THE
OXFORD UNION HILARY 2015
HILARY 2015
Lisa Wehden President
WELCOME The Oxford Union believes first and foremost in freedom of speech. This term, we will debate exactly what ‘free speech’ means in the year 2015. At a time when students are being accused of shutting down free speech and when the tragic events in Paris have resulted in claims that free speech is under attack, this term, we seek to examine the very principle upon which the Union was founded. We have also organised an incredibly diverse and sometimes controversial series of speakers. Speakers are always invited in order for students to debate, challenge, and even contradict them. You will always have the right to tell those in power what they do not want to hear. At times, however, the Society can be viewed as daunting. Speaking up is not always easy. This term I have focused on bringing accessibility to the forefront of the agenda. From public speaking workshops to more ballots for drinks and dinner events, we hope to ensure everyone gets the most out of their membership.
Women’s Day on March 8th we have organised a series of talks by high-profile female speakers from the worlds of medicine, fashion, and business. This term’s events, though, would never have been possible without my incredible committee – the most innovative and dedicated group I have been lucky enough to work with. I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough. When I started at Oxford, I had no idea what the Oxford Union was, and I certainly never thought I would be writing this address. Getting involved was one of the best decisions I ever made. While the Union has its faults, one of the great things about it is that it is run by students for students. If you don’t like something, don’t just watch from the sidelines. Get involved – and change it. Lisa Wehden Worcester College
Another way we hope to do this is by challenging the view that the Union is a ‘Boys’ Club’. In the build up to International
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LIBRARIAN’S WELCOME
TREASURER’S WELCOME
As your Librarian, it is my job to help run the Union’s Library (quite unsurprisingly), and invite the speakers who are set to visit us this term (more surprisingly). I very much hope you enjoy our series of events over the coming weeks, and make the most of our stunning Library facilities. We are still arranging dates with a number of other speakers, so please check Facebook, our website, and your emails throughout the term for further announcements.
A warm welcome to new and old members alike. I trust you have all had a fun festive season to unwind after a hectic Michaelmas – possibly with the exception of Finalists like myself, though hopefully you have managed more revision than I have! Meanwhile, we on committee have also been occupied, but for a different reason: to bring you the best term possible. Whilst the rest of committee has been organising incredible events for Hilary, the Treasurer’s office spent the vac reaching out to hundreds of firms to raise sponsorship and add to the “Treasurer’s Treats” list of perks and discounts our members get at stores across Oxford.
Recently, the Librarian’s Office has been developing partnerships with some fantastic charities to bring their celebrity ambassadors here to help spread awareness of their important causes. We are currently negotiating with a wide range of organisations in order to launch their partnership with the Oxford Union through a speaker event with one of their particularly prominent ambassadors. Additionally, the Union now has balloted places for all drinks and dinners with speakers, making this term’s speakers more accessible than ever. If you would like to learn anything more about the Library, are interested in joining the ever prestigious Library Committee, or want further information about speaker events, I would be happy to help: librarian@oxford-union.org Charlie Vaughan St John’s College
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We are also working hard to make the Union more accessible and accountable, and you should get involved – it is incredibly easy. Get in touch to take part in our access initiatives. I also strongly encourage you to attend our weekly committee meetings or request minutes, which are available to all members, to stay informed about the work of committee, which exists to serve your needs. Connect: treasurer@oxford-union.org
Nam Phuong Dinh Corpus Christi
HILARY 2015
SECRETARY’S TERMCARD WELCOME CONTENTS As your Secretary, it is my job to inject some fun into your work-dominated schedules. My team and I have been working hard to arrange a variety of social events for this term: lubricate your mental cogs at one of our popular ‘Pub Quizzes’ (with £100 cash prizes); improve your dancing skills at our ‘Salsa Social’; or simply enjoy affordable extravagance at our ‘Night in Paris’ Ball. With a sparkling reception, lavish open bar, fine French cuisine, live music, photo shoot, caricaturist, magicians, silent disco and an abundance of other entertainment, the Ball is bound to be the black tie event of the term. Tickets go on sale on Friday of 1st Week – à bientôt! I would also love for the Union’s Bar to remain as Oxford’s premier social hub, so look out for smaller events (including sport screenings) advertised during the term, or simply come and enjoy some of the cheapest alcohol in central Oxford. For more information about this term’s social events, or if you would like to get involved with the Wines & Spirits Committee (obviously the Union’s most important committee), please do not hesitate to get in touch at secretary@oxford-union.org
Debates
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Speakers
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Panel Discussions 49 Socials
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Info
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Who’s Who
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Robert Harris New College
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HILARY 2015
01 US Racism 02 Oxbridge 03 Murdoch 04 Feminism 05 Putin 06 Police 07 Free Speech
6 8 10 12 14 16 18
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
THE UNITED STATES IS INSTITUTIONALLY RACIST FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 2015 8.30PM 08
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION Reverend Al Sharpton Prominent civil rights activist. Barack Obama referred to him as “the voice of the voiceless and a champion for the downtrodden”. Rev. Sharpton hosts NBC’s PoliticsNation and a radio talk show called Keepin’ It Real, and makes regular guest appearances on Fox News.
Aaron Dixon Marched with Martin Luther King to end housing discrimination in Seattle. He later became captain of Seattle’s Black Panther chapter. He remains a well-respected political activist and ran for the US Senate in 2006 as a Green Party candidate in Washington.
