Issuu

2026

Termcard design Sangeun Noh, Magdalen College Aarush Yendamuri, St Peter’s College Chloe Pomfret, St Catherine’s College Tim Fraser, Kellogg College Shahmir Aziz, Brasenose College Samson Green, St Peter’s College Photography Roger Askew

Contents Officers’ Welcomes

Committee Information

Competitive Debating

Debates

Schedule

Socials

Treasurer’s Treats

Reciprocal Clubs

Floor Prizes

Facilities

Accessibility

Guest Policy

Committee and Staff

President’s Thanks

President’s Welcome “It's wanting to know that makes us matter. Otherwise, we're going out the way we came in.” – Tom Stoppard (Arcadia) In 2019, YouTube published the last ‘YouTube Rewind’. Internet culture had become far too diverse and multi-faceted to be encapsulated in a single video. Nowadays, the algorithm gives us what we want when we want it. Putting together a term card in the Big 2026 is fighting the death of Mono-culture. While we cannot appeal to every interest at the same time, we can appeal to every interest at some time. At its best, the Union represents a community dedicated to the value of discourse. We debate controversial questions to get to the truth. We’re curious about the experiences of every living being and we take nothing for granted. In the end, despite our backgrounds, we are united by the human drive for knowledge. A drive so disgustingly human that it’s basically the core of all our founding myths. At its core, two things matter the most for the Union – the members and the speakers. I look forward to welcoming both. Best, Gareth Lim Yefeng St Peter’s College president@oxford-union.org

Beginners’ Debating Workshop Signup

Guide to Getting Involved in The Oxford Union

Audition to speak in the Chamber

Librarian’s Welcome Hello everyone, and a very warm welcome to Michaelmas Term whether you're brand new to the Union or coming back for more! My first taste of the Union came before I'd even joined: queuing outside the Chamber for a debate on the government’s future. The Chamber was packed, and buzzing with anticipation. A year later, I was standing at the despatch box myself, feet away from sitting MPs, speaking in that very same debate. That's the sort of thing that only happens here, and it's exactly why I can't wait for this term. Michaelmas always feels like a term of new beginnings: new faces, new routines, and, before long, the first essay crisis of the year! Whatever this term holds for you, I hope the Union can be part of it - from Tinie Tempah to Kevin Rudd and Jack Clark, there's plenty to look forward to. As your Librarian, I get to look after one of Oxford's best-kept secrets: a library stocked entirely by its own members, not an algorithm or a syllabus. Suggest a title, and we'll decide within the week whether to buy it. It’s also just about the coziest spot to disappear into your reading list for a few hours! Library Committee meets every Monday at 2:15pm - do come along. Whether it's a speaker suggestion, a book recommendation, or just a friendly face you're after, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Looking forward to a brilliant Michaelmas Term with you all! See you in the Chamber - but sooner, I hope, in the library. Harry Aldridge New College librarian@oxford-union.org

Treasurer’s Welcome If this is your first time at the Oxford Union, we have been awaiting your arrival! Otherwise, welcome back! For two centuries and counting, the Union has encouraged students and speakers to interrogate the most pressing issues of our time. I hope that this term you will make this opportunity your own. I am most excited to welcome you to our Thursday night debates. I am particularly looking forward to our debate on whether the institution of marriage has been harmful to women. If you would like to give a floor speech on this motion, or any at all, please do! If the appeal of speaking in our historic chamber does not tempt you enough, I hope our exclusive Floor Prizes will. We’ve also assembled one of the most expansive selections of Treasurer’s Treats in Union history! We hope these cafés and restaurants, many of which offer considerable discounts to Union members, will provide you with a place to study, dine, or catch up with friends if you’d like a change of scenery from the Union Library or Bar. With that in mind, it is an immense honor to serve as your Treasurer this term. Finance Committee meets every Monday at 3 p.m., so please come along if you are interested in getting involved! Claire Luo St Hilda’s College treasurer@oxford-union.org

