Lent Term 2023 | The Cambridge Union

president’swelcome

The Cambridge Union is the space for people to challenge and be challenged. When you come here expect to hear people you disagree with. Our history is one of debating and discussing the greatest issues of the time, because of this we have long been a place of controversy. The Union declared its independence from the University of Cambridge when it was told to stop debates. The first Jewish President was elected 6 years before Jewish people were allowed to receive degrees. The first socialist president was in 1925. In 1965 the civil rights activist James Baldwin debated William Buckley on the issue of race and the American Dream. Our past is one of radicals, of controversy, and of progress. It is important that we do not forget our history, but it is as, if not more, important that we do not live in its shadow.

The purpose of the Union, present and future, is to build up a marketplace of ideas which all can join, participate in, and gain from. Through the exchange of

different perspectives and experiences progress is made. We should debate the biggest issues of our time, members should put forward new ideas, the status quo and old assumptions should be challenged. I cannot promise that we will always get it right— no-one can promise that. But by knowing why we are here, by being clear on our goal, and by acknowledging when we go wrong, we can get better. That is what we have strived to do for this term.

Our debates programme is at the very heart of this effort. Pressing questions on the future of the NHS, the role of Trade Unions, Scottish Independence and the necessity of Radical Systemic Change are all on table. Existential issues of whether you would rather be a Sinner or Saint and if we have the Right to Die are also up for debate.

There is something for everyone in our lineup of speakers and panels. Hear from activists to ambassadors, musicians to mercenaries, and business leaders to art

forgers. Panels offer the chance to engage with experts on deeply pressing issues. It has been brilliant to collaborate with so many other societies in putting together these events.

Between the 16th-25th of January everyone can attend our events and life membership is discounted to £200. Knowing this is a large commitment we have re-opened applications for scholarships, and discounted membership is also available. Please see our page on accessibility for details. We will continue to explore ways to reduce barriers to entry.

We have ramped up the socials to happen every Wednesday. Our programme includes the ever-popular Jazz After Dark and new additions like life drawing and poetry. There is puppy therapy, waltz classes, a chocolate fair, and our fantastic Lent Ball!

Christopher George President, Lent 2023

Whether you are a postgraduate or undergraduate, go to Anglia Ruskin or Cambridge, have never been to the Union or come every week, there is something for you.

I hope I get to meet as many of you as possible in the coming months.

We have worked hard to make sure the Union is an increasingly accessible and open space for all of our members. Our goal is to make sure that everyone that wants to can take part in our events.

There is now a functional hearing loop in the main chamber which can be turned on for any chamber event at request. We are also now affiliated with Hidden Disabilities, so there are a range of items available at the reception for any of our members who may feel more comfortable using them.

We are also building links with local state schools with our new school's programme to give students an easy pathway into getting involved in debating. This programme will include workshopping sessions, debating classes and first-hand experience of one of our debates.

accessibilit y physical access FAQ

Do I have to queue for events if I have impaired mobility or another difficulty?

No, You can reserve benches for speaker events & debates both in the chamber and the library and the reception, accessed by Park Street, is an accessible waiting area for high-demand events. Please email us to book either of these.

What rooms are wheelchair accessible?

Every room in the union is wheelchair accessible bar the chamber balcony. You can enter the building through the Orator entrance on Round Church Street or the reception entrance on Park Street. The reception, chamber entrance, library and Fairfax Rhodes room doors are all wide enough to fit a wheelchair through.

Is there a quiet space for events?

The soon to be completed Members Room is available during and after debates as a quiet space.

Can I bring my non-member carer or guide dog with me to events?

For the most part, this should not be a problem. Please email us in advance to let us know who you’ll be bringing along so we can confirm.

Whether you are new to the society or a long-standing member, we are here to support you in any way we can to make sure you get the most of your membership. If you have any questions then please contact us: access@CUS.org.

scholarships

Steven Fry and Silver Street Scholarships are available this term to those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Recipients receive a free life membership and are invited to meet fellow scholars at a drinks reception during the term. Please look out for emails and posts on social media about eligibility and how to apply!

Discounted memberships are also available depending upon financial need. Please again look out for more information during the first few weeks of term!

The Cambridge Union Society are delighted to announce the revival of the Women and Non Binary Debating and Public Speaking workshops. These bi-weekly workshops will aim at increasing access and participation of women and gender minorities in our Thursday Night and Emergency Debates, as well as provide a safe space for our members to develop public speaking skills- be it for rebutting a debate speaker, or simply holding your own in a supervision!

The curriculum will be linked with our formal debates programme- and will serve as a formal link for women and gender minorities, who may wish to speak at a particular Thursday night debate. The workshop will be specifically tailored with the coming week’s debate motion so that participants can brush up their skills, well ahead of Thursday Night; those who are interested to speak in the main debate, will be given an opportunity to be fast-tracked as a student speaker in the debate.

The workshops will be completely beginner friendly—you need not have any prior public speaking experience at all!

women & non binary debating workshops

The Cambridge Union is first and foremost a debating society. With a passion for free expression, we have unashamedly debated issues of national and international importance since 1815. Thursday evening debates are the rock on which this society was built and this term will be no different. We will be confronting a litany of greatly important contemporary issues. From Scottish Independence to the future of the National Health Service, we have a brilliant range of topical debates for you all. Whether a philosopher, politico, medic or someone else, we have something for everyone.

This is a historic term for the Union as this Lent debates termcard is both majority women and has the largest number of guest speakers in a number of years. For a 208 year old debating society, this broadening of access and diversity of thought can only be a good thing.

I must also say how incredibly grateful and proud I am of all those who helped put these debates together. Everyone from Chris to my hard-working debates subcommittee have sacrificed blood, toil, tears and sweat into making these debates a success. I’d like to thank all of you for making this happen.

The opportunities to get involved are endless. The vast majority of members who walk into the chamber every Thursday simply do so to watch, learn and occasionally be inspired. However, for those who want to have their say, Points of Information and speeches from the floor are not only possible but very much encouraged - there might even be some prizes. For those who want to argue alongside a star-studded lineup, applications for paper speakers will go out every week and anyone who applies will be guaranteed an audition. We are also running a number of debating workshops throughout the term if you want to brush up and hone your skills.

