Michaelmas Term 2023 | The Cambridge Union

“Even against the backdrop of an ancient and respected University, the Cambridge Union stands out as a distinguished forum for the free and rigorous exchange of ideas. For over two hundred years, undergraduates have come through its doors to consider questions old and new, to test their opinions and hone their skills of debate, and to speak as equals with their opponents - be they students or statesmen. The lessons it provides - in self-confdence; in clear-thinking; in challenging others’ beliefs while always respecting them - are valuable ones indeed.

H.M. King Charles III

Welcome

The Union is a unique institution, there’s nothing quite like it. When I frst arrived in Cambridge I didn’t quite understand what about a university society could inspire so much discussion, interest, and sometimes anger from across the student population. It’s not until I attended my frst debate and witnessed a random second year student completely dismantle a Member of Parliament that I understood - having the ability to listen, challenge and speak as equals with our idols and enemies alike is something quite extraordinary.

From our origins as a union of several college debating societies meeting in the back room of a pub in 1815, to now being one of the oldest and largest student led organisation in the world 208 years later, our Society has played host to some extraordinary speakers and events across the years, including several US Presidents and every British PM of the 20th Century.

Of particular importance this term though was the 1965 Baldwin/Buckley debate, which has come to be seen as one of the most infuential debates on race relations in America. As part of our celebrations of Black History Month here in the UK we are excited to be hosting a restaging of this historic debate, followed by a discussion on if/how the themes it brought up continue to be relevant - do read on for more information.

Also look out for the announcement of this year’s Hawking Fellowship - the Union hosts the only student-awarded fellowship in the world, established in conjunction with Professor Stephen Hawking back in 2017. Past fellows include Bill Gates and Professor Jane Goodall and the fellowship ceremony and Hawking lecture this November promises to be a particularly noteworthy event.

It is our members that make us what we are though, and this term we are delighted to be celebrating 60 years of women at the Union - if you take a look at

the picture on the staircase you’ll see the frst woman to speak in a Union debate - Lady Violet Bonham Carter, Baroness Asquith (yes, Bellatrix Lestrange’s grandmother). We’re immensely proud of all our members past and present, some of whom have gone on to achieve extraordinary things - Cabinet Ministers, Nobel Prize Winners, Olympic Medalists, Royalty (HM The King) - the other day we even found the membership record of a one J. Robert Oppenheimer…

Why do I say this? Because there’s no one way to be a Union member, and even if you despise the politics (like me…) and just join for the beautiful library and the discount at the bar, you’ll soon fnd yourself involved in something much bigger.

Between Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 12th any student can attend our events, so if you are not yet a member make sure to pop in to the No Confdence debate on the 5th, the AI debate on the 12th or even hear from Millie B on the 8th! Finally, remember Life Membership of the Union is for Life - you will always be welcome back at the Union, and I look forward to seeing many alumni back this term.

Whether it is for our debates, speakers, socials, or even just networking that you join, I look forward to meeting all of you over the coming months.

Charles Palmer | Homerton President, Michaelmas 2023

CAMBRIDGE’S LEADING LUXURY HOTEL

PROUD PARTNER OF THE CAMBRIDGE UNION SOCIETY

Treasurer’s Treats

After a long pause following the pandemic, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our Treasurer’s Treats! These exclusive deals with local businessess across Cambridge are a key part of our drive to make sure you get the most out of your membership. We hope to continually grow this list, so keep your eyes out for more exciting announcements over the course of the term. If you have any queries do reach out to treasurer@cus.org.

Fitzbillies

10% of all online purchases

A discount coupon will be available through the weekly members' email. Only valid for Michaelmas Term.

www.ftzbillies.com

The Lab

25% of all purchases

Simply present your membership card. Discount excludes the student menu.

www.thelabcambridge.com

Woo Wednesday

50% of door tickets

Tickets are now just £4 and include a free shot! Simply present your membership card.

www.woocambridge.co.uk

The Pint Shop

20% of all purchases

Simply present your membership card. Monday - Thursday throughout Michaelmas Term.

www.pintshop.co.uk

Jack's Gelato

20% of all purchases

Simply present your membership card. Only applies to Jack's on All Saints Passage, a stone's throw from the Union.

www.jacksgelato.com

Rutherford's Punting

20% of any punt tour of the city

Simply book online using the promotional code Orator20.

www.rutherfordspunting.com

Cambridge Rowing Experience

20% of any individual outing

Simply present your membership card.

www.cambridgerowing.com

University Arms Hotel

20% of bookings

Follow instructions in the Members' Area of the Union's website.

www.universityarms.com

Competitive Debating

What is Competitive Debating?

Most university-level competitive debating is done in the British Parliamentary (“BP”) format:

- ere are 4 teams, each with 2 speakers, with 2 teams proposing the motion (the “Government” teams) and 2 teams opposing the motion (the “Opposition”)

- Each side has an opening and a closing team (e.g. Opening Government (“OG”) and Closing Government (“CG”))

- Teams are given 15 minutes to prepare once the motion is released, and each speaker will be given 7 minutes to present the most compelling, impactful, and substantiated argument for their side

How to Get Involved with Competitive Debating?

Training Streams

The most direct way to get involved is to join one of our training streams. We have two training streams Novice and Advanced. For each stream, we have dedicated trainers who will run weekly workshops and debates to help you improve your public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Novice | Tuesdays, 6pm to 8pm

Advanced | Wednesdays, 6pm to 8pm and Thursdays 6pm - 10pm

External Competitions

You can also sign up to represent Cambridge at external competitions, which includes the opportunity for subsidised travel abroad! These tentatively include the LSE IV, Oxford IV, and the Vietnam World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC).

Internal Competitions

You can also get involved by volunteering at competitions organised by Cambridge. In Michaelmas, we will be hosting the Cambridge Intervarsity, one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious BP debating competitions, and the Cambridge Wom*n’s and Gender Minorities. You can help by judging debates, volunteering to help with logistics, and hosting international debaters from around the world who will be competing.

Keeping in touch

To stay up to date with all our latest activities, opportunities, and achievements, you can join the Cambridge Debating Facebook group and follow us on Instagram (@cambridgedebating).

Contact information

Marcus Choy marcus.choy@cus.org

Wei Kang Lee weikang.lee@cus.org

Marcus and Wei Kang debating@cus.org

Getting Involved

Our debates aren’t just for show - members can participate in them too! Applications to speak as one of a debate's six main speakers open every Sunday and are posted on our Facebook group, Instagram story and weekly newsletter. All members are welcome to apply - we encourage it!

The participation of members is integral to our debates; there are multiple ways you can get involved on the night. During the debate, audience members can engage in real-time through Points of Information (POI). This is where you can make a correction, ask for clarity, or just propose a question. You can stand and say 'point of information' at any point after the frst and before the last minute of a speaker's speech. If the speaker accepts your intervention, make your point briefy!

If you'd like more time to suggest an argument, put your hand up when it's time for the two rounds of foor speeches during the debate. You'll be able to speak in proposition, opposition, or abstention, to respond to the debate as it unfolds.

