dan Snow MBE is a historian and presenter. He has made over forty BBC television documentaries and radio programmes, covering topics from the Aztec Emperor Montezuma and China’s Terracotta Army to the East India Company and Dambuster raids. He won a BAFTA for Hadrian (2009), and this year was part of the expedition that found Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost vessel, Endurance, 107 years after it sank in the Weddell Sea.

25TH OCTOBER - 17.00

WEEK 3

Mick Mulvaney

President Trump’s acting White House Chief of Staff

Mick Mulvaney is an American politician who served as director of the Office of Management and Budget from February 2017 until March 2020, and as White House Chief of Staff from January 2019 until March 2020. Prior to his appointments within the Trump administration, he served in the South Carolina State Senate, before sitting in the House of Representatives. Mulvaney now serves as special envoy for Northern Ireland.

25TH OCTOBER - 20.00

Alfie Boe OBE is an English tenor. His career spans a litany of renowned works, from Les Misérables to Finding Neverland and The Mikado. He has made appearances at the Last Night of the Proms, HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and recently serenading Ekin-Su and Davide on Love Island. His albums have sold over a million copies, with Alfie and Bring Him Home certified platinum by the BPI.

Alfie Boe

Singer and tenor

WEEK 4

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and human rights advocate, who has been dubbed ‘Pakistan’s most prominent citizen’. In 2014 she was made the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate at 17 years old, and is the first Pashtun to receive the accolade. She graduated from Lady Margaret Hall in 2020.

Malala Yousafzai Human Rights Activist

WEEK 4

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

Politician, television presenter, and Paralympic gold medal winner. Disability History Month speaker series keynote speaker

To celebrate Disability History Month, our keynote speaker is 5-time Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, one of Britain’s most successful paralympic athletes. Competing in wheelchair racing, she won eleven Paralympic golds and six at the World Championships. She has held advisory roles on several boards, including the National Disability Council, Transport for London and the London Marathon. In 2010 she was created a Life Peer in the House of Lords.

2ND NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 4

Danielle Bregoli

Rapper, songwriter and internet personality

Danielle Bregoli, known professionally as Bhad Bhabie, is a rapper, songwriter and internet personality. After her iconic appearance on Dr Phil, coining the viral phrase “cash me outside, how bout dat”, she became the youngest female rapper to appear on Billboard’s Hot 100 with her debut single “Deas Heaux”. Since then Bregoli has released more music, starred in her own reality show, and launched a record label called Bhad Music.

2ND NOVEMBER - 20.00

WEEK 4

Thomas Bach

President of the International Olympic Committee

Thomas Bach is a German lawyer and former gold medallist Olympic fencer. Serving as the ninth and current president of the International Olympic Committee since 10 September 2013. He is also a former member of the German Olympic Sports Confederation executive board. Bach is also the first ever Olympic champion to be elected President of the IOC.

4TH NOVEMBER - 12.00

WEEK 5

Harry Redknapp

Former football player and manager, turned TV pundit

Harry Redknapp is a former English football manager and player. He joined West Ham United at just 15 and played for AFC Bournemouth and the North American Soccer League. He has managed a multitude of clubs, including West Ham, QPR, Birmingham City and AFC Bournemouth. Redknapp is regarded as one of the great managers of British football, guiding Portsmouth to victory in the 2008 FA Cup and Spurs into the EUFA Champions League.

8TH NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 5

Nancy Kelley is a British lawyer and policy adviser who is the current Chief Executive of Stonewall Equality Limited. She previously worked with Mind, Barnardo’s and the Department of Work and Pensions, and was the Head of UK and International Policy at the British Refugee Council. She has made extensive media appearances in her capacity as Stonewall CEO, such as being interviewed on Women’s Hour for the BBC.