Another former President, Lord Lamont, said “As long as there is democracy, there will be a need for such debating skills”. In an age where quality debate and free speech are in doubt, this sentiment could not be any more correct. So do make sure to join us at our debates this term - you won’t regret it.

Max Ghose, Debates Officer Lent 2023

debates

THB the NHS Cannot Meet the Needs of the People

THB the Press Has Too Much Power and Not Enough Accountability

THB Trade Unions are Still an Effective Force for Good

THW Rather Be a Sinner than a Saint

THR the Arab Spring

THW Prioritise Economic Growth Over Everything Else

THS Scottish Independence

THB We Have the Right to Die

THB the Time Has Come for Radical Systemic Change (Presidential)

Members’ Debate

Proposition

Christopher Snowdon

Christopher Snowdon is the Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs. He is also an author and a journalist, having written for The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and Spiked magazine.

Dr Lucy Dunn

Dr Lucy Dunn is health correspondent and social media editor at The Spectator. A qualified doctor from Glasgow, she has written extensively on the challenges facing the NHS.

Opposition

Professor Neena Modi

Neena Modi is a physician and Professor of Neonatal Medicine at Imperial College London. She is the immediate past-president of the British Medical Association and a former president of the UK Medical Women’s Federation and the UK Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Dr Martin Edobor

Dr Martin Edobor is an NHS GP and Clinical Lead for digital transformation at North East London NHS. He is the former Clinical Director of North Newham Primary Care Network and the former Chair of the Fabian Society. He was the Labour parliamentary candidate for Witham in the 2019 general election.

This house believes the press has too much power and not enough accountability.

Proposition

Dr Evan Harris

Dr Evan Harris is the Executive Director of Hacked Off, a campaign for an accountable press. He previously served as the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon from 1997 to 2010.

India Willoughby

India Willoughby is a newsreader, broadcaster and journalist. She is known for being Britain’s first transgender television newsreader and has been a frequent guest on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Loose Women.

Miqdaad Versi

Miqdaad Versi is the founder of the Centre for Media Monitoring at the Muslim Council of Britain. He has passionately and constructively engaged with media outlets over their misrepresentation of Muslims, with The Guardian describing him as “the UK’s one-man Islamophobia media monitor”.

Opposition

Jake Sherman

Jake Sherman is an American journalist, founder of PunchBowl News and a political contributor for NBC and MSNBC. After graduating from Columbia University’s School of Journalism, he became a senior writer for Politico and is now the top congressional reporter on Capitol Hill.

Simon McCoy

Simon McCoy is a journalist and former newsreader on BBC News and Sky News and presenter at GB News. He was the main presenter of the BBC News at One and has covered everything from the Iraq War to the Royal Family.

This house believes trade unions are still an effective force for good.

Proposition

Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon is the President of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, commonly known as the RMT.

Andy McDonald MP

Andy McDonald is the former Shadow Secretary of State for Transport in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet and the Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights and Protections under Keir Starmer before resigning in September 2021. He has been the Labour Member of Parliament for Middlesborough since 2012.

Laura Smith

Laura Smith served as Labour Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich from 2017 to 2019 and is a current Councillor in the borough of Cheshire. She is a strong supporter of the trade unions movement, calling for a ‘general strike’ in 2018.

Opposition

Emily Carver

Emily Carver is a conservative broadcaster, commentator and columnist. Having worked in Parliament and for the IEA, she is now a regular contributor to ConservativeHome, GB News and BBC Politics.

Reem Ibrahim

Reem Ibrahim is a libertarian commentator and frequent contributor to TalkTV, GB News and The Telegraph.

Proposition

Zoe Cormier

Zoe Cormier is an author, journalist, public speaker and events producer with a background in biology. She is the author of the bestselling book ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll: The Science of Hedonism and the Hedonism of Science’.

Jenny Radcliffe

Jenny Radcliffe is a world renowned Social Engineer, hired to bypass security systems through a mixture of psychology and con-artistry. She is author of the book ‘People Hacker’, in which she recounts her experiences as a burglar-for-hire.

Opposition

Rev. Chris Lee

The Reverend Chris Lee is an Anglican priest-in-charge at St. Saviour’s Church, Wendell Park, and a regular guest on the popular Youtube channels Jolly and Korean Englishman. He has been dubbed ‘the Viral Vicar’ and is a published author of ‘The OMG Effect: 60-Second Sermons to Live a Fuller Life’

Alex O’ Connor

Alex O’Connor is the founder of the Youtube channel Cosmic Skeptic, which has over 505,000 subscribers. He is dedicated to presenting philosophical ideas and debates about religion and morality in an accessible manner, and graduated with a degree in Theology and Philosophy from the University of Oxford.

This house regrets the A rab Spring.

Proposition

James Watt CVO

James Watt is a British former diplomat who was Ambassador to Lebanon from 2003 to 2006, Ambassador to Jordan from 2006 to 2011 and Ambassador to Egypt from 2011 to 2014.

Dr Najah Al-Otaibi

Dr Najah Al-Otaibi is a Saudi Arabian policy analyst based in London. She has worked for a number of British and American think tanks, focusing on the politics of gender, security and counter terrorism, public diplomacy and soft power.

Professor Dawn Chatty

Professor Dawn Chatty is an American Emerita Professor of Anthropology and Forced Migration, who specialises in the Middle East and refugees. From 2010 to 2015, she was Professor of Anthropology and Forced Migration at the University of Oxford and from 2011 to 2014, Director of the Refugee Studies Centre.

Opposition

Oz Katerji

Oz Katerji is a British-Lebanese freelance conflict journalist and filmmaker. He has previously worked for NBC News, Sky News and ITN, among others.

Frances Guy

Frances Guy is a British former diplomat who was Ambassador to Yemen from 2001 to 2004 and Ambassador to Lebanon from 2006 to 2011. She was also the UN Women’s representative in Iraq.

This house would prioritize economic growth over everything else.