Mychal Denzel Smith Freelance writer and social commentator. He has written on a plethora of issues including race, politics, social justice, and feminism. He has often featured in The Guardian and The Huffington Post amongst many other well-respected news sources.
OPPOSITION Joe R Hicks Vice-President of leading political think tank Community Advocates Inc. In his career he has hosted his own radio show, been published in The Washington Post, and directed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Martin Luther King, from 1991 to 1997.
Charlie Wolf Director of Communications at Republicans Abroad UK. As a prolific radio voice (notably on talkSPORT) and frequent TV guest, Charlie Wolf is seasoned in the art of public address.
David Webb David Webb is a conservative commentator, co-founder of Tea Party 365 and host of the David Webb Show. he is also a columnist for Breitbart and a contributor to Fox News.
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
THIS HOUSE WOULD
INTRODUCE QUOTAS FOR OXBRIDGE STATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS THURSDAY 29 JANUARY 2015 8.30PM 10
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION Nigel Warburton Nigel Warburton is a philosopher and former Senior Lecturer at the Open University. He is well-known as a populariser of philosophy, and co-hosts the podcast series Philosophy Bites.
Fraser Campbell Fraser Campbell is a commercial barrister and Fellow of All Souls College. He represented Glen Walford in a high-profile case quashing the decision to take the value of her home into account when calculating care home costs.
Caitriona Ruane Caitriona Ruane is a Sinn Fein MLA in the Stormont Assembly and was the first Minister for Education in the Assembly after it was restored under the St Andrew’s Agreement.
OPPOSITION Barnaby Lenon Barnaby Lenon is the current Chairman of the Independent Schools Council and the former Headmaster of Harrow with vast experience in the independent sector, both as a teacher and schoolmaster.
Eric Thomas Sir Eric Thomas has been Vice-Chancellor of Bristol University since 2001. In addition, he is the former President of Universities UK and former Chair of the Worldwide Universities Network.
Toby Young Toby Young is a journalist, author and co-founder of the West London Free School. Having been admitted to Oxford by mistake, he went on to achieve a First in PPE.
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THE
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THIS HOUSE WOULD
BREAK UP MURDOCH’S MEDIA EMPIRE THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2015 8.30PM 12
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION
Nick Davies ‘Britain’s greatest investigative journalist’, Mr Davies has previously written for The Guardian and The Observer, and was responsible for uncovering phone hacking at the News of the World.
Mark Lewis A revered lawyer, Mr Lewis was instrumental in uncovering phone hacking and represented over 120 victims, including winning a record settlement for the Dowler Family.
OPPOSITION
Henry Mance A leading writer for The Financial Times, Mr Mance has reported extensively on the corporate world and is an expert on media and technology.
Mick Hume Current Editor at Large of Spiked, and having previously worked for The Times, The Sun and The Sunday Times, Mr Hume has been a key voice in the debate surrounding press freedom.
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
FEMINSM HAS BEEN HIJACKED BY WHITE MIDDLE CLASS WOMEN THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2015 8.30PM 14
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION Myriam François-Cerrah A successful journalist, she contributes to The Guardian and The New Statesman, among other publications. Notably, she is a vocal advocate of Islam’s consistency with feminism.
Dan Hodges A leading journalist and commentator, he is critical of modern feminism, asking in his column whether it has been reduced to “nipples, banknotes and internet trolls”.
Ava Vidal Outspoken British comedian, known for taking part in E4’s Kings of Comedy, turned to stand-up after working as a prison officer.
OPPOSITION Inna Schevchenko A vocal member of the protest group FEMEN – often associated with topless protests – Schevchenko is a feminist activist who is unafraid to use controversial means.
Michael Kaufman An author, feminist and academic, Kaufman is the co-founder of The White Ribbon Campaign, working with men to end violence against women.
Natalie Bennett The leader of the Green Party, she founded the Green Party Women’s Group and was a trustee of the Fawcett Society between 2010 and 2014.
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THE
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UNION
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
PUTIN IS BUILDING AN EMPIRE THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2015 8.30PM
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HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION
Simon Ostrovsky Soviet-born American journalist, director and producer. Covers the war in Ukraine from the front line. Captured in Ukraine by pro‑Russian separatists.
Luke Harding Guardian Foreign Correspondent, author of ‘Mafia State’. Following extremely critical articles on Putin, he became the first foreign journalist to be expelled from Russia since the ‘end’ of the Cold War.
OPPOSITION
Ben Hoyle Current Times correspondent to Moscow. Expert on socioeconomics of Russia and Central Asia. Attacked on the front line by Ukrainian forces whilst reporting on civil war.
Orlando Figes Renowned historian and Professor of history at Birkbeck, London. Author of A People’s Tragedy, The Whisperers and Natasha’s Dance. Critic of Putin’s involvement in Russian school curriculum.
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
THIS HOUSE HAS
NO CONFIDENCE IN HER MAJESTY’S POLICE FORCE THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2015 8.30PM 18
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION
David Davis MP Ex-Shadow Home Secretary, runner up to David Cameron in the 2005 Conservative leadership election. Fervent civil liberties campaigner who famously resigned to force his own by-election.
Graham Stringer MP Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton since 1997. Vocal critic of Sir Peter Fahy, calling and campaigning for his resignation in summer 2014.
