Trinity Term 2018
WELCOME Welcome to Trinity Term 2018! From hosting Malcolm X for a debate in 1964 on ‘extremism in defense of liberty’, to hearing from Albert Einstein about the dangers of curbing free speech, shortly after he escaped Nazi Germany in 1933, the Oxford Union’s ability to inspire continues to amaze me. During my first term on committee, I felt it firsthand when Stephen Hawking’s wisdom reminded us ‘to look up at the stars, and not down at your feet’. Since this society was founded by a group of students in 1823, the world has become substantially more interconnected, closing the gaps between us at an unprecedented rate. It is therefore vital for the Union, as a global platform, to capture the zeitgeist of our time, empowering its members to engage with stories and voices from every corner of the globe. These voices enable us to reflect on the progress and development achieved thus far, but also encourage us to embrace the many challenges that lie ahead. Beyond defending the principles of free speech, the Union has become a place where systematically oppressed voices can engage with a global audience, advocate important causes, and spark movements. From women’s rights in India, to Venezuela’s oppressive regime, to Uganda’s rigged elections, our Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that the following pages reflect upon contemporary issues of importance, and our underlying ethos of interrogating the present for a better future for all. When President Ronald Reagan spoke here in 1992 shortly after the end of the Cold War, he stated that ‘evil still walks the planet’. Unfortunately, that statement remains as accurate today as it was
then, with escalating tensions in Yemen and Syria, the encroachments upon privacy by social media companies, and the continued surge in authoritarian populism across Europe and beyond - to name but a few. This term we have ensured that the line-up of speakers and debates covers each of these important issues and many more – in the hope of seeking a resolution to conflict through pragmatic optimism. Learning from the past is just as important as preparing for the future. In the same year that Einstein spoke at the Union, we famously passed a motion that ‘This House will in no circumstances fight for its King and Country’, which Churchill condemned as ‘that abject, squalid, shameless avowal…’. Eighty-five years on, we continue to host debates that he would find ‘shameful’ – including one on his complex legacy. As we approach the end of yet another academic year, I hope you will take advantage of this unique platform and continue the conversation by challenging and engaging with every idea, and contribute by asking a question or giving a speech – you will be surprised by the power it can have on those around you, and on yourself.
Gui Cavalcanti President, Trinity 2018 Pembroke College
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LIBRARIAN’S WELCOME
TREASURER’S WELCOME
I will never forget my first memory at the Oxford Union, attending the Black Lives Matter panel, surrounded by the crimson walls that still retained the echoes of Jesse Jackson, Nancy Pelosi, and Shashi Tharoor. The event epitomised why the Union is so special: it’s a place where a story can be told, and an idea can be shared, human to human.
Welcome back to Oxford after what I hope was an enjoyable vacation. If the prospect of returning to academic life doesn’t fill you with joy, I’m sure our fantastic line-up of debates, speakers, and socials will.
I’m extremely proud of our wonderful committee for putting together a set of events that do just this. Whether being pushed to stand up by Reverend Al Sharpton, invited to remember by Eva Schloss or inspired to create by Martin Scorsese, I hope you are able to find empowerment and enjoyment this Trinity. As your Librarian, in addition to hosting some of these potent events, I’ll also (surprisingly!) be the custodian of the beautiful Library, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions that would enrich this historic facility. Working together to create this termcard has been a highlight of my very special time at the Oxford Union, and to do so with so many close friends has been a privilege. Whether our events are able to inspire agency, or merely widen your outlook slightly, I invite you all to be part of the conversation this Summer. Shivani Ananth St. Anne’s College librarian@oxford-union.org
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The fascinating motions set for our Thursday night debates are the perfect excuse to momentarily escape revision and come to the Union. What could be more enticing than hearing leaders of their field discuss motions from Churchill’s legacy to the future of democracy in the Middle East. And whilst you’re here, why not raise your voice and participate in the discussion – every floor speech winner and runnerup will receive prizes such as a dinner for two at Victors or an overnight stay at the Old Parsonage. If you find yourself less inclined to go for one of our debate floor prizes, the Treasurer’s Treats are a great way to get the most out of your membership. With more than a dozen new Treasurer’s Treats secured for the upcoming term, such as discounts at the Alchemist, WHSmith and bespoke Oxford Union cocktail menus at The Duke of Cambridge and the House Bar, I hope there’s something for everyone. As always, if you have any questions about the Union, suggestions for new partnerships, or if you fancy getting involved with the Finance Committee, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Daniel Wilkinson Oriel College treasurer@oxford-union.org
Trinity Term 2018
SECRETARY’S WELCOME A warm welcome back to our members! Over the vacation, committee has been working hard to put on a range of events for you, and I hope you are pleased with the programme that you will find in the pages that follow. The main responsibility of the Secretary is to organise the term’s social events, and I am therefore delighted to announce the return of the Trinity Garden Party, which this year will have a ‘Mad Hatter’ theme. Keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale! Elsewhere, the Jazz and Chocolates social is back by popular demand. The Union will also continue to host Pub Quizzes during evenings throughout term, when I look forward to seeing many of you join us in the Bar. It has been a pleasure putting together these events with committee, and I hope that you, the members, come along and enjoy them. If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch. Shanuk Mediwaka Lincoln College secretary@oxford-union.org
DEBATES SPEAKERS SOCIALS MEMBERS’ INFO
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DEBATES 6
The Oxford Union was established to protect and uphold the principle of free speech, and debating remains at the heart of the society today. Debates are held on Thursday evenings during term on a variety of different topics and are often the highlight of the week. The timings for debates are as follows:
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Members’ participation in debates is very much encouraged. A ballot will be released each week via email and our Facebook page for members to attend dinner with our guest speakers.
19:45 - Emergency Debate: The motions seek to address topical issues and are set by the Consultative Committee each week.
20:30 - Main Debate: Featuring high-profile speakers from around the world, our main debate motions are decided by the committee over the vacation; details can be found on the following pages. Results are announced in the Members’ Bar shortly after the debate.
Trinity Term 2018
In the Main Debate, points of information can be offered to guests during their speeches, and time is also reserved for members to give short floor speeches before the final speaker on each side. There are exciting prizes for the best floor speakers in the Emergency and Main Debates each week, including a three-course dinner for two at Victors and an overnight stay at the Old Bank Hotel.
Oxbridge 8 Genetic Engineering 10 Art and Revolution 12 Churchill 14 US Decline 16 Austerity 18 Middle East 20 7
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Oxbridge is Failing Britain Thursday 26th April | 20:30
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For 800 years Oxford and Cambridge have divided opinion. To many, Oxbridge epitomises the elitist and nepotistic flaws of British society. Meanwhile, those with an Oxbridge education still dominate Parliament, the Civil Service, and the Justice System. Does this reflect an archaic system of privilege and hierarchy that is detrimental to modern society?
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PROPOSITION Natalie Perera Executive Director of the Education Policy Institute and former Policy Advisor to the Cabinet Office
Russell Hobby CEO of Teach First and former General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers
OPPOSITION Chris Blackhurst Former Editor of The Independent and current Group Content Director of Lebedev Holdings Ltd
Bill Rammell Vice-Chancellor of Bedfordshire University and former Minister for Higher Education
Lewis Iwu Former Director of the Fair Education Alliance and first black President of OUSU
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Genetic Engineering Undermines the Nature of Humanity Thursday 3rd May | 20:30
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Recent developments in genetic engineering have the potential to extend our life span, eradicate diseases, and improve physical and mental abilities. However, should we also fear the possible risks to humanity which such changes could bring?
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Trinity Term 2018
PROPOSITION Professor Joyce Harper Professor of Human Genetics and Embryology at University College London, work in the fields of IVF and reproductive genetics Kathryn Lasky Award-winning author of Star Split, a novel exploring the ethics of cloning and genetic engineering
OPPOSITION Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou Editor-in-Chief of The CRISPR Journal and Associate Professor of Food Science at North Carolina State University
Dr. Carol Lynn Curchoe Reproductive biologist and CEO of 32ATPs, a biological energy production company
Professor Donna Dickenson Emeritus Professor of Medical Ethics and Humanities at the University of London
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Art is the Best Means to a Peaceful Revolution Thursday 10th May | 20:30
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Art possesses an ability to invigorate, inspire, and unite individuals. But has that influence been overestimated? Does art truly have the power to incite long-lasting political change, or is our politicisation of art more self-defeating than we realise?
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PROPOSITION Christine Burns MBE Author and former Vice-President of Press for Change, a UK-based support organisation for trans people
Deepa Mehta OC Canado-Indian film director and screenwriter, best known for her Elements trilogy
Professor Stephen Duncombe Professor of Media and Culture at New York University and director of the Center for Artistic Activism
OPPOSITION Julian Spalding Art critic and former curator of the Ruskin Gallery, considered an outspoken critic of the art world
Nadia Rose Rapper from Croydon, BBC Sound of 2017 nominee, and Stormzy’s cousin
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Britain Should Be Ashamed of Churchill Thursday 17th May | 20:30
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Considered by many to be the greatest Prime Minister in history, recent years have seen a growing revisionism of Sir Winston Churchill’s legacy through a focus on his fatal mismanagement of Bengal and openly racist sentiments. Can we reconcile these conflicting identities of a wartime hero and rabid imperialist within so complex a figure?
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PROPOSITION Professor John Charmley Professor of History at the University of East Anglia and author of Churchill: The End of Glory
Sonia Purnell Author of First Lady: The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill and Just Boris: A Tale of Blond Ambition
OPPOSITION Sir Nicholas Soames MP Conservative MP for Mid Sussex since 1983 and grandson of Sir Winston Churchill
Gisela Stuart Chairwoman of the Vote Leave Campaign Committee and former MP
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THIS HOUSE FEARS
The Decline of the U.S. as the Global Superpower Thursday 24th May | 20:30
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Many cherish America’s role in upholding the rules-based international order, but others look uneasily at military interventions from Latin America to the Middle East. Should American decline on the international stage make us fear for liberal democracy or welcome the shift in global power dynamics?
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Trinity Term 2018
PROPOSITION Radosław Sikorski Former Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, and former Speaker of the Polish Parliament
Dr. Gideon Rose Editor of Foreign Affairs and former member of the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration
OPPOSITION Jane Harman Former US Representative for California’s 36th Congressional District and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Matthew Barzun Former US Ambassador to the UK and National Finance Chair for Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign
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T H I S H O U S E B E L I E V E S T H AT
Austerity Has Been Europe’s Worst Policy of the Century Thursday 31st May | 20:30
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In the wake of the Great Recession, the leaders of Europe reached a consensus that austerity measures would pre-empt total economic collapse. A decade later, we must ask: was austerity a necessary means to an end or did it merely deepen poverty and inequality?
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Trinity Term 2018
PROPOSITION Dr. Ioana Petrescu Former Romanian Finance Minister and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland
Bill Emmott Former Editor-In-Chief of The Economist (1993 to 2006) and author of The Fate of the West
OPPOSITION Maria Luís Albuquerque Former Portuguese Minister of State and Finance and Member of the Board of Governors at the European Investment Bank Ruairi Quinn Former Irish Finance Minister and former Leader of the Irish Labour Party
Joaquín Alumnia Former Spanish Leader of the Opposition and European Commissioner for Competition
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The Western Model of Democracy is Unsuitable for the Middle East Thursday 7th June | 20:30
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There are almost no examples of Western-styled democratic governments in the Middle East despite a century-long protest against the Sykes-Picot agreement and more recent prodemocratic movements. More dangerously, such failed political experiences have provided fuel for radical statehood ideology. But does this lack of success in the installation of democracy miss the fundamental right to self-determination and support the conclusion that a new model of political governance is necessary to create a form of organisation that incites longlasting peace in the Middle East.
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In partnership with
PROPOSITION Deborah Jones Former US Ambassador to Libya and Kuwait, and Scholar-in-Residence at the Middle East Institute
Sir John Jenkins KCMG LVO Former UK Ambassador to Syria and Iraq, and Consul-General in Jerusalem
HRH Prince Hamzah bin Hussein OSJ The eldest son of King Hussein of Jordan, HRH currently holds the rank of Colonel in the Jordan Arab Army and heads the Royal Advisory Committee on the Energy Sector
OPPOSITION Alberto Gonzales 80th US Attorney General and White House Counsel to President George W. Bush
Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC Former Foreign Secretary and Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee
The Hon Yehiel Bar He is the Secretary General of the Labor Party and the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset
Following the debate, the Oxford Union will be hosting the first ever Presidential Iftar in its history 21
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DEBATE FLOOR PRIZES Emergency Debate Prize
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Oxbridge
Bottle of champagne at Sandy’s Piano Bar and Hanks Bar
Genetics
Three-course dinner for two at Mamma Mia Summertown
Art
Dinner for four with drinks at Pizza Pilgrims
Churchill
Bottle of champagne at Sandy’s Piano Bar and Hanks Bar
US Decline
Austerity
Middle East
Dinner for four with drinks at Pizza Pilgrims
Three-course dinner for two at Mamma Mia Jericho
No emergency debate due to Officer Hustings
Trinity Term 2018 Every Main Debate First and Second Prize winners will also take home an exclusive Ede & Ravenscroft wool scarf
Main Debate Second Prize Three-course dinner for two with wine at The Perch Inn
Three-course dinner for two with cocktails at Dirty Bones
Three-course lunch for two with wine at Gee’s
Working week of shirts or blouses from T.M. Lewin
Three-course dinner for two with wine at Portabello
Stay for two with breakfast at The Old Bank Hotel
R E S TA U R A N T
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Three-course dinner for two with wine at Quod
Main Debate First Prize
Three-course dinner for two at Victors
Tasting Menu for two at Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
ÂŁ250 gift card for Reiss
Stay for two with breakfast at The Old Parsonage Hotel
Tasting Menu for two at Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
Three-course dinner for two at Victors
One business suit or outfit from T.M. Lewin
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SPEAKERS The Oxford Union hosts world leaders from virtually every field, and each term we aim to bring you the biggest and most influential speakers. If a speaker’s schedule changes and we are forced to change the date and time of the event during term, we apologise in advance and will do everything we can to update you on any changes 24
as soon as we are made aware of them. For any speakers listed as ‘To Be Confirmed’, we are still negotiating the exact time. We will ensure that as soon as we know a date for an event, we will release that information via our mailing list and social media.