Proposition

Sam Bowman

Sam Bowman is editor of Works in Progress, an online magazine dedicated to scientific, economic and technological progress. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Mercatus Center.

Aria Babu

Aria Babu is Head of Policy at The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank with the aim of making the UK the best place in the world to found a business. Among other things, she writes about public procurement, healthcare, and female entrepreneurship.

Opposition

Adrian Ramsay

Adrian Ramsay is the co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. He was previously the Chief Executive of the Centre for Alternative Technology and the CEO of MCS Charitable Foundation, which advocates for renewable energy and green homes.

Professor Kate Raworth

Professor Kate Raworth is an economist and author known for “Doughnut Economics”, an economic model that balances between essential human needs and planetary boundaries. She is also a Senior Associate at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute.

This house supports Scottish independence.

Proposition

Anum Qaisar MP

Anum Qaisar is a Scottish National Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Airdrie and Shotts since 2021. Before becoming an MP, she was a secondary school teacher in Edinburgh.

Amy Callaghan MP

Amy Callaghan is a Scottish National Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for East Dunbartonshire since 2019. She was appointed the SNP Spokesperson for Pensions and Intergenerational Affairs in 2020.

Opposition

Ian Muray MP

Ian Murray is a Labour politician who has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland since 2020, and previously from 2015 to 2016. He has been the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South since 2010.

Sir Malcom Rifkind

Sir Malcolm Rifkind is a Conservative politician who served in the cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. He served as Secretary of State for Scotland (1986-90), Secretary of State for Transport (1990-92), Secretary of State for Defence (1992-1995) and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1995-97).

Georgia Edkins

Georgia Edkins is the Scottish Political Editor for The Mail on Sunday. She was previously the Whitehall Correspondent for The Mail on Sunday and The Daily Mail.

With thanks to Iona Tompkins for the motion.

Proposition Paulette Lenert

Paulette Lenert is the Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister of Luxembourg. A member of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party, she has previously served as Minister of Consumer Protection and Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs.

Christine Jardine MP

Christine Jardine is a Scottish Liberal Democrat politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West since 2017. She is the current Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities and is also the Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Choice at the End of Life.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain

Rabbi, writer and broadcaster, Jonathan Romain is minister of Maidenhead Synagogue. He is Chaplain to the Jewish Police Association, President of the Accord Coalition. which campaigns for inclusive education, and Chair of the Religious Alliance for Dignity in Dying.

Dr Jacky Davis

Dr Jacky Davis is a consultant radiologist at Whittington Hospital, where she has worked since 1982. She is a founding member of ‘Keep our NHS Public’ and Co-Chair of the NHS Consultants’ Association. She has sat on the BMA Council since 2006 and the BMA Medical Ethics Committee since 2015. She is a campaigner for assisted dying, is on the board of Dignity in Dying and chairs Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying.

Opposition

Danny Kruger MP

Danny Kruger is a Conservative politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Devizes since 2019. Before Parliament, he worked for a number of organisations including the Centre for Policy Studies, the Daily Telegraph and the Legatum Institute.

Baroness Finlay

Baroness Finlay is a Welsh doctor, professor of palliative medicine and Crossbench member of the House of Lords. She chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dying Well, which promotes palliative care.

Yuan Yi Zhu

Yuan Yi Zhu is an Assistant professor of International Relations & International Law at Leiden University and a research fellow at Harris Manchester College, Oxford.

Dr Amy Proffitt

Dr Amy Proffitt is the President of The Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She was also the Head of Medicine and Clinical Care at St Christopher’s Hospice and Honorary Consultant at Kings College Hospital.

This house believes we have the right to die.

This house believes the time has come for radical systemic change.

Proposition

Christopher George

Christopher George is the outgoing President of the Cambridge Union. He is in his final year studying History. He is also the first person from Wolfson College to have been President of this society.

Paul Mason

Paul Mason is an author, journalist, and political commentator. His works in “Post-Capitalism: A Guide To Our Future”. He frequently writes for the NewStatesman and The Guardian. He was previously Economics Editor for Channel 4 News.

Opposition

Harriet Baldwin MP

Harriet Baldwin is a Conservative politician who has been the Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire since 2010. She is the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee and has previously served in a number of ministerial roles in the Treasury, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.

Lord Greenhalgh

Lord Greenhalgh is a Conservative Member of the House of Lords. He previously served as the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in London from 2012-2016 and was a Minister of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He was also the President of the Cambridge Union in Lent 1988.

members’ debate

For the first 72 years of The Cambridge Union’s existence, speakers in our debates were purely members. Debates really were by the members, for the members and of the members.

Yet, today our debates are dominated by outside guest speakers. I need not remind you that this Lent term will have one of the largest pools of guest speakers in a number of years. Despite these speakers’ brilliant contributions, we must not forget the purpose of the Union.

Therefore, on the Thursday 14th of February we return to our roots as a members’ society to debate the motion ‘This House Believes the Packaging Has Become More Important Than the Politics’.

This debate will be in the Library and open to all members but only for members. There will be four paper speakers, two on each side, followed by as many speeches from the floor as possible.

Do join us on Valentine’s Day for an evening of drink and lively debate.

This house believes the packaging is more important than the politics.

The Union is back. Soak up the lights, lap up the revelry, but most of all, come with an open mind, because our term card is a 5D cinematic experience. You will be entertained by Ekin-Su and Memeulous, you will be ordered by John Bercow, and your perspectives will be widened by our Palestinian and Vietnamese guests. From society collaborations to world-renowned art forgers, we have it all this Lent. So two cheers to my subcommittee, three cheers to the President, and let the show begin!

Salvador Widdicombe, Speakers Officer Lent 2023

This Lent, we want to make the Union more open to its members, so I will be holding Speakers Workshops twice this term. These are a forum for discussing themes and questions members would like us to touch upon during the interview section of our speakers events, as well as submitting specific questions you’d like us to ask particular speakers. We want it to be a space where ideas are exchanged and people less comfortable with asking questions publicly can still get their voices heard. See you there.