The raison d’être of the Union - debate. To scrutinise ideas, to inform national conversation and to argue for causes both old and new; that’s what the Union is about. Thoughtful discussion emboldened by passionate argument is what you can expect to fnd here on a Thursday night, and I’m delighted to be providing an eclectic and intellectually stimulating set of debates for members to immerse themselves in.

This Michaelmas, the debates line-up has something for everyone. Artifcial intelligence, philosophy, the intergenerational social contract, the range of discussion occurring at the Union this term is extraordinary! We have subject areas spanning three continents and questions at hand ranging from the limits between civil liberties to if we need a radical return to Thatcherite policy. Whether you’re an ardent campaigner, a humble policy wonk or an idle observer keenly watching it all unfold, debates at the Union will provide ample opportunity to challenge and be challenged.

So come and listen to icons like Emily Thornberry, Brenda Feigen and Michael Howard go head-to-head in the arena of discussion, arguing some of the most pressing, important and interesting issues facing us today. Come and say your piece, learn something new, see something from a diferent perspective and maybe - just maybe - change your mind. Come and walk in the footsteps of legends like John Stuart Mill, Ariana Hufngton, James Baldwin and more. Come and see your fellow students wrestle with giants it’s going to be electric and I can’t wait to see you all there!

All the best,

Jasper Ostle | Queens’ Debates Ofcer, Michaelmas 2023

This House Has

No Confdence In His Majesty’s Government

Our fagship debate of the year, where politicians and students debate side-by-side on whether or not to keep today’s government in power. Does Sunak’s Cabinet stand up to scrutiny?

Thursday 5th October

PROPOSITION

The Rt Hon. Emily Thornberry MP

Emily Thornberry is the Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales. A Labour Party politician, she has been the Member of Parliament for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005. She has previously held the positions of Shadow Foreign Secretary, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence and Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade.

OPPOSITION

John Stevens is Political Editor of The Mirror, leading the daily and Sunday newspapers' team at Westminster. Previously he worked at the Daily Mail. His high-profle scoops include stories on Dominic Raab, Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick.

The Rt Hon. Sir Robert Buckland MP

Sir Robert Buckland has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for South Swindon since 2010. He has previously served as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, as well as Secretary of State for Wales and Minister of State for Prisons and Probations.

Tom Hunt has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Ipswich since 2019. He is a member of the New Conservatives, a parliamentary group of Conservative MPs elected since the Brexit referendum in 2016 which aims to pressure the government to lower migration.

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John Stevens

Tom Hunt MP

Student Speaker Student Speaker

This House Believes

Artifcial Intelligence Is An Existential Threat

The rapid growth in the capabilities of AI have struck fear into the hearts of many, while others herald it as mankind’s greatest innovation. From autonomous weapons to cancer-curing algorithms to a malicious superintelligence, we aim to discover whether AI will be the end of us or the beginning of a new era.

Thursday 12th October

Prof. Joanna Bryson

Prof. Joanna Bryson is a Professor of Ethics and Technology at the Hertie School, Berlin. She has consulted The Red Cross on autonomous weapons and contributed to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Artifcial Intelligence.

Rebecca Gorman

Rebecca Gorman is the Founder and CEO of Aligned AI, an IT consulting group working to make sure AI functions in alignment with human ethics and values. She was named in REWork’s Top 100 Women Advancing AI in 2023, nominated for VentureBeat’s Women in AI Award for Responsibility and Ethics in AI, and is a member of Fortune’s Founders Forum.

OPPOSITION

Prof. Judy Wajcman

Prof. Professor Judy Wajcman is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the London School of Economics and Principal Investigator on the Women in Data Science and Artifcial Intelligence project at The Alan Turing Institute. Her books include TechnoFeminism and Pressed for Time: The Acceleration of Life in Digital Capitalism

Dr Indra Joshi is the Director of Health, Research & AI at Palantir Technologies. She was previously the Director of AI at NHSx, Digital Health and AI at NHS England and a Member of the WHO Digital Health Technical Advisory Group.

Connor Leahy is the Founder and CEO of AI Alignment research startup Conjecture. He is also the Co-founder and Co-lead of EleutherAI, a grassroots non-proft organisation focused on advancing open-source artifcial intelligence research. He reverse-engineered OpenAI’s large language model GPT-2 when he was 24 years old.

Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

Dr Indra Joshi

Connor Leahy

This House Believes

The Government Is Too Harsh On Protest

Where does the right to protest end and where does the right to freedom from disruption start? This debate aims to assess two fundamental civil liberties in British society, and whether the government’s response to disruptive protest strikes the correct balance.

Thursday 19th October

Akiko Hart

Akiko Hart is the Interim Director of Liberty and the Professor in Practice at the Institute of Medical Humanities at the University of Durham. Previous roles she has held include CEO of the National Survivor User Network and Director of Mental Health Europe.

Tim Crosland

Tim Crosland is Director of the charity Plan B.Earth. He provided legal representation to small island states at COP21 in Paris (culminating in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change), and has brought a number of legal actions against the British government for violating its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Poppy Coburn

Poppy Coburn is a Producer at GB News, She is also a freelance writer, with published works in the Telegraph, the Express, Conservative Home and Unherd. One of these articles is ‘Why I gave up on Extinction Rebellion’, detailing her opposition to performative anti-capitalism.

The Lady Borwick

The Lady Borwick was the ffth Deputy Mayor of London, serving under Boris Johnson. She has previously served as Chair of the Civil Liberties Panel of the Metropolitan Police Authority and as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Kensington.

Jolyon Maugham is the Founder and Director of the Good Law Project, a non-proft activist group which aims to achieve change through the law. A barrister, he has taken the UK government to court over Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament, the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Brexit process.

Jolyon Maugham KC Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

This House Believes

Britain Needs A New Thatcher

As the twin horrors of economic stagnation and infation are on the rise in Britain, just as they were in the 1970s, the Conservative Party is shifting further to the right as it increasingly looks to its Thatcherite heritage to tackle such problems. Are they right to do so? Or were Prime Minister Thatcher’s policies more detrimental than we remember, and we need to fnd a new path out of our current societal woes?

Thursday 26th October

Dr Eamonn Butler Dia Chakravarty

Dr Eamonn Butler is CoFounder and Director of the Adam Smith Institute. He has written extensively in support of neoliberal economic policy, having been published in The Times, The Guardian and more. He has previously worked on pensions and welfare issues for the U.S. House of Representatives.

OPPOSITION

Dia Chakravarty is the Brexit Editor of The Daily Telegraph and the former Political Director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance. A political activist, she was named in commentator Iain Dale’s ‘100 Most Infuential on the Right’.

Alys Denby is Editor of CapX, a publication of the Centre for Policy Studies. She has appeared on Politics Live, Cross Question, Talk TV and GBNews and written for the Telegraph, the I, The New Statesman and The Critic.

The Rt Hon. The Lord Howard of Lympne

Lord Howard served as Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2003 to 2005. He previously held cabinet positions in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, including Home Secretary and Secretary of State for the Environment. He was President of The Cambridge Union in Easter 1962.