10 TH NOVEMBER 17.00

Nancy Kelley CEO of Stonewall

WEEK 6

Dr Anthony Fauci

Chief Medical Advisor to the President Fauci will be shown on a screen in the Chamber

Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Dr Anthony Fauci OMRI is an American physician-scientist and immunologist who has advised every US President since Reagan. He is currently Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A lead figure in America’s Covid response under Trump and Biden, his influence has been profound, being portrayed by Brad Pitt on SNL and as the subject of the 2021 documentary Fauci.

WEEK 6

Billie Jean King

Former World No 1 Tennis Player

Billie Jean King is one of the most successful tennis players of all time, winning 39 major titles and was part of the victorious US team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. King won the legendary “battle of the sexes” match against Bobby Riggs during her fight for the equal recognition of women’s tennis. After King protested the gender pay gap, the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money.

15TH NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 7

James Gorman

CEO of Morgan Stanley

James Gorman grew up in Australia as one of ten children in his family. After emigrating to America, he graduated with Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia and became a senior partner and McKinsey & Company. After joining Morgan Stanley, he helped create the largest wealth management platform globally when he led the merger and integration of Morgan Stanley’s wealth management business with Citi’s Smith Barney business. By 2014 he was included in the 50 Most Influential ranking of Bloomberg Markets Magazine.

21ST NOVEMBER - 12.00

MICHAELMAS

SPEAKERS

WEEK 7

His Excellency Yahya Cholil Staquf

Chairman Nahdlatul UlamaThe Largest Islamic Organisation

Yayha Cholil Staquf is an Indonesian politician and Islamic Cleric. Since being elected in December 2021, he has served as the chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organisation in the world. Staquf was also the spokesman for Abdurrahman Wahid, the 4th president of Indonesia from 1999-2001, and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council of Indonesia from 2018-2019.

Naomi Gleit

VP Facebook & Head of Product at Meta

Naomi Gleit is head of product at Meta, formerly Facebook. She leads the team building products and tools that work across Meta’s technologies. Gleit also oversees the growth, integrity, and social impact team. As one of the company’s first employees, Gleit has worked on almost every major initiative in its history, including most recently the COVID-19 Information Center and the Voting Information Center. She was a leader of the growth team that helped the Facebook app grow from 1 million people in 2005 to over 3 billion today.

22ND NOVEMBER - 15.00

WEEK 7

Marco Pierre White

Chef and TV personality

Marco Pierre White is a British chef, restaurateur, and television personality. White trained at Le Gavroche at just 16, was Head Chef and co-owner of Harveys, and at 33 became the youngest man to be awarded 3 Michelin stars. His success proved infectious, spreading to his team, which has included Gordon Ramsey, Heston Blumental and Thierry Busset. Dubbed “the first celebrity chef”, White has starred in Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef.

23RD NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 7

Mathew Baynton

Horrible Histories Star

Mathew Baynton is an English actor, comedian, musician and writer. He has appeared in several classic programmes, from Gavin and Stacey and Peep Show to Ghosts and Horrible Histories, famously portraying Charles II and Dick Turpin as part of the latter. Alongside his distinguished acting record, he has been nominated for several awards for his screenwriting, having contributed to both Horrible Histories and co-writing The Wrong Mans with James Corden.

23RD NOVEMBER - 20.00

WEEK 7

Ambassador Hajime Hayashi

Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom

His Excellency Hajime Hayashi is the current Ambassador of Japan to the UK, having been appointed to the post in December 2020. Directly prior to his current post, he was the Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the National Security Secretariat. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served as Deputy Chief of Mission in India (2010-2013), DirectorGeneral for European Affairs (2014-2017), Ambassador to Belgium (2017-2019) and Chief of Mission to NATO (2018-2019).

24TH NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 7

President Salome Zourabichvili

President of Georgia

Salome Zourabichvili is a French-Georgian politician and former diplomat currently serving as the 5th President of Georgia, a position she has held since 2018. She is the first woman to occupy the role of head of state and was elected as an independent candidate. She is an advocate of further Georgian integration with NATO and the EU and has criticised Prime Minister Gharibashvili for insufficient support of Ukraine.