Secretary’s Welcome A very warm welcome everyone, and to all of us returning back to Oxford this Michaelmas, welcome back. I still fondly recall watching Oxford Union debates online, miles away back home in India, and it has undoubtedly played a big role in who I am today. It is thus heartwarming to come full circle, and to now have the honour of serving as your Secretary this term. As your Secretary, beyond the minuting of debates and meetings, I'm also in charge of bringing the socials calendar of this term to life! So mark your calendars for a warm Freshers' welcome, Halloween House Party, and Diwali Ball. Above all, I am most excited to welcome you all to the Oxford Union Ball, a Winter Carnival that is sure to leave you all with a rejuvenated holiday spirit. The beauty of this place, however, lies in the ideas it upholds, and no event at the Union would be the same without the enthusiastic participation of its members. So above all, never hesitate to get involved and stand up for what you believe in. There has never been a better time. To everyone curious about getting involved, do give it a shot and see this place for what it can be and what it will continue to become. I am always happy to help as someone who was in your shoes not too long ago. So if you are someone looking for more avenues to get involved or simply have some questions, feel free to come up to me in person or shoot me an email, my inbox is always open. And finally, don’t forget to swing by the Wine and Spirits (read: Best) Committee every Tuesday at 7 pm if you have any inputs for our iconic bar, or any other suggestions for improvement. Looking forward to seeing you then! Until next time, Saara Lunawat St John’s College secretary@oxford-union.org

COMMITTEES The affairs of the Society are managed by a number of committees, each of which meet in person throughout the term. These committees work for you, the members, so please do not hesitate to email the respective chairs for information on how to attend these meetings.

Standing Committee Chair – Gareth Lim (President) president@oxford-union.org Mondays at 4pm

Secretary’s Committee Chair – Saara Lunawat (Secretary) secretary@oxford-union.org Mondays at 1:45pm

Comprised of the Elected members of Standing Committee and a range of ExOfficers, it is the Union’s committee of management but open to observation by all members. Standing Committee makes the Union’s most important decisions and recommends rules changes to the House.

Comprised of the eleven Elected members of Secretary’s Committee. This committee meets to help enhance membership experience, selecting debate cocktails, coordinate shift work for the week ahead and prepare for the events of the week.

Consultative Committee Chair – CCC ccc@oxford-union.org Mondays at 1.15pm Comprised of all Union members, it gives you the opportunity to ask the officers of the Union any questions and stay up-todate on the running of the Union’s events. It is also where our Emergency Debate motions are decided.

Library Committee Chair – Harry Aldridge (Librarian) librarian@oxford-union.org Mondays at 2.15pm Responsible for the stewardship of the Society’s library, including the acquisition and withdrawal of books, and for advising on its effective management. Wine and Spirits Committee Chair – Saara Lunawat (Secretary) secretary@oxford-union.org Tuesdays at 7:00pm Responsible for all matters relating to the bar - pricing, stock, new drink suggestions.

Access Committee Chair – Sarah Senu (Chair of Access) access.chair@oxford-union.org Tuesdays at 4:00pm Responsible for advancing the inclusion of under-represented groups through the organisation of events and the recommendation of institutional improvements.

Finance Committee Chair – Claire Luo (Treasurer) treasurer@oxford-union.org Mondays at 3:00pm Scrutinises the Union’s finances and reports its findings to Standing Committee. Debate Selection Committee Chair – Nicole Wong (CDSC) cdsc@oxford-union.org Mondays at 12:00pm Responsible for the Union’s competitive debating programme, including squad trials and selection, training, external tournament entries, hosting competitions, judging, and supporting teams representing Oxford.

Timings above are subject to change. Requisition of these meetings will be posted on the Society’s notice board

COMPETITIVE DEBATING The Union’s record in competitive British Parliamentary debating is one of exceptional distinction. We are the reigning European Champions and won the World Championships in 2024. In the past two years, we have won the Cambridge IV, Princeton IV, LSE Open, Athens IV, KