H I L A R Y
2 0 1 7
Nikolay Koshikov
President
Welcome When asked about the University, Harold Macmillan replied that it is “only the background against which the Union is cast”. Though it may seem that the Union’s assets are limited to its premises, its influence stems from the individuals who seek to shape the course of history. Irrespective of the obstacles they may face, they fight for what they believe is right – often far ahead of their time, at times behind it, sometimes without enough time left to see their vision become reality. One such individual is Benazir Bhutto, President of the Union forty years ago this term, and first female leader of the Muslim world. Her life, though curtailed, now gives hope and vision to millions of Pakistani women, who aspire to obtain education, hold political office, and pursue their other dreams. Her legacy will continue to live through Malala Yousafzai and others who fight the oppression of women in the Arab World, a topic that several of our speakers will address this term. Another is Malcolm X. In 1964 he may have lost on the night, speaking on the motion “Extremism in the defence of liberty is no vice; moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue”, but won through the accomplishments that followed. His Union speech gave people a yardstick to fight for their cause, and make their voices heard.
Progress is impossible without change, and change will not come if we wait for some other time. With this in mind, my committee put all their efforts into ensuring that this term’s debates consider some of the most pressing issues that we have today, from the future of the LGBTQ+ movement to relations between global superpowers. In 2017, we need to reassess not just the progress made to date, but also the best way to advance rational policy and the cause of progress in a world of posttruth politics. The Union remains committed to open and intellectual debate, and my hope is that the line-up of speakers this term will provide unique insights into both of these questions. I hope to see all of you at our debates, socials, and speaker events this term. Moreover, I encourage you to follow in Bhutto’s footsteps by joining the elected committee – you will learn more about yourself and the world than you could possibly imagine.
Nikolay Koshikov Exeter College
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Librarian’s Welcome
Treasurer’s Welcome
Welcome back to Oxford after what I hope was a restful vacation. I am so delighted to be your Librarian for the term, since it is my responsibility to organise the visits of some incredibly inspiring speakers, as well as to ensure that you have a warm, beautiful and well-stocked library to work in.
Happy New Year! I hope that you are looking forward to a fantastic Hilary Term here at the Union. The partnership team and I have worked throughout the vacation to ensure that the Union’s finances continue to be in good health, and that - in addition to the unique line-up of debates, speakers and socials, our library and our other facilities you get the most out of your membership.
It may surprise you to hear that a lot of the work that comes with being on committee is done over the vacation. From countless phone calls with agents, managers and publicists, to handwritten letters, hours are spent putting together a programme of events that you will enjoy. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for their work this vacation, especially where they have sacrificed time with their family and friends. Indeed, I hope you agree that their hard work has produced a notably engaging and diverse line-up of speakers, including award-winning actors, fashion icons, and political leaders. Moreover, without giving too much away, I strongly encourage you to follow the Oxford Union’s social media platforms for updates on other speakers that are currently in the pipeline, and whom I hope will also be able to join us this term. If you want to meet any of the term’s speakers or would like more information, please do email me. Chris Zabilowicz | Worcester College librarian@oxford-union.org
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With that in mind, we have many exciting prizes on offer for speakers in this term’s floor debates. If the prospect of sharing a platform with figures of global renown and (marginally less renowned) student speakers was not enough already, I hope that these opportunities will give you a reason to step up and make your voice heard - from dining to diving, from college balls to a crocodile zoo. Prizes are also on offer at the Emergency Debates, which start at 7:45pm on Thursdays. If debate speaking isn’t your thing, don’t forget that details of our many Treasurer’s Treats can be found at the back of the term card. These special discounts are available to all of our members. If you’d like to get involved with our eagleeyed Finance Committee, have some smart suggestions for new partnerships, or wish to ask any questions about the Union, please get in touch with me. Will Barnes | Hertford College treasurer@oxford-union.org
Secretary’s Welcome Welcome to Hilary 2017! I hope you had a wonderful break, and that you are ready to attend some exciting events in the forthcoming weeks. My team and I have worked hard over the Christmas break to put together the socials for the term, and we will continue to work hard to ensure you enjoy every second of them. For one night this term, the Union will ignite and escape the cold winter. I proudly present the highlight of this term’s social events: our Dante’s Inferno Ball. Tickets go on sale Friday of 1st week at 1:00pm – make sure to buy yours early to guarantee your journey alongside Dante and Virgil through the nine Circles of Hell! (Amusingly, Dante encounters Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti’s father in the Sixth Circle, reserved for heretics. I hope I do not share a similar fate.) In addition, prepare for a trip back to the Prohibition era during our Speakeasy Social in 3rd week, and look forward to our cheese and wine tasting social in 6th week. Our intoxicating Pub Quizzes (with £100 cash prizes!) will take place in our illustrious Members’ Bar – one of the cheapest in Oxford!
Debates
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Speakers
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Socials
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Info
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The Union is here to serve its members. If you have any ideas or suggestions, do drop me an email! Gui Cavalcanti | Pembroke College secretary@oxford-union.org
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Debates
The Oxford Union was established to protect and uphold freedom of speech, and debating remains at the heart of the society today. Debates are held every Thursday evening during term on a variety of important topics, and are the highlight of the week. 7:45pm – the Emergency Debate. The motions attempt to tackle topical questions, and are set by the Consultative Committee each week.
8:30pm – the Main Debate. Featuring high-profile guest speakers, the motions for these debates have been decided by committee over the vacation. Details can be found on the pages which follow.
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Members' participation in debates is highly encouraged. A ballot will be released every week for members to attend dinner with the guest speakers. In the Main Debate, points of information can be offered to guests during their speeches, and time is also reserved for members to give short floor speeches before the last speaker on either side. There are prizes for the best speakers in the floor debate each week, while the Emergency Debate provides a less formal setting for student speakers. Our special Benazir Bhutto Memorial Debate is planned for Monday of 7th week, and discusses the power of individuals to shape the course of history.
LGBTQ+ Allies
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Social Media
8
Liberalism and Populism 10 Religious Rights
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Drugs
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Russia
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Bhutto Memorial
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Education and Racism
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THIS HOUSE REGRETS
The Prominence of Allies in the LGBTQ+ Movement Thursday 19 January, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Scott Bixby
American journalist and commentator. Bixby covers LGBTQ+ news and US politics for The Guardian, following stints at Mic, The Daily Beast, Bloomberg, and New Republic.
Bethany Black
Comedian and actress. Black, who has featured in Doctor Who and Russell T Davies’ Cucumber and Banana, is known for her black comedy and frank discussion of her experiences.
Nikki Sinclaire
Former MEP for the West Midlands. Sinclaire, the UK’s first openly trans Parliamentarian, sued her former UKIP group for sex discrimination in 2010, before establishing her own Eurosceptic party.
DID THE SONG SAME LOVE PROMOTE MACKLEMORE OR THE MOVEMENT? A LT H O U G H M A N Y I N T H E LG BTQ+ C O M M U N I T Y W E L C O M E T H E S U P P O R T O F F E R E D B Y A L L I E S ( R E S E M B L I N G I N I T I AT I V E S L I K E H E F O R S H E B E H I N D O T H E R C A U S E S ), S O M E H AV E W A R N E D T H AT A L L I E S ’ V O I C E S D R O W N O U T THOSE OF PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE AND PROFIT FROM THEIR OPPRESSION.
DOES
THIS ADVOCACY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Asifa Lahore
The UK’s first Muslim drag queen and star of a Channel 4 documentary. Lahore is outspoken on the intersection of homosexuality and Islam, and the process of coming out to traditional parents.