The Union, this term, seeks to give a platform to those who tirelessly campaign for free speech and justice. Activists who have worked to alleviate period poverty (Monica Lennon, Tina Leslie) and those who create awareness on domestic violence (Jamie Klinger, from Reclaim our Streets and Yeshim Harris) will also be at the Union. Perhaps the most poignant event of this term will be the address from Shiva Mahbobi; a former political prisoner herself and the spokesperson of the Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran, her speech will be honouring Mahsa Amini, and the grit, resilience and bravery of the Iranian people against the regime.I am absolutely indebted to Kat, Georgia, Alex, Genevieve, Rudi, Sam, and benfor all their contributions to the Union, and for being so passionate about making this society a more inclusive, friendlier and better place. Our term card would not be the same without all your efforts, and the Union is so very lucky to have you all.

Shibhangi M. Ghose, Equalities Officer Lent 2023

jo malone

CBE

Jo Malone, often described as an ‘English scent maverick’, began her career as a perfumer and businesswoman with her eponymous line, Jo Malone London, and soon became synonymous with some of the most beloved and iconic fragrances in the world. She was awarded an MBE in 2008 for her services to the British beauty industry, and in 2018, a CBE for her contributions and services to the British economy and the GREAT Britain Campaign. In November 2011, she started her artisanal line ‘Jo Loves’, and today is widely considered among the UK’s most successful business people.

Date TBC The Chamber

19th January, 4pm

The Library

liv boeree

Liv Boeree is one of the most successful poker players of all time. In 2010, she became the third woman ever to win the European Poker Tour, coming away with €1,250,000 in winnings, following up her success in 2017 by winning the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Boeree has also won the Global Poker Index European Female Player of the Year three times, and is notable for co-founding Raising for Effective Giving, an organisa

rylanclark

Rylan came to fame on The X Factor in 2012 and went on to win Celebrity Big Brother the year after before launching a professional career as a TV presenter and radio host. He currently hosts Strictly: It Takes Two and is part of the BBCs presenting team for the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as having his own radio show.

Rylan's memoir, Ten, is out now, detailing all the visceral highs and lows of a decade of fame. Rylan is a national treasure, and we are honoured to host him.

21st February, Time TBC

The Chamber

john bercow

John Bercow is a political icon. Speaker of the House of Commons for over a decade and known for his booming voice, he became a figure above partisan politics, defending parliament in the face of an increasingly aggressive government. His legacy is mixed, with accusations of bullying balanced against estimable efforts to engage young people and charities. Stepping down amid the 2019 parliamentary chaos over Brexit, he was both championed as an impartial speaker and vilified as a Remainer saboteur. Either way, Bercow has rejuvenated the speakership and captured the public’s attention throughout one of the most turbulent periods of British politics. We are honoured to have him speak for us.

24th January, 6pm The Chamber

russ

Russell James Vitale, aka Russ, is a American rapper, songwriter & record producer. His latest albums have both peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, with hits garnering hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. Russ is known for his versatile talent, writing, producing, and mixing his songs by himself. In 2017, Russ was embroiled in controversy with Lil Pump for critiquing drug glorification in rap songs, resulting in an online meme war. Russ notably has his own independent label, DIEMON, which helps other independent artists grow without taking away ownership rights, combatting what has become a massive problem in the industry.

25th January, 5pm The Chamber

Date TBC

The Chamber

zara larsson

Zara Larsson is a musical titan. In her over 15 years in the business, Larsson has received four Swedish Grammis and eight MTV European Music Awards. Known for her global hits ‘Lush Life’ and ‘Ain’t My Fault’, Larsson launched her professional career at the age of 10 with a stellar victory on Sweden’s Got Talent. Having launched her own record label Sommer House in 2022, Larsson has sought editorial independence starting with the upcoming release of her new single 'Can't Tame Her’, which, rumour has it, might just be performed live in our chamber.

muhammad yunus in collaboration with CU Bangla Society

Professor Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner and inventor of microcredit and microfinance. He is also the founder of Grameen Bank, which has loaned billions of dollars to millions of people in poverty, earning him his Nobel Peace Prize. He has since taught Economics at leading Bangladeshi universities. Recently, he founded Yunus Social Business to continue his philanthropic work.

February, Date TBC The Chamber

fawzia koofi

A former Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and a renowned women’s rights activist, Fawzia was the Afghan Parliament’s first-ever female Deputy Speaker and the only woman chosen by the US during the ‘Doha negotiations’ with the Taliban. As well as being the ex-Vice President of the National Assembly, Koofi has written two books, “The Favored Daughter” and “Letters to My Daughters” in which she offers a personal account of life under exploitative Russian and Taliban regimes. Koofi has relentlessly driven for women’s and human rights, with a focus on women’s education and prevention of child exploitation and abuse. Since being the deputy speaker, she is now the Chairperson of Afghanistan’s Women, Civil Society and Human Rights Commission and continually works on the mobilisation of urgent support for the women and the people of Afghanistan with the help of world leaders.

shiva mahbobi

Zan Zendegi Azadi

A former political prisoner, Shiva Mahbobi serves as the spokesperson for Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran and has campaigned extensively to improve the conditions of political prisoners both in Iran and globally. As member of the executive committee of the Equal Rights Now which is an Organisation against Women's Discrimination in Iran, Mahbobi has worked as the coordinator of the Action Committee in Defense of Women's Rights in Iran (ACWRI) where she was actively engaged in raising awareness of the situation of Iranian women with international organisations such as Amnesty International.

This event will be a particularly poignant discussion of the rights of women, and other minority groups in Iran; and will be to mark our solidarity with the Iranian people.

3rd February, 6pm The Chamber

in conversation with

waad al-kateab

Afghanistan in 2023

Waad Al-Kateab is the pseudonym of a Syrian journalist, filmmaker, and activist. Her documentary, For Sama, was nominated for four BAFTAs at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, winning for Best Documentary, and was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.

The Chamber

7th February, 6pm The Chamber

yanis varoufakis

Yanis Varoufakis is an economist, politician and academic. He was Greece’s Finance Minister during the debt crisis in 2015, facing off against the IMF, ECB and European Commission.