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1st Week
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2 Week
29
3 Week
32
4th Week
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5 Week
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6 Week
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7 Week
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8 Week
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Dame Inga Beale CEO of Lloyd’s of London & LGBTQ+ Advocate Dame Inga has risen through the industry to become the first female CEO of insurance giant Lloyd’s of London. She has persistently highlighted the risks posed by climate change and Brexit, speaking on the latter in the 2018 World Economic Forum. Dame Inga tirelessly supports LGBTQ+ rights through her work with Pride@ Lloyds and the LGBT Insurance Network.
Week 1 | Tuesday 24th April 5.00 PM
Lord Norman Fowler “Do We Need the House of Lords?” As Speaker of the House of Lords since 2016, Lord Fowler is responsible for chairing all debates in the chamber and is an outspoken advocate of reducing the size of the House. Prior to this, he served in Margaret Thatcher’s ministry as Secretary for Health and Social Services, and subsequently as Chair of the Conservative Party from 1992-1994.
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Week 1 | Tuesday 24th April 8.00 PM
Trinity Term 2018
Professor Thomas Piketty Author of Capital in the Twenty-First Century
The world’s leading thinker on wealth and income inequality, Piketty is renowned for his New York Times bestseller, Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Piketty is a fierce critic of the concentration of wealth and has held positions at the LSE, MIT, and Paris School of Economics. In 2017, he advised Benoit Hamon’s socialist presidential campaign in France.
Week 1 | Wednesday 25th April 1.15 PM
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Ben Miller Part of iconic double act ‘Armstrong and Miller’ A staple of British comedy, Miller is a comedian, writer, and director best known for his role in the BAFTA-winning Armstrong and Miller double act. Miller began his comedy career at Cambridge with the Footlights in 1989, collaborating with Andy Parsons and Sue Perkins. Subsequently he has starred in Death in Paradise, Primeval and is reprising his role as Angus Bough in Johnny English Strikes Again.
Week 1 | Wednesday 25th April 4.00 PM
David Friedman Radical Anarcho-Capitalist & Son of Milton Friedman An advocate of the Chicago school of economics, Friedman has written extensively on libertarian theory and capitalism. Friedman’s most famous book The Machinery of Freedom advocates for the merits of market forces free from any government intervention. He will speak about market failure, assessing the arguments both for and against governments.
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Week 2 | Monday 30th April 5.00 PM
Trinity Term 2018
Filippo Grandi United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
As head the UN Refugee Agency, Grandi leads the international response to refugee crises around the world. Through working with governments to ensure that refugees have access to protection and support, and helping find solutions to displacement and statelessness he has been engaged in international cooperation for 33 years. Grandi previously served as Commissioner-General of the UN Agency for Palestinian refugees from 2010 to 2014.
Week 2 | Tuesday 1st May 5.00 PM
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Devin Wenig President & CEO of eBay
Wenig is the 3rd CEO of eBay, and under his leadership the company has added more than 71 million active customers and increased annual Gross Merchandise Volume from $60.3 billion in 2011 to $88.4 billion in 2017. A keen advocate for using technology to connect communities around the world, he was instrumental in investing in eBay’s artificial intelligence capabilities and redesigning their mobile experiences.
Week 2 | Tuesday 1st May 8.00 PM
Diplo Grammy Award-Winning DJ Best known as the co-creator of Major Lazer, Diplo is a world-renowned DJ and has produced songs for Beyoncé, Shakira, and Snoop Dogg. He has also won two Grammys for his projects with Skrillex and Justin Bieber. Set to headline Bestival 2018, Diplo has cemented his place as one of the world’s most famous DJs.
Week 2 | Wednesday 2nd May 3.00 PM
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Trinity Term 2018
Kim Clijsters Former World No. 1 Tennis Player
An icon of the tennis world, Clijsters attained the position of world No.1 in both singles and doubles. Having won 52 tour titles and four Grand Slams in the process, she was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017. She is also an Ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages.
Week 2 | Wednesday 2nd May 5.00 PM
Paul Giamatti Hollywood Actor and the star of Billions A prominent actor in Hollywood for the last few decades, Paul Giamatti currently plays Chuck Rhoades in the hit series Billions. Having starred in acclaimed films such as Straight Outta Compton, and the HBO mini-series John Adams, Giamatti’s sophisticated performances have won him two Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Week 2 | Thursday 3rd May 5.00 PM 31
Oxford Union Society
Josh Gad Actor known for Frozen and The Book of Mormon Best known as the voice of Olaf in Frozen and Elder Arnold Cunningham in The Book of Mormon, Gad has enjoyed a glittering career on both stage and screen. Formerly a regular correspondent for The Daily Show, Gad has more recently starred in Beauty and the Beast and Murder on the Orient Express.
Week 3 | Monday 7th May 5.00 PM
Nelson Chamisa Leader of the largest Zimbabwean Opposition Party After the death of its founder Morgan Tsvangirai, Chamisa became leader of Zimbabwe’s largest opposition party. A key critic of the ruling ZANU-PF party, Chamisa is known for his rhetorical prowess. He previously served as Minister of Information and Technology and the Secretary General of the National Students Union.
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Week 3 | Monday 7th May 8.00 PM
Trinity Term 2018
Bob Ferguson Attorney General Who Successfully Challenged Trump’s Travel Ban The 18th Attorney General of Washington State, Ferguson is best known for his legal challenges to the Trump Administration’s first travel ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. His department has also appealed the President’s decision to end DACA and his prohibition of transgender people serving in the military. Ferguson is also an internationally rated chess master.
Week 3 | Tuesday 8th May 5.00 PM
Bianca Jagger Human Rights Activist Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation and a member of Amnesty International’s Executive Leadership Council. Bianca Jagger is a pioneer of climate change activism. She has launched the Plant a Pledge initiative, which aims to restore 150 million hectares of forest around the world.
Week 3 | Tuesday 8th May 8.00 PM 33
Oxford Union Society
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority
Since taking office in 2013, Hamdallah has generally been regarded as a pragmatic voice for peace. Holding what some have called “the most ungrateful job in the West Bank�, he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Gaza in March 2018. A respected academic, he is also President of An-Najah National University.
Week 3 | Wednesday 9th May TBC
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President Nana Akufo-Addo President of Ghana
A fierce advocate of civil rights, President AkufoAddo entered politics in protest to a series of human rights violations in Ghana. Elected to the Presidency as a champion of economic renewal, he has tackled corruption and overseen constitutional reform. His recent refusal to allow a US military base to be built on Ghanaian soil has been seen by many as a bold statement of national sovereignty.
