President's Welcome
For the last time this academic year, welcome back!
As an elderly undergraduate stumbling into his third Easter term, I can say with confidence that the final stretch of the year spurs a bittersweet feeling within us all. From the moment of return to Durham, we are hit by the realisation that the next month or so will be occupied by endless hours of revision at the Billy B in preparation for the upheaval of exams. But then, as though through divine intervention, the cessation of academic activity frees us to bask under the glorious Durham sun with the company of friends. Truly a game of two halves.
This term, our fantastic programme of addresses, debates and socials will hopefully sway the bittersweetness of Easter markedly to the sweet. Whether it's a reprieve from studies through an evening with Ainsley Harriott before exams or debating the state of democracy thereafter, I sincerely hope you join us for what promises to be a term rife with thought-provoking and stimulating events.
The tradition of freedom of speech we have proudly followed for over 180 years is not one-dimensional. It is a conversation. A responsibility. An obligation on us all to challenge those in positions of power and put their ideas to the test. It demands we firmly grasp the baton of free speech so that it could be safely handed to future generations, who will one day stride into our debating chamber and experience the same awe we all did as budding freshers.
As such, we are immensely honoured to be welcoming several local schools to debate at the Union this term. After all, this Society has not endured for over 180 years by looking inward. We must be as open and welcoming as possible, and I hope this term lays the groundwork for a Union that encourages dialogue with people from all walks vital to making this reality.
Adam Albazy President, Easter 2023
The Durham Union Society is Durham’s oldest and largest student society. Founded in 1842, the Union plays a unique role in the collegiate system of Durham University. It brings together students from across the university in a way no other student society can.
The Union's guiding principle of free speech lays the foundation for rigorous debate and discussion. Our chamber on Palace Green is a place to engage with people from all walks of life, guest speakers, and fellow students alike.
Today, the Union takes a much bigger role in Durham life. On top of our debates and addresses from distinguished speakers, we host free members’ socials and termly headline balls. We also operate our own bar along the Bailey: 24 North Bailey Club, better known as '24s'.
Beyond this, we are the home of competitive debating on campus, hosting some of the country's best debating competitions, and sending teams to European and World Universities Debating Competitions.
This House believes
This House believes
This House believes
This House believes
Our debates this term are set to be truly thought-provoking, as we deliberate motions that are bound to challenge the preconceptions and worldviews of members. Most importantly, members have the unique ability to engage with and question renowned speakers from a variety of fields, including through points of information, floor speeches and voting on motions at the end.
Our debates are the embodiment of our guiding principle of free speech, passed down through generations of members. By participating in these captivating discussions, you are cementing your place in history as a contributor to conversations that shape the human story.
Proposition
Alexander Payne is a Public Affairs official for the National Farmers’ Union, leading their work on the benefits of meat production and meat eating.
Sophie Medlin is Chair of The British Dietetic Association for London, founder of City Dietitians and Head of Nutrition Research at Heights.
Opposition
Steve Hamon is the CEO of the Vegan Society, the oldest vegan organisation in the world. He trained as an engineer in the Royal Air Force.
Nathan McGovern is press coordinator of climate group Animal Rebellion and is co-founder of the Plant-Based Universities Campaign.
Proposition
Femi Oluwole is an anti-Brexit political activist and co-founder of the pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice.
Darren Hughes is Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society and formerly served as a Labour MP in New Zealand between 2002 and 2011.
Speaker TBC
Opposition
Sir Stephen Timms is the Labour MP for East Ham and previously served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2006 to 2007 under Tony Blair.
Andrew MacDougall is a director at Trafalgar Strategy and served as Head of Communications to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Dr Brian Klaas is an Associate Professor in Global Politics at UCL and the author of Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us.
Prize - Bottle of Wine from Market Hall Wines
Proposition
Abdullah al Andalusi is Head of the Department of Occidentology at The Quran Institute and the cofounder of The Muslim Debate Initiative.
Massoud Shadjareh is the founder and chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, an NGO advocating for the civil rights of Muslims.
Niaz Shah is a Barrister and Professor in Law at the University of Hull, where he focuses on the areas of both Islamic Law and Human Rights.
Opposition
Maryam Namazie is the founder of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. She is a prominent voice in championing secularism and individual rights.
Joseph Robertson is a Director of the Orthodox Conservatives, a think tank which advocates for socially conservative policies in Britain.
Shiva Mahbobi is a women ’ s rights activist, former political prisoner, and spokesperson for the Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran.
Proposition
Chris Baugh is a self-described Marxist who formerly served as Assistant General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union.
The Rt Hon Katy Clark MSP is a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the West Scotland region and is additionally a life peer for the Labour Party.
Opposition
Darren Grimes is a political commentator, broadcaster and regular contributor on GB News. He is the founder of Reasoned UK.
Dr Judith Shapiro is a Senior Lecturer in Practice in the Department of Economics at LSE. She is a former revolutionary Marxist.
This House believes It Knows it All
Weds. 26th April
Weds. 3rd May
Mon. 5th June
Mon. 12th June
Thurs. 27th April
Weds. 31st May
Weds. 7th June
Mon. 15th June
Throughout the week, alongside our debates, we hold addresses by a variety of engaging individuals from all walks of life. Our intimate chamber means you are often only a few feet away from incredible people - a potentially once in a lifetime experience. These talks either take the form of guest addresses or 'In Conversation' events, for a more relaxed approach.
Ainsley Harriott MBE
Wednesday 26th April 8pm
A beloved British celebrity chef, presenter, and author, Ainsley Harriott's upbeat approach to cooking has rendered him a national treasure in the eyes of many. With popular TV shows like 'Ready, Steady, Cook' and bestselling cookbooks like 'Ainsley's Good Mood Food', his contagious enthusiasm and infectious laughter have made him a household name in the culinary world.
Noam Chomsky
Thursday 27th April
6pm
Celebrated as "the most important intellectual alive" by the New York Times, Noam Chomsky is a distinguished social critic, philosopher, linguist, and author. With over 100 books to his name, Chomsky's wide-ranging contributions to these fields and his political activism have left an indelible mark, earning him numerous awards and recognition as a leading intellectual figure.
Simon Mann
Wednesday 3rd May
8.30pm
A former British Army officer and mercenary, Simon Mann gained notoriety for his alleged involvement in the failed 2004 Equatorial Guinea coup d'état attempt, for which he served part of a 34-year sentence before being pardoned in 2009. He has been linked to other high-profile mercenary operations, including during the Sierra Leone Civil War and the Angolan conflict.
Morgan Ortagus
Wednesday 31st May
8.30pm
As the spokesperson for the United States Department of State during the Trump Administration, Morgan Ortagus played a pivotal role in the historic Abraham Accords that facilitated peace deals between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan. Known for her vocal criticism of Iranian and Chinese influence, Ortagus also serves as an active officer in the United States Navy Reserve.
Moazzam Begg
Wednesday 7th June
8.30pm
A British-Pakistani human rights activist, Moazzam Begg was detained in Guantanamo Bay from 2002 to 2005 on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. After being cleared of these charges, he has since become a vocal critic of US policies on detention and interrogation. He is the co-founder of CAGE, an organisation focused on empowering those impacted by the War on Terror.
The Right Honourable Lord Eric Pickles
Monday 5th June
8.30pm
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government throughout the 2010-15 coalition, Lord Eric Pickles is today the UK's Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues. Lord Pickles is also Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel in the House of Lords, where he has sat as a Conservative life peer since standing down as an MP in 2017.
Maajid Nawaz
Monday 12th June
8.30pm
A former radical Islamist imprisoned in Egypt for five years, Maajid Nawaz is an author and activist who has since renounced his fundamentalist past and cofounded the Quilliam Foundation, an antiextremism think tank. Known for his bold insights on religious tolerance and political Islam, Nawaz hosted a radio show on LBC until his departure in 2022 amidst controversy over his views on COVID-19.
Husam Zomlot
Thursday 15th June
8.30pm
The current Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, Husam Zomlot is a diplomat, academic, and economist. Having formerly served as Head of the PLO mission to the United States prior to its closure in 2018 by the Trump administration, Zomlot is a lifelong advocate for the Palestinian cause and supporter of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Debating Matters Durham Championship 2023
Thursday 8th June
Students from schools across the North East will come together for a day of intense but thrilling debate as they take on issues such as, “Billionaires owning media companies is bad for democracy” and “Cancel Culture is a threat to freedom of speech”.
Debating Matters is a sixth-form schools debating competition encouraging young people to take themselves and their ideas seriously. It introduces students to key topics and controversies at the top of the public agenda, going beyond the headlines, and looking at the many sides of an argument. This event is part of the Debating Matters 20 for 20 programme, which commemorates 20 years of the competition.