8th February, 5pm The Chamber

neil tennant

Neil Tennant is a British pop culture legend, and the lead singer of the Pet Shop Boys. Alongside Chris Lowe, Tennant is the genius behind world hits 'It's a Sin' and 'West End Girls'.The band have won 3 Brit Awards and have been nominated for 6 Grammys. They were part of the so-called ‘Second British Invasion’ in the 80s, smashing charts across the US. Tennant was also assistant editor of the prolific Smash Hits magazine for a period during the 80s.

10th February, 5pm The Chamber

max brandrett

Max Brandrett is the most notorious art forger in the world, and has forged over 500 paintings of artists from Caravaggio to Banksy. Brandrett was jailed three times for forgery and is banned from every auction house in London as well as eBay. He has now made a legitimate business out of copying paintings, giving thousands to charity. From his time in the circus as an elephant groomer to forging for the Kray twins, Brandrett has a wealth of surreal experiences to share, and will be holding a book signing for his memoirs after the event. Brandrett will also be treating us to a live tutorial in art-forgery techniques, and we hear a lucky audience member might just receive a Banksy to boot.

13th Februry, 5pm

The Chamber

long nguyen hoàng

the Vietnamese Ambassador

H.E. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long has been the Ambassador of Vietnam to the United Kingdom since June 2021. Following a rapid rise through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Long became the country's youngest serving ambassador when appointed in Italy at age 36. The Ambassador holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Having been an international student himself, Ambassador Long enjoys hosting regular events for the Vietnamese student community in the UK. We are honoured to host the Ambassador as the United Kingdom and

husamzomlot

15th February, 6pm The Chamber

Husam Zomlot has been the head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK since 2018. Previously he led the mission in the US, before it was closed by President Trump. He has also taught at Harvard University.

the Palestinian Ambassador

18th February, 3pm

The Chamber

pricekatie

Katie Price is a British household name. Having shot to fame as a model during the 90s, she went on to make a series of successful appearances on British television, including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother, before starring in her own reality-TV series. In 2019, Price released a deeply personal & critically-acclaimed documentary on BBC One, Katie Price: Harvey and Me, in which she highlights the joys and difficulties of being a mum to a child with special needs. She is also a prolific novelist, with her Angel series shooting to the top of The Sunday Times bestseller list.

20th February, 5pm

The Chamber

memeulous

George ‘Memeulous’ is a Youtuber famous for his comedic commentary style videos. He has gained over 5.6 million subscribers across two Youtube channels, garnering a total of over 1.2 billion views, all while remaining totally anonymous. Appearing in videos with sunglasses, cap and mask to hide his identity, George drove the internet wild with his eye reveal, though his identity still remains unknown. A former member of the E-Boys Youtube group alongside fellow Lent Term speaker WillNE, his internet career has only gone from strength to strength since leaving. This will be George’s first public appearance.

areeba hamid mccallum will

the executive directors of GreenPeace

Areeba Hamid and Will McCallum are joint Executive Directors of GreenPeace UK. GreenPeace is a leading organisation in combating the climate crisis. Areeba and Will started 2023 by putting forward a message of defiant hope and asking: what is your vision for a green, fair, and healthy world?

22nd February, 6pm The Chamber

soma sara

Founder of Everyone’s Invited

Soma Sara is a multi-award winning activist, author, speaker and CEO of the charity 'Everyone's Invited'. In June 2020, Soma began sharing her experiences of rape culture on Instagram. In light of the overwhelming response from those that resonated with her story, Soma founded Everyone's Invited.

Everyone’s Invited is an anti-rape movement organisation based in the United Kingdom, focused on exposing rape culture through "conversation, education and support.” In April 2021, Everyone’s Invited triggered a groundbreaking Ofsted review in schools that reviewed safeguarding policies and practices relating to sexual abuse. Similar reviews have now been launched by the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Everyone’s Invited has provoked new guidelines from the Office for Students asking all universities to review their sexual misconduct and harassment policies by summer 2021, prompted the launch of NSPCC helpline for survivors of abuse in education, worked with the Department for Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, the Police, Ofsted, and met with Government Ministers. We are hopeful that this conversation will help lead to the global exposure and eradication of rape culture.

27th February, 6pm

The Chamber & Library

bradbrookgail

in conversation with XR

It’s hard to imagine the current discussion around climate without the controversial voice of Extinction Rebellion - and as co-founder, Gail Bradbrook has certainly driven the issue up the media agenda. As a promoter of large-scale radical change, Gail has coordinated campaigns through mass civil disobedience, as the group demands a more ambitious target for net zero carbon emissions. Formerly an anti-fracking protestor, she is entirely committed to non-violence, and her passion and energy for demanding change by blocking streets, bridges and trains has become a huge global movement.

In light of XR’s recent announcement, Gail will be talking to us about the direction that XR will take, and the climate activism movement as a whole.

period a panel discussion poverty combatting

Date TBC

This panel discussion will frame the topic in an engaging, cross-continental defination on fighting period poverty, as well as the broader question of intersectional feminist activism across Africa, Asia and the UK and are highlight campaigns working tirelessly to provide menstrual products to those who need them, and end period stigma and shame.

Monica Lennon

Monica Lennon is a Scottish politician who has served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Central Scotland region since 2016. A member of the Scottish Labour Party, she has been Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work since 2021. She led the campaign that made Scotland the first country in the world to offer free universal access to period products.

Tina Leslie

Tina founded Freedom4Girls after spending time in Kenya, and discovering that 60% of girls and women in Kenya had no access to safe menstrual protection. Building on her passion to create a world in which everyone is educated about their bodies and has safe, hygienic access to menstrual products, her organisation supports those who menstruate by challenging the stigmas, taboos and gender inequalities associated with menstruation through education, provision of menstrual health management solutions and actively being at the forefront of the wider campaign against period poverty.

violence

against women a panel discussion

We are lucky to be joined by Jamie Klinger, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, and Yeshim Harris, to discuss this sadly prevalent issue.