OPPOSITION
Damian Green MP Ex-President. Ex-Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice; held multiple Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet positions, including immigration and education.
Sir Peter Fahy Chief-Constable of Greater Manchester Police. Advocate of “common sense policing� and removing red tape for police. Currently under criminal prosecution from the Crown Prosecution Service.
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THE
OXFORD
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH ALWAYS INCLUDES THE RIGHT TO OFFEND THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 8.30PM 20
HILARY 2015
PROPOSITION Peter Hitchens Acclaimed Mail on Sunday journalist and author of The Abolition of Britain. Describing himself as a Burkean conservative, he is a frequent critic of political correctness.
Brendan O’ Neill Journalist and editor of Spiked Online, Brendan O’ Neill was going to speak at the Christ Church abortion debate and opposed its cancellation.
Shami Chakrabati Director of Liberty, the British civil liberties advocacy organisation, as well as frequent contributor to The Observer and BBC Radio 4.
OPPOSITION
Tim Squirrell Tim Squirrell is ex-President of the Cambridge Union and a frequent contributor to The Tab and The Huffington Post. He also blogs about free speech and mental health.
Gerry Gable British political activist and former editor of the anti-fascist Searchlight magazine as well as former Communist Party trade union organiser.
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THE
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We’ve taken great care to ensure that, at the time of printing, all the times for invited guest speakers are accurate. However, one problem with inviting such interesting and influential speakers is that their schedules can change at short notice. If this happens during term, we apologise in advance and will do ev-
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erything we can to update you on any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. For any speakers listed as ‘To be Confirmed’ we are still negotiationg dates and times. We will ensure that as soon as we know a date for an event we will pass that information on to our membership.
HILARY 2015
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
First Week Speakers
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Second Week Speakers
25
Third Week Speakers
26
Fourth Week Speakers
29
Fifth Week Speakers
31
Sixth Week Speakers
32
Seventh Week Speakers
36
Eighth Week Speakers
40
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THE
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01 SPEAKER AMERICAN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHER
MICHAEL SANDEL
MONDAY 19 JANUARY 8.00pm
An American political philosopher and Professor at Harvard University. He is best known for teaching Harvard’s popular Justice course for two decades, and is the author of What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets. He also served on the President’s Council on Bioethics from 2002 to 2005. This event is open to members and Bod card holders.
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01
HILARY 2015
SPEAKER TELEVISION PRESENTER
RICK EDWARDS PLUS KATE SMURTHWAITE & VERY SPECIAL GUESTS
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 8.00pm Television presenter who works mainly for Channel 4 and E4. He has presented Tool Academy, Freshly Squeezed, E4 Music, That Paralympic Show, and much of Channel 4’s 2012 Paralympics coverage. This event will be filmed for BBC3.
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SPEAKER FORMER ENGLAND RUGBY CAPTAIN
WILL CARLING THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 6.00pm Will Carling is a retired Rugby Union player, having played Centre for Harlequins and captained the England team from 1988 to 1996, winning 72 caps. Since retirement from sport, he has been a commentator and motivational speaker.
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01 SPEAKER
LEAD SINGER OF MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
GERARD WAY
THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 8.00pm
The lead vocalist of the band My Chemical Romance until its split in 2013. He is now releasing music as a solo artist. He has been involved in several projects as a comic book writer. He is making his debut in the Marvel Universe by writing for the alternate universe Spider-Man series Edge of Spider-Verse.
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02
HILARY 2015
SPEAKER AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN
SIR RICHARD EVANS
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 8.00pm Author and historian, best known for his research on the history of Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries. His works include In Defence of History and The Third Reich Trilogy. He was the expert witness for the defence in the high profile libel case of the ‘Holocaust denier’ David Irving against the historian Deborah Lipstadt.
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SPEAKER AUTHOR
PAUL COLLIER FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 8.00pm Al Jazeera event – Author of The Bottom Billion and The Plundered Planet, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Blavatnik School of Government.
03 SPEAKER
TIBETAN PRIME MINISTER
DR LOBSANG SANGAY MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 6.00pm
Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile. He is a Tibetan legal scholar and politician who works closely with the Dalai Lama. Supporter of seeking a peaceful, non-violent resolution of the Tibet issue.
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03
HILARY 2015
SPEAKER FILM PRODUCER & EXECUTIVE
ERIK FEIG TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY 8.00pm President of the Lionsgate motion picture group. His film credits include The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the Twilight franchise, Now You See Me, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker.
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SPEAKER AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN
GENERAL DURRANI FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY 8.00pm Al Jazeera event – Retired 3-star ranked general in Pakistan Army, previous Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence, presently an intelligence commentator.
03 SPEAKER PRESIDENT OF THE FRONT NATIONAL
MARINE LE PEN THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 6.00pm
President of the Front National, the third party nationally in France, and France’s first party in the European Parliament. In 2011, the TIME 100 ranked her as the 71st most influential politician in the world.
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03 SPEAKER
TV PRESENTER AND STAND-UP COMEDIAN
SIMON AMSTELL SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 5.00pm Comedian, television presenter, screenwriter and actor. Former co-host of Popworld and former host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Cowriter and star of the sitcom Grandma’s House.