Emily Brothers
The first openly trans Westminster candidate. Brothers stood with the Labour Party in 2015, having previously served as Programme Head at the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Tim Ramsey
Founder and Chief Executive of just like us, a charity supporting young LGBTQ+ people. Ramsey, an Oxford alumnus and former teacher, made national news by returning to his school to come out.
OPPOSITION Hilary 2017
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Social Media Corrupts Human Interactions Thursday 26 January, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Liam Hackett
Founder and CEO of equality and anti-bullying charity Ditch The Label. Hackett speaks from personal experience on issues surrounding cyberbullying, social media and homophobia.
Emma Gannon
Blogger, author, and podcast host. Gannon’s podcasts cover the impact of the Internet and social media, with topics from ‘Has Social Media Killed Good Conversation?’ to ‘Social Media and the Refugee Crisis’.
1.8 B I L L I O N F A C E B O O K U S E R S ; 1 B I L L I O N T I N D E R S W I P E S E A C H D AY . W E ’ R E I N T E R A C T I N G AT B R E A K N E C K S P E E D T H R O U G H S O C I A L M E D I A B U T , W I T H O U T FA C E - T O - FA C E C O N TA C T , A R E W E R E A L LY C O M M U N I C AT I N G ? WHILE MORE INTER-CONNECTED THAN EVER BEFORE, WE ALSO SEEM T O B E M O R E I S O L AT E D A N D M O R E S U P E R F I C I A L . H A S S O C I A L M E D I A E N H A N C E D F R I E N D S H I P S A N D R E L AT I O N S H I P S O R C O R R U P T E D T H E M ?
Dr Jessica Carbino
Tinder’s Sociologist. Carbino’s position gives her a unique perspective on relationships, technology and decision making in the 21st century. She uses data to share surprising insights on modern love and life.
Cherry Healey
Television presenter and commentator on social media’s impact. Healey, best known for her revelatory documentaries on the BBC, confronts critical issues in British culture including body image, sex, and parenting.
OPPOSITION Hilary 2017
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
Liberalism has Become Elitist Thursday 2 February, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Steven Woolfe MEP
Member of the European Parliament for North West England. Woolfe, formerly a frontrunner for the UKIP leadership, now sits as an independent following an infamous altercation with a fellow UKIP MEP.
Matthew Elliott
Director of Vote Leave and founder of the TaxPayers’ Alliance. Elliott has been named "one of the most successful political campaigners in Westminster today".
Kerry-Anne Mendoza
Founder and editor of The Canary, the alternative media outlet that is ‘here to disrupt the status quo of the UK and international journalism’. Mendoza wrote Austerity, a book defending the welfare state.
THE
2016, O N ‘ A N T I - E S TA B L I S H M E N T ’ BACKLASH AGAINST A ‘LIBERAL ‘48%’ A N D T H E V I C T O R Y O F T H E
P O P U L I S T M O V E M E N T S W H I C H T R I U M P H E D P O L I T I C A L LY I N
BOTH SIDES OF THE
ATLANTIC,
CLAIMED TO BE
A N D C H A R A C T E R I S E D T H E M S E LV E S A S A E L I T E ’.
DESPITE THE PERSISTENCE OF THE D E M O C R AT S I N T H E P O P U L A R V O T E , H A S L I B E R A L I S M R E A L LY L O S T I T S M A S S APPEAL? DO ITS IDEALS STILL ADDRESS ORDINARY PEOPLE’S CONCERNS?
Anna Soubry MP
Conservative MP for Broxtowe and former Minister of State. Soubry, outspoken and compelling in her advocacy for the EU, came second in Leave.EU’s ‘Remoaner of the Year’ awards.
Lord Ming Campbell
Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Campbell is now a member of the House of Lords and Chancellor of St Andrews University, after twentyeight years in the House of Commons.
Dan Hodges
Columnist for The Mail on Sunday. Hodges describes himself as a ‘tribal neo-Blairite’, actively criticised Ed Miliband and is a fervent opponent of Jeremy Corbyn.
OPPOSITION Hilary 2017
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Religious Freedom Supersedes Civil Liberties Thursday 9 February, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Cormac, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor
Roman Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster. His Eminence is among the UK’s most prominent faith leaders, and has argued that secularism poses a threat to tolerance.
His Beatitude Fouad Twal
Outgoing Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. His Beatitude is particularly influential in the Catholic Church, having previously served as Archbishop of Tunis and in the Vatican Secretariat of State.
MANY
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES STILL CLAIM THE FREEDOM TO ACT UPON
THEIR BELIEFS, EVEN WHERE THESE CONFLICT WITH SECULAR POLICY OBJECTIVES, LEGAL EQUALITY OR RESPECT FOR OPPRESSED GROUPS’ CIVIL RIGHTS.
S H O U L D F R A N C E E X E M P T M U S L I M S F R O M FA C E C O V E R I N G L A W S ? S H O U L D C H R I S T I A N - R U N B U S I N E S S E S H AV E T O F U N D C O N T R A C E P T I O N , O R S E R V E LGBT Q+ C L I E N T S ? D O R E L I G I O U S B E L I E F S D E S E R V E S P E C I A L PRIVILEGES IN SOCIETY?
Nia Griffith MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence. Griffith has spoken conspicuously about the problematic interplay of the political and religious spheres, both in Parliament and in other contexts.
Imam Ajmal Masroor
Leading British imam and television personality, who stood in the 2010 General Election for the Liberal Democrats. Masroor is outspoken about the intersection of politics and Islam.
OPPOSITION Hilary 2017
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THIS HOUSE WOULD
Say No To Drugs Thursday 16 February, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Patricia Gallan QPM
The Metropolitan Police’s Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Crime and Operations. Gallan is the most senior female police officer from an ethnic minority in British history, a hostage negotiator, and a qualified barrister.
Shaun Attwood
Former millionaire stock-trader and ecstasy dealer. Attwood worked in collaboration with the Mafia in Arizona, leading to imprisonment and a lifetime ban from the US. He is now an activist and author.
MOVING
BEYOND
‘POLITICAL’
Q U E S T I O N S O F L E G A L I S AT I O N , T H I S D E B AT E
E N G A G E S M O R E D I R E C T LY W I T H W H E T H E R U S I N G D R U G S C A N B E L I F E E N H A N C I N G A N D M O R A L LY J U S T I F I A B L E .
H AV E
C O N C E R N S A R O U N D H E A LT H
I M PA C T S B E E N O V E R P L AY E D , E S P E C I A L LY R E L AT I V E T O A L C O H O L ?
CAN
D R U G S R E A L LY A D D VA L U E T O O U R E X I S T E N C E , A N D C A N W E O V E R C O M E T H E W I D E R I M PA C T S O F N A R C O T I C S U S E A N D P R O D U C T I O N ?
Peter Reynolds
Head of CLEAR, the UK’s largest drug policy reform group. Reynolds, a former creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, has dedicated himself to ending cannabis prohibition, especially for medicinal purposes.
Paul Hayes
Former Chief Executive of the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. Hayes is now the leader of Collective Voice, a non-profit organisation advocating for improved addiction treatment services.
OPPOSITION Hilary 2017
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
The West Treats Russia Unfairly Thursday 23 February, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Natalya Narochnitskaya
Russian politician, historian and diplomat. Narochnitskaya served as Vice Chair of the International Affairs Committee of the State Duma, and is now Director of the Institute of Democracy and Cooperation.
Yevgeny Chichvarkin
Russian entrepreneur and founder of phone retailer Euroset, who became the richest man under 35 in Russia. Chichvarkin, worth $1.6 billion, has previously campaigned against corruption in Russia and President Putin, and has been subject to trial in absentia.
ENGAGING
WITH A QUESTION WHICH IS BECOMING EVER MORE
PRESSING AND CONTROVERSIAL, THIS MOTION CHALLENGES THE M O R A L I S I N G S TA N C E O F
WESTERN
G O V E R N M E N T S T H AT H AV E S O U G H T
TO JUSTIFY ANIMOSITY TOWARDS, AND SANCTIONS AGAINST, A S B E I N G A R E S U LT O F I T S C O N D U C T .
ARE
RUSSIA
THESE NECESSARY AND
P R O P O R T I O N AT E R E S P O N S E S T O A G G R E S S I O N , O R A N E X C E S S I V E AND UNCOMPROMISING BACKLASH MIRED IN HYPOCRISY?
Sir Malcolm Rifkind
Former Foreign and Defence Secretary. Sir Malcolm served extensively in the Cabinet under both Thatcher and Major, and was Chair of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee from 2010 to 2015.
Sir Roderic Lyne
Former UK Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Sir Roderic is now Vice Chairman of Chatham House, and a member of the Board of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce.
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T H E B E N A Z I R B H U T T O M E M O R I A L D E B AT E
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
The Individual Still has the Power to Shape the Course of History Monday 27 February, 8:30pm
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BENAZIR BHUTTO LIVED A LIFE OF FIRSTS: THE FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD A M U S L I M - M A J O R I T Y N AT I O N A N D A N A D V O C AT E F O R T H E D I G N I T Y OF ALL, SHE WAS ALSO THE FIRST ASIAN FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE OXFORD UNION. HER PRESIDENCY WAS FORTY YEARS AGO THIS TERM, A N D 2 0 1 7 M A R K S T H E T E N T H A N N I V E R S A R Y O F H E R A S S A S S I N AT I O N . Benazir chose this motion for her Presidential Debate in Hilary 1977. Do movements produce leaders, or leaders build movements? Humanity is more connected than ever, and thus more dependent – this might seem uninspiring, but collaboration still allows for transformation. How far can the individual make history in an age where collective action appears to be the most effective form of change?
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, and son of Benazir Bhutto. Zardari, an Oxford alumnus, leads the largest opposition party in Pakistan.
Sherry Rehman
Senator of Pakistan. Rehman is the Vice-President of the Pakistan People’s Party, and a former Ambassador to the United States.
Victoria Schofield
Biographer and historian of Asia. Schofield, a former Union President, was Benazir’s Librarian, spoke in the original debate, and remained a trusted advisor and close friend.
Wajid Shamsul Hasan
Former High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK, from 2008 to 2013. Hasan was critical of the Cameron Government’s comments on Pakistan’s role in the war on terror.
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
British Education Perpetuates Racism Thursday 2 March, 8:30pm
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PROPOSITION
Proposition to be Announced THE
D E TA I L S O F T H E S E S P E A K E R S W I L L B E R E L E A S E D
NEARER TO THE TIME OF THE EVENT, SUBJECT TO THEIR REQUESTS.
FROM
H I S T O R Y T O L I T E R AT U R E , O U R E D U C AT I O N
S C H O O L O R AT U N I V E R S I T Y N A R R AT I V E S O F R A C E .
-
B R I TA I N ’ S
B ME
W H E T H E R AT
E D U C AT I O N S Y S T E M H A S B E E N A C C U S E D
O F FA I L I N G T O D R A W AT T E N T I O N T O T H E NEGLECTING
–
I S P R O F O U N D LY I N T E R T W I N E D W I T H
EMPIRE’S
AT R O C I T I E S ,
P E R S P E C T I V E S , A N D D I S C O U N T I N G N O N -W E S T E R N
– ISSUES WHICH RHODES M U S T F A L L H A S R E C E N T LY D R A W N AT T E N T I O N T O A C R O S S O X F O R D . I S I T FA I L I N G I N T H E S E W AY S , A N D T H U S P E R P E T U AT I N G R A C I S M ?
C O N T R I B U T I O N S T O C U LT U R E A N D S C I E N C E
Dr Tony Sewell CBE
Founder and CEO of Generating Genius, a charity helping underprivileged students to learn about STEM degrees and careers. Sewell trained as a teacher, and is a published author.
Neil Carmichael MP
Chair of the Education Select Committee. Carmichael, an MP since 2010, has scrutinised and influenced the UK's education policy, and is recognised as one of Westminster's most active debaters.
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Debate Floor Prizes £120 M e a l Voucher
£100 e s c a p e experience
Meal Voucher
Two TickeTs
Two TickeTs
Two TickeTs
T w o f a M i ly passes
£100 M e a l Voucher
5 reD GuesT passes
£60 M e a l Voucher
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DiscoVer scuba for (£100) V o u c h e r
Two
special Tour anD lunch
£250 M e a l Voucher
Startup Panel
S TA R T U P S
Peter Smith
CEO & Co-founder of Blockchain As co-founder and CEO of Blockchain, Peter Smith has revolutionised the Bitcoin industry, creating the world’s most popular Bitcoin wallet and arguably the most trusted brand in digital currency.
IN
B R I TA I N –
W H AT ’ S M I S S I N G ?
Daniel Gandesha
CEO & Founder of Property Partner As founder and CEO of Property Partner, Daniel Gandesha set a record for the world’s fastest ever equity crowdfunding project by raising £843,100 in 10 minutes 43 seconds – £1,311 per second.
Jeff Lynn
CEO & Co-founder of Seedrs Oxford graduate and entrepreneur, Jeff Lynn created Seedrs, one of the UK’s top equity crowdfunding platforms, and the first business of its kind to receive regulatory approval from the FCA.
Third Week | Monday 30 January, 5:00pm
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Speakers
The Oxford Union hosts world leaders from virtually every field, and each term we aim to bring you the most interesting, engaging and influential speakers.
For any speakers listed as 'To be Confirmed', we are still negotiating dates
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and times. We will ensure that, as soon as we know a date for an event, we will pass that information on to you. Make sure to check out the last section of the termcard for details on how to keep informed, and the answers to other frequently asked questions about our speaker events.
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John Hennessy
FIRST WEEK
‘T H E G O D FAT H E R O F SILICON VALLEY’
John Hennessy has been described as the ‘godfather of Silicon Valley’, and served as the tenth President of Stanford University. Prior to his tenure at the University, he established himself as a pioneering American computer scientist, co-founding the technology companies MIPS and Atheros. After ending more than fifteen years at the helm of one of the world’s foremost research institutions last year, Hennessy continues to sit on the boards of Google and Cisco.
Wednesday 18 January, 5:00pm
Anna Fendi Leading Italian luxury fashion house Fendi alongside her sisters for 30 years, Anna Fendi served as the firm’s creative coordinator and as Head of Development. Her work revolutionised the leather and accessories sector, making her the first Italian woman to win the IWF Hall of Fame Award in Washington for her constant work in promoting ‘made in Italy’ beauty. She has worked extensively in partnership with designer Karl Lagerfeld since 1965.
Friday 20 January, 5:00pm FIRST WEEK
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Greg Rutherford MBE
THIRD WEEK
Greg Rutherford won a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, representing Britain in the long jump. His career has reached towering heights since he became the youngest ever winner at the AAA Championships aged just 18, when he also set a British junior record. Last June, he held every available elite outdoor title, and he remains the current British record holder for his event. Rutherford topped the 2015 IAAF Diamond League rankings.
Wednesday 25 January, time to be confirmed
Nadia Murad E S C A P I N G ISIL
S L AV E R Y
As a member of the Yazidi community, Nadia Murad’s life changed forever in 2014, when ISIL attacked her village. Murad was sold into sexual slavery, facing unimaginable brutality every day until her escape. She now speaks out about ongoing genocide and war crimes, and campaigns with Amal Clooney to prosecute ISIL leaders at the International Criminal Court. Murad was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and is the first UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking.
SECOND WEEK
Wednesday 1 February, 8:00pm
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THIRD WEEK
Andrea Leadsom MP S ECRETARY
OF
S TATE
F OOD
AND
FOR THE
E NVIRONMENT ,
R URAL A FFAIRS
Andrea Leadsom has served as MP for South Northamptonshire since 2010, and was a prominent member of the Leave campaign in the EU referendum. After the referendum, she was a frontrunner for the leadership of the Conservative Party, before being appointed to the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She has previously worked as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, as Minister for Energy, and in the financial sector.
Friday 3 February, 5:00pm
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Albert II, Prince of Monaco His Serene Highness, the reigning sovereign Prince of Monaco, has assets valued at more than $1 billion. The Prince has, as head of state, continued Monaco’s policy of strengthening environmental awareness, and is committed to sustainability and ethical projects around the world. As a keen sportsman, he has competed in bobsleigh at five Olympic Games and is a member of the International Olympic Committee. Prince Albert is the only incumbent head of state to have reached both the North Pole and the South Pole.
Monday 6 February, time to be confirmed
FOURTH WEEK
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Jools Holland Jools Holland is an English pianist, singer, composer and television presenter. He is best known as the host of the BBC’s ‘Later... with Jools Holland’, a music based show that hosts established and upcoming artists alike, and on which his New Year’s show ‘Hootenanny’ is based. Holland has worked with many artists in his time, including Sting, Sir Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour and Bono.
Tuesday 7 February, 1:00pm
FOURTH WEEK
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Tawakkol Karman
FOURTH WEEK
Y E M E N ’ S ‘M O T H E R O F THE REVOLUTION’
Upon receiving the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, Tawakkol Karman became the first female Arab recipient, and the youngest Peace Laureate in history (remaining the second youngest to date). A co-founder of the group ‘Women Journalists Without Chains’, she became the international public face of the 2011 Yemeni uprising that constituted part of the Arab Spring, and has been called ‘Mother of the Revolution’ and ‘Iron Woman’. She has recently vowed with other Laureates and global leaders to end child slavery.
Tuesday 7 February, 5:00pm
Ruud Gullit Ruud Gullit, the former Netherlands national football team captain, won the European Championship in 1988, and is one of the World Soccer 100 Greatest Players of All Time. Following his transfer to AC Milan on a world record fee, he won the Ballon D’Or in 1987, dedicating his award to the then imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Having managed Chelsea, Newcastle United and LA Galaxy, Gullit is now a presenter and pundit for BBC Sport.
FOURTH WEEK
Tuesday 7 February, 8:00pm
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FOURTH WEEK
Robby Mook
H I L L A R Y C L I N T O N ’ S C A M PA I G N M A N A G E R Running Clinton's campaign from its announcement to the election, Robby Mook - the first openly gay manager of a major presidential campaign - was said to have taken ‘the hardest job in US politics’. A Democratic activist since college, Mook has served on state legislature campaigns, the DNC and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, as well as Clinton’s 2008 race. He has led several campaigns to impressive victories, including the election of Democratic Governors in Virginia (2013) and Maryland (2006), and of Senator Cardin (2006).
Wednesday 8 February, 8:00pm
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Armando Iannucci OBE C R E AT O R
OF
VEEP
AND
THE THICK
OF
IT
As a writer and satirist producer, Armando Iannucci is most well-known for his creation and direction of The Thick of It, the acclaimed BBC political satire. Oxford graduate Iannucci has been widely celebrated for his early work with Chris Morris on the radio series On the Hour, which was later transferred into the television series I’m Alan Partridge. Having also been described as ‘the hardman of political satire’ for creating the American political drama Veep, he is a leading light in contemporary entertainment.
Thursday 9 February, 5:00pm
FOURTH WEEK
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FIFTH WEEK
Jimmy Anderson OBE
Jimmy Anderson is a star of the English cricket team as England’s all-time highest international wicket-taker. Having had his debut for Lancashire at the age of 19 and taken thirty-seven T20 wickets throughout his career, his ascent to being England’s premier fast bowler is unprecedented. Through designing his own menswear brand and modelling for Attitude, Anderson has become an entrepreneur alongside being one of the most celebrated figures in English cricket.
Monday 13 February, 5:00pm
Steve Forbes
E D I T O R - I N -C H I E F O F F O R B E S MAGAZINE
As the editor-in-chief of Forbes, the business magazine particularly known for its lists of successful businesses and wealthy individuals, Steve Forbes is one of the world’s most successful publishing executives, with a reported fortune of $430 million. Forbes is also a two-time candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination. Having supported a flat income tax of 17% and a plethora of traditional Republican policies, Forbes became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump throughout the presidential election. FIFTH WEEK
Tuesday 14 February, 8:00pm
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Shirin Ebadi
SIXTH WEEK
THE FIRST IRANIAN NOBEL P E A C E P R I Z E L A U R E AT E
The first ever Iranian woman judge, Shirin Ebadi became President of Tehran City Court before all female judges were demoted upon the Islamic Revolution. In the aftermath of this injustice, she worked as an academic and eventually resumed legal practice, working for women and children and defending other dissidents pro bono. Her efforts to advance human rights earned her a Nobel Peace Prize, but she now lives in exile, continuing to criticise oppression by the authorities while opposing Western interference in Iran.
Thursday 16 February, 5:00pm
Ahmet Üzümcü
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS Ahmet Üzümcü is the Director-General of the OPCW, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize under his leadership in 2013. Before his appointment in December 2009, he served as the Turkish Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva. This year, the OPCW marks its 20th anniversary, facing challenges such as the elimination of the continuous use thereof in the conflict in Syria.
Monday 20 February, 5:00pm FIFTH WEEK
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SIXTH WEEK
Zara Larsson Before hitting the global stage with ‘Never Forget You’, Zara Larsson won national fame by winning the Swedish version of ‘Got Talent’ in 2008. Since then she has released songs including ‘Lush Life’ and featured on singles such as Tinie Tempah’s hit ‘Girls Like’ and ‘This One’s for You’ with David Guetta. Larsson is an outspoken feminist, both in interviews and on social media, and a committed activist.
Date to be confirmed
Chris Anderson OWNER
OF
TED
Chris Anderson is the curator of TED, the non-profit organisation that provides idea-based talks centred around its annual conference in Vancouver. TED covers all topics, including science, design, entrepeneurship and politics, and has hosted speakers including Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and Bono. Viral success encouraged Anderson to position the organization as a global media initiative devoted to ‘ideas worth spreading’, using the power of video and licences for local TEDx conferences. He has had a long career as a journalist and publisher, creating the popular games website IGN. SIXTH WEEK
Tuesday 21 February, 5:00pm 36
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SIXTH WEEK
Dame Minouche Shafik THE ROLE
OF
EXPERTS
IN A
P O S T -T R U T H W O R L D
The next Director of the LSE, Dame Minouche has shaped economic policy around the world. This will be her final speech as the Bank of England’s Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking. Shafik was central to preparations for the EU referendum, and delivered wide-ranging improvements to financial markets in the wake of recent scandals. Previously she was IMF Deputy Managing Director at the height of the Eurozone crisis, Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development, and the World Bank’s youngest ever Vice President.