25TH NOVEMBER - 15.00

WEEK 7

Baroness Hale of Richmond

Former President of the UK Supreme Court

Baroness Hale is a British judge who served as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom from 2017-2020. Beginning her judicial career in 1989, in 1999 Hale became the second woman to be appointed to the Court of Appeal, and in 2004 she was appointed first female Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. Baroness Hale currently serves as a member of the House of Lords as a Lord Temporal.

25TH NOVEMBER 17.00

WEEK 8

Professor John Mearsheimer

Distinguished Political Theorist

Professor John Mearsheimer is an American political scientist and International Relations scholar. He developed the theory of offensive realism, which describes the interaction between great powers as being primarily driven by the rational desire to achieve regional hegemony in an anarchic international system. This theory led him to predict future conflict between China and the US. He currently works as the R Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago.

29TH NOVEMBER - 15.00

WEEK 8

David Croft

The Voice of F1

David Croft is Sky’s lead Formula 1 correspondent. Croft began his career in hospital radio, then worked at BBC3 Counties Radio, moving to Radio 5 Live in 1998, where he commentated on the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2004 Olympics, as well as presenting Saturday Sport. He became Sky’s primary F1 correspondent in 2012, where he pioneered the iconic line ‘Lights out and away we go!’

29TH NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 8

Mark Thurston

HS2 CEO

Mark Thurston is the CEO of HS2, the company charged with delivering the high speed railway project - estimated by some to cost around £100 billion. Thurston joined HS2 Ltd in 2017, after amassing 30 years of experience in engineering, project and programme management and business operations. In the past he has worked on the 2012 London Olympics and Crossrail. Thurston is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

30TH NOVEMBER - 15.00

WEEK 8

Ray Kurzweil

American inventor and futurist

Ray Kurzweil is a futurist, best-selling author and inventor, involved in the fields of optical character recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, speech recognition technology and electronic keyboard instruments. Kurzweil is a public advocate for the futurist and transhumanist movements, speaking regularly on life extension technology and the future of nanotechnology, robotics and biotechnology. He has been branded one of the ‘revolutionaries who made America’ and ‘Edison’s rightful heir’ by media outlets.

30TH NOVEMBER - 17.00

WEEK 8

Superwog Actors

Superwog are a YouTube duo, Theodore and Nathan Saidden. Their channel consists of a plethora of content including comedy skits and sketches. The duo began uploading videos in 2008 and since have gained over 3 million subscribers and 456 million video views. The YouTubers now have their own television comedy series, Superwog, based on their YouTube output which follows Theo Superwog, his family and friend Johnny in the Australian suburbs.

Mark Bristow

President and CEO at Barrick Gold Corporation

Mark Bristow is President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, the second largest gold mining company in the world. Bristow graduated from the University of Natal, where he was awarded a PHD in geology, and completed active service in the South African army. Before Barrick, Bristow was the Founder and CEO of mining company Randgold Resources, playing a pivotal role in promoting the emergence of sustainable mining inDustry in Africa.

1ST DECEMBER 17.00

29TH NOVEMBER - 15.00

Abdulla Shahid

President of the United Nations General Assembly

Abdulla Shahid is a Maldivian politician who served as President of the 76th United Nations General Assembly between 2021 and 2022 having been elected by a 75% majority. Shahid is the first Maldivian politician to hold that post and has been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Maldives since 2018.

29TH NOVEMBER - 15.00

Ai-Da Humanoid Robot

Ai-Da is the world’s first ultra-realistic artist robot. She draws and paints using cameras in her eyes, her AI algorithms, and her robotic arm. Created in February 2019, she had her first solo show at the University of Oxford, ‘Unsecured Futures’, where her art encouraged viewers to think about our rapidly changing world. She has since travelled and exhibited work internationally, including a virtual exhibition at the United Nations. She continues to create art for a post-humanist era.