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SPEAKER MAGICIAN & DAREDEVIL
WAYNE HOUCHIN
MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY 8.00pm Performance artist and magician. Described as ‘equal parts con-man, street magician, and daredevil’. At just 16 years old he made headlines when he successfully escaped from a strait-jacket while hanging 50 feet above a crowded intersection.
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04 SPEAKER
CEO OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE
XAVIER ROLET MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY 6.00pm
Current CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group and former Senior Executive at Lehman Brothers and CEO of Lehman in France. Prior to Lehman, he had held senior positions in Kleinwort Benson and Credit Suisse.
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05
HILARY 2015
SPEAKER
PROFESSOR OF JEWISH HISTORY
PROF. WISTRICH MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 8.00pm Al Jazeera event – Leading scholar on the history of anti-Semitism, Neuburger Professor of European and Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
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SPEAKER LEADING BRAIN RESEARCHER
BARONESS GREENFIELD
MONDAY 2 MARCH 8.00pm
Baroness Greenfield is a scientist, writer, broadcaster, and member of the House of Lords. She is best-known for her research into identifying a novel approach to the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and her idea of mind change. Her talk will be entitled ‘The Future of the Mind’.
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SPEAKER SINGER-SONGWRITER
NICK JONAS
6TH WEEK, TIME AND DATE TBC
Nick Jonas is a singer-songwriter, musician and actor best known as the frontman of the Jonas Brothers, and for his role in the Camp Rock films. He currently fronts the band Nick Jonas and the Administration.
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06
SPEAKER HUMAN RIGHTS BARRISTER
GEOFFERY ROBERTSON WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 8.00pm
Human Rights barrister, academic, author and broadcaster who founded Doughty Street Chambers in 1990. He is well-known for defending the Wall Street Journal in the Jameel defamataion case and his unsuccessful defence of Julian Assange in extradition proceedings.
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06 SPEAKER
NOBEL PRIZE-WINNING GENETICIST
SIR PAUL NURSE FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY 8.30pm
Nobel Prize-winning geneticist, best known for his discoveries of protein molecules that control the division of cells in the cell cycle. President of the Royal Society and Chief Executive and Director of the Francis Crick Institute.
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06
HILARY 2015
SPEAKER PALESTINIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UK
PROF. MANUEL HASSASSIAN FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2.00pm
The Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic representative to the United Kingdom. He also served the Palestinian people as a consultant to the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Palestinian Negotiating Team on Refugee Final Settlement.
06 SPEAKER
ISRAEL-PALESTINE PROFESSOR
NORMAN
FINKELSTEIN MONDAY 2 MARCH 8.00pm Norman Finkelstein is an author, political scientist, and Professor specialising in the Israel-Palestine conflict and the politics of the Holocaust. He is well-known for his criticism of both the State of Israel and the BDS Movement.
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07
SPEAKER 2008 VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
SARAH PALIN
7TH WEEK, TIME AND DATE TBC
Former Republican Governor of Alaska and John McCain’s running-mate in the 2008 Presidential election. She has also provided commentary for Fox News and starred in the reality TV show Sarah Palin’s Alaska.
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HILARY 2015
07
SPEAKER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF AMERICAN VOGUE
ANNA WINTOUR TUESDAY 3 MARCH 7.00pm
Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue since 1988, Anna Wintour is a worldwide fashion icon and the inspiration behind The Devil Wears Prada.
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OXFORD
UNION
SOCIETY
07 SPEAKER
CERN THEORETICAL PHYSICIST
JOHN ELLIS WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 8.00pm British theoretical physicist. Currently the chair of the committee at CERN to investigate physics opportunities for future proton accelerators.
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SPEAKER MEDICAL PROFESSOR
LORD ROBERT WINSTON THURSDAY 5 MARCH 3.00pm Medical Professor and doctor who specialises in reproductive and developmental biology. Current member of the House of Lords speaking frequently on education, science, medicine, and the arts.
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HILARY 2015
SPEAKER STAND-UP COMEDIAN
STEPHEN K. AMOS THURSDAY 5 MARCH, TIME TBC Stand-up comedian and regular on the international circuit who has appeared on panel shows such as Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. He has been nominated for Chortle’s Best Compère Award three times and performed at the 2007 Royal Variety Performance.
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SPEAKER US AMBASSADOR TO UKRAINE
GEOFFREY PYATT
FRIDAY 6 MARCH 6.00PM Current US Ambassador to Ukraine, his previous postings include Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and Vienna, along with managing the State Department’s relations stretching from Kazakhstan to the Indian Ocean.
OXFORD
UNION
SOCIETY
07
SPEAKER DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
JANE CORBIN
THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2.00pm Journalist and film-maker who has made over a hundred documentaries mainly for the BBC and its current affairs programme Panorama. She specialises in covering Central Asia, the Middle East and terrorism and has investigated many of the major human rights issues and global political and military events over the past three decades.
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SPEAKER MD OF McKINSEY & CO
DOMINIC BARTON WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 8.00pm
Current Managing Director of MicKinsey & Company. He is currently a Trustee of both the Rhodes Trust and the Brookings Institution, and the author of China Vignettes: An Inside Look at China.
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HILARY 2015
08
SPEAKER FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
HERMAN VAN ROMPUY WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 4.00pm
First President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium and the first President of the European Council. In 2014, Van Rompuy was awarded the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen for his EU role.