Wednesday 22 February, 8:00pm
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Mark Cuban Outspoken owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and tireless American entrepreneur, Mark Cuban sold his company Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in 1999. Since then, he has appeared on shows including Dancing with the Stars and Shark Tank, and chairs cable network AXS. His ‘bombastic personality’ has earned him NBA fines totalling nearly $2 million over the last fifteen years. Cuban is a philanthropist and activist, supporting causes including ‘Fallen Patriots’ and the Clinton campaign – notoriously clashing with Trump.
Friday 24 February, 5:00pm
SIXTH WEEK
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SEVENTH WEEK
AnnaLynne McCord AnnaLynne McCord is an American actress who played Naomi Clark in 90210 and Eden Lord on Nip/Tuck, more recently also starring in Excision. Before she found Hollywood success, she survived a violent upbringing and sexual assault by a close friend. Labelled ‘one of the strongest young female philanthropists’ in Hollywood, she strives to help other women who do not have a voice, most notably through her work with victims of sexual slavery in South East Asia.
Monday 27 February, 5:00pm
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SEVENTH WEEK
Donald Verrilli O B A M A ’ S S O L I C I T O R -G E N E R A L
Donald Verrilli successfully defended the constitutionality of Obamacare, and passionately delivered the compelling arguments on behalf of Obama’s Administration that same-sex marriage must be legalised throughout the United States. As a result, Slate wrote that ‘every gay and lesbian American who exercises their right to wed has Verrilli to thank’. An exceptionally distinguished lawyer, he represented the US Government before the Supreme Court from 2011 to 2016 in his capacity as Solicitor-General of the United States.
Tuesday 28 February, 8:00pm
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EIGHTH WEEK
Artur Mas
F ORMER P RESIDENT C ATALONIA
OF
Artur Mas i Gavarró was President of Catalonia for five years, serving until 2016. A Barcelonian by birth and an economist by training, Mas is viewed as economically liberal but a moderate on social questions. As President, he navigated the complexities of minority government and was the foremost advocate for Catalonian independence from Spain, driving his party towards secessionism. Mas was charged by Spain’s Attorney-General for organising an unconstitutional referendum in Catalonia, which overwhelmingly supported leaving Spain.
Wednesday 1 March, 8:00pm
Jay Carney
OBAMA’S WHITE HOUSE PRESS S E C R E TA R Y A N D S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T AT A M A Z O N . C O M Jay Carney is Senior Vice President (Worldwide Corporate Affairs) at Amazon.com, and was the 28th White House Press Secretary. As President Obama’s media liaison between 2011 and 2014, Carney was responsible for the White House’s daily press briefings and for fielding press questions on the Administration’s behalf. While at Amazon, he has grappled with issues including the delivery giant’s working culture and media relations. He previously spent a lengthy stint at Time, and was aboard Air Force One with President Bush on 9/11.
Date to be confirmed SEVENTH WEEK
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Khizr Khan T H E G O L D S TA R F AT H E R
Throughout America’s Presidential campaign, few events were as moving as the powerful address delivered by Khizr and Ghazala Khan at the Democratic Convention. As the parents of Captain Humayun Khan – a courageous Muslim-American soldier killed in action in Iraq - they were determined to stand up to Islamophobia. Mr Khan is a lawyer who immigrated in 1980 before studying at Harvard, and a committed defender of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He memorably offered Donald Trump his copy of that text, while alleging that Trump has ‘sacrificed nothing, and no one’.
Thursday 2 March, 5:00pm
SEVENTH WEEK
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EIGHTH WEEK
Bob Diamond
F O R M E R CEO
OF
B A R C L AY S
Bob Diamond served as Group Chief Executive of Barclays in 2011-12, and has been recognised as an exceptional banker throughout his career. The scandal surrounding the manipulation of Libor interest rates triggered his resignation - many have suggested that his responsibility was limited, but he instead was forced out as the ‘unacceptable face of banking’. As the founder of Atlas Mara, he continues to work in the banking industry, and aims to tap into rapid economic growth across Africa.
Irina Bokova D I R E C T O R -G E N E R A L O F UNESCO
Monday 6 March, 8:00pm
Irina Bokova is the current DirectorGeneral of UNESCO, the UN agency seeking to advance educational, scientific and cultural co-operation around the world. She is a Bulgarian politician and was previously Ambassador to France. Bokova is the first female DirectorGeneral, and has served since 2009. Active in her support of global efforts to further education, gender equality and sustainability, she also leads efforts to cut off trade in ransacked Syrian and Iraqi cultural artefacts, previously a source of funding for ISIL.
Monday 6 March, 5:00pm EIGHTH WEEK
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EIGHTH WEEK
Tariq Ali Tariq Ali is a writer, journalist, activist and filmmaker who first became politically active in his teens when opposing military dictatorship in Pakistan. An ex-President of the Oxford Union, Ali has debated against Henry Kissinger over the Vietnam War and extensively criticised American foreign policy, the Israeli government and neoliberal economics. His work has led to him allegedly being the inspiration for songs by both the Rolling Stones and John Lennon.
Tuesday 7 March, 5:00pm
Moazzam Begg Moazzam Begg was detained by the US Government in Bagram and Guantanamo Bay for almost three years, having admitted support for extremists in Bosnia and Chechnya. He was held as an enemy combatant, accused of being an alQaeda member, until his release in 2005 without charge. During his detention, Begg witnessed and experienced abuse at the hands of American soldiers in Bagram. He is currently the Outreach Director at CAGE, and has spoken extensively about his experiences, alongside challenging the scope of Western anti-terror measures.
EIGHTH WEEK
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Date to be confirmed
EIGHTH WEEK
Shehbaz Sharif CHIEF MINISTER
OF
PUNJAB
Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and the third and current Chief Minister of Punjab. He is also the brother of the current Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of the Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif. He has served in the National Assembly of Pakistan and as Punjab’s Leader of the Opposition. After a military coup deposed the government in 1999, Sharif spent years of selfimposed exile in Saudi Arabia, returning to Pakistan in 2007.
Tuesday 7 March, 8:00pm
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EIGHTH WEEK
Postmodern Jukebox Founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011, Postmodern Jukebox is a rotating music collective, known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres. Since their beginnings as a small group of friends making music in a basement in Queens, New York, the group has achieved phenomenal success, with over 500 million YouTube views and 2 million subscribers. They will be performing.
Wednesday 8 March, 5:00pm
Jeh Johnson
O U T G O I N G US S E C R E TA R Y HOMELAND SECURITY
OF
As the Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama since 2013, Secretary Johnson was responsible for Homeland Security’s rapid response to the Ebola crisis, and for overseeing the executive action designed to address the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Before becoming Secretary, Johnson was his leading law firm’s first African American partner and General Counsel of the Department of Defense, with his remarks to the Union in that capacity receiving global coverage.
EIGHTH WEEK
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Wednesday 8 March, 8:00pm
Roberto Cavalli Famous for his exotic prints and bohemian glamour, Cavalli is an icon to ‘fashionistas’ all around the world. As Cindy Crawford supermodel noted, ‘his clothes celebrate life. Italians know how to live, but Roberto takes it to another level.’ From his humble beginnings as a printer to global renown, he has truly revolutionised the industry, and built an internationally recognisable brand. Cavalli founded the eponymous fashion house, and created the sand-blasted look for jeans.
Thursday 9 March, 8:00pm
EIGHTH WEEK
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TBC
Jeremy Irons Winner of an Academy Award and multiple Golden Globes, Jeremy Irons is one of the most successful and famous actors in the world. Starting off in theatre, in 1984 he made his Broadway debut, for which he received a Tony Award - with his first Emmy in 1997 completing his achievement of the “Triple Crown of Acting�. Best known recently for his work as Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Extended Universe and Pope Alexander VI in the Showtime series The Borgias, he has found immense success across theatre, film and television.