Week 3 | Friday 11th May TBC
Dave Rubin American Talk Radio Host
After beginning his career in stand-up comedy, Rubin rose to prominence with his own YouTube show, The Rubin Report. The show was an instant success, with over 600,000 subscribers and notable guests including Stephen Fry, John McCain, and Bob Saget. A prominent libertarian, Rubin is one of the most popular political pundits of our time.
Week 4 | Monday 14th May 5.00 PM 35
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Has Identity Politics Gone Too Far? Panel Discussion Movements fighting injustice frequently harness the power of identity politics to inspire solidarity and create unity of action. Is identity politics the tool of so-called social justice warriors to suppress individual viewpoints within oppressed groups, or a useful means by which to tackle discrimination and inequality? Marvin Rees Mayor of Bristol since 2016 and long-time activist for racial reconciliation Claire Fox Libertarian writer and Director and Founder of the Institute of Ideas Shaun Bailey Former advisor to David Cameron and member of the London Assembly
Week 4 | Tuesday 15th May 5.00 PM 36
Jordan Peterson
Trinity Term 2018
Canadian Professor of Pyschology and Critic of Political Correctness A Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Peterson has received considerable media coverage after publishing a series of videos criticising the Canadian government’s move to enact Bill C-16, which made misgendering a form of hate speech. His recent bestselling book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos topped the Washington Post, WSJ and Reuters U.S. bestsellers lists.
Week 4 | Wednesday 16th May 8.00 PM
The Rt Hon Raila Odinga Kenyan Leader of the Opposition and Former Prime Minister
A former Prime Minister of Kenya, Odinga now serves as the Leader of the Opposition after a long career in government including spells at the Ministries for Energy, Roads and Public Works, and Housing. The Presidential Election in 2017 was marred by allegations of “illegalities and irregularities”, leading to a fresh election in which Odinga, a prominent advocate for democratization and critic of the corrupt electoral system, declined to participate.
Week 4 | Friday 18th May TBC 37
Oxford Union Society
Katie Walsh Trump’s Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff One of the more politically experienced members of the initial Trump White House, Walsh served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President until her resignation in March 2017. She is currently working with the non-profit organisation America First Policies, which aims to promote the policy agenda of the Trump Administration.
Week 5 | Monday 21st May 5.00 PM
Tim Farron Is the centre ground a myth? Elected Leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2015, he stood down after the General Election two years later. Farron has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing his political career and his Christian faith. He cited this conflict as the main reason for his decision to step down and has criticised a form of liberalism which he sees as conformist and hostile towards people of faith.
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Week 5 | Monday 21st May 8.00 PM
Trinity Term 2018
David Gandy Supermodel
In 2010, Gandy became the first male model to be nominated for ‘Model of the Year’ by the British Fashion Council. Since being scouted by fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana for his muscular build, Gandy has marked a transition within the industry towards favouring more traditionally masculine models and has since toured internationally as the brand’s ambassador.
Week 5 | Tuesday 22nd May 5.00 PM
R E S TA U R A N T
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BAR RESTAURANT TERRACE
“Bustling ambience”
“Something for everyone”
“What a fantastic restaurant!”
TRIPADVISOR
NO NEED TO BOOK 92-94 HIGH STREET, OXFORD OX1 4BJ 01865 202505 INFO@QUOD.CO.UK WWW.QUOD.CO.UK
Oxford Union Society
Vera Wang Global Fashion Designer
Straight after graduation, Vera became the youngest editor at Vogue and stayed with the prestigious publication for 17 years. She set up her own bridal fashion house and has designed dresses for Chelsea Clinton, Mariah Carey and Michelle Obama. Over the last few years she has expanded her brand to Australia and South Korea, and is one of the most recognised designers in the fashion sphere.
Week 5 | Wednesday 23rd May 8.00 PM
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Homelessness: The Crisis On Our Doorstep Panel Discussion In February, the death of a homeless man just yards from the Houses of Parliament caused outrage and brought national attention to a growing crisis. Despite Government targets to halve homelessness by 2022, the number of rough sleepers has risen for seven consecutive years. How must the system change in order to prevent homelessness, and how can we avert a moral crisis happening right on our doorstep? Neil Coyle Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness and MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark Simon Grainge Chief Executive of Emmaus, a leading charity working to end homelessness Claire Dowan CEO of Homeless Oxfordshire and former Chief Executive of Base 33 Youth Trust
Week 5 | Friday 25th May 5.00 PM 41
Oxford Union Society
Daniel Brühl European Actor & Marvel Star
Having started his acting career aged 16, Brühl has gone on to star in Inglorious Bastards, The Bourne Ultimatum and Rush. The GermanSpanish actor was nominated for a Golden Globe, shortlisted for GQ’s Man of the Year and recently made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Helmut Zemo in Captain America: Civil War.
Week 5 | Friday 25th May 8.00 PM
Nigel Owens Refereed Most Rugby Union Test Matches Ever By far the best known rugby referee in the world, Owens has become an icon of the sport on and off the pitch. After coming out in 2007, he was named Gay Sports Personality of the Decade by Stonewall and is a patron of the Welsh charity Bullies Out, speaking openly about his own experiences with bulimia and depression.
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Week 5 | TBC TBC
Trinity Term 2018
Taron Egerton Welsh Actor & Kingsman Star
A Welsh actor and singer, Taron broke onto our screens as the lead role in Kingsman: The Secret Service. The film was greeted with both critical and commercial acclaim, and he has reprised the role in the franchise in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. He will also feature in the biographical film Billionaire Boys Club and take the lead role in the forthcoming Robin Hood film.
Week 5 | TBC TBC
Reverend Al Sharpton Prominent Civil Rights Activist A legendary American civil rights activist, Sharpton was a formative figure in the late Nineties, and protested with figures such as Jesse Jackson. His work acted as a precursor to much of the Black Lives Matter movement, with President Obama describing Sharpton as “the voice of the voiceless and a champion for the downtrodden."
Week 6 | Monday 28th May 8.00 PM 43
Oxford Union Society
Lord David Neuberger Former President of the Supreme Court
With a legal career spanning over four decades, Lord Neuberger is the outgoing President of the UK Supreme Court. Having held the positions of High Court Judge, Supervisory Chancery Judge for Midland, Wales and Chester and a Lord Justice of Appeal, he is one of the most accomplished lawyers in the country.
eek 6 | Wednesday 30th May W 5.00 PM
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President Viktor Yushchenko Former President of Ukraine
The President of Ukraine from 2005 to 2010 and hero of the nation’s 2004 Orange Revolution, Yushchenko presided over a proWestern government aimed at NATO and EU integration. He was formerly Prime Minister and Governor of Ukraine’s National Bank, overseeing the 1996 introduction of the national currency, the hryvnia.
Week 6 | Friday 1st June 8.00 PM
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Oxford Union Society
Senator Dick Durbin Senate Minority Whip
As Assistant Democratic Leader and Senate Minority Whip, Durbin represents an unabashedly progressive voice at the heart of the Democratic party. He has recently cemented himself as a leading voice for data privacy in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. A vocal critic of President Trump, Durbin is also one of the most prominent advocates for gun control reform.