Jaden Smith

Rapper, Actor and Activist

Jaden Smith is a public figure having first debuted in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happiness alongside his father Will Smith. Jaden sparked controversy in 2016 as the first male model to model women’s wear for Louis Vuitton. Aside from breaking gender stereotypes he has provided free vegan meals for the homeless and started the company JustWater to provide safe water for communities, whilst preventing plastic pollution. This venture caused him to receive recognition from UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. TBC

TBC

Matchroom Sport and the Future of Sport with Eddie Hearn & Co.

TBC

Eddie Hearn

Chairman of Matchroom Sport

Frank Smith CEO Matchroom Boxing

Matt Porter

Chief Executive PDC

Emily Frazer

Managing Director Matchroom Multi Sport

Pussy Riot

Russian Feminist protest and performance art group

The Russian activist group made headlines during the 2018 World Cup Final, with four of their members running onto the pitch during the second half. After the protest – which was screened to an audience of millions across the world – the group claimed responsibility for the stunt, confirming that it had taken place in protest of human rights abuses in Russia. All four members have been charged by Russian authorities, with the group claiming that the four defendants had been denied access to a lawyer. Since the conflict in Ukraine began, Maria Alyokhina, the leader of Pussy Riot resorted to fleeing Russia after authorities announced that her effective house arrest would be converted to 21 days in a penal colony.

Chamath Palihapitiya

Venture capitalist, engineer, SPAC sponsor, founder and CEO of Social Capital

Palihapitiya was an early senior executive at Facebook, working at the company from 2007 to 2011. Following his departure from Facebook, Palihapitiya started his fund, The Social+Capital Partnership, through which he invested in several companies, including Yammer and Slack. The Social+Capital Partnership changed its name to Social Capital in 2015. He is a co-host of technology podcast All In With an estimated net worth of around US$1.2 billion as of April 2021, Palihapitiya is ranked 2,378th in the Forbes list on Billionaires 2021.

TBC

TBC

Benazir Bhutto Lecture

The Annual Benazir Bhutto Lecture was conceived to honour leaders who have energised movements, reimagined institutions, and achieved transformative progress in the continuous pursuit of equality and human dignity. The Lecture was set up to honour the legacy of our former President, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. In 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May

delivered the inaugural Lecture in recognition of her efforts to fight injustice in the United Kingdom, including her initiatives on narrowing the gender pay gap. And in 2020, Prime Minister David Cameron was honoured for his leadership in legalising same-sex marriage, alongside driving an international coalition to publicise the pressing need for Alzheimer’s research.

TBC

Socials

Alongside our array of renowned speakers and weekly debate, the Oxford Union hosts a plethora of lively social events.

This term we have activities that range from a Desi Soirée and live screenings of World Cup football matches, to our Broadway ball. We will also continue to have pub quizzes, which are free of charge to members and offer exciting prizes to the winners!

We look forward to hosting you in our historic buildings for what is set to be a really exciting social calendar.

For more information or queries, please contact our Secretary, Matthew Dick, at: secretary@oxford-union.org.

Saturday 19th November all day

Panel: What is the Future of Art?

As we approach the bicentenary of the Oxford Union we want to reflect on the history of 200 years of art at the Oxford Union, by showcasing our Old Library’s William Morris Wallpaper and Pre-Raphaelite Murals, and more importantly, looking forwards to question the future of art. Through both the traditional Union medium of debate and the visual and musical medium of art, join us to consider what art is, is it dead and if not, what direction it is moving in.

Liu Wei is a Chinese artist based in Beijing. He works in varied media – video, installation, drawing, sculpture, and painting – with no uniting stylistic tendency.

Stephen Schwartz is an American musical theater lyricist and composer. In a career spanning over five decades, Schwartz has written such hit musicals as Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked.

Stephen Schwartz

Liu Wei

Member Facilities

The Union offers fantastic facilities located within the heart of Oxford, including our affordable Bar and well-loved Snooker Room. From enjoying our Treasurers’ Treats during study breaks, to cramming for Finals beneath the pre-Raphaelite murals in the Old Library, do make sure to get the most out of your membership over the coming term.