Laura Pidcock is the National Secretary of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity. A former Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament for North West Durham, she served as Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet.

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

Laura Pidcock

Alys Denby

Student Speaker

This House Believes

We Are Wrong To Fear The Rise Of China

China’s ascension in the global balance of power has inspired fear, but is that fear illfounded? Can China integrate into the international community, or does its growth pose a fundamental threat to human rights and global stability?

Thursday 2nd November

The Rt Hon. The Lord McDonald of Salford

Lord McDonald is a former diplomat who was the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Ofce and Head of the Diplomatic Service until late 2020. He has served as the British Ambassador to both Germany and Israel. He is also the Master of Christ’s College, Cambridge.

Prof. Zinghan Zeng

Professor Zinghan Zeng is Professor of China and International Studies and Director of the Confucius Institute at Lancaster University. He has published over twenty refereed articles on Chinese politics, and is author of books such as Slogan Politics: Understanding Chinese Foreign Policy Concepts (2020) and The Chinese Communist Party’s Capacity to Rule: Ideology, Legitimacy and Party Cohesion (2015).

OPPOSITION

Rahima Mahmut

Rahima Mahmut is the Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, the UK Director of the World Uyghur Congress and an Advisor to the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. She is a Uyghur singer, human rights activist, and awardwinning translator of the prison memoir The Land Drenched in Tears

Nathan Law

Nathan Law is a democracy activist from Hong Kong, now based in London as a refugee. He was the 58th Secretary General of Hong Kong Federation of Students, former Chairman of Demosistō and was the youngest elected legislator in Hong Kong. He was named one of the 100 most infuential people in the world by TIME in 2020.

Student Speaker Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14. is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

This House Believes

In A Universal Morality

One of humanity’s oldest questions are there any fundamental rights or wrongs? Is morality, or what we measure it by, a socially constructed process? Do we have the right to criticise those who hold morals irreconcilable to our own? This debate aims to test the link between reality and morality.

Thursday 9th November

Kate Gilmore

Kate Gilmore is the former United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and has previously held leading roles in the United Nations Population Fund and Amnesty International.

Dr Oliver Scott Curry

Dr Oliver Scott Curry is Chief Science Ofcer for Kindlab, at kindness.org. He is also a Research Afliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, and a Research Associate at the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, at the London School of Economics.

OPPOSITION

Prof. Simon Blackburn

Professor Simon Blackburn is a former professor of philosophy specialising in meta-ethics and the philosophy of language. In 2008, he authored the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. Having taught philosophy at the Universities of both Oxford and Cambridge, he subscribes to a view of quasirealism.

Prof. Mark Goodale

Professor Mark Goodale is a Chair at the University of Lausanne, where he is Professor of Cultural and Social Anthropology and the former Director of the Laboratory of Cultural and Social Anthropology. He is the founding Series Editor of Stanford Studies in Human Rights and the recipient of the 2017 International Geneva Award.

Student Speaker Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14. is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

This House Believes

The American Constitution Is Not Fit For Purpose

Barack Obama once wrote that ‘conservative or liberal, we are all constitutionalists’, but should that be the case? In light of American society grappling with issues surrounding bodily autonomy, gun violence and civil rights, we aim to assess the very foundations of the U.S.A.

Thursday 16th November

The Rt Hon. Lord Sumption

Lord Sumption is a former Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Alongside being an author and mediaeval historian, he is a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong.

Rhiannon Hamam

Rhiannon Hamam worked for seven years as a public defender, representing indigent people charged with crimes. She now supervises law students in an experiential learning setting at the University of Texas School of Law, and is a co-host of the podcast ‘5-4’, a podcast about (in their own words) ‘how much the Supreme Court sucks’.

OPPOSITION

Brenda Feigen

Brenda Feigen has been an American feminist leader since the 1970s. She was Vice-President of the National Organisation for Women, a founder of Ms. Magazine and a founder of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project alongside Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A practising lawyer, she has appeared in the Emmy-winning, Oscarnominated documentary ‘RBG’ and is depicted in Hulu’s Emmynominated ‘Mrs. America’ as one of fve famous feminists.

Dr Julie Norman

Dr Julie Norman is an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at University College London (UCL) and Co-Director of the UCL Centre on US Politics (CUSP). She has published widely on US politics and foreign policy, and she is a frequent commentator on the BBC, CNN, Bloomberg, and other media outlets.

Student Speaker Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14. is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

This House Would

Respect Our Elders

Between climate change, Covid restrictions, the housing crisis and more, it has been suggested that today’s youth have sacrifced more than they have gained from the intergenerational social contract are the younger generations justifed in putting blame for today’s woes on generations past? Or have our elders dealt with the issues of their time and built our society in a manner worthy of accolade?

Thursday 23rd November

Dr Jennie Bristow

Dr Jennie Bristow is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Canterbury Christ Church University, Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies, and co-convenor of the Generations Network. She is the author of Stop Mugging Grandma: The ‘Generation Wars’ And Why Boomer Blaming Won’t Solve Anything (2019).

Dr Rob Henderson

Dr Rob Henderson is a founding faculty fellow at the University of Austin and author of Troubled: A Memoir Of Foster Care, Family, And Social Class. Described as ‘self-made’ by the New York Times, he grew up in foster homes in California, served in the US Air Force, and later received a BS from Yale and a PhD in psychology from St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge. His Substack newsletter has over 40,000 subscribers.

OPPOSITION

Tom Harwood

Tom Harwood is a journalist and political commentator, currently working as the Deputy Political Editor of GB News. He has written for the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and the Mail, as well as having appeared on fagship programmes from Newsnight to Question Time.

Angus Hanton

Angus Hanton admits to being a baby-boomer (d.o.b. 1959) and, along with his cohort, may have taken more than his share. As a result he co-founded the Intergenerational Foundation which researches fairness between generations and how Britain’s tax and pensions systems work to the beneft of older generations at the expense of the young.

Student Speaker Student Speaker

is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14. is could be you! Details for auditions can be found on page 14.

Senior Government Minister

Details will be announced in the days before the event

The Union regularly welcomes senior fgures from across the political spectrum to speak and debate with our members. On Thursday 30th November we are looking forward to receiving an address from a senior government minister.

Thursday 30th November

Debate

The motion and speakers for this debate will be announced in due course.

While energised debates might be the Union’s famous trademark, speaker events truly give our society character, charm and a sense of fascination. You will soon come to fnd that the feeling of anticipation before a speaker walks in, the element of being struck with stardom when you listen to some fascinating addresses, and the thrill in cross-questioning a speaker, is unparalleled. Nowhere else do you get the opportunity to both closely interact with and hear from some of the most eminent personalities, whose words, work and life have infuenced yours deeply.

This term, our speaker events seek to champion the essence of free speech and foster important discussions- ones that at times might be uncomfortable, but nevertheless crucial to have.