Week 7 | Monday 4th June TBC
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Trinity Term 2018
John Ridding CEO of the Financial Times Group
Under John Ridding, the FT has continued to thrive as one of most well-respected media outlets worldwide. He joined the paper almost immediately after graduating from Oxford and served as a correspondent in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Paris. Ridding remains a firm believer in print news and has coordinated some of the paper’s biggest scoops, including recently breaking The Presidents Club scandal.
Week 7 | Monday 4th June 5.00 PM
The Wombats Award-Winning Indie Band
A leading force in the British indie music scene, the Wombats have dominated the charts for more than a decade. With three consecutive Top 5 albums, their work has been certified Platinum and Gold, and sold over 1 million units. The group is well known for their sense of humour on and off stage and are set to play at Reading & Leeds Festival and Lollapalooza this summer.
Week 7 | Tuesday 5th June 5.00 PM 47
Oxford Union Society
Manasi Pradhan “Ending Sexual Violance in India: Perspectives from an Activist” The first girl to graduate from her local school in rural India, Manasi Pradhan has been working to defy misogynistic social taboos for much of her life. Today, she is globally recognized as one of the most prominent activists for women's rights and has founded four organisations in India which have helped bring feminism into the homes of women across the country.
Week 7 | Wednesday 6th June 5.00 PM
Vince Staples West Coast Rapper Featured as a part of XXL’s 2015 Freshman Class, both Vince Staples’ debut album Summertime ‘06’ and his sophomore album Big Fish Theory were released to wide critical acclaim and he has become one of the most prominent rappers today. As a member of hip-hop trio Cutthroat Boy, he has previously been closely associated with Tyler, the Creator.
Week 7 | Wednesday 6th June 8.00 PM
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Is the West Losing in the Struggle With Russia? Head to Head Debate
At the start of Vladimir Putin’s presidency in 2000, Russia seemed to be taking a path out of the Cold War and towards a harmonious coexistence with the West. But from Ukraine to the UK, a newly confident Russia tests its strength and that of the existing international order. Are these the manoeuvres of a resurgent superpower, or the desperate moves of a vulnerable regime? Can the West respond with sanctions and diplomacy, or is a new strategy needed to face a new Russian threat? Bill Browder, Proposition An Anglo-American multi-billionaire who made his fortune having founded Hermitage Capital Management. He successfully lobbied for the US to pass the Magnitsky Act, a law to punish Russian human rights violators. He also testified to the US Senate on Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 American presidential election. Robert Guest, Opposition Foreign Editor of The Economist, who was based in Johannesburg and wrote on Africa for seven years. Before joining The Economist Guest was the Tokyo correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, and before that he was a freelance writer based in South Korea.
Week 7 | Thursday 7th June 3.00 PM
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Oxford Union Society
Dr Sebastian Gorka Former Trump Adviser
A Hungarian-American intelligence analyst and former editor at Breitbart News, Dr Gorka rose to prominence as Deputy Assistant to President Trump and a committed defender of the President’s foreign policy initiatives. Dr Gorka resigned in August 2017 as he believed that White House officials had begun to undermine the ‘Make America Great Again’ platform.
Week 7 | Thursday 7th June 5.00 PM
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Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
First Female Finance Minister of Nigeria
A distinguished economist and the first female Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Okonjo-Iweala previously served as Managing Director of the World Bank. Dr Okonjo-Iweala offers a unique insight into the practical realities of development economics in a globalised world. She will be talking about her new book, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines.
Week 7 | Friday 8th June 5.00 PM
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Oxford Union Society
Antonio Ledezma Exiled Venezuelan Opposition Leader
Having been confined since early 2015 on charges of supporting an attempted coup, Ledezma fled to Spain in 2017. As a vocal opponent of President Nicolรกs Maduro, he has said he would work from exile to secure the release of political prisoners.
Week 7 | Friday 8th June 8.00 PM
Jeezy Rapper & Trap Pioneer After launching the hip hop label CTE World, Jeezy went on to become a member of Boyz n da Hood and was a notable influencer in the early noughties hip hop scene. He went on to release acclaimed solo albums, including nine consecutive US Top Tens.
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Week 7 | Saturday 9th June Time TBC
Trinity Term 2018
Margarita Simonyan
Editor-In-Chief of RT
As one of the youngest executive journalists, having taken the reigns of RT aged 25, Simonyan runs a news network described by US intelligence as "the Kremlin's principal international propaganda outlet". Formerly known as Russia Today, RT risks being stripped of its UK broadcast licence in the wake of the Salisbury spy poisoning.
TBC
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Oxford Union Society
Joseph Nye “Will the Liberal International Order Survive?”
As the co-founder of the neoliberal theory of international relations and a pioneer of the concept of soft power, Dr Nye is a world renowned academic and former Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. In 2014 he was appointed to the Foreign Affairs Policy Board by then Secretary of State John Kerry and has also served under President Bill Clinton as the Chairman of the National Intelligence Council. This event will occur in partnership with Oxford International Relations Society
Week 8 | Monday 11th June 5.00 PM
Eva Schloss Holocaust Survivor & Anne Frank’s Step-Sister As a survivor of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Eva Schloss has dedicated her life to ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten. A co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust in memory of her step-sister, her experiences have inspired the play And Then They Came for Me - Remembering the World of Anne Frank. She has immortalised her life story in a virtual reality archive in an effort to preserve the memories of Holocaust survivors for future generations.
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Week 8 | Monday 11th June 8.00 PM
Trinity Term 2018
Kizza Besigye Ugandan Opposition Leader
A veteran leader of the Ugandan opposition movement, Besigye has unsuccessfully stood in several elections against his country’s President, Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986. On all these occasions Besigye and international observers have claimed widespread irregularities with the electoral process. Following the 2016 poll, Besigye rejected the official results and declared himself President. Following this announcement, he was arrested by Museveni’s security forces.
Week 8 | Tuesday 12th June 5.00 PM
Simon Stevens Chief Executive of NHS England Since taking the reins of the NHS in 2014, Stevens has been heralded by some as the man to save Britain’s health service. He has sought to implement a ‘rescue’ blueprint for the troubled organisation, and has often clashed with both the Government and the Opposition over necessary levels of funding. A former President of the Oxford Union, he previously served as a health policy advisor to Tony Blair.
Week 8 | Tuesday 12th June 8.00 PM 55
Oxford Union Society
Wang Dan “From Tiananmen Square to President Xi’s Abolition of Term Limits: the Struggle for Democracy in China” A student leader during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, Dr Wang is a veteran of the Chinese democracy movement. In the aftermath of the protests, he was immediately placed on a list of most-wanted fugitives and took up exile in the USA. An alumnus of Harvard and Oxford, Dr Wang is currently the chairman of the Chinese Constitutional Reform Association.