As the Union approaches its Bicentenary, the Union wants to reconnect with its alumni and bring you back into our community. If you are graduating this year, don’t forget that you can continue to attend speaker events, debates and socials. You can sign up to the Alumni Mailing List at oxford-union.org for updates.

Many benefits of membership also extend beyond Oxford; in particular, members now have reciprocal membership of the National Liberal Club in London. As the Union approaches its Bicentenary in 2023, we look forward to welcoming members to a series of special commemorative events.

For any queries regarding alumni engagement, please reach out to Laura Lvov, our Development Director at: laura.lvov@oxford-union.org.

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Library

Old Library Term Time Opening Hours - first to eighth week: Mon-Fri: 09:30- 19:00, Sat: 11:00 - 17:00

The Librarian’s Book Club will meet on Wednesdays. Join us to meet fellow bookworms and discuss a variety of texts. To sign up or suggest Book Club authors, please email the Librarian (librarian@oxford-union.org).

The Union’s old debating chamber is now home to one of the most beautiful libraries in Oxford.

Our Library offers a variety of resources, ranging from texts covering all academic disciplines, to non-academic resources such magazines, travel guides, newspapers and DVDs. Owned and run by the members, the Library takes book requests weekly, so it is great for niche interests or the vital text on your reading list which cannot be found anywhere else!

Whether you are planning your emergency debate speech or writing an essay before tomorrow’s deadline, the individual desks and cosy armchairs, below our stunning collection of Pre-Raphaelite murals, make the Library a joy to study in.

The Union Buildings also offer several other, more informal study spaces. These are the Goodman Library, the Gladstone Room (furnished with Gladstone’s original cabinet desk), the Macmillan Room, and the TV Room. These rooms provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can study with friends and catch up in the centre of Oxford.

Please note that on Mondays the Goodman Library is used as a meeting room for the Society’s Committees so will not be available as a quiet study space.

Bar & Snooker Room

Term Time Opening Hours: Mon-Weds: 10am until 11pm Thurs-Sat: 10am until 12am Sun: Closed

Coffees, cakes, a homemade lunch menu, and drinks are all available at our Members’ Bar. Our weekly debate cocktails and regular social events, including our pub quizzes, make it the perfect place to meet friends. It is a cheap one too, with a 25% members’ discount and some of the lowest prices in Oxford.

Often speakers will join students in the Bar after their address for a drink and an informal chat, giving members a unique opportunity to come together to discuss and network.

The Snooker Room houses two full-sized snooker tables which can be booked by members at any time. The room is open all day and is the perfect place to unwind after studying.

Our Lunch Menu is Served: Mon-Fri:11.30am -14.30pm

Please email the House Manager at bar@oxford-union.org with any questions or suggestions.

Get Involved

How to get Involved COMPETITIVE DEBATING

Debating at the Union is not reserved for Thursday nights. The Union’s competitive debating squad is one of the largest and most successful in the world. Last year, an Oxford team won the European Universities Debating Championships, and four of our speakers placed in the top ten. Oxford Debating offers something for every level, from total novices to world champions, and all are encouraged to get involved.

We do not just practice debating at Oxford; we also fully fund teams of both novices and experienced debaters to attend competitions nationally and internationally. We host the Oxford IV, one of the largest debating competitions in Europe, the Oxford Women’s and Gender Minorities’ Open, and organise the world’s largest schools’ debating competition, which attracts competitors from across the world.

For those new to debating, our Beginners’ Workshops run on Sunday evenings at the Union and are open to all members. These workshops consist of a presentation designed to target specific debating skills and practice debates

judged by some of Oxford’s most experienced and successful debaters. If you have not debated before they are the perfect place to start. For those with more experience, our Intermediate and Advanced Squads run on Wednesday evenings at the Union where our coaches provide a one-onone development programme.