We also merge the classic interests with the contemporary marvel at cinematic brilliance, delight at culinary tales, conspire with an (in)famous alumnus, and be serenaded by a very famous musical guest from over the pond…

This termcard is the product of tireless eforts of our wonderful committee. A special thanks to Helena, Alesia, Clemmie, Henry, Louis and Ebru; now that the days of hardwork are way behind you, I hope you get to enjoy the amazing events that you have brought together.

This is, as our committee will have said already elsewhere in these pages, a term of beginnings. In that spirit, I hope that for all new and returning members alike, it is the beginning of a new tradition one of happily ignoring ‘work’ and making your way to the Chamber for our speaker events, every week of every term that you will be here, starting this Michaelmas.

I cannot wait to see you all,

My best wishes,

Shinbhangi M. Ghose | Newnham Speakers Ofcer, Michaelmas 2023

Katy Hessel

Art historian

In the ever-evolving tapestry of the art world, Katy Hessel stands as a formidable force, a tireless advocate for women artists, and a luminary in her own right. As an art historian, curator, broadcaster, and internationally bestselling author, her multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Her Guardian column, The Great Women’s Art Bulletin, challenges conventions, while her podcast, The Great Women Artists Podcast, enraptures audiences with conversations featuring luminaries like Marina Abramović, Tracey Emin and Ali Smith, lauded by British Vogue and the Evening Standard.

A Forbes 30 Under 30 laureate, Hessel’s infuence extends to cultural stewardship. In 2022, she became the Curatorial Trustee of Charleston, and in 2023, she assumed the role of Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge. But perhaps her most enduring legacy lies in the annual The Great Women Artists Residency at Palazzo Monti, where emerging artists fourish under her mentorship.

Tuesday 3rd October - 6:00pm

Jojo Mehta

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Stop Ecocide International

In collaboration with CCS

Ecocide refers to the mass damage and destruction of the natural living world, committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe damage to the environment caused by those acts. It literally means “killing one’s home”. Stop Ecocide International is driving the global conversation on recognition of ecocide as an international crime and its potential for deterring destructive practices, protecting vital ecosystems and catalysing positive systems change.

Join us for a conversation with Jojo Mehta, the Co-Founder, Executive Director and key spokesperson of Stop Ecocide International. She is Chair of the charitable Stop Ecocide Foundation and convenor of the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Defnition of Ecocide chaired by Philippe Sands QC and Dior Fall Sow.

Tuesday 17th October - 6:30pm

Ben Shapiro

American columnist, author, and political commentator

Ben Shapiro is the co-founder and Editor Emeritus of The Daily Wire and host of The Ben Shapiro Show, the largest conservative podcast and radio show in the United States. Shapiro is the author of eight nonfction books, including the #1 New York Times best-seller, The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great. Dubbed as “a foe of extraordinary polemical agility” by The Washington Post, Shapiro became a nationally syndicated columnist at age 17 and is one of the most requested speakers on college campuses across the US—despite facing violent opposition by protestors. He graduated UCLA with a bachelor in political science and then Harvard Law School in 2007, before marrying his wife in 2008. The two have been blessed with four children, including the youngest Shapiro born in 2023.

Stella Assange

Human rights advocate and lawyer

Stella has been a prominent fgure in the international community, tirelessly campaigning for the protection of whistleblowers, journalists, and truth-seekers around the world. Stella’s journey into the world of press freedom advocacy was profoundly shaped by Julian Assange, whose work at WikiLeaks in exposing government secrets and championing transparency ignited a global debate on the delicate balance between national security and public interest.

Her involvement in the global press rights movement has brought her to the forefront of discussions at the United Nations, where she has passionately argued for the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. In her role as an advocate for press rights, Stella has shed light on the plight of journalists and activists who face persecution and imprisonment for their courageous work.

Monday 6th November - 6:00pm

Alexander Nix

Former CEO of Cambridge Analytica

Alexander co-founded the SCL Group LTD., in 2003, a multidisciplinary strategic communications agency. With ofces in 16 countries, SCL serviced clients globally across the political, defense & government and commercial & brand sectors. In 2013 he established Cambridge Analytica LLC, a US-based data analytics and behavioral communications frm. Cambridge Analytica quickly grew into one of the world’s leading political data frms, using predictive analytics and addressable AdTech to build award winning behavioral microtargeting tools for political and commercial marketing campaigns across North America. In 2018, following intense (and erroneous) media reporting regarding the frm’s use of data in the campaigns of Trump and BREXIT, SCL/CA were placed into administration.

Alexander began his career as a fnancial analyst with Baring Securities in Mexico, and thereafter with Robert Fraser Corporate Finance where he worked as principal and in an advisory capacity on UK M&A and transaction work. Alexander Nix was educated at Eton College and Manchester University.

Tom Aiken

Chef

Born in 1970 in Norwich, England, Aiken’s culinary journey has been marked by creativity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to redefning the boundaries of fne dining. His journey to culinary stardom reached its pinnacle when, at the young age of 26, he became the youngest chef in the United Kingdom to earn two Michelin stars for his eponymous restaurant, “Tom Aikens.”

Aiken’s culinary style is characterized by a profound respect for ingredients and a penchant for blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. His commitment to sustainable and locally sourced produce has not only infuenced his own kitchens but has also set a broader example for the industry. Beyond his restaurants, Tom Aiken has shared his culinary expertise through television appearances, cookbooks, and as a mentor to aspiring chefs. His dedication to the craft of cooking and his pursuit of culinary excellence have earned him accolades and admiration worldwide.

Friday 24th November - 3:00pm

Olga Borisova

Pussy Riot

Olga Borisova, a founding member of the renowned Russian protest punk rock collective Pussy Riot, is a fearless activist and artistic visionary whose work has transcended boundaries, challenging societal norms and advocating for freedom of expression. Born on March 3, 1984, in Moscow, Russia, Olga’s journey as a revolutionary artist and advocate has captured the world’s attention. Her journey from Moscow’s underground punk scene to global prominence as an advocate for human rights and artistic expression is a testament to her courage and commitment.

Pussy Riot, a group known for its provocative performances and unapologetic critique of Russian politics and culture, became a global symbol of protest against oppressive regimes. Olga’s contributions to the collective, including her powerful stage presence and vocal advocacy, have been instrumental in pushing for change in Russia and beyond. Olga’s commitment to human rights and free speech has come at great personal cost. Her activism has led to multiple arrests, including the infamous trial and imprisonment following the group’s performance at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral in 2012.

Edgar Wright

Film-maker

Edgar Wright, the British flmmaker extraordinaire, is an iconic fgure in the world of cinema, known for his unique and innovative approach to storytelling. Wright’s fascination with flmmaking began at a young age, with a love for genre flms and a keen eye for visual storytelling. He frst gained recognition with his cult classic television series, “Spaced,” which showcased his knack for blending sharp wit with pop culture references.

It was his later collaboration with actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost that truly propelled him into the international spotlight. The “Cornetto Trilogy,” consisting of “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “The World’s End,” combined humor, satire, and genuine heart, earning Wright critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

H.E. Atifete Jahjaga

Former President of the Republic of Kosovo

H.E. Jahjaga’s remarkable journey from a police ofcer to the highest ofce in Kosovo speaks to her resilience and dedication to creating a better world. During her tenure as President, she played a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation and strengthening Kosovo’s position on the global stage. Her leadership in advancing gender equality, countering violent extremism, and advocating for justice has earned her international acclaim. Particularly of note, has been her work in ending sexual violence against gender minorities in war-confict zones, and integrating victims into society - highlighting important themes on feminism, and women empowerment.

In this engaging event at the Cambridge Union, H.E. Jahjaga will share her insights on the challenges of post-confict state-building, the role of women in peace processes, and the importance of upholding human rights in the pursuit of a just world. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a transformative leader whose work continues to inspire positive change worldwide.

Barbara Woodward

United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Dame Barbara Woodward, a distinguished diplomat of unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to international diplomacy, has emerged as a prominent fgure in the realm of global politics. Dame Barbara’s invaluable contributions to diplomatic negotiations have played a pivotal role in mediating international conficts and advancing policies that prioritize global peace and security.

Dame Barbara Woodward has served in key diplomatic positions across the globe, from China to Russia, and later became the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Her tenure at the UN witnessed her addressing critical global challenges, from climate change to peacekeeping.

The Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP

Speaker of the House of Commons

Sir Lindsay Harvey Hoyle is a British politician who has served as Speaker of the House of Commons since 2019 and as Member of Parliament (MP) for Chorley since 1997. Before his election as Speaker, he was a member of the Labour Party. As a Labour MP, Hoyle served as Chairman of Ways and Means and Deputy Speaker to John Bercow from 2010 to 2019, before being elected as Speaker on 4 November 2019. Hoyle was unanimously re-elected as Speaker fve days after the 2019 general election on 17 December.

E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A

L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E

N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E

Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E

V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T

S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I

T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S E Q U A L I T I E S E V E N T S

The Union would not exist without all of you, our members. My role is to ensure you are empowered to engage in the important discussions we have and to exercise your free speech within our chamber, this being through the platforming of diverse voices and hosting events that kickstart insightful conversations. With this in mind, the slate of Equalities events at the Union aims to cater for everyone, with a combination of important and heavy discussions about our world’s realities and social events celebrating your identities. I sincerely hope that through these events, you are able to experience why a Union membership is so valuable. We know that this has been successful when we see new and diverse faces contributing to discussions and joining committees.

We kick-start Open Period, where our events are free to all, with an incredible 3 events. From a panel on being Class Act in Cambridge that breaks down the experiences of current staf and students to our collaboration with the Cambridge Majlis on the state of Indian politics. These panels are followed by a speaker many of us will recognise, Millie B, for a conversation about being a young person on social media and the Blackpool Grime scene.

Many landmark collaborations, both speakers and socials, also take part this term, including with the Black Creatives Festival, Cambridge African Caribbean Society, Trinity Black History Month, Brown Girl Link Up, Black Girl’s Space, Cambridge India Society, Cambridge University Poetry & Prose Society, and Cambridge University for Reproductive Rights. We will also hold events commemorating 60 Years of Women in the Union and the International Transgender Day of Remembrance before rounding of the term with a visit from Tayce, who took the country by storm on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2, and a panel featuring Alfe Templeman, Hope Tala, ENNY, and a side of Bridgemas cheer.

Our debating workshops have also been overhauled, with our new ‘Getting Involved’ workshops running every week before our Emergency Debates and including everything from how to hack to applying to committees and constructing arguments.

My utmost gratitude goes out to Anna, Ewan, Jana, Jyothi, and Shreya, my wonderful Equalities Subcommittee, for their hard work over the summer and the upcoming term.

I cannot wait to see so many of you at our events this term, both new and returning faces! The Union this Michaelmas, I hope, will be a Union all our members can be proud of.

Yours as always,

Neha Pauly | Christ’s Equalities Ofcer, Michaelmas 2023

Being Class Act in Cambridge

The ‘Being Class Act in Cambridge’ panel is an attempt to showcase the experiences of staf and students at the University and examine whether Cambridge’s reputation as an institution for the select few rings true today. We invited our panellists to discuss their experiences being from a Class Act background, their time at Cambridge, and how they believe the ‘Cambridge experience’ can become more inclusive and equitable.

Wednesday 4th October

6:30pm

PANELISTS

Dr

Dr Sean Holden is University Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Technology, and Fellow and Director of Studies in Computer Science at Trinity College. He was the frst person in his family to attend University.

Jezz Brown is a Finalist HSPS student and Learning and Development Director at the 93% Foundation. Coming from a working-class background, Jezz is passionate about issues of class and social mobility and ensuring greater diversity and inclusion at the University of Cambridge and in broader society.

Fatima Zahra Yusuf is a Second Year student reading HSPS at Lucy Cavendish college. Passionate about feminism, climate change, and improving political literacy, she wants to ensure Cambridge is an inclusive environment for students from a Class Act background.

Jezz Brown

Fatima Zahra Yusuf

Sean Holden

Hum Honge Kamyab: India Beyond Modi

Many of Modi’s supporters argue his focus on ‘India frst’ has resulted in economic growth and prosperity since his election in 2014. Yet others accuse his government of stirring up ethnic and religious divisions, restraining press freedom, and increasing crackdowns on dissent. By bringing together the voices of activists and academics, we ask what the path forward looks like for the world’s most populous democracy.

Saturday 7th October

7:00pm

PANELISTS

Dr Aakashi Bhatt

Dr Aakashi Bhatt is the daughter of Mr Sanjiv Bhatt, a highly decorated former Indian Police Service ofcer who is the sole surviving witness to Narendra Modi’s complicity in orchestrating the 2002 Gujarat pogrom. Dr Bhatt has testifed before members of parliament in Australia, the United States and the European Parliament.

Prof. Nitasha Kaul Ashis Ray

Professor Nitasha Kaul is a multidisciplinary academic, novelist, economist, poet, and public intellectual. She holds a Chair in Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies and is the Director of Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD), University of Westminster, London.

Ashis Ray is the longest serving Indian foreign correspondent. In 46 years he has worked for the BBC, CNN, the Ananda Bazar Group and The Times of India. He recently spent a year at St. Antony’s College, Oxford as an academic visitor researching a decisive phase of the Indian freedom movement. He is the author of Laid to Rest: The Controversy over Subhas Chandra Bose’s Death.

Black Creatives Festival Debate

Experience a thought-provoking evening at the Cambridge Union Black Creatives Festival Debate with the engaging speakers, Eddie Nestor and Jessica Joseph. They’ll explore the question “Should Black artists separate from mainstream creative industries?” Join us at Cambridge Union on Friday 27th October 2023 at 6 00pm. We can’t wait to see you there! #BlackCreatives #CUBlackCreativesDebate.