Week 8 | Wednesday 13th June 8.00 PM
Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi Outgoing President of the International Criminal Court A celebrated diplomat and former Director General for Human Rights in the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Fernández was elected as a judge of the ICC in 2009. She served as President of the ICC from March 2015 to March 2018, focusing her efforts on enhancing the court’s effectiveness through cooperation with the broader legal community.
Week 8 | Thursday 14th June 5.00 PM
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Trinity Term 2018
Peyton Manning
Record-breaking NFL Quarterback
One of the most successful quarterbacks of all time and Super Bowl winner with the Colts and the Broncos, Manning played 18 seasons in the NFL and held records for the most passing yards, most touchdown passes, and most MVP awards in history. Manning subsequently ventured into philanthropy, founding the Peyback Foundation, a charitable organisation designed to help disadvantaged children in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Indiana.
Week 8 | Friday 15th June TBC
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Oxford Union Society
Martin Scorsese Iconic Film Director
As one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema, Scorsese’s films have achieved unparalleled critical and commercial acclaim. As a prominent figure in the New Hollywood wave, Scorsese’s work includes Taxi Driver, The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street. Known for addressing themes such as machismo, gang conflict and redemption, he has won the Triple Crown of Directing.
Week 9 | Tuesday 19th June TBC
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General Richard Myers The Four Star General Who Planned the 2003 Invasion of Iraq A retired four-star general in the US Air Force, Myers served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to President Bush and consequently the highest ranking uniformed officer in the US military forces. As President Bush’s principal military advisor, his role included the planning and execution of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the War on Terror.
Week 9 | Wednesday 20th June TBC
Sean Combs P. Diddy: Legendary Rapper
Born and raised in Harlem and known variously as ‘Puff Daddy’, ‘P. Diddy’, and ‘Brother Love’, Sean Combs is a rap icon and three-time Grammy award winner, best known for his original Bad Boy Entertainment label and his 7-times Platinum debut album ‘No Way Out’. His collaboration with the Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur allowed him to pioneer the fusion of East and West Coast hip-hop in the late 90s.
TBC 59
Oxford Union Society
Christopher Wylie Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower The star whistleblower in a scandal that has thrown Facebook, Brexit, and the US government into turmoil, Wylie stunningly exposed how Cambridge Analytica amassed the personally identifiable information of up to 87 million Facebook users. He will speak alongside Shahmir Sanni, the whistleblower who came forward with evidence suggesting that the Vote Leave campaign substantially overspent during the referendum.
TBC
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Trinity Term 2018
Lindsay Lohan
Actress & Singer
Having achieved stratospheric levels of fame after The Parent Trap, Herbie: Fully Loaded and Freaky Friday, Lindsay became a household name before her teen years. Her role as Cady in cult classic Mean Girls garnered critical acclaim, as she has gone on to star on the West End as well as to launch her own video game.
TBC
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Oxford Union Society
Head to Head with Mehdi Hasan Al Jazeera English’s Flagship Interview and Discussion Show Hosted by the award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan, Al Jazeera English’s flagship interview show Head to Headwill return to the Oxford Union for four more television show recordings in June and July 2018. Each show features highprofile guests, expert panellists, and a Q&A with the Oxford Union audience. Tickets will be available free of charge through Eventbrite; dates TBC. Follow @AJHeadtoHead on Twitter and Facebook to be the first to hear about guests and recording dates.
Provisionally Scheduled for 3rd June and 12th June
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SOCIALS As well as discussing the big issues of the day, the Union is a great venue for our members and their guests to enjoy fantastic social events. Each term we put on a range of inexpensive and entertaining socials, including an extravagant garden party, refined cocktail evenings, and perennially popular pub quizzes. Over the next few pages, you will see what this term has to offer, to you, the members. Tickets for all socials can be purchased through the FIXR app. For any queries, please feel free to email us at secretary@oxford-union.org
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Oxford Union Society
18th May 2018 (Friday of 4th Week) 4.00pm–8.00pm | Blazers & Dresses Members: £25 Guests: £30 64
Trinity Term 2018
Contact Shanuk Mediwaka: secretary@oxford-union.org Tickets available through the FIXR app from Thursday of 2nd Week 65
Oxford Union Society
2nd May 2018 (Wednesday of 2nd Week) 8.00pm–10.00pm | Black Tie Contact Cecilia Zhao: cecilia.zhao@oxford-union.org 66
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INFO
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Trinity Term 2018
TREASURER'S TREATS Make the most of your membership: enjoy these exclusive offers by presenting your membership card. If you experience any issues in using the discounts, please contact Daniel Wilkinson by sending an e-mail to treasurer@oxford-union.org. Bars Angels Be At One Roul’s Sandy’s Piano Bar NEW! Duke of Cambridge NEW! Hanks Bar NEW! The House Bar
Happy Hour Prices (Sun-Fri) 2 cocktails for £10 (Sun-Thu) 30% discount (1600-2000) 25% discount on selected drinks (Sun-Thu) Oxford Union Cocktail Menu, Happy Hour Prices (Sun-Thu) 20% discount Oxford Union Cocktail Menu, Happy Hour Prices (Sun-Thu)
Cafés & Delicatessens Art Café Artisan Café Demijohns Formosan Tea Bar iScream Gelateria Jimbob’s Modern Art Oxford Moo-Moo’s Natural Buzz Nectar Oxford Sandwich Company Paul Queen’s Lane Coffee House Smööy Frozen Yogurt Sofi de France The Handlebar Tick Tock Café Vaults & Gardens Café NEW! Barefoot NEW! West Cornwall Pasty
10% discount Spend £5 and get a free cake 10% discount and free gift wrapping 10% discount 10% discount 15% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 5% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 15% discount, 20% if over £20 30% off coffee (Mon-Sat, after 1800) 10% discount 10% discount (exc.1200-1400), 20% food discount (Mon-Fri, after 1400) 15% off cakes and hot drinks exc. (Mon-Fri, 1400-1800) 20% discount
Restaurants Café Rouge Cinnamon Kitchen Côte Brasserie Mamma Mia Pizzeria Moshi Pieminister Pizza Pilgrims NEW! The Alchemist NEW! Benito’s Hat NEW! Branca NEW! Brasserie Blanc NEW! Neds Noodle Box NEW! No. 1 Ship Street NEW! Salt ‘n’ Sauce NEW! Tommi’s Burger Joint NEW! Turl Street Kitchen NEW! Victors
25% discount 30% discount (Sun-Thu), 2 classic cocktails for £10 Complimentary Kir Royale when dining 20% discount (Tue-Fri, 1700-1930) 15% discount (after 1500) 10% discount 25% discount 10% discount on food 20% discount (Sun-Fri) 20% discount (Sun-Thu) Three courses for the price of two 15% discount 15% discount (Mon-Thu) 20% discount 15% discount 15% discount (after 1200) 20% discount (Sun-Fri)
Shops & Others Burrows & Hare Fudge Kitchen Happy Cakes OxBicycles T. M. Lewin The Oxford Wine Company Ultimate Picture Palace Zipcar NEW! The Body Shop NEW! The Fragrance Shop NEW! U Drive Cars NEW! WHSmith
10% discount 5 slices for £16 (or 7 for £22) 15% discount Complimentary bike lock upon bike purchase 15% discount 10% discount 2 for 1 on Tuesday Half price membership and £30 driving credit 25% discount 10% discount 20% discount supercar driving experience 20% discount on books, stationery, cards
69
Oxford Union Society The Union’s competitive debating squad has a well-established reputation as one of the most successful in the world, having won the World and European University Championships on multiple occasions. Over this past vacation, our team of Lee Chin Wee and Jason Xiao were the Runners-Up in the highly prestigious Hobart and William Smith Round Robin competition held in New York - congratulations to them! We offer workshops and coaching squads for all ability levels, whether you are a complete novice or an experienced competitor. Our beginners’ workshops run on Sunday evenings from 19:30. Open for all, they consist of a 15 minute workshop followed by a practice debate. Feel free to dip in and out, and we encourage you to get involved with these even if you have not debated so far. We send teams to a number of competitions each term and information on how to apply will be included in the mailing list. Travel ex-
penses are paid, and we have sent teams to places ranging from Texas to Copenhagen. This term, Oxford will be hosting the International Competition for Young Debaters on the 28th of April, and the Oxford Women’s Open will be held on the 4th and 5th of May. Please do sign-up to judge or help out with these two exciting competitions. To sign up to the mailing list for regular updates and information, send a blank email to debate-announce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. You are also very welcome to join the Oxford Debaters group on Facebook. If you have any further questions, please contact the Chair of the Debate Selection Committee, Andrew Seow: cdsc@ oxford-union.org.