Date to be confirmed
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Babatunde Osotimehin
EIGHTH WEEK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UN P O P U L AT I O N F U N D
THE
Babatunde Osotimehin is the head of UNFPA, the world’s largest source of funding for population and reproductive health. He holds the rank of UnderSecretary General of the United Nations. A former Minister of Health in Nigeria who, for many years, led the nation’s work with HIV and AIDS, Osotimehin’s tenure at UNFPA has seen him continue to focus on supporting young people and seeking to achieve gender equality.
Date to be confirmed
Mark Gatiss Mark Gatiss is a critically acclaimed writer, producer, actor and author. Best known for having written all four Doctors in the modern television revival of Doctor Who, and as the co-creator and executive producer of Sherlock (starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman), Gatiss has had an incredibly successful career with the BBC. His more recent acting roles include those as Stephen Gardiner in Wolf Hall and as Tycho Nestoris in Game of Thrones.
Date to be confirmed TBC
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Sean Bean Best known for his roles as Alec Trevelyan in GoldenEye, Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, Sean Bean is one of Britain’s most distinguished actors. Recognised by his distinctive Yorkshire accent, he has received many awards throughout his career, including an International Emmy for Best Actor for his work as a transvestite English teacher in the TV series Accused.
Date to be confirmed
TBC
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Naomi Wolf TBC
Previously a political advisor to Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Naomi Wolf is the author of Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries and The Beauty Myth. A prominent and distinctive third-wave feminist, in 2012 she wrote Vagina: A New Biography. Having co-founded the democracy-building platform DailyClout.com, Wolf has also written for The Huffington Post, The Guardian and The Nation, on topics including gender equality, civil liberties and surveillance.
Date to be confirmed
Katrina Kaif Katrina Kaif is one of the highest-paid actresses and models in Bollywood, best known for Ek Tha Tiger and Dhoom 3, two of the most successful Bollywood films of all time. Her modelling career has included work for Coca-Cola, LG and Blackberry. Kaif is also highly involved with her mother’s charitable trust, Relief Projects India, which strives to improve the rights of women and children in India. TBC
Date to be confirmed
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TBC
Robin Wright Robin Wright is an award-winning actor, director and activist. Her past film appearances include: The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump, Toys, Message in a Bottle, Unbreakable, The Conspirator, Moneyball, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She currently stars as Claire Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards, winning the Golden Globe in 2014 for Best Actress Television Series Drama, making her the first actress to win a Golden Globe for an online-only series. She will be discussing the #StandWithCongo Campaign.
Date to be confirmed
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Dilma Rousseff
THE
FIRST FEMALE
PRESIDENT
OF
BRAZIL
Dilma Rousseff, Brazil’s 36th President, started in politics as a Marxist guerrilla fighting the 1960s dictatorships, for which she was imprisoned. She went on to work in economics, state politics and as President Lula’s Chief of Staff. During her five year administration, she furthered the socially and economically progressive policies of her Workers’ Party. In August 2016, Dilma was impeached for allegedly violating budgetary laws, a charge which she vehemently denies, calling her removal a “legislative coup d’état”.
Date to be confirmed
TBC
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TBC
TBC
Joyce Banda FORMER PRESIDENT OF MALAWI
Carl Froch MBE
Africa’s second female president, Joyce Banda is a Malawian politician who served as Vice President from 2009 to 2012 and as President from 2012 to 2014, following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. A champion for the rights of women, children, the disabled, and other marginalized groups, she founded the People’s Party in 2011 and is among the few African presidents who supports gay rights. She has announced her willingness to run in the 2019 Presidential election.
Date to be confirmed
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One of the most prominent boxers of his time, Froch is a four-time supermiddleweight World Champion. Known for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style and stamina, Froch was voted Fighter of the Year by World Boxing News in 2012, and in 2013 was named Sportsman of the Year by GQ magazine. Following retirement, he now works as a boxing analyst for Sky Sports.
Date to be confirmed
TBC
Kid Cudi Grammy-winning musician and actor. From rapping, Cudi has expanded his musical repertoire by moving to singing, songwriting and producing as well. His most famous tracks include ‘All of the Lights’ (with Kanye, Rihanna and Fergie), ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ and ‘Day n’ Nite’, and his sound is said to have inspired Kanye’s 808s & Heartbreak. Beyond music, Cudi has starred in How To Make It In America, featured in One Tree Hill and collaborated with Bape. He is a committed and recognised philanthropist with a determination to end suicide, who has openly engaged with issues relating to misuse of alcohol and drugs.
Date to be confirmed
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London experience. World impact.
Socials
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e k a a s e y p S social
It’s
the
ProhIbItIon
era
– Come
Friday 3 February, 8:30pm
h av e a d r I n k !
The dry crusaders have won and the 18th Amendment banning alcohol has just been signed into law. Where are you going to drink? Where are you going to dance the night away to some crisp jazz? Come on down to the Oxford Union Speakeasy for a night of moonshine cocktails, exotic fruit snacks and a decadent chocolate fountain. Remember, knock twice and say the secret password “flappers”! Dress Code: Black Tie | Price: £13 (members), £16 (guests) Contact Maan Al-Yasiri: maan.al-yasiri@oxford-union.org Tickets available through the FIXR app from Tuesday of 2nd Week 58
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world the
Wine & C
e s e he
d n u o r a fr o m
TasTinG social Tuesday 21 February (6th Week), 8:30pm Dress Code: Black Tie Contact Gui Cavalcanti: secretary@oxford-union.org Hilary 2017
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T H E
O X F O R D
K I R R O YA L E R E C E P T I O N
CONTORTIONIST
F I N E I TA L I A N C U I S I N E
SNAKE CHARMERS
ST RI NG Q UART ET
R O D E O M I N O TAU R
RED BLOOD SHISHAS
10 February 2017 (Friday of 4th Week) 8:30pm ‘til late ∙ Black Tie – red or black preferred Members: £59 Guests: £69 60
U N I O N
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L I V I N G S TAT U E
H I L A R Y
B A L L
2 0 1 7
S T I LT WA L K E R
LIVE JAZZ: D ONU T KI NGS
PAT C H W O R K D J S
U N L I M I T E D C O C K TA I L B A R
SI LEN T DISCO CASINO
C H O C O L AT E F O U N TA I N S
FI REBALL CI NNAMON WH ISKY BAR Contact Gui Cavalcanti: secretary@oxford-union.org Tickets available through the FIXR app from 1:00pm Friday of 1st Week Hilary 2017
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Pub Quizzes Our pub quizzes are famous not only for their difficulty, but also for their brilliant prizes. This term there will be £100 in cash for the winning team and a range of prizes for the runners up and for round winners. And with our celebrity speakers potentially reading out a round or two of questions, you’d be a fool to miss them.
T U E S D AY 24 J A N U A R Y W E D N E S D AY 15 F E B R U A R Y T U E S D AY 28 F E B R U A R Y A L L 9:15 P M If you have any questions please contact Gui Cavalcanti: secretary@oxford-union.org
OUABC PROUDLY PRESENTS
Friday 27 January Tickets on sale online at fixr-app.com
Live in the Union Chamber Hilary 2017
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Information
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Competitive Debating The Union’s competitive debating squad has a well established reputation as one of the most successful in the world, having won the World and European University Championships on multiple occasions. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced debater, there is a Union workshop to help you improve and to compete at the highest level. Our workshops run on Sunday evenings at 7:30pm. Open for all, they consist of a 15 minute workshop followed by a practice debate. Feel free to dip in and out. We send teams to a number of competitions each term; information on how to apply will be included in the mailing list. Travel expenses are paid, and we have sent teams to places including Texas, Paris and Copenhagen. It's never too late to get involved with debating. Whether you are looking to compete or to attend workshops, the Union offers opportunities for members of all abilities and all levels of experience. We encourage you to get involved with these even if you did not debate in Michaelmas.