Friday 27th October 6:00pm

SPEAKERS

Eddie Nestor

Jessica Joseph

DEBATE TOPICS

Identity vs. Assimilation

Impact on Artistic Freedom Economic and Social Implications

SCHEDULE

6 00pm | Doors Open

7 00pm | Debate Commences

8 00 pm | Audience Q&A

9 00pm | Closing Remarks

CONNECT AND ENGAGE

Use #CUBlackCreativesDebate to submit questions and share your insights

Follow us @cubcf for live updates and exclusive content

Celebrating60Years of Women in the Union

In 1963, the vote to admit women as members of our society passed by a vote of 449 in favour and 180 in opposition, meaning the Union welcomed women before any colleges at the University. Four years later, Ann Mallalieu of Newnham became the frst woman president and our women presidents since then have included some of Cambridge’s most respected alumni in Helene Hayman, Arianna Hufngton, and Clare Balding. This Michaelmas, we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of women being admitted as members with an exhibition of our archives and the return of our frst woman president, the Baroness Mallalieu KC, who will be interviewed by our Michaelmas 2020 President, Emaan Ullah.

The Baroness Mallalieu KC

In conversation with Emaan Ullah, President Michaelmas 2020

The Baroness Mallalieu KC

Lady Mallalieu is a current member of the House of Lords. She is a lawyer and the President of the Countryside Alliance. Having read Law at Newnham College, she served as the frst female president of the Cambridge Union in Michaelmas 1967, only 3 years after women were allowed to become members of the society. It is a great pleasure to welcome her back to celebrate the 60th anniversary of women being admitted as members of the Union.

Emaan Ullah

Emaan Ullah is a former President of the Cambridge Union, serving in Michaelmas 2020. She studied Geography at Homerton College, followed by a master’s in History and Philosophy of Science. She was also Editor-in-Chief of Varsity, and a hammer thrower and captain for CUAC.

Tuesday 7th November

6:30pm

The event will be followed by an exclusive archival exhibition

Madam President

ACS Motherland Conference

The Motherland Conference is the Cambridge ACS’ annual conference reconnecting the diaspora with the Motherland (Africa and the Caribbean). For the frst time ever the conference will take place over two days including a thrilling debate, panel talks, and workshops. This year’s conference is inspired by Afro-Futurism and will focus on the contributions of diasporans through time by looking at the past, present, and future. African and Caribbean people towards the world talks,and of business, creativity, and academia. From a special debate to panel discussions including big guests this year’s conference is bound to be one you wouldn’t want to miss.

Friday 10th November, 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Saturday 11th November, 12:00pm - 6:00pm

A message from the ACS President Michael Lawson-Falomo

The Motherland Conference is one of our most important events of the year as it highlights the deep rooted and ever present connection between the diaspora and the Motherland. This year’s conference is curated to highlight the achievements of individuals who have strived to make a positive impact on the world and embody development and progress. Inspired by Alisha Wormsley’s ‘There are Black People in the Future’ and the rise of Afro-Futurism, we will explore the world of business, creatives, and academia, by looking to the past and present to acknowledge and celebrate contributions that have laid the foundation for much of the progress we see today whilst also looking to the future to see how we can place ourselves for the emergence of Africa and the Caribbean as economic and cultural powerhouses. Across the two days we have a thought provoking debate, and all-star panels where we explore the diversity of the diaspora, highlighting its multiple identities and hope to leave you with the perspective that opportunities for impact in the 21st century are not limited by geography. We hope to see you at The Motherland Conference this year!

Messages through Music: Young Britain

Renowned author Hans Christian Anderson once wrote that ‘when words fail, music speaks.’ This could not be more true today, with music being an avenue for important social and cultural commentary. This panel brings together some of the most critically acclaimed voices of Young Britain to examine the place of music and songwriting in contemporary Britain, and what it means to be an artist. From Alfe Templeman to Hope Tala and ENNY, these young artists are both the present and future of the British music scene.

Friday 24th November

7:00pm

PANELISTS

Hope Tala

British-Jamaican storyteller and artist Hope Tala was born and raised in West London and frst made waves with self-produced Soundcloud releases, beginning with ‘Peace Freestyle’ in 2016. Two singles on her third EP Girl Eats Sun (2020) have been featured on Barack Obama’s renowned playlists, with the former opening the Gossip Girl reboot.

Alfe Templeman ENNY

Since releasing his debut single ‘Like An Animal’ in 2018, 20 year old Alfe Templeman has cemented his position as one of the most exciting artists of his generation. Entirely self-taught, he plays no less than eleven instruments, writing or co-writing all his own material. With over 350 million streams worldwide, Alfe’s global appeal is growing every day.

BBC Sound of 2022 singer and rapper ENNY is a soulful, truthtalking lyricist of Nigerian heritage (London born and raised). Since her 2020 breakout single ‘Peng Black Girls,’ she’s graced the biggest global playlist covers. ‘Pollen’ (Spotify), racked up over 100m streams across her catalogue, and continued to become a mainstay presence across BBC Radio where she reached A-List at 1Xtra and B-List at Radio1.

Faith and Reproductive Rights

Religion and reproductive rights are often presented as being in complete opposition. But this isn’t always the case. This panel nuances that common assumption by exploring the many moments where the two concepts fuse in a more productive and interesting way. It will consider cases that show how both religious freedom and reproductive rights can be respected, and hear from actors in Christianity and Islam on how religious values are embedded in the work they do for reproductive justice, ofering a fresh new perspective on old debates.

Saturday 25th November

7:00pm

PANELISTS

Professor Robin Fretwell Wilson

Robin is a leading legal expert on healthcare, religious freedom, bioethics, LGBT+ rights and family law. She is the Mildred Van Voorhis Jones Chair in Law at the University of Illinois College of Law, and has had a role in implementing policy in over a dozen US states.

Dr Rebecca Todd Peters Ammaarah

Toddie is the Interim Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Elon, and is currently undertaking a large research project around the experiences of women of faith who have had abortions. In 2018, she authored Trust Women A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice, and she is also a Presbyterian minister.

Ammaarah is the founder and community doula at Ad’iyah Collective. Ad’iyah is a Reproductive Justice Collective and community of Muslims who have experiences of pregnancy endings, with a particular focus on abortion. ey work with any and all Muslims who have had, want or need abortions and facilitate knowledge sharing spaces for our wider community on Reproductive Justice.

Brown Girl Link Up and Black Girl’s Space

Karaoke in the Cellars

Friday 20th October, 7:00pm

Calling all black and brown women, freshers and returning. Join us on the 20th of October in the Union Cellars for some karaoke to ring in a brand new year, meet some new faces, and relax from the academic rigour, with Brown Girl Link Up & Black Girl’s Space.

Black History Month with Trinity Black History Month and ACS

Monday 30th October, 7:00pm

An evening of topical discussions assisted by black-focused motions voted by the people such as the nature of what ‘black excellence’ really means to us. All by platforming African and Caribbean students to speak to celebrate Black History month.

Soulful Expressions

After Dark Cellars Open Mic Night

Friday 27th October, 8:00pm

After the inspiring debate, it’s your turn to shine! Join us for an unforgettable Open Mic Night at the Cambridge Union Cellars. We invite all spoken word and musical artists to share your talents with a supportive audience.