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08
OXFORD
UNION
SOCIETY
SPEAKER
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BAIN & COMPANY
BOB BECHEK THURSDAY 12 MARCH 8.00pm Managing director of Bain & Company, the global management consulting firm. He is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the firm’s strategy, team, and operations across all worldwide offices.
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SPEAKER MIDDLE EAST JOURNALIST
ROBERT FISK THURSDAY 12 MARCH, TIME TBC A writer and journalist who has been the Middle East correspondent for The Independent for more than twenty years. He holds more British and international journalism awards than any other foreign correspondent and has been voted British International Journalist of the Year seven times. One of the few Western journalists to have interviewed Osama bin Laden.
HILARY 2015
FOUNDER OF TINDER
SEAN RAD FEBRUARY, TIME AND DATE TBC
Sean Rad is the co-founder and current President of Tinder, the matchmaking app described by Forbes as “completely reinventing how young people date and mate.” The app won TechCrunch’s Crunchie Award for Best New Startup in 2013.
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CEO OF TWITTER
DICK COSTOLO MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC
Dick Costolo is the current CEO of Twitter, having previously served as its Chief Operating Officer. In 2013, he was named by TIME as one of the ten most influential technology CEOs in the US.
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HILARY 2015
FASHION ENTREPRENEUR
NATALIE MASSENET MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC Founder of Net-A-Porter and current Chair of the British Fashion Council. She was named Woman of the Year by US Glamour magazine in 2013 and listed as one of the TIME 100 most influential people in 2014.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKETER
DARREN GOUGH
MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC Darren Gough is a retired English cricketer and England’s second highest wicket-taker in one day internationals, known as the spearhead of England’s bowling attacks for much of the 1990s. After his retirement, he was described by Justin Langer as “one of the most respected and admired cricketers of our generation.”
OXFORD
UNION
SOCIETY
RUSSIAN ECONOMIST
SERGEI GURIEV
MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC
A Russian economist frequently published in both Russian and international media and journals. He contributes extensively to several publications including The New York Times, The Moscow Times, and SmartMoney.
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MEDIA BUSINESSMAN
EVGENY LEBEDEV MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC
Evgeny Lebedev is a businessman and owner of both The Evening Standard and Independent Print Ltd. He is also a prominent supporter of the arts and Chairman of The Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
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CEO OF PEPSICO
INDRA NOOYI MARCH, TIME AND DATE TBC
A business executive and current CEO and Chair of PepsiCo. She is consistently listed among the most powerful women in the world, ranking thirteenth in Forbes’s 100 Most Powerful Women in the World in 2014, and the most powerful woman in business by Fortune in 2009 and 2010. Joint event with Capitox.
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HILARY 2015
Oxford Islamic 50 Business Capitox
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Meeting of Minds
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Youth Politics Engagement
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OICCU – 54 Meaning of Life Scientology
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THE
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PANEL DISCUSSION 1
OXFORD ISLAMIC BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY, TIME TBC The 2008 crisis prompted widespread criticism of the ethics of the financial system. As conversations are being had by those in power about how we might rethink the way the banking sector takes responsibility for its risks, what are our options for new economic models and does Islamic finance have something to offer? Or does it, too, fall below our expectations?
SPEAKERS Harris Irfan Author of Heaven’s Bankers, and Head of Investment Banking at European Islamic Investment Bank.
Tarek el-Diwany Author of ‘The Problem With Interest’.
David Graeber Anthropologist and prominent figure in the Occupy Wall Street movement.
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HILARY 2015
PANEL DISCUSSION 2
CAPITOX DATE AND TIME TBC State of the Markets Conference 2015: CapitOx is Oxford’s fastest growing banking and consulting oriented society, providing a wealth of career opportunities for aspiring leaders in finance and economics. The Conference presents the common effort of both societies, and once again promises to be an engaging and world-class event. The Union will host a day of wide ranging talks on the future of the financial sector, including numerous opportunities to meet and interact with leading graduate recruiters and culminating in a keynote address from Indra Nooyi.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Indra Nooyi A business executive and current CEO and Chair of PepsiCo.
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THE
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PANEL DISCUSSION 3
MEETING OF MINDS DATE AND TIME TBC The Oxford Union, alongside the charities Student Minds and Mind Your Head Oxford, are excited to be launching ‘Meeting of Minds’: mental and general health focused information evenings for Oxford University students. By presenting mental health as an extension of well-being in this way, we hope to begin to dismantle the stigma surrounding open discussion of such concerns. Meeting of Minds provides a place for students to source information free from pressure to share, meet others facing similar issues, and receive answers they may otherwise feel reluctant to ask. A focus point for these meetings will be provided by both academic and celebrity guest-speakers sharing their relevant expertise (either professional or personal); from this general round-table conversation will follow. We hope that hearing a figure students respect speak on these matters can normalise their own experience and break through any feelings of isolation that can accompany mental illness. These meetings have been designed to dispel any preconceived ideas of mental illness and appeal to students either struggling personally, those looking for advice on how best to support others, or even those who are interested more generally.
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HILARY 2015
PANEL DISCUSSION 4
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
IN POLITICS
TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 8.00pm With the General Election year having now begun, the Union is holding a panel discussion to ask questions about the perceptions and realities of apathy among young voters. We have invited several authoritative panelists to discuss the different aspects of this issue and to give Members the opportunity to ask questions about voter apathy and its possible solutions.
