TheDurhamUnionSocietyistheoldestandlargest independentstudentsocietyintheNorthEast.
Establishedin1842,wehavebeenastapleofDurham lifealmostfromtheUniversity’sinception.
Weholdweeklydebatesoncontentiousissuesofthe day.Youcanhearargumentsfromleading commentatorsonarangeoftopicsaswellasstandupto challengethem.Wearethebastionoffreeexpressionin Durham.
WealsoboastDurham’sgreatestbarat24NorthBailey Club,thehomeoftheUnion.Wehaveoneofthe cheapestpintpricesontheBaileyaswellaplentyoffree wineaftereachevent(theysaybythataloneyoumake backyourmembershipfee).
Spring has broken, and with it, another term is upon us. We're kicking off an incredible lineup with the Speaker of the House of Commons, followed by leading legal experts such as Lucy Rigby, the sitting Solicitor General of England and Wales, and master quizzer Shaun Wallace. We have some outstanding names this term, and we can't wait to see as many returning members as possible.
We will be hosting four debates, beginning with ‘This House Believes That Without God All Is Permissible’ a deep dive into one of the most fascinating theological issues, featuring some of the sharpest minds in the field. We've curated a varied schedule, with upcoming debates on the monarchy, ecology, and history there truly is something for everyone this term.
They say trouble comes in threes: our Garden of Eden Summer Ball, Garden Party, and infamous boat parties are not to be missed! Member welfare has been at the heart of my vision for this term. To help de-stress during exam season, we'll be hosting a puppy therapy session before exams and a paint and sip event once they’re over. Plus, we ’ re launching welfare drop-in sessions to support you throughout this busy time.
The Durham Union is proud to call the North East home a region that has given us all so much during our time here. It’s now our turn to give back. We’ll be raising money for the County Durham Food Bank with our annual 24-hour debate this time with even more motions and an open bar. Come along, take the floor, and debate for a great cause.
The Robson Cup is back Union style. Whether you ' re a seasoned debater or new to the game, this is your chance to get involved, sharpen your skills, and compete for the best performance prize.
The Durham Union is a community like no other, and it has given me so much during my time at Durham. It has been a privilege to plan this term and give something back. I hope you all have an amazing term. And for those, like myself, who are graduating let’s see out our time here in style. We’ll be finishing with a full sixteen-college bar crawl: be there, or be square!
REECE SHORT
COLLEGE OF ST HILD AND ST BEDE
Our Friday night debates offer members the opportunity to hear from and question renowned speakers. Our guest speakers come from a variety of fields and speak on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Our debates follow the traditional British Parliamentary (BP) System. There is a motion formatted as 'This House...' and there are two sides of the House, the Proposition, who are for the motion, and the Opposition, who are against it.
There are three speakers on each side. Each speaker delivers an 8-10 minute speech, with the first and last minute being protected time. Audience members may make points of information during unprotected time, make floor speeches or ask questions at the end.
Following the conclusion of the debate we first vote by acclamation. If this returns an unclear result, we then vote by division. Those voting in favour of the proposition exit through the ‘Ayes’ door and those voting in favour of the opposition exit through the ‘Noes’ door.
Any member who speaks during the debate earns an invitation to the Reading Room, located in 24 North Bailey Club, for our drinks reception with the speakers after the event.
This House Believes WITHOUT GOD, ALL IS PERMISSABLE
DR PETER VARDY
Dr Peter Vardy is a British theologian and author of 18 books on religion and ethics. He is known for running UK school conferences on religious studies and has advised BBC and Channel 4 documentaries His work has featured in The Age, Times Higher Education, and on ABC Radio.