If you’d like to perform, sign up at the venue on the night of the event. Spots are limited, so arrive early!

Workshops

Description: Join us every Thursday at 6:30pm in the Chamber for our new Getting Involved Workshops. These aim to break down everything from creating arguments, how to hack, and tips on applying to committee.

Getting Involved Workshop No. 1 | Thursday 12th October

Introduction to the Union (Committees & What we do)

Getting Involved Workshop No. 2 | Thursday 19th October

Public Speaking and Constructing Arguments

Getting Involved Workshop No. 3 | Thursday 26th October

Rebuttal: How to Challenge Arguments

Getting Involved Workshop No. 4 | Thursday 2nd November

Auditioning for Debates and Interviews

Getting Involved Workshop No. 5 | Thursday 9th November

A Guide to Networking and Employability

Getting Involved Workshop No. 6 | Thursday 16th November

A Guide to Union Elections and Hacking

Getting Involved Workshop No. 7 | Thursday 23rd November

Applying to Committees

Millie B

Musical artist

Millie B gained popularity through the second Noisey documentary – Blackpool Grime One Year On. Artist behind the most used sound of all time on Tik Tok, her “M to the B” song has reached 40m streams on Spotify, 17m views on Youtube, countless millions of sound uses on tiktok and has gone viral four times, most recently with Kim Kardashian using the song for a post which currently sits at over 65.3M views.

Tuesday 10th October - 8:00pm

Tayce

Drag queen and rapper

Tayce, a name synonymous with ferce charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, has become an icon in the world of UK drag. Gaining nationwide recognition and an even larger fanbase when she graced the stage of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,”

Tayce has become renowned for her versatility as a performer and her unwavering determination to succeed. Beyond her captivating performances and striking style, Tayce has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. She has become an inspiration to many, particularly to those who may be struggling with their own identities and self-acceptance.

Wednesday 15th November

India Willoughby

Transgender Day of Remembrance

India Willoughby is a broadcaster and journalist, best-known for being the World’s frst transgender national tv newsreader - and ITV’s frst trans ‘Loose Woman’. She’s also been a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother - and appears on shows such as This Morning, Good Morning Britain and BBC Question Time. India is currently writing a book about her life.

Monday 20th November - 7:00pm

Matt Cain

A writing workshop in collaboration with CUPPS

Matt Cain is a writer, broadcaster, and a leading commentator on LGBT+ issues. Having read MML at Queens’ College from 1994 to 1998, he was Channel 4’s frst Culture Editor, Editor-In-Chief of Attitude magazine, and is a regular presenter on Virgin Radio Pride. He is also an ambassador for Manchester Pride and the Albert Kennedy Trust, plus a patron of LGBT+ History Month. Matt's third novel, The Madonna of Bolton, became Unbound’s fastest crowdfunded novel ever before its publication in 2018 and was followed by the bestseller The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle. His latest, One Love, will be published in January 2024.

Tuesday 21st November- 7:30pm

Caroline Calloway

Internet personality

Caroline Calloway rose to fame whilst studying History of Art at the University of Cambridge and became known as the ‘Gatsby of Cambridge.’ She is the author of the 2023 best-selling and critically acclaimed memoir Scammer, the title of which references accusations of scamming she has received from critics and fans alike.

To be followed by social Caroline After Dark in The Cellars

Wednesday 22nd November - 8:30pm

AFTER DARK The Series

Jazz After Dark

Date & Time

4th October from 20:00 to 22:30

Art After Dark

Date & Time

1st November from 20:00 to 22:30

Bollywood After Dark

Date & Time

8th November from 20:00 to 22:30

1D After Dark

Date & Time

15th November from 20:00 to 22:30

Our classic Jazz After Dark returns to the cellars this Michaelmas, featuring some of Cambridge’s most talented jazz bands. The cellars bar will be open as usual, and we can’t wait for you to join us for an evening of cheap drinks and quality jazz. This event will be free to attend, so make sure you reserve your free ticket to avoid missing out.

Relax, unwind and get your creative juices fowing at our Art After Dark (with a free glass of wine on the side). We will be announcing details on our social media in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

From Badtameez Dil to Sheila Ki Jawani, we are bringing the best Bollywood hits right to the Union cellars. Held in collaboration with India Soc, this promises to be a night flled with drinks, dancing and fun.

Does it ever drive you crazy... just how much you want to get down to all your favourite One Direction tunes in the cellars? Our After Dark series continues with 1D After Dark, including all the hits and a fully stocked bar.

Meet the Committee Drinks

6th October

from 18:00 to 20:00

Date & Time Location

The Library

Cocktail Making

An excellent opportunity to meet some of the committee behind the Union and have your questions answered, whether they’re about what’s going on this term or how to get involved in the society. And there’s no better way to do that than over a couple of drinks!

10th, 24th October, 7th and 12th November

from 20:00 to 22:00

Date & Time Location

The Cellars

Bring your cocktail game to the next level with a cocktail-making class at the Union! You’ll learn the art from a seasoned professional, plus you’ll be able to drink the cocktails you create. Furthermore, attending one of these classes gives you entry to our Cocktail Cuppers later in the term on 12th November!

Zumba @ the Union

22nd October, 12th and 26th November

from 11:30 to 12:30

Date & Time Location

The Chamber

Zumba is back at the Union! At 11 30am on Sunday the 22nd October, 12th November and 26th November, come down to the Union to unwind and get your blood pumping. A local Zumba instructor is leading the session, with tickets being only £2 for members and £5 for non-members. Tickets will be available closer to each session get one early to avoid missing out!

Rugby World Cup Final Screening

28th October

from 19:30 to 22:30

Date & Time Location

The Cellars

Comedy Night

If you’ve been watching the Rugby World Cup, then there’s no better place to watch the fnal than in the Union cellars! Streamed live on the big screen free for our members, and the bar will even be open, so what’s not to like?

3rd November

Timings to be announced

Date & Time Location

The Cellars

We're bringing comedy back to The Cellars, original home of the Cambridge Footlights! The Cambridge Union and Cambridge University for Reproductive Rights present Fringe Festival veteran Kate Smurthwaite, joined by Lilly Burton and Charlotte Dougan, for a comedy night with all proceeds going to the charity Abortion Talk

The Society Dinner

4th November

Timings to be announced

Date & Time Location

The Chamber

For something a little diferent, we’ll be hosting a black-tie dinner (Soccy Dinns) in our historic Chamber. Enjoy a three course meal (with wine included), speeches from our esteemed alumni and much more. More details will be announced shortly.