SPEAKERS Chloe Smith MP Conservative MP for Norwich North, she was Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Smith works closely with Bite The Ballot to increase youth engagement in politics.
Ollie Middleton At 18, he is Labour’s candidate for the Bath seat. Middleton writes for The Guardian and is fighting to lower the voting age to 16.
Jolyon Rubinstein and Heydon Prowse The creators of BBC Three’s The Revolution Will Be Televised, they are unafraid to uncover the hypocrisies, injustices and irrationalities of today’s political landscape.
Lord Roger Roberts A Liberal Democrat Lord, he is Honorary President of Bite The Ballot. His Voter Registration Bill encourages potential young voters by making voter registration simpler.
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PANEL DISCUSSION 5
OICCU – WHY CARE ABOUT THE MEANING OF LIFE? TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 1.00pm the unexamined life in not worth living”. If he is right, there are many people in Britain, and many people at Oxford too, who are living lives not worth living by virtue of a lack of examination. Os will be thinking through what it means to care about the meaning of life. A free lunch will be provided!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Os Guinness Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Some of his achievements include helping draft the Williamsburg Charter, founding the Trinity Forum, and editing or writing over thirty books on a wide range of themes. He is the great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer.
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HILARY 2015
PANEL DISCUSSION 6
SCIENTOLOGY PANEL DATE AND TIME TBC The Church of Scientology is renowned as one of the most mysterious organisations in the world. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952, it is has rapidly grown to be one of the largest Churches in the world. Followed by the likes of such high-profile names as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, Scientology has captured the imagination of the public. The Union has invited three representatives to explain who Scientologists are and what they do. The panel will comprise of their Public Affairs Director, Mark Pinchin and two others he believes will be able to answer our questions. This is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into their belief system and ask them any question you like.
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TOWN VS
GOWN OUABC presents: Town v Gown 2015 Do OUABC’s pugilists have what it takes against the Town’s finest boxers? OUABC’s only show in 2015 Tickets on sale in Elmer Cotton January 12th 2015 • Tickets on sale online now
Wednesday 4th February
HILARY 2015
Debates and speaker events at the Union are always perfect opportunities to see friends and to meet new people. However, we also organise evenings that are purely social. This term sees the return of our popular ‘Pub Quizzes’ (with £100 cash prizes), a ‘Salsa Social’ with sangria, nibbles and a Latino band, and the affordable yet extravagant ‘Night in Paris’ Ball, which is set to be Oxford’s black tie event of the term.
We have ensured that there is something for everyone and that all events are great value for money. There will also be smaller events held in the Bar, and these will be advertised throughout the term. Each event will have a Facebook page, so keep an eye out for updates and details! If you have any questions or ideas for socials, please do not hesitate to get in touch at secretary@oxford-union.org
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Friday of 4th Week (13th February 2015) 8.30pm ‘til late ∙ Black Tie
A NIGHT The Oxford Uni
Sparkling Reception ∙ Lavish Open Bar ∙ Fine C Parisian Photoshoot ∙ Caricaturist ∙ Can-Can
Tickets on sale online and in the Gene
Contact Robert Harris: secretary@oxford-union.org Members: £55 ∙ Guests: £65
I N PA R I S nion’s Hilary Ball
Cuisine ∙ Accordionist ∙ Live Music ∙ Silent Disco n Dancers ∙ Vodka Luge ∙ Magicians ∙ Casino
eral Office from Friday of 1st Week
SALSA SOCIAL
In association with Salsa Society
Welcome to our Fiesta Latina... Salsa & Reggaeton lesson Live Performances Sangria and Nibbles Tickets: £10 Members £13 Guests
THE
OXFORD
UNION
HILARY 2015
HOW TO GET INVOLVED If you are interested in getting involved with the Oxford Union, there are a number of ways to do so. Participate in Debates Debates are held in the Chamber (doors open at 7.30pm) on a range of subjects and are a great opportunity to challenge speakers and voice your opinions on topical issues. You can participate by giving a floor speech in the main debate after the penultimate speakers, or in the members-only Emergency Debate preceding the main debate (7.45pm). For those interested in honing their debating skills, debating workshops are held in the Union every Sunday at 6.30pm. Run for Election All Officers and Committee members are elected by you, the members, on Friday of 7th Week. Aspiring Committee members are required to make a number of speeches depending on the position they are contesting. Nomination packs can be picked up in the
General Office from mid-5th Week. The deadline for nominations is Friday of 6th Week. For more information, contact the Returning Officer at ro@oxford-union.org Attend Open Hour or Committees Got a burning question to ask the President? Want to see how decisions in the Union are made? The President will be holding an Open Hour from 2.00pm every Monday in the President’s Office where anyone can ask questions about the Union. All Committees are also open to members to attend and observe. Ballot for Dinners and Drinks Fancy meeting the Union’s speakers firsthand? Any member can enter into a random ballot for a place in a Speaker Dinner (when available) or a place in President’s Drinks after every debate by emailing president@ oxford-union.org before each event’s deadline. All floor speakers in the main debate are also invited to President’s Drinks.