Competitive Debating
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How it Works Standing Committee Chair – Gui Cavalcanti, President The Union's governing body, which makes all major decisions concerning the running of the Society, and oversees the work of all committees. Mondays, 16:00, President's Office
Access Committee Chairs – Chris Garner and Kirsten Stewart, Access Officers Responsible for the promotion of wider participation in, and engagement with, the Society. Fridays, 13:00, Goodman Library
Finance Committee Chair – Gui Cavalcanti, President The committee scrutinises all areas of the Union's finances, reporting its findings to the Standing Committee. Mondays, 15:00, President's Office
Debate Selection Committee Chair – Andrew Seow, CDSC Responsible for organising internal competitions and training, and for selecting members to represent the Union at external debating competitions. Sundays, 17:00, Gladstone Room
Consultative Committee Chair – Matthew Vautrey, CCC A chance for members to question the elected Committee, suggest emergency debate motions, and hear updates on upcoming events. Mondays, 13:15, Gladstone Room
Wines and Spirits Committee Chair – Shanuk Mediwaka, Secretary Responsible for choosing and managing the Bar's stocks, setting its prices, and composing the budget. Ad hoc (twice termly)
Library Committee Chair – Shivani Ananth, Librarian Responsible for choosing new library books and DVDs, and for all other aspects of the Library's management. Mondays, 14:15, Morris Room
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Oxford Union Society Participate in Debates Debates usually take place on Thursday evenings, and are held in the Chamber. They cover a range of subjects and are a great opportunity to challenge speakers as well as to voice your opinions on topical issues. You can participate by giving a speech in the Emergency Debate (starting at 19:45) or a floor speech during the Main Debate (starting at 20:30). For those interested in honing their debating skills, debating workshops are held in the Union every Sunday at 19:30. Run for Election Elections for Officership and other positions are held on the Friday of 7th Week each term. Being on committee gives members the opportunity to invite speakers, organise debates, and take responsibility for the overall functioning of the Society. Candidates are required to make a number of speeches, depending on the position for which they are running, and nomination packs can be picked up in the General Office from Wednesday,
5th Week. The deadline for nominations is Friday of 6th Week. For more information, contact the Returning Officer at ro@oxford-union.org. Apply for an Appointed Position Applications for Michaelmas Term's appointed positions open towards the end of this term. Positions allow you to invite speakers and arrange debates, improve access and representation, manage press relations, and fundraise for the Society. For more information, contact Stephen Horvath, the President-Elect, at president-elect@ oxford-union.org. Attend Committees All Union committees are open for members to attend and observe. If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please email the relevant committee Chair.
How to Get Involved
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Library The Old Library is a well-stocked and spacious library open to all members. It is adorned with some of the world's most famous Pre-Raphaelite murals, painted by artists including William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The adjoining Poetry Room is a true hidden gem, tucked away and perfectly quiet for independent study. There are a number of other study spaces in the Union, from the Goodman Library to the Gladstone, Morris, and TV Rooms, and if you have any comments about them or the libraries, a suggestions book can be found in the Old Library. Old Library term-time opening hours: Mon–Fri: Sat:
09:30–19:00 12:00–16:30
Old Library vacation opening hours: Mon–Fri:
09:30–17:00
Closed during bank holidays and 24 August - 11 September If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the Librarian-in-Charge, Thomas Corrick: librarian-in-change@oxford-union.org.
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Oxford Union Society Few places in Oxford boast the comfort and affordability of our Members' Bar. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch or an evening drink, it is a place where members and their guests can enjoy high quality food and beverages at student prices, with a 25% members' only discount. Our lunchtime menu boasts a delicious selection of homemade options. The Members’ Bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests, and you never know which of our speakers might choose to drop by while visiting the Union. Following our debates, meanwhile, the Bar is where the President will read out the result of the vote after everyone has left the Chamber. This term we will also be hosting at least two pub quizzes; with a number of exciting prizes for the winners and runners up, these are always a highlight of the term. Our House Manager, Bridget Gaughan, would be happy to hear from Members with questions and suggestions, and can be reached at housemanager@oxford-union.org.
Bar
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Term-time opening hours (subject to demand): Mon–Wed:
10:00 - 00:00
Thurs–Sat:
10:00 - 02:00
Sun:
12:00 - 22:30
Our lunch menu is served: Mon–Fri:
11:30–14:30
Trinity Term 2018
FAQ Guest Policy Members are allowed to bring up to three guests to an event, as long as: 1. The guest is not themselves eligible for membership of the Oxford Union. 2. The guest pays a £10 fee on the door. 3. All members who wish to attend the event have already taken their seats. Events will be made exclusive to members when there is a security risk. Given (3) above, it is unlikely that there will be space for guests at an extremely popular event. It is also a guest policy that the same guest must not attend more than 3 times in one term. Queues at the Union Members can get into the vast majority of events without queuing for more than 30 minutes, but this has not been true of some of our highest-profile visits. Although we have tried ballots, queueing is the only way to ensure that those most passionate about hearing a certain speaker can guarantee their space. Following feedback, we recognise that this has access implications and presents difficulties for those with commitments leading up to the event, so we will continue to offer an advance ticket release for events which we anticipate to be over-subscribed; those with access concerns are welcome to contact the Office to make prior arrangements.
f T Y theoxfordunion
@oxfordunion
oxfordunion
@theoxfordunion oxford-union.org
Receive Notifications About Our Events Sign up to our mailing list by entering your email address on our website homepage: www.oxford-union.org. On our Facebook page, click ‘Like’ and then turn notifications on from the dropdown menu which appears. All of our events will be advertised on Facebook. 75
Oxford Union Society
THE COMMITTEE
President
Librarian
Gui Cavalcanti Pembroke
Treasurer
Shivani Ananth St Anne’s
Secretary
Daniel Wilkinson Oriel
Shanuk Mediwaka Lincoln
President-Elect
Librarian-Elect
Treasurer-Elect
Stephen Horvath New College
Genevieve Athis Christ Church
James Lamming Exeter
Standing Committee
Cecilia Zhao Brendan McGrath Eric Sukumaran Oriel St. Catherine’s Pembroke
Nick Brown Magdalen
Musty Kamal Ray Williams Harris Manchester Wadham
Rob Sutton Magdalen
Secretary’s Committee
Hadi El-Hibri Kellogg
Sara Dube St. Hugh’s 76
Gemma Timmons Magdalen
Emily Charley Wadham
Claudia French St. Peter’s
Ludo Fraser-Taliente New College
Charlie Coverman Brasenose
Mahi Joshi Trinity
Rabii Malik St. Anne’s
Samuel Burns St. John’s
Rai Saad Khan Christ Church
Trinity Term 2018
APPOINTED OFFICIALS & STAFF
Chief of Staff Nishad Sanzagiri St. Antony’s
CCC
Matthew Vautrey Magdalen
Director of Press Megan Bennett Regent’s Park
Returning Officer CDSC CCS & Director of Research Access Officer Access Officer Women’s Officer Ethnic Minorities Officer Disabilities Officer International Officer Graduate Officer Brookes Officer
Harry Samuels Andrew Seow Patrick Cole Chris Garner Kirsten Stewart Maryam Shah, Amber Seaward Angela Yu, Hira Khan Matt Pierri Azul Cimerman Sariego, Toyin Ihinmikalu Nicholas Leah Olly Woodhouse
Senior Press Officer Press Officers
Charlotte Kirby Thomson Lucy Staves, Lucy Enderby, Isaac Pockney, Hamish Venters, Rachel Tudor
Senior Logistics Officers Logistics Officers Partnership Officers Guest Liaison Officers
Research Officers
Amy Gregg, Nick Leah, Becky Collins, Abjijeet Oswal Hugh Bellamy, Toby Sanderson, Varun Doshi Abhishek Adavikolanu, Anan Hawkes, Fraser Casbolt, Antonia Ruddle, Ben Harri Charlie Cheesman, Emma Brown, Chessa Odgers, Isabel Woodford, Rachel Dauncey, Lucy Evans, Hugh Nicholl, Elena Casale, Morgan Mohr, Katie Miles, Marcus Walford, Samir Chitnavis, Freya Dixon-Van Dijk Alice Winham, Benjamin Hewitt, Abdikaliq Ige, Maurits Bredius, Vin Don, Alyssa Nathanson-Tanner
Photography
Love Hedman, Romain Reglade, Barker Evans
Graphic Design
www.cruciblecreative.co.uk Trustees
Staff Senior Librarian Senior Treasurer Bursar House Manager Librarian-In-Charge Events Manager Accounts Manager
Sean Power Stephen Dixon Lindsey Warne Bridget Gaughan Thomas Corrick Joanne Billingham Rob Phillips
Dr Jeremy Catto Hon. Peter Jay Sean Power, Senior Librarian Stephen Dixon, Senior Treasurer
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Oxford Union Society
I am eternally grateful for the dedication and hard work of committee - the creation of this termcard would not have been possible without you. In particular, a massive thank you to Dan and Shiv who spent their Easter and many sleepless nights in the office making this Trinity an exceptional and unique one - and who made the job vastly more enjoyable. To the staff: it has been an immense delight getting to know you. Working alongside each one of you over the past two years has taught me invaluable lessons about life. Our Society would not function without your enthusiasm, commitment, and guidance. Thank you. Finally, to those who encouraged me along the way - especially JW, HR, BW, VS, GAB, MM&YB, NK, LV, EE, SH and IC - your support made everything possible and worth it. Muito obrigado. Abraรงos,
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Events Subject to Change Without Notice
SPEAKER
2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
TERM PLANNER
DEBATE/PANEL SUNDAY
1st
£5 £5
MONDAY
22
TUESDAY
23 David D. Friedman 5.00 PM
30
29
6
Josh Gad 5.00 PM Nelson Chamisa 8.00 PM
WEDNESDAY
Dame Inga Beale 5.00 PM Lord Norman Fowler 8.00 PM
Thomas Piketty 1.15 PM Ben Miller 8.00 PM
Filippo Grandi 5.00 PM Devin Wenig 8.00 PM
Diplo 3.00 PM Kim Clijsters 5.00 PM
24
1
7 Identity Politics Panel 5.00 PM
Katie Walsh 5.00 PM Tim Farron MP 8.00 PM
20
3
10
17
Dates to be confirmed
John Ridding 5.00 PM Senator Dick Durbin TBC
4
Joseph Nye 5.00 PM Eva Schloss 8.00 PM
5 Kizza Besigye 5.00 PM Simon Stevens 8.00 PM
6
Wang Dan 8.00 PM
28
Oxford Women’s Open
Oxford Women’s Open
4
5
11
12
18
19
25
26
1
2
President Nana Akufo-Addo TBC
17
Raila Odinga TBC Mad Hatter Garden Party 4.00 PM Homelessness Panel 5.00 PM Daniel Brühl 8.00 PM
24 President Viktor Yushchenko 8.00 PM
Austerity Debate 8.30 PM
30 Manasi Pradhan 5.00 PM Vince Staples 8.00 PM
27
10
23
29
SATURDAY
3
Churchill Debate 8.30 PM
Lord David Neuberger 5.00 PM
The Wombats 5.00 PM
Paul Giamatti 5.00 PM Genetics Debate 8.30 PM
U.S. Hegemony Debate 8.30 PM
22
28
26
16
OTHER
ICYD
Art Debate 8.30 PM
Vera Wang 8.00 PM
Reverend Al Sharpton 8.00 PM
27
2
Jordan Peterson 8.00 PM
David Gandy 5.00 PM
21
25
9
15
FRIDAY
Oxbridge Debate 8.30 PM
Jazz & Chocolates Social 8.00 PM
8
14
13
THURSDAY
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah TBC
Bob Ferguson 5.00 PM Bianca Jagger 8.00 PM
Dave Rubin 5.00 PM
SOCIAL EVENT
31 Russia Head-to-Head 3.00 PM Sebastian Gorka 5.00 PM Middle East Debate 8.30 PM
Union Elections
7
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 5.00 PM Antonio Ledezma 8.00 PM
Jeezy TBC
8
9
Silvia Fernández 5.00 PM
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
Sean Combs President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Taron Egerton Lindsay Lohan
Nigel Owens Margarita Simonyan
Dr Abdullah Abdullah Martin Scorsese