Jamie Klinger

As co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, she was part of the group that successfully sued the Metropolitan Police for breaching her human rights after they banned a vigil for Sarah Everard. She was named ninth in PR Week UK's list of top communicators in 2021.

Yeshim Harris

Yeshim Harris is a conflict management professional with special interest in experience-sharing between countries/regions through a gender focussed perspective. She is the Co-founder and Director of Engi and a member of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues Secretariat. In this capacity, she regularly works with UK government departments on a number of conflict-related matters- looking into the dynamics of gender and violence.

3rd March, 6pm The Chamber

WillNE

William Lenney, better known as ‘WillNE’, is a Youtuber from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Will’s popularity exploded in 2016 with his witty videos about the ‘BGMedia’ grime channel, which highlighted his down-to-earth personality and humour. In the six years since, he has been incredibly successful, with over 7 million subscribers across his two channels, and over 1.2 billion views. Will was also a member of the now disbanded ‘E-Boys’ Youtube group, alongside fellow Lent Term speaker Memeulous. Alongside his hilarious editor Mikey Lamb, Will now focuses on high-quality out-of-the-box content. In his most recent video with over 3 million views, he pulled a practical joke on the TED conference, featuring our very own chamber in the outro.

4th March, 5pm The Chamber

15th March, 6pm The Chamber

aaron

bastani

Aaron Bastani is a leading figure in Left wing politics. The co-founder of the increasingly influential Novara Media, Aaron writes extensively about issues of inequality and the faults of capitalism. In his book “Fully Automated Luxury Communism” he proposes an alternative future at this time of crisis.

bradley

wiggins

Sir Bradley Wiggins is a former track and road cyclist. He has achieved world titles in four cycling disciplines and has won eight Olympic medals, five of them gold, holding the title of Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian until 2021. In 2012, Sir Bradley made sporting history when he became the first man to win the Tour de France and an Olympic gold medal in the same year. He was appointed a CBE in 2009 and was later knighted in 2013. He retired in 2016, after winning his fifth gold at Rio.

14th March, 4pm

The Chamber

daniel levy

Daniel Levy is a prolific businessman and is the current Chairman of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur FC. He is currently the longest serving chairman in the Premier League and oversaw the design and construction of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent years. Levy is also managing director of the ENIC Group, an investment company known for their work in the sports and media industries. He also studied Economics and Land Economy here at Sidney Sussex College, Cam-

katie piper

21st February, Time TBC The Chamber

caspar lee

Caspar Lee is a successful Youtuber turned investor and entrepreneur. He rose to fame through his popular YouTube channel, which now has almost 7 million subscribers, collaborating with stars like Ed Sheeran, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. He executive-produced Joe and Caspar Hit the Road for BBC Worldwide, which smashed pre-order sales records. Lee also took the lead role in Universal’s Laid in America, alongside YouTube comedian KSI. He then turned to the business industry, co-founding several firms including Influencer and Creator Ventures and was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 in Europe for his work in media.

ekin-su cülcüloğlu

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is the person everyone’s talking about. Rising to prominence as a contestant on Season 8 of Love Island, her personality immediately captured the hearts of fans everywhere. She went on to win the season alongside her beau Davide Sanclimenti. Before her time on Love Island, Ekin-Su starred in Turkish television series Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk and is now set to compete in Series 15 of Dancing on Ice. She has recently signed a record-breaking partnership with fashion retailer Oh Polly and looks set to take both 2023, and the Union chamber, by storm.

Date TBC The Chamber

jeremy vine

Jeremy Vine is a British television and radio presenter as well as a prolific journalist. He is the host of his own BBC Radio 2 lunchtime programme, and is also the host of the Channel 5 quiz show, Eggheads. That’s not all - Vine also presents for his current-affairs show, aptly named Jeremy Vine. His work has also been political - in 1999, Vine presented a report on South African police brutality for the BBC, winning the Silver Nymph award and resulting in the suspension of 22 police officers.

24th February, 5pm The Chamber

rankin

Rankin is Britain’s best portrait and commercial photographer. He has photographed the likes of Madonna, David Bowie, LeBron James, and even Queen Elizabeth II. Rankin is also the cofounder of the iconic Dazed magazine and has had his work on the covers of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ, amongst others. Rankin is the top of his field, and hosted the Great British Photography Challenge on BBC4 in 2021. We hear he may

simon mann

Simon Mann has done it all. A former SAS officer, his mercenary company Sandline International developed a reputation for efficiency, quelling uprisings across West Africa. In 1997, Sandline was called in to put down an uprising in Papa New Guinea, sparking a military revolt in the so-called Sandline Affair. After organising a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea involving Margaret Thatcher’s son, Mann was imprisoned in Zimbabwe for 4 years. He was extradited to Equatorial Guinea in the ‘oil for Mann’ deal, where Robert Mugabe allegedly traded Mann for cheap Equatorial Guinean oil. Mann served 2 years in Africa’s most notorious prison, Black Beach, before being released in 2009 after UK government petitions. Mann maintains that the coup was backed by a number of government ministers.

tasha ghouri

Tasha Ghouri is a model, dancer and media personality who made history in 2022 as Love Island's first ever deaf contestant. Since then her popularity has skyrocketed; her notable fashion taste, as seen in the show, led to her appointment as eBay's first ever pre-loved ambassador. She is also incredibly passionate about deaf awareness, as highlighted by her role as international ambassador for DeafKidz International as well as her second Instagram page dedicated to speaking about deaf causes.

Date TBC

The Chamber

calvin

klein sami 67

annie liebovitz sadat

The Union is not just a venue for formal debates and speaker events but also a centrepiece of Cambridge’s social life. Such a dichotomy has existed at our very core since our foundation two centuries ago, when three college debating societies merged into this Union – an event which took place over drinks in a pub!

This Christmas, my committee and I have been busy producing a diverse array of social events for all our members to enjoy. Wednesday evenings in the cellars will see our iconic series of musical “After Darks” return, kicking off with a classic “Jazz after Dark”. We will also hold fortnightly “Art after Dark” classes, a waltz class, wine tasting, a Ceilidh dance during our re-freshers’ period and two balls. Whatever your passion, I hope you find something in our socials lineup to spark your interest!