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
HOW THE UNION WORKS There are several meetings throughout the term to discuss the running of all aspects of the Union, from the day to day functions of the bar and Library, to proposed changes to the Society’s rules. Every meeting is open to all members. All meetings are open to all members and we encourage people to come to as many as they wish. Standing Committee Chair – Lisa Wehden, President The Union’s governing body, which makes all major decisions concerning the running of the Society and oversees the work of all committees. Mondays, 4.00pm, President’s Office Finance Committee Chair – Lisa Wehden, President Responsible for scrutinising termly, annual, and event budgets, and reporting its findings to the Standing Committee. Mondays, 3.00pm, President’s Office Consultative Committee Chair – Felicity Blackburn, CCC A chance for members to question Officers and hear updates on upcoming events. Mondays, 1.15pm, Gladstone Room
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Library Committee Chair – Charlie Vaughan, Librarian Responsible for choosing new library books and DVDs, and all other aspects of library management. Mondays, 2.15pm, Morris Room Wines and Spirits Committee Chair – Robert Harris, Secretary Responsible for choosing and managing bar stocks, setting bar prices, and composing the budget. Ad Hoc (twice termly) Debates Selection Committee Chair – Jamie Jackson, CDSC Responsible for organising internal competitions and selecting members to represent the Union at debating competitions. Sundays, 4.30pm, Gladstone Room
HILARY 2015
COMPETITIVE DEBATING While the Union is famous for its Thursday evening debates and speaker events, it still holds true to its roots, maintaining a strong competitive debating tradition. We pride ourselves on training some of the world’s best debaters. This year, Oxford reached the finals of both the European and World Universities Debating Championships as well as winning several British intervarsity competitions. Competitive debating at Oxford also has an incredibly fun and inclusive atmosphere for members of any experience level or none. We send debaters and judges to competitions all over the country at no expense, with a novice quota for almost every tournament. This term we will be sending teams to competitions in London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff and Reading, as well as running the internal Richard O’Sullivan Memorial Competition to find the best debaters in Oxford. Our workshops run Sunday evenings of full term at 6.30pm in the main Union building. We run two streams: Beginners sessions for those new to debating; these run for about an hour. Next Step sessions for those who want to move further; these consist of a 15-minute session about an aspect of debating or a specific topic, followed by the opportunity to put your skills into practice.
All sessions are drop-in and you don’t need to commit in order to attend. Sunday workshops are open to all Union members as well as Oxford University students (you should bring your Union or Bod card). To get involved, join the Debate Announce (DA) mailing list by emailing debateannounce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. Weekly emails let you know what’s going on and how to apply to attend competitions. This term the Oxford Schools Debating Competition will also be taking place, and we will be sending members across the country to judge regional rounds before the prestigious Finals Day held in the Union on Saturday of 8th Week. Join the DA mailing list for more information. Competitive debating is organised by DSC, the Debate Selection Committee, which usually meets Sundays of full term at 5.00pm in the Gladstone Room. The current members are Daniel Bregman, Toby Tricks, Chessy Whalen, Kate Brooks, Fergus Peace, Tasha Rachman, Crash Wigley, Jamie Jackson, and Lisa Wehden. Vacancies on the committee arise periodically and are advertised on the DA mailing list, and filled by competitive debaters in accordance with Standing Order B12.
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THE LIBRARY Working in The Union’s Old Library is an experience completely unique to Oxford. Adorned with some of the world’s most famous Pre-Raphaelite murals, painted by the likes of William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rosetti, it is the University’s quietest and most reflective space. Up the hidden spiral staircase is the adjoining Poetry Room – an even more secretive place to work. Unlike at college libraries, non-academic literature forms a large part of the collection with many examples of travel writing, fiction, magazines and an assortment of DVDs. Furthermore, if there is something you would like included in the Library, it can be acquired on request. Member participation is of major importance, thus, if you would like to get involved with the running of the Library, please contact: library@ oxford-union.org to join the committee.
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HILARY 2015