There are also unique opportunities that arise throughout the year, such as being able to deliver floor speeches in the Chamber, join mentorship schemes, and do outreach work such as delivering debate workshops in prisons. If you have any questions or want to sign up for workshops or squads, please contact the Chair of Debate Selection Committee, Tanae Rao, at cdsc@oxfordunion.org.

To sign up to the mailing list for weekly updates - including information on weekly training and tournaments - send a blank email to debateannounce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. You may also want to like the Oxford Debating Facebook Page and join the Oxford Debaters’ Facebook Group.

MICHAELMAS 2022 MICHAELMAS 2022

Accessibility

The Union is dedicated to ensuring our Society is as accessible as possible to all of our members. If you have any queries or questions regarding accessibility, you can contact our Senior Access Officer, Tim Green, at access.officer@oxford-union.org. You can also raise thoughts and suggestions at Access Committee, which takes place at 1pm every Thursday during term-time.

Accessibility Pass Policy and Event Access

Any member who has accessibility requirements can reach out to request reasonable adjustments. The revamped Accessibility Pass Policy form is available on the Rules and Policies page of our website, with the PDF detailing the process.

For any accessibility queries regarding events, you can reach out to events.access@oxford-union.org, and a member of the team should get back to you within a few days. We can ensure there is a space reserved for a wheelchair, reserve a seat for those with guide dogs, or make any other necessary adjustments to ensure events are accessible.

We have a hearing aid loop and you should switch your hearing aid to ‘T’ to access this.

Library, Bar and Toilet Access

If you need any adjustments in the Library, do not hesitate to speak to the librarians at the Library reception desk to learn more about the adjustments on offer. These include extended loans, height adjustable desks, and admission of proxy borrowers.

In the Bar, the Bar staff can support you in finding a seat or providing a large print copy of the menus. The Union has a disabled toilet on the ground floor which can be opened with a Radar Key issued by most local authorities. A key is also available from the Library and the Bar.

Termly Accessibility Consultation

The Consultation is a survey aimed at all of our members to ascertain how the Union is progressing in terms of its accessibility, as well as identifying steps which need to be taken going forward. The survey usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and provides invaluable feedback for Standing and Access Committees.

Please look out for the survey, which is usually circulated in 3rd week.

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Committees

The affairs of the Society are managed by a number of Committees. You can join these meetings by emailing the respective Committee Chairs or checking the Noticeboard.

STANDING COMMITTEE

Goodman Library 16.00 every Monday

Chair - Ahmad Nawaz, President president@oxford-union.org

The Society’s governing body, the Standing Committee makes the Society’s most important decisions and recommends rules changes to the House.

ACCESS COMMITTEE

Goodman Library 13.15 every Thursday

Chair - Tim Green, Senior Access Officer access@oxford-union.org

The Access Committee is responsible for promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups by planning events and suggesting changes.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Goodman Library 15.00 every Monday

Chair - Joshua Chima, Treasurer treasurer@oxford-union.org

The Finance Committee scrutinises the Union’s finances and reports its findings to the Standing Committee.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE

Goodman Library 14.15 every Monday

Chair - Daniel Dipper, Librarian librarian@oxford-union.org

The Library Committee is responsible for the management of the Society’s Library and for keeping the Library’s collections up to date.

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Goodman Library 13.15 every Monday

Chair - Chloe Glynn, CCC ccc@oxford-union.org

The Consultative Committee gives you the opportunity to ask questions to the officials of the Union and to stay up to date on the running of the Society’s events.

DEBATE SELECTION COMMITTEE

Morris Room 12.00 every Monday

Chair - Tanae Rao, CDSC cdsc@oxford-union.org

The Debate Selection Committee manages the Union’s competitive debating wing, arranging training and competitions.

How To Get Involved Ask Questions

The Union is committed to giving members the opportunity to engage with and challenge its speakers. At each of our talks, members have the opportunity to ask questions live during the event. We encourage all members to take advantage of this.