I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude to the spectacular committee I’ve been privileged to work with in the run-up to this term. Cambridge life can be hectic, but I hope the events we have put together allow you all to unwind in the tremendous company of our members this term. I hope to see you all on the dance floor in the coming weeks!

Harrison Moore, Social Events Officer Lent 2023

wednesdays, 8pm

in the cellars

What is competitive debating?

Competitive debating at the university level often follows the British Parliamentary (‘BP’) format. There are four teams of two speakers each, with two teams proposing the motion (the ‘Government’ teams) and two teams opposing the motion (the ‘Opposition’ teams). On each side, there are both Opening half and Closing half teams (i.e. Opening Government or ‘OG’ and Closing Government or ‘CG’).

Teams must represent their side of the motion and are competing to present the most compelling, impactful, unique and substantiated arguments for their side. Each team is given 15 minutes to prepare once the motion is released and speakers are given 7 minutes each to present their arguments. The speaking order starts with the first speaker of OG followed by the first speaker of Opening Opposition and alternates with the last speaker coming from the Closing Opposition or ‘CO’.

Keeping In Touch

To stay up to date with all our latest achievements and activities, join the Cambridge Debating Facebook group and our mailing list. All relevant links can be found at:

https://cambridgedebating2022.carrd.co/

Follow us on Instagram (@cambridgedebating) to receive the most recent updates about our competition performances, upcoming opportunities, and to find out more about our members!

If you have any questions then please contact:

Bernd Wong

bernd.wong@cus.org

How do you get involved?

Training Streams

The most direct way to get involved in competitive debating is to join one of our training streams. We have dedicated trainers who will run weekly workshops to help you improve your debating skills.

Beginner Mondays 18:00-20:00

Intermediate Tuesdays 18:00-20:00

Advanced Wednesdays 18:00-20:00

External Competitions

You can also sign up to represent Cambridge at external tournaments and competitions. In the Lent term, we will be sending teams to a variety of tournaments in various cities. These tentatively include Leiden, Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow. We will also be sending teams to Burgas in late July to represent Cambridge in the European Universities Debating Championships. These opportunities will be publicised regularly via our mailing list and our group chats for each stream.

Volunteer

You can get involved by volunteering at tournaments organised by Cambridge. In Michaelmas term, we successfully organised Cambridge Wom*n’s and Gender Minorities which attracted more than 30 of the best teams worldwide. Additionally, we organised our flagship Cambridge Intervarsity tournament, welcoming the best debaters to one of the most prestigious debate tournaments in the world.

In Lent Term, we will be organising Cambridge Schools, one of the largest tournaments in the UK for schools. Additionally, this year, Cambridge will be organising the International Competition for Young Debaters, which will welcome young debaters from all around the world to our very own Cambridge Union. You can get involved at these tournaments as a judge, tabulation team member or simply volunteering to help with logistics.

standing committee

president

Christopher George

debates officer

Max Ghose

events officer

Harrison Moore

communications officer

Mark Wadey

president-elect vice president–designate treasurer-designate debates officer–elect speakers officer–elect

equalities officer–elect socials officer–elect

vice president

David Eagleson

speakers officer

Salvador Widdicombe

equalities officer

Shibhangi Ghose

treasurer

Calvin Hartley

competitive debating officers

Bernd Wong & Isabelle Sim

James Appiah

Charlie Palmer

Johan Nerlov

Nick Davis

Edward Hilditch

Holly Sheridan

Alistair Mathieson

full committee

Access

Izzy Coleman

Katie Clarke

Nat Owen

AV

James Shillington

Ewan Woods

Oscar Beechey-Newman

Tom Pate

Laura Potomova

Szymon Sawicki

Chief of Staff

Sasha Grantham

Events Management

Matthew Haskett

Gia Bao Tao

Lois Bryan-Evans

Samuel Eastoe

Helen Williams

Shruti Thatikond

Ben Mays

Christian Owen

Eddie Adams

Haiwei Li

Jasper Ostle

Henry Buxton

Laura Lock

Leo Wang

Scarlett Hughes

Guest Liasons

Ben Carr

Adam Bradley

Neha Pauly

Rudi Ellis-Jones

Veronica Hera

Alessio D’Angelo

Grace Lozinski

Steph Lewis

Connor Phillips

Broderick House

Helena Trankic

Victoria Greenhalgh

Photography

Tobia Nova

Reva Croft

Nordin Catic

Ben Philips

George Bonilla

Press

Neelkabir Varsha Kapil

Rudi Ellis-Jones

Gretel Cuevas Verdin

Joshua Lim Yao

Jonathan Marrow

Sam Hudson

Publicity

Mark Wadey

Hannah Huang

Dominic Love

Ellen Withington

Juan Diego Albin

Liliana Kimball Walker

Izzy Porter

Esha Patel

George Banilla

Lucrezia Galli

Welfare

Alex Horan

Lauren Tucker

Secretary

Gina Holmes

sub-committees

Speakers

Prrajesh Varathan

Neha Pauly

Kerem Mumyakmaz

George O’Rourke

Matthew Haskett

Rex Phillips-Dibb

Samuel M Williams

Saqif Chowdhury

Julia Albertson

NeelKabir Varsha Kapil

Yoel Mulugheta

Max Ungless

Holly Sheridan

Connor Harrison Phillips

Alessio D’Angelo

Melania Hamilton

Haiwei Li

Ashwin Gohil

Rose Papadopoulos-Hedden

Shruti Thatikonda

Katie Clarke

Edward Marsh

Dominic Love

Rudi Ellis-Jones

Tanya Mackey

Nicholas Lindsey

Helen Martin

Ben Carr

Grace Langton-Wignall

Hasan Akeil

Jason Singh, Esq.