Judges:
Tim Luckhurst Principal of South College, Durham University
William Clouston Leader of the Social Democratic Party
Eileen Perrie Engagement & Programming Manager at Locomotion
Dr Caspar Hewett Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Newcastle University
p tion is open to students aged 16 to 18 from North East schools and colleges. For more information about Debating Matters or to enter the competition, please visit www.debatingmatters.com or contact mo@ideasmatter.org.uk
CORONATIONSOCIAL
With three training streams weekly (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced), internal competitions and guaranteed funding for debaters of all abilities to access external competitions we offer the best opportunity for speakers of any or no prior experience to develop, compete and suceed around the country.
As well as domestic competitions, we send teams to World and European Championships – this is a great chance to travel, with Bulgaria and Vietnam being the next two destinations.
We also host three competitions: the IV (one of the best university debating competitions in the country), Durham Schools (the world’s largest residential school-level competition), and the Open (one of the most unique University debating competitions), all with plenty of opportunities to speak, judge and volunteer!
"I came into Durham having never debated competitively before, and since then thanks to the training and opportunities on offer represented Durham in competitions across the country and across Europe, and have made friends for life both in Durham and from across the world"
– Competitor, European Debating Championships 2022
Colloquially known as ‘24s’ by its loyal patrons, 24 North Bailey houses the Union’s bar. A grade two listed building with a lovely beer garden and spacious rooms that encapsulate the history and spirit of the society, many head here for an extensive drink menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Managed by our Custodian Theo Stubb, the bar is the beating heart of the Union. Open every evening, it is a space to socialise and let loose, frequented by members and non-members alike. After events you can head to 24s to socialise, as well as to interact with our guest speakers, creating connections and enriching understanding with experts in various fields.
Opening Times
8.30 - 11.30
Sunday to Thursday
8.30 - Midnight
Friday and Saturday
The Durham Union Society Podcast
This term, we are delighted to introduce our new Durham Union podcast series, extending conversations with worldrenowned speakers beyond the debating chamber. Available on a variety of platforms, the Union podcast will place our lively interviews, discussions and debates right at your fingertips.
Scan the QR code to view our podcast, available on platfoms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned as we bring you unmissable content on a weekly basis!
Sixth Form Essay Competition
We are proud to announce our second Durham Union Society Sixth Form Essay Competition. To deliver this competition we have partnered with the National Center for Religious Freedom Education at the Religious Freedom Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank centred around the promotion of religious freedom and tolerance worldwide.
The competition is open to any Year 12 student in the North East of England. You don't have to be studying religious studies or politics - we want to hear from a diverse range of students. Even if you can't enter yourselves, please tell your friends and family who are eligible. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your interest in theology, philosophy, politics and current affairs on your UCAS personal statement.
The prompt is
"How does religious freedom contribute to democracy?"
Word limit: 500 words
The deadline for submissions is 17/06/2023.
To enter, please submit your essay of no more than 500 words, full name, school and home town to outreach@dus.org.uk with the subject line "[YOUR NAME] - DUS Essay Competition Easter 2023". Essays will be judged by a panel representing the Durham Union and the National Center for Religious Freedom Education at the Religious Freedom Institute.
£100 1st Place
Prizes
£50 2nd/3rd Place
PROMPT: How does religious freedom contribute to democracy?
In partnership with the...
Treasurer's Treats
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Getting Involved
There are many ways to get involved with the Union, and help from our members is always appreciated. Organising our debates, addresses and socials each term is a huge task involving numerous elected officers and committees.
Getting involved comes with some perks, General Committee members get the opportunity to live above 24 North Bailey Club and vote on constitutional amendments.
Elected Committees
Our Committees work to support the Union's officers and keep the society running. Elected members of committees also sit on the general committee, which oversees the society.
President's Committee
House Committee
Social Committee
Equalities Committee
Secretary's Committee
Rules Committee*
*Rules Committee is elected from the General Committee
Officerships
Our officers are responsible for the day-to-day running of the society, with the support of the committees. They are split into Junior and Full Officers - the latter of which serve on the Standing Committee, the society's exec.