This term, the Union will be hosting the Oxford Schools Debating Competition, which is one of the largest debating competitions for schools in the UK, Ireland and beyond, playing a key role in expanding access to debating and to Oxford. We encourage everyone with an interest in debating, even if you do not choose to speak yourself, to support this competition judging Schools rounds is compulsory for those who wish to attend competitions on behalf of the Union. To sign up to the mailing list for regular updates and information, send a blank email to debate-announce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. You are also very welcome to join the Oxford Debaters group on Facebook. If you have any further questions, please contact the Chair of Debate Selection Committee, Sophie Large: cdsc@oxford-union.org
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How it Works Standing Committee
Chair – Nikolay Koshikov, President
Access Committee
The Union's governing body, which makes all major decisions concerning the running of the Society, and oversees the work of all committees.
Responsible for the promotion of wider participation in, and engagement with, the Society.
Mondays, 4:00pm, President's Office
Fridays, 1:00pm, President’s Office
Finance Committee
Debate Selection Committee
The committee scrutinises all areas of the Union's finances, reporting its findings to the Standing Committee. Mondays, 3:00pm, President's Office
Responsible for organising internal competitions and training, and for selecting members to represent the Union at external debating competitions.
Consultative Committee Chair – Harry Samuels, CCC
Wines and Spirits Committee
A chance for members to question the elected Committee, suggest new policies, and hear updates on upcoming events.
Responsible for choosing and managing the Bar's stocks, setting its prices, and composing the budget.
Chair – Nikolay Koshikov, President
Mondays, 1:15pm, Gladstone Room
Library Committee
Chair – Chris Zabilowicz, Librarian
Responsible for choosing new library books and DVDs, and for all other aspects of the Library's management. Mondays, 2:15pm, Morris Room
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Chairs – Nikita Khandwala and John Aroutiounian, Access Officers
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Chair – Sophie Large, CDSC
Sundays, 5:00pm, Gladstone Room
Chair – Gui Cavalcanti, Secretary
Ad hoc (twice termly)
How to Get Involved If you are interested in getting more heavily involved with the Oxford Union, there are a number of ways to do so.
Participate in Debates
Debates usually take place on Thursday evenings, and are held in the Chamber. They cover a range of subjects and are a great opportunity to challenge speakers, as well as to voice your opinions on topical issues. You can participate by giving a speech in the Emergency Debate, starting at 7:45pm, or a floor speech during the Main Debate, starting at 8:30pm. For those interested in honing their debating skills, debating workshops are held in the Union every Sunday at 7:30pm.
Apply for an Appointed Position
Applications for Trinity Term’s appointed positions open in 7th Week of this term. Positions allow you to invite speakers and arrange debates, improve access and representation, manage press relations, and fundraise for the Society. For more information, contact Michael Li, the President-Elect, at president-elect@oxford-union.org.
Run for Election
Elections for Officership and other positions are held on Friday, 7th Week of each term. Being on committee gives members the opportunity to invite speakers, organise debates, and take responsibility for the overall functioning of the Society. Candidates are required to make a number of speeches, depending on the position for which they are running, and nomination packs can be picked up in the General Office from Wednesday, 5th Week. The deadline for nominations is Friday of 6th Week. For more information, contact the Returning Officer at ro@oxford-union.org.
Attend Committees
All Union committees are open for members to attend and observe. If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please email the committee Chair.
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The Library o l D l i b r a ry M O N –F R I : S AT :
TerM TiMe openinG hours:
o l D l i b r a ry M O N –F R I :
Va c aT i o n o p e n i n G h o u r s :
(E X C E P T
9:30 A M – 7:00 P M 12:00 P M – 4:30 P M 9:30 A M – 5:00 P M
DURING BUILDING CLOSURE:
1 0 – 1 7 M AY )
The Old Library is a well-stocked and spacious library open to all members. It is adorned with some of the world's most famous PreRaphaelite murals, painted by artists including William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
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The adjoining Poetry Room is a true hidden gem, tucked away and perfectly quiet for independent study. There are a number of other study spaces in the Union, from the Goodman Library to the Gladstone, Morris, and TV Rooms, and if you have any comments about them or the libraries, a suggestions book can be found in the Old Library.
The Members’ Bar TerM-TiMe openinG M O N –W E D : T H U R S –S AT : SUN: our lunch M O N –F R I :
( s u b j e c T T o D e M a n D ): 10:00 A M – M I D N I G H T 10:00 A M – 2:00 A M 12:00 P M – 10:30 P M
hours
Menu is serVeD:
11:30 A M – 2:30 P M
Few places in Oxford boast the comfort and affordability of our Members' Bar. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or an evening drink, it is a place where members and their guests can enjoy high quality food and beverages at student prices, with a 25% members' only discount. Our lunchtime menu has recently been updated, boasting a delicious selection of homemade options. The Members’ Bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests, and you never know which of our current speakers might choose
to swing by while visiting the Union. Following our debates, meanwhile, the Bar is where the President will read out the result of the vote after everyone has left the Chamber. This term we will also be hosting three pub quizzes – with a number of exciting prizes for the winners and runners up, these are always a highlight of the term. Our House Manager, Bridget Gaughan, would be happy to hear from Members with questions and suggestions, and can be reached at housemanager@oxford-union.org.
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Guest Policy Members are allowed to bring up to three guests to an event, as long as: 1. 2. 3.
The guest is not themselves eligible for membership of the Oxford Union. The guest pays a £10 fee on the door. All members who wish to attend the event have already taken their seats.
Events will be made exclusive to members when there is a security risk. Given (3) above, it is unlikely that there will be space for guests at an extremely popular event.
Queues at the Union Members can get into the vast majority of events without queuing for more than 30 minutes, but this has not been true of some of our highest-profile visits. Our upcoming fire-escape installation should improve this. Until then, although we have tried ballots, queueing is the only way to ensure that those most passionate about hearing a certain speaker can guarantee their space. We recognise that this has access implications and presents difficulties for those with commitments leading up to the event, so we will continue to offer an advance ticket release for events which we anticipate to be over-subscribed; those with access concerns are welcome to contact the Office to make prior arrangements. Following feedback last term, we will only issue one ticket per person at the advance release, and will ensure that Union committee members are on hand – as far as possible – throughout queueing.
Staying Informed
f T Y
theoxfordunion
@oxfordunion
oxfordunion
@theoxfordunion oxford-union.org
Receive Notifications About Our Events Sign up to our mailing list by entering your email address on our website homepage: www.oxford-union.org. On our Facebook page, click ‘Like’ and then turn notifications on from the drop-down menu which appears. All of our events will be advertised on Facebook.