Treasurer

Johan Nerlov | Pembroke

President

Charles Palmer | Homerton

Vice-President

Liliana Walker | Homerton

Communications O cer

Mark Wadey | Pembroke

Equalities O cer

Neha Pauly | Christ's

Speakers O cer

Shibhangi Ghose | Newnham

Executive O cer

Jasper Ostle | Queens’

Social Events O cer

Matthew Haskett | Emmanuel

Comp. Deb. O cer

Marcus Choy | Magdalene

Comp. Deb. O cer

Wei Kang Lee | Hughes Hall

Credits Nordin Čatič

Senior Members

Secretary: Alistair Matheison | Pembroke

Librarian: Alex Horan | Churchill

Chief of Sta : Katie Clarke | Sidney Sussex

Events Management Department

Head: Felix Esche | Pembroke

Deputy: Leonas Pausch | Homerton

Imran Hasan | Anglia Ruskin University

Oliver Law | Corpus Christi

Gabrielle Apfel | Lucy Cavendish

Isabella Wyatt | Sidney Sussex

Alex Mitchell | Queens’

Aditya Mishra | Jesus

Rhea Toraskar | Lucy Cavendish

Haiwei Li | Trinity

Irena Rawanchaikul | Queens’

Guest Liaison Department

Senior: Steph Lewis | Trinity

Senior: Helena Stolnik Trenkić | Jesus

Dom Love | Anglia Ruskin University

Jessica Spearman | Murray Edwards

Louis Davidson | Homerton

Alesio D’Angelo | Jesus

Anoushka Kale | Sidney Sussex

Connor Philips | Trinity Hall

Debates Sub-Committee

Helena Stolnik Trenkić

Beth Erskine

Alex Mitchell

Oliver Howes

Felix Esche

Veronika Jönsson

Reva Cro

Tabitha Tucker

Gabrielle Apfel

Laura Ryan

Penelope Slater

Somsubhro Bagchi

Ben Cartwright

Publicity Department

Head: Alesia Laçi | Homerton

Esha Patel | Murray Edwards

Katie Marshall | Newnham

Penelope Slater | Girton

Juan Albin | Emmanuel

Diti Gupta | Queens’

Audio Visual Department

O cer: Oscar Beechey-Newman | St Catharine’s

Press Department

Head: Neelkabir Varsha Kapil | Downing

Opinion's Editor: Joshua Lim | Wolfson

Sammy Mcdonald | St. John’s

Niamh Walters | Murray Edwards

Welfare

Head: Alex Horan | Churchill

Claire Gao | Robinson

Photography

Head: Nordin Catic | St John’s

Reva Cro | Girton

Flo Tawns

William Blakesley-Herbert

Jacob Salovius

Security Department

O cer: Jake Havard | Queens'

S U B - C O M M I T T E E S

Speakers Sub-Committee

Henry Buxton

Ebru Gurbuz

Louis Davidson

Alesia Laçi

Helena Stolnik Trenkić

Clemmie Fisher

Equalities Sub-Committee

BME O cer: Jana Abdel Aty

LGBTQ+ O cer: Ewan Page

Women & NB O cer: Shreya Gudka

Disabilities O cer: Jyothi Cross

Class Act O cer: Anna Still

Bursar: John Brown

General Manager: Joe Burman

Membership Secretary: Justyna Macoch

Finance Manager: Patience Tilbury

Finance Assistant: Ella Cairns

Conferencing Events Manager: Ben Keen

Conferencing Events Coordinator: Giuliana Berman

Restaurant & Catering Manager: Ellen Monteiro

Deputy Restaurant Manager: Freddie Doe Turner

Restaurant Supervisor: Calvin Gomez

Bar Supervisor: Pedro Eusebio

Lead Chef: Michael Ingrey

Junior Sous Chef: Tom Nolan

Junior Sous Chef: Aurelien Brocchi

Administrator: Christina Freeman

Senior AV Technician: Chris Izatt

Business Development Manager: Adam Ganczakowski

Site Supervisor: Chris Porter

Minister without portfolio: Sky

T R U S T E E S

Chair: Dr Mohamed El-Erian

Charles Palmer

Liliana Walker

Nick Heath FRICS

David Robinson

David Branch

Sara Nathan

Phillip Harrison

Araba Taylor

Sir Christopher Greenwood KC

Lord Stephen Parkinson

Rachel Green

Chair: Joshua Blanchard Lewis

Alex Forzani

Nick Wright

Sam Longton

Rachel Tustin

Freddie Dyke

Imran Mateo

President's Thanks

For many reasons, most of which we will not go into, this has been quite an unusual term at the Union. I am immensely indebted to the great number of people who put in a huge amount of work for the society, often with little personal reward.

First then, my thanks must go to the Michaelmas team. This has been a testing summer at points but we have made it through to the other side. To Mark - I calculated how much the Union owes you in wages and it’s reaching six fgures, but I owe you so much more. To Johan, co-head of aesthetics and most other things - you lighten up the place immensely and your appetite for taking on work is second to none, but please stop wearing a scarf indoors.

To Neha - I’m more amazed by you everyday, your unfinching cheerfulness makes you a delight to be around. You have been extraordinary this term and will go far I’m sure. To Jasper - you’ve done an amazing job this summer and should be hugely proud of what you have achieved, I hope you would agree that you have very much fulflled your vision.

To Matthew - You have put in a huge amount of work and I hope you enjoy the fruits of your labour, thank you for being so calm and consistently good. To Liliana - thank you for getting into it all so quickly, you’re already a huge asset to the Union and I’m sure will make some needed changes over the next couple of terms. To Shibanghi - well done on an excellent line up, your interviews will be brilliant I’m sure.

To Alistair, Alex and Katie - the triumvirate of good, each of your support and friendship means the world and I’m so grateful for it. To Ed - D.E. Shaw don’t know what they’re missing. To JV, Leti, Lara and James - it was great fun working with each of you, thank you for your support. To Max - none of this would have been possible without you. There are so many more student committee members who put in

countless hours of work for the Union and you know you have my sincere gratitude, as does each and every member who sticks their hand up and speaks their mind.

The thanks of the Union must also go to our Trustees and Review Committee and particularly Dr ElErian, whose advice and calm mentoring has been a tonic through difcult times as well as to the Lords Hacking and McDonald, each great supporters of the Union and the Hawking Family, particularly Lucy, for their gracious support and advice.

Then to the Union Staf who make this place tick To John Brown, who keeps us on track and within budget - the Union is and will be a better place because of you, please never leave us. To Joe - the secrets you hold are beyond measure and we are grateful for all you do to keep this place intact. To Ellen - you may have just arrived but we’re already seeing your impact, it’s great to have you on the team. To Freddie - not certain about the new haircut but I love the new position. To Justyna, Adam, Ben, Giuli, Patience, Ella, Christina and Chris - thank you for all the work you do to keep this place afoat and for being so patient with us! No thanks goes to Sky however, who makes me feel evil whenever I see her. Still a good dog though.

To my Hom friends Asad and Rhys, who don’t know who the Union is or where I have been the past yearI’ll be back soon. To the haters - not quite certain what I ever did or why people thank them in things like this, but apparently I now have many, so thank you. To the Radical System - this wasn’t quite the plan. To Calvin and Chris - I miss you guys, looking forward to joining you in retirement. Finally, to my parents and brothers - I promise I will shut up about it all now.

I’m still not quite sure how this happened.

Charles Palmer | Homerton President, Michaelmas 2023

Reciprocal Membership

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