Run for Election

Each term, elections are held for Committee and Officer positions on Friday of 7th Week. Candidates who are successful in these elections assist in inviting speakers and arranging debates for the following term and undertake a range of other responsibilities.

For this term’s election, all voting will be in person. If you want to run in this election, please email the Returning Officer at ro@oxford-union. org for more details.

Apply to be on Appointed Committee

A number of Committee positions are appointed, including Press, Sponsorship and Equalities Officers. All appointees assist in inviting speakers and arranging debates over the vacation, alongside working on their specific projects.

Applications for Hilary Term’s appointed committee will open in 5th Week of Michaelmas Term and will be advertised on the Oxford Union Facebook page, website and mailing list. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Please contact the President-Elect, Charlie Mackintosh, at president-elect@oxford-union.org if you have any questions or would like to get involved.

Join a Committee

All Committee meetings are open to members to attend and observe. If you are interested in attending or becoming a member of any of these Committees, email the relevant Committee Chair to find out more.

President’s Open Hours

The President will be hosting weekly open hours where members can come and ask any questions they have. This will run on Fridays from 11am -1pm, with tea and coffee provided.

Oxford Union Committee

MEET THE TEAM

SENIOR TEAM

THE ELECT TEAM

Charlie Mackintosh President Elect

Sharon Chau Treasurer Elect

Disha Hegde Librarian Elect

Ahmad Nawaz President

Joshua Chima Treasurer

Daniel Dipper Librarian

Matthew Dick Secretary

Israr Khan Chief of Staff

Nadia-Angela Bekhti Director of Comms

Tim Green Senior Access

Chloe Glynn CCC

Amy Gregg Development Officer

Alex Kruzewski Director of Press

Arif Struthers Director of Operations

Vedika Rastogi Deputy Director of Press

Tommy Nguyen Director of Partnerships

Chris Collins RO

Danial Hussain Director of Research

Maddy Colborn Senior Welfare

Jenny Grehan-Bradley Director of Strategy

Dani Yates Junior Welfare

Abigail Bacon Chief Custodian

Carys Hoggan Junior Access

THE STANDING COMMITTEE

THE SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE

ACCESS COMMITTEE

PRESS AND SPONSORSHIP

First Lady: Loic Thiry

First Gentleman: Nathan Weiner

Don: Deac

Staff & Trustees

Bursar : Mark Herbert

Senior Librarian : Tim Myatt

Senior Treasurer : Sarah Beaver

Librarian-In-Charge : Tom Corrick

OLDUT Chair : Victoria Schofield

Development Director: Laura Lvov

Graphic Design: Danielle Blyde, wwwvavoom.co.uk

Charlie Aslet Alex Jackman

Johnnie Dowd Moayad Karar

Jonah Diomede Charles Jones Sami Allan

Jake Milikan Disability Officer

Asif Salarza Ethnic Minority Officer

Laura Smith Graduate Officer

Connor Egan Socio-economic Officer

Anmol Kejriwal International Officer

Arsalan Khattak Permanant & Temporary Membership Officer

Ciara Rushton LGBTQIA+ Officer Cleo Turner-Johnson Women’s Officer

Grace Cruise Communities’ Officer

Ella Harte Imaan Saeed

Isabel Schmidt

Callum Shaw

Ahmed Hussain William Griffith Ariana Manduku

Hannah Edwards

Rosalie Chapman

Tom Elliott Lukas Seirfeit Rosie Jacobs

Amy Ellis-Winter Beau Boka-Batesa

Ciaron Tobin

Emily MacLeod

Conrad Froyland Moe

Edie Guo

Geronimo Hayaux du Tilly

Amy Gilbride

Kajaanan Vijitharanx

Lewis Fisher

Sebastian Watkins

Spencer Shia

President’s Thanks

I want to thank absolutely no one but my Donnies & my truly fantastic Committee.