FR ANDREW DOWNIE
Fr Andrew Downie is Parish Priest of St Cuthbert’s and Catholic Chaplain to Durham University A former solicitor, he trained for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained in 2002 He has served as Vocations Director and university chaplain in Newcastle He is currently studying for a PhD in Theology at Durham, with a special interest in Vatican II and faith in contemporary culture
TIMDIEPPE
Tim Dieppe is Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern A former fund manager, he joined Christian Concern in 2016 and focuses on Islamic affairs and public policy He is the author of The Challenge of Islam and co-author of Questions to Ask Your Muslim Friends
JERRYLI
Jerry is an MA Theology student at Durham University He was President of the Durham Union Society in Michaelmas Term, 2024 He advocates for High Church, Low Tax and Medium-dry Sherry
PROFESSOR RICHARD NORMA
Richard Norman is a British philosopher and Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent A patron of Humanists UK, his work focuses on moral and political philosophy His books include The Moral Philosophers, On Humanism, and Ethics, Killing and War
PROFESSORDAPHNEHAMPSON
Margaret Hampson is an English theologian known for her influential and controversial stance in post-Christian thought She argues that Christianity is neither true nor moral due to its patriarchal nature and advocates for the emancipation of religion from gender bias She held a Chair at the University of St Andrews and studied at Oxford and Harvard
ALEXO’CONNOR(COSMICSKEPTIC)
Alex O’Connor is the founder of the CosmicSkeptic YouTube channel and Within Reason podcast Alex’s work focuses on religion, morality, and (formerly) veganism He has appeared on radio talk shows and on TalkTV and Channel 4 News He has produced videos with notable experts such as Peter Singer, Richard Dawkins, Bishop Robert Barron, and William Lane Craig
JOSEPHFOLLEY
Joseph Folley is the founder, writer, and presenter of Unsolicited Advice, a UK-based social media business Since launching in April 2023, the platform has grown to over 200,000 subscribers and amassed over 10 million total views
This House Would This House Would BECOME A REPUBLIC BECOME A REPUBLIC
GRAHAM SMITH
Graham Smith is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the 'Republic' pressure group, who routinely campaign against the British monarchy He is also the chair of the Alliance of European Republican Movements, and is a trustee of The Reform Foundation
KEN RITCHIE
Ken Ritchie is a former Labour and Co-Operative Party Councillor for Abbey North He has helped to lead a number of national campaigns including the War on Want and the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding, and he is the founder and Secretary of the group 'Labour for a Republic'
PETERTATCHELL
Peter Tatchell is a renown human rights campaigner, who has supported numerous causes within the UK and abroad, chiefly focusing on LGBT rights, free speech, environmentalism and freedom of religion
RICHARD HOLDEN MP
Richard Holden is the current MP for Basildon and Billericay, and is the former Chairman of the Conservative Party and MP for North West Durham.
STUDENTSPEAKER OLIVERHUGHES
Oliver Hughes is a first year History student from George Stephenson College. Oliver is also a member of the Durham Union Society's House Committee, and is an officer in the Mooting Society
Open to applications.
BARONESS NATALIE BENNETT
Baroness Natalie Bennett is currently a peer for the Green Party within the House of Lords, and is a former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
JUST STOP OIL SPOKESPERSON
Just Stop Oil is a British pressure group campaigning for the phasing out of oil, gas and coal within British society
STUDENTSPEAKER
Open to applications
THE RT. HON. GRAHAM STUART MP
Graham Stuart is currently the Conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness Graham served as the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero under Prime Minister Liz Truss, and had previously served as the Minister for Europe under Boris Johnson
ALEXWILSONMLA
Alex Wilson is a member of the London Assembly, and serves as the Leader of Reform UK within London's legislature. Alex was previously a Conservative councillor, who defected to Reform UK in 2021
STUDENTSPEAKER
Open to applications.
MICHAEL BROERS
Professor Michael Broers is an award-winning historian, who is currently a Professor of Western European History at St Margarets Hall, Oxford He specialises in French and Italian history during the Napoleonic era, looking at regionalism and popular Catholicism and their role in creating the identities of modern European states
GUEST SPEAKER
To be confirmed
STUDENTSPEAKER
Open to applications
DR ZACK WH
Dr Zack White is a historian and podcaster with a focus on the Napoleonic era, looking at the social impact of the Napoleonic Wars with a particular focus on Britain. He is Editor-in-Chief of the 19th Century research journal “Romance, Revolution and Reform” and is the British Commission for Military History’s Post-Graduate Liaison and Social Media Officer.
STUDENTSPEAKER GUESTSPEAK
To be confirmed
Open to applications.
The Union is proud to unveil the Alumni Mentorship Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that connects members with our distinguished alumni in the top echelons of their career fields.
Students are paired with an alumnus in their interested career field and can build a relationship, gain advice, and develop an understanding of their industry.
Interested in joining the programme? Keep an eye out for next years ’ applications or speak to the Alumni Officer to see if spots are still available!
Alex O’Connor, popularl CosmicSkeptic, is a You philosopher, and theolo the Within Reason podc has interviewed and deb including Richard Dawk Wilson, Sam Harris, and Tyson.
O’Connor identifies as a descriptivist. He is also a contributor at Unherd.
Ryan-Mark Parsons appeared on The Apprentice in 2019 as the show’s youngest-ever contestant, before being fired in the eighth episode. Parsons has also appeared on Celeb’s Go Dating, and is a contributor on Good Morning Britain.
Parsons is a supporter of the Conservative Party, and currently works as a Communications Advisor to a Shadow Minister.
Lucy Rigby is the Labour MP for Northampton North and Solicitor General for England and Wales. Prior to politics, she had an extensive legal career, and was a partner at Hausfeld & Co.
Rigby is a Politics graduate of Durham University. She is one of fourteen current MPs to have attended Durham University
Shaun Wallace, nicknamed “The Dark Destroyer,” has starred as one of the chasers on The Chase since 2009. He has previously won Mastermind, and was ranked 286 in the World Quizzing Championships in 2012 . th
Prior to television, Wallace worked as a barrister, and stood as an independent candidate at the 2005 general election.
Address will be followed by a quiz in 24s!