President
Adam Albazy South College president@dus.org.uk
Meet the Officers Standing Committee
Treasurer
Secretary
Mathew Brooker Hatfield College treasurer@dus.org.uk
Aditya Sharma Van Mildert College secretary@dus.org.uk
Social Secretary Custodian Publicity Officer
Theodore Stubbs Hatfield College custodian@dus org uk
Emma Zaoli South College social@dus org uk
Jake Field-Gibson St Chad's College publicity@dus org uk
Director of Debating
Jamie Smallbone Stephenson College debating@dus.org.uk
Debating Treasurer
Joshua Oxley Grey College debating.treasurer@dus.org.uk
Technologies Officer
Chris Straughan Josephine Butler College tech@dus.org.uk
President-elect
Theo Osborn Grey College president.elect@dus.org.uk
Meet the Officers Junior Officers
Steward
Adam Shank Hatfield College steward@dus org uk
Equalities Officer
Olivia Dunn
Josephine Butler College equalities@dus org uk
ant dian
Alumni Officer
Sponsorship Officer
Peterson ollege ant@dus.org.uk
Ryan Leung St. Mary's College alumni@dus org uk
Outreach Officer
Alex McDermott University College outreach@dus.org.uk
William Rome Hild Bede College sponsorship@dus.org.uk
Returning Officer
Jon Chan Stephenson College returningofficer@dus org uk
Debates Competition Officer President Emeritus
Angela Wang Hild Bede College competitions@dus.org.uk
Debates Training Officer
Aryan Makhecha South College training@dus.org.uk
org uk Deputy Tech Officer
To Be Elected
Jordan Kiss South College jordan.kiss@dur.ac.uk
Alex McDermott University College speakers@dus org uk Speakers Secretary
President's Thanks
A perennial question which invariably occupies the minds of Union Presidents is: why do we do it? What is the purpose of devoting such great time and effort for the benefit of a student society?
After years of involvement with the Union, the answer to this question now comes to me with relative ease. Witnessing the extraordinary dedication with which committee members and officers carry out their duties has demonstrated to me something quite remarkable. They do not see their responsibilities as benefitting a mere student society, but rather something greater. Something greater than themselves. An idea. A belief. A conviction that their work is vital to conserving a priceless tradition of free speech, the great bulwark of liberty. It is, however, a tradition that many take for granted. Yet, through their selfless contributions to this term and the Union altogether, our volunteers consistently demonstrate their appreciation for the immense value of debate and discussion. For that, I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
President's thanks
The group which most personifies this sentiment of sacrifice for the sake of something greater is our wonderful Standing Committee. Matthew, Aditya, Theo S, Emma, Jake, Theo O, Josh, Jamie and Chris: your contributions cannot be understated. Without your support and guidance, none of this would have been possible. I particularly wish to express my gratitude to our Publicity Officer Jake, who has had to suffer many hours of phone calls with me in creating this stunning term card.
A special thanks to my President's Committee, who have worked incredibly hard to put together a fantastic array of events: Charles, Will, Dominic, Alexander and Craig. I know your role has been especially demanding, but nonetheless hope you'll be proud of the fruits of your labour as our events come to life this term.
Last but certainly not least, I'd like to thank you, our members. Without your contributions, this Society would not exist, and to you I owe everything.
I would also like to personally thank the following individuals, not only for their exceptional contributions but for continually supporting me in the Union and beyond.
Matthew - For your eye for innovation, endless desire to make progress and forward-looking vision, this Society owes you a great deal of gratitude. My successor as Treasurer and cheeky younger brother, I wish you nothing but the very best.
Jordan - My predecessor and dear friend. It's not often that one is awestruck by an individual's raw ambition and determination. You will undoubtedly achieve great things and firmly make your mark on this world. Just don't forget me when you ' re a Supreme Court Justice!
Jerry - Amidst life's ebbs and flows, I know I'll always find comfort and assurance in your unwavering friendship and support. "Nihil tamen aeque oblectaverit animum quam amicitia fidelis et dulcis."
Alex - My proposer, Speakers Secretary and pal. Meeting you for the first time, I immediately saw a capable and talented man, a future leader. Day in and day out, in the Union and beyond, you incontrovertibly prove me right. Always and forever, reach for those stars.
Theo S - The undisputed King of 24s, your unparalleled love for this Society manifests in the vigorous devotion with which you apply yourself to your role.
Dylan - The Union's Father of the House, your age-old wisdom and knowledge of the Society I have come to treasure, but never more than your invaluable friendship.
President's thanks
Eden - What happens when you take two mischievous Londoners and place them in the same Durham College? A mighty friendship is forged, sure to last a lifetime. My best mate and brother, our antics have provided me with memories I'll cherish for as long as I live.
Tom - It is by no means an exaggeration to say that you are one of the nicest, most genuine people I've had the pleasure to meet and call a friend. Wherever you go, your radiant personality never fails to raise everyone ' s spirits. For that, I'm forever grateful.
Jon - Mr Returning Officer, Sir. If the Union Constitution suddenly took on a human form, it would bear an uncanny resemblance to you!
Sharon - Truly the Union's indispensable foundation, without whom we would be as lost as my house keys!