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Treasurer's Treats Simply present your membership card to take advantage of these exclusive offers. If you would like to suggest a new Treat, or experience issues using any of the discounts listed, please contact Will Barnes through treasurer@oxford-union.org
Bars
Angels Bar Aroma Be At One Duke of Cambridge The House Raoul's The Varsity Club
Cafés & Delicatessens Art Café Artisan Café Formosan Tea Bar Heroes iScream Gelato Jimbob's La Croissanterie Modern Art Oxford Café Moo-Moo's Nectar Oxford Sandwich Company Paul Queen's Lane Coffee House Queen's Lane Deli Ricardo's Smööy Frozen Yoghurt Sofi de France The Handlebar Tick Tock Café Vaults & Garden Café
Restaurants
Ask Italian Café Rogue Côte Brasserie Mamma Mia Pizzeria Maxwell's Pieminister Qumins Indian Cuisine Shanghai 30's
Shops & Others Ben & Jacob’s Fudge Kitchen Happy Cakes Modern Art Oxford Shop OxBicycles Ultimate Picture Palace Zipcar
Happy Hour prices (Sun–Fri) 10% discount, 10 sambuca / tequila shots for £20 2 cocktails for £10 (Sun-Thu) Happy Hour prices (Sun–Thu) Happy Hour prices (Sun–Thu) 30% discount (4:00pm–8:00pm) £2 entry on Tuesday
10% discount Spend £5 and get free cake 10% discount Spend £5 and get free cake 10% discount 15% discount 20% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 5% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount (before 11:30) 10% discount 15% discount (20% if over £20) 30p off coffee (Mon–Sat after 6:00pm), 2 bottles of wine for £22 (Mon–Wed) 10% discount 10% discount (12:00pm–2:00pm), 20% food discount (on weekdays after 2:30pm) 25% discount (Sun–Thu) 25% discount Complimentary Kir Royale when dining 20% discount (Tue–Fri, 5:00pm–7:30pm) 20% food discount 10% discount 15% discount (Mon–Thu before 6:30pm) 25% discount (15% takeaway discount)
25% off individual items, 20% off package deals, 10% off clearance 5 slices for £16 (or 7 for £22) 15% discount 10% discount Complimentary bike lock upon bike purchase 2 for 1 on Tuesday Half price membership and £30 driving credit
Hilary 2017
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73
The Oxford Union Committee
President Nikolay Koshikov Exeter
Librarian Chris Zabilowicz Worcester
President-Elect Michael Li Magdalen
Treasurer Will Barnes Hertford
Librarian-Elect Henry Kitchen Exeter
Secretary Gui Cavalcanti Pembroke
Treasurer-Elect Laali Vadlamani Trinity
Standing Committee
Jack Symonds LMH
Maan Al-Yasiri Brasenose
Melissa Hinkley Keble
Simon Jagoe Wadham
Edward Evans St John’s
Secretary’s Committee
Andrew Ng Hertford
Jan Bialas Magdalen 74
Stephen Horvath New
Redha Rubaie Corpus Christi
| The Oxford Union
Myah Popat Pembroke
Minal Haq Christ Church
Sabriyah Saeed Somerville
Vivien Hasan Trinity
Flora Spielman Kir West-Hunter Daniel Wilkinson Balliol St Anne’s Oriel
Appointed Officials & Staff
Chair of Consultative Committee Harry Samuels New Business Unit Manager
Michael Li
Returning Officer
Jamie Lagerberg
CC Secretary
Julian Kirk
Chief of Staff
Owen Rapaport
Logistics Team
Alan Petri; Rob Paver
Sports Officer
Alex Urwin
Access Officers
Toby Freedman; Jack Hunter; Ellen Kerslake; Claudia Rowan; Thomas Vanderstichele Guest Liaison Officers
Shivani Ananth; Lavanya Chowdhury; Danny Cowan; Josie Dallas; Carolina Earle; Kaleem Hawa; Goksu Kalayci; Soraya Kezelmann; Daria Lange; Jacob Omorodion; David Rapp; Miranda Shaw; Norbert Sobolak; Victoria Strutt; Fiona Tokple Invitation Researchers
Joshua Tulloch
Disabilities Officer
Rory Allan; Manish Binukrishnan; Thomas Browne; Samphire Cassidy; Amrita Dhillon; Lucy Fenwick; Molly Greenwood; Owain James; Caleb Ong; Kayla Schulte; Zain Sheikh; Tabitha Steemson; Frederick von Kaufmann
Nicholas Linfoot
Outreach Officer
Andy Wang Nebojsa Jovanovic Olivia Gonzalez; Giles Dunseath-Hamilton
SBS Liaison Officer
Partnership Officers Sean Brophy; Elizabeth Djanogly; Benjamin Jacob; Ronit Kanwar; Shakil Karim; Rajkaran Singh; Sreyas Tirunagari; Tidarat Yingcharoen
Rajkaran Singh
Brookes Officer
Margareta Spjut Termcard Photographer Graphic Design
Jack Lennard
Deputy Press Officers
Michael Spak
Ethnic Minorities Officer
Kristina Partsinevelos Tom Munro
Press Advisor
Kristie Barrow
LGBTQIA+ Officer
Graduate Officers
Press Officer
Nikita Khandwala; John Aroutiounian
Women’s Officer
International Officer
Head of Communications
Romain Reglade www.cruciblecreative.co.uk
Staff
Bursar House Manager
Lindsey Warne Bridget Gaughan
Librarian-in-Charge Events Manager
Su Lockley Joanne Billingham
Accounts Manager
Rob Phillips
Trustees
Dr Jeremy Catto Hon. Peter Jay Sean Power, Senior Librarian Stephen Dixon, Senior Treasurer
Hilary 2017
|
75
The Oxford Union SUMMARY
76
| The Oxford Union
OF
AUDITED ACCOUNTS
£5 £5
Events Subject to Change Without Notice
Speaker
Sunday
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Term Planner
Debate/Panel Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
John Hennessy 5:00pm
Greg Rutherford Time TBC
Pub Quiz 9:15pm
Startup Panel 5:00pm
Nadia Murad 8:00pm
Albert II, Prince of Monaco | Time TBC
6
5
Tawakkol Karman 5:00pm Ruud Gullit 8:00pm
28
3
4
9
10
11
16
17
18
24
25
3
4
Andrea Leadsom 5:00pm Speakeasy Social 8:30pm
2 Armando Ianucci 5:00pm
Dante’s Inferno Ball 8:30pm
Religious Rights Debate | 8:30pm
8
7
Steve Forbes 8:00pm
Jimmy Anderson 5:00pm
27
Town vs Gown 6:00pm
26
1 Robby Mook 8:00pm
Jools Holland 1:00pm
21
Liberalism & Populism Debate | 8:30pm
31
30
29
20
Social Media Debate 8:30pm
25
24
23
22
Saturday
Anna Fendi 5:00pm
19
18
Other
Friday
LBGTQ+ Allies Debate 8:30pm
17
16
15
Social Event
Shirin Ebadi 5:00pm
Pub Quiz 9:15pm
Drugs Debate 8:30pm
Dame Minouche Shafik 8:00pm
Chris Anderson 5:00pm
Ahmet Üzümcü 5:00pm
15
14
13
12
Mark Cuban 5:00pm
Russia Debate 8:30pm
Cheese & Wine Social 8:30pm
26
AnnaLynne McCord 5:00pm
Donald Verrilli 8:00pm
Benazir Bhutto Memorial Debate 8:30pm
Pub Quiz 9:15pm
Dates to be Confirmed
Khizr Khan 5:00pm
Artur Mas 8:00pm
Tariq Ali 5:00pm
Postmodern Jukebox 5:00pm
Bob Diamond 8:00pm
Shehbaz Sharif 8:00pm
Jeh Johnson 8:00pm
Jay Carney Mark Gatiss Robin Wright
2
1
28
27
6
Union Elections
Russia Debate 8:30pm
Irina Bokova 5:00pm
5
23
22
21
20
19
7 Moazzam Begg Dilma Rousseff Babatunde Osotimehin
Roberto Cavalli 8:00pm
8 Kid Cudi Joyce Banda Carl Froch
Oxford Schools’ Finals Day
9 Zara Larsson Allyson Felix Naomi Wolf
10 Sean Bean Jeremy Irons Katrina Kaif
11