Debates

Ellie Breeze (Chief of Staff)

Eddie Adams

Reva Croft

Alix Danis

Nick Davis

Anna Farrow

Alex Horan

Alistair Mathieson

Ben Mays

Scarlett Morine

Jasper Ostle

Rémi Saidane

Gia Bao Tao

Shruti Thatikonda

Helen Williams

Events

Alistair Mathieson

Kat Eder

Katie Heggs

Tom Wolff

Hasan Akeil

Robert Bell

Rudi Ellis-Jones

Matthew Haskett

Kerem Mumyakmaz

Cosma Rubben

Ball

Molly Flitcroft

Linda Yang

Damsith Wismalasena

Ellen Withington

Angie De La Puente

Jake Havard

Haiwei Li

Cosma Rubben

Debate Competition Convenors

Marcus Choy

Luke Ashworth

Charlie Palmer

Charlotte Westwood

Security

Jake Havard

Equalities

Women’s Officer Kat Eder

Women’s Officer Gen Marsh

Class Act Officer

Georgia Box

Class Act Officer Alex Horan

BME Officer Samuel Eastoe

LGBTQ Officer

Rudi Ellis-Jones

Disabilities Officer Ben Carr

Debating Access Officer Jess Spearman

staff

Joe Burman

Ella Cairns

Hannah Goodger

John Brown

Katherine Connelly

Justyna Macoch

Sam Heap

Rai Aayush

Thomas Armstrong

Mohammad Baker

Ella Bird

Aurelien Brocchi

Thomas Brown

Charlotte Connell

Freddie Doe-Turner

Sophia Dorelli

Summer Eliza-Taylor

Luis Eusebio

Thomas Farley

Terezia Gabor

Michael Ingrey

Alexandru Ionita

Martyna Karolewska

Katarzyna Kasprzak

Joe Keady

Ben Matten

Aaron Maynard

Harry Naxton

Thomas Nolan

Deborah Parton

Francisca Patricio

Ben Pope

Noortje Post

Sofia Rayner

Mellisa Rees-Howell

Abdul-Roqeeb Salman

Patience Tilbury

Sam MacDonald

reviews & trustees

Review Committee

Joshua Blanchard Lewis

Rachel Tustin

Nicholas Wright

Freddie Dyke

Imran Mateo

Alex Forzani

Sam Longton

Trustees

The Rt.Hon. The Lord Smith of Finsbury PC

Ms Rachel Green

Ms Araba Taylor

Mr Philip Harrison

Mr David Branch

Sir Christopher Greenwood KC

Mr Nick Heath FRICS

Mr David Robinson

Mr David Eagleson

Mr Christopher George

Dr Mohamed El-Erian

president’sthanks

There are always so many people to thank. Over 100 people have been involved in putting together and running this term, so firstly, thank you to all of you for the hard work you have done. You have all made this an incredible experience.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.

to a new level. Your enthusiasm and preparation leaves me in no doubt that this term is going to be the best yet.

A huge, colossal, thank you has to go to my exceptional team. Their commitment has been second to none. They have all given countless hours to this term and allowed me to enjoy being President. We have had our fair share of bumps along the way, but I am so proud of all of them and what they have achieved. Max, you have been an outstanding debates officer. This series of hard hitting debates go right to the core of so many issues we face as a country. It is hard to choose which one I am looking forward to most. Sal, I have been so impressed with your passion and drive to bring some of the most interesting people (and those I would not have thought of) to the Union. Shibhangi thank you for always being a trusted source of advice. Your advocacy has been crucial to ensuring the Union is a space for people with different perspectives and from across the world. Harrison, you have really stepped up socials

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.

Thank you to the appointed members of my team who have all been crucial in making this term what it is. David, it seems like a long time ago since we worked together in Events Management, but I am so grateful to have you as my Vice President. Calvin, you have always supported me and I know I am not alone when I say you have been one of the best treasurers we have had. Mark, you have really made a big difference in the short time you’ve been Director of Communications and I know you will continue to do an amazing job. Thank you also to Charlie and Johan who have stepped up behind the scenes to make sure everything goes smoothly—I have no doubt that both of you will continue to make the Union a better place.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna.

Thank you as well to everyone who has supported me throughout my time at Cambridge and the Union. To Sasha and Gina for helping me with a multitude of tasks behind the scenes. To Lara for always being there for me. To Alix, Alex, Ben,

Christopher George President, Lent 2022

Lauren, Jake, Katie, and Darragh, for your continued help. My friends at Wolfson who have been there to provide a welcome break. To Stefan and Cory for keeping me grounded and focused on what matters. There are others without whom I would not be here, who have helped me in more ways than I can describe, and who will always have my unending gratitude; they know who they are.

A huge thank you has to go to the team at the Orator and behind the scenes; without them nothing would

be possible. They really are the backbone of this place. A special thanks has to go to John Brown who has taught me so much over the past year.

Thank you finally to all of you, the members. All the events, talks, and debates are for you. Thank you for putting your trust in me to look after your space and your society.

Christopher George President, Lent 2023

Serving as Vice President of this great society over the last two terms has been an absolute honour and a privilege. Now, in my last term in the role, I’m glad that I have so many amazing memories from this place and so many incredible events still to look forward to. In other exciting news, a project which I’ve been pushing forward for the duration of my time in office, the members’ room, is nearing completion. This will provide you with a relaxing space in which to chat with your friends, do work or simply read a book.

Facilitating our events over the course of the last two terms has

given me a hectic schedule and little downtime. I’m certainly looking forward to sitting down in the members’ room with a good book in hand, but I’d gladly do it all again. There’s no better feeling than putting on a successful term of events and bringing people together to share ideas. Inspiring people, challenging their beliefs and making an impact on the broader discussion are what this place is all about. It’s an important mission and one I hope that this place will continue to fulfil, both this term and beyond.

David Eagleson, Vice President, 2022-23

The Cambridge Union Lent 2023 Termcard

Designed by Liliana Kimball Walker

The cover of this termcard was designed by Bucket List Prints.

Bucket List Prints create travel posters inspired by nature, culture and adventure. They have a sustainable focus and plant a tree for every poster sold.

Prints of the ‘Cambridge Union’ cover design, along with over a thousand more travel posters, are available to purchase at bucketlistprints.com.