THE BAR The Union’s Members’ Bar is an institution in its own right. With countless celebrities and heroes to be found there throughout the term, it’s the place to be on any night of the week. It’s also one of the cheapest places to have a drink. Open longer and later than almost any other bar or pub in Oxford, you can enjoy everything from a 10.00am cappuccino to a 2.00am G&T. Following this, The Purple Turtle night club is open seven days a week until 3.00am, with free entry for all members. Last but not least, the Union is not only “ The final bastion of free speech”, it’s also the final bastion of the yard of ale. 25% Members’ discount on all food and drinks £2.50 debate night cocktails Private snooker room Term time opening hours: Mon – Wed, 10.00am until midnight Thurs – Sat, 10.00am until 2.00am Sun, 12.00pm until 10.30pm
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HILARY 2015
TREASURER’S TREATS Adam’s Coffee Shop Art Café (New Road) Ashmolean Museum Bar Milano (Cowley Road) Bolitas (Covered Market) Branca Coconut Espresso Bar (Magdalen Street) Duke of Cambridge (Little Clarendon Street) EAT (Queen Street) Fudge Kitchen (Broad Street) Heroes Café (Ship Street) Indulge Dessert Parlour (Cowley Road) Kebab Kid (St. Georges Place) La Baguette (New Inn Hall Street) La Croissanterie (George Street, Cowley Road) Makan La Mano’s Deli Maxwells Michel’s Crêperie (Covered Market) Oxford Sandwich Co. (Covered Market) Pieminister (Covered Market) Queen’s Lane Coffee House and QL Deli & Sandwich Bar (High Street) Raoul’s (Walton Street) Refresh Café Ricardo’s (Covered Market) The House (Blue Boar Street) Shanghai 30s
10% off 10% off Free glass of wine or dessert with main course 25% off after happy hour 10% off 20% off on weekdays 15% off Happy Hour prices Sun-Thurs termtime Free coffee when you spend £5 5 slices for £16 and 7 slices for £20 Free cake with any sandwich 10% off 15% off purchases over £5 10% off 20% off 10% off 10% off when eating in 20% off food 10% off 5% off sandwiches Free peas with a student meal 10% off with £5 minimum spend 30% off between 4.00pm and 8.00pm 10% off Free hot drink with every baguette purchased 15% off Happy Hour prices Sunday – Thursday 10% off with £3.50 minimum spend, 15% off if you spend more than £20, Mon-Fri
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
THE OXFORD UNION COMMITTEE
President
Lisa Wehden Worcester
Librarian Charlie Vaughan St John’s
Treasurer Nam Phuong Dinh Corpus Christi
Secretary Robert Harris New College
STANDING COMMITTEE
Joe Fowles Pembroke
Verity Hubbard LMH
Cindy Yu Christ Church
David Browne Merton
Ali Holder Ross St Hilda’s
SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE
Nikolay Koshikov Exeter
Noah Lachs Lincoln
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Niamh Coote Pembroke
Tom Scott Oriel
Ssuuna Golooba-Mutebi St John’s
Conor Diamond Hertford
Michael Li Magdalen
Kirsty Simkin Somerville
George Layton Christ Church
Oliver Quie St Peter’s
Eloise Donovan New College
HILARY 2015
OFFICERS-ELECT
President-Elect Roberto Weeden-Sanz St Benet’s Hall
Librarian-Elect Stuart Webber Somerville
Treasurer-Elect Antonia Trent St Hugh’s
APPOINTED OFFICIALS & STAFF Chair of Consultative Committee Chief of Staff Guest Liaison Officers
Felicity Blackburn Olivia Merrett Mark Fischel, Owen Mears, Elise Jelsma, Adam Dayan, George Dennis, Jennifer Brawn, Edward Saunders, Seana Moon White, Gina Sternberg, Joel Allen, Emily Pritchard, Louis Trupia, Zuleyka Shahin
Press Officer Director of Digital Strategy
Daniel Valentine Alex Trafford
Bursar Senior Librarian Senior Treasurer House Manager Librarian-In-Charge Events Manager Accounts Manager Office Secretary IT Officer Archivist Assistant Archivist
Lindsey Warne Sean Power Stephen Dixon Bridget Gaughan Su Lockley Nikki Wood Claire Norris Eleanor Taylor Jeremy Worth Graeme Hall Joseph Diwakar
International Officer Access Officers Women’s Officers Graduate Officers Brookes Officer SBS Liaison Officer
Ryan Mao Samual Billington, Daniel Haynes, Claire Butler Claire Butler, Jacqueline Gallo, Alice White Lewis Willcocks, Tim Muller Anne-Marie Grigorescu Rishi Kartari
Graphic Designer Building Photography
Craig Slade (www.craigslade.com) Barker Evans
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THE
OXFORD
UNION
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Events Subject to Change Without Notice
TERM PLANNER
Speaker Debate Social Event
£5
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Panel Discussion
1st Week
2nd Week
3rd Week
4th Week
5th Week
6th Week
7th Week
8th Week
18
Michael Sandel 8.00pm
25
19
20
Rick Edwards, Kate Smurthwaite & Guests 8.00pm Pub Quiz 9.00pm
21
Will Carling 6.00pm Gerard Way 8.00pm
22
US Racism Debate 8.30pm
23
24
26
27
Sir Richard Evans 8.00pm
28
Oxbridge Debate 8.30pm
29
Paul Collier 8.00pm
30
31
4
Marine Le Pen 6.00pm Murdoch Debate 8.30pm
5
11
Feminism Debate 8.30pm
12
1
Dr Lobsang Sangay 6.00pm Pub Quiz 9.00pm
2
Erik Feig 8.00pm
8
Wayne Houchin 6.00pm Xavier Rolet 9.00pm
9
OICCU Event 1.00pm
15
Professor Wistrich 9.00pm
22
16
23
1
Norman Finkelstein 8.00pm
2
8
Jane Corbin 8.00pm
9
Youth Politics Panel 8.00pm
Anna Wintour 7.00pm Pub Quiz 9.00pm
3
Town vs Gown 7.00pm
10
21
27
28
5
6
7
12
13
14
Putin Debate 8.30pm
19
24
Salsa Social 8.30pm
25
Police Debate 8.30pm
26
10
Herman Van Rompuy 4.00pm Dominic Barton 8.00pm
11
Lord Robert Winston 2.00pm Free Speech Debate 8.30pm Bob Bechek 8.00pm Rob Fisk Time TBC
7
20
18
4
Simon Amstell 5.00pm
14
Baroness Greenfield 8.00pm
John Ellis 8.00pm
6
13
17
3
Geoffery Pyatt 6.00pm General Durrani 8.00pm
Union Ball 8.30pm
Prof Manuel Hassassian 2.00pm Sir Paul Nurse 8.30pm
I am forever indebted to those who helped me get here – my tea-M, WorCester and the Secret Seven. This journey would never have been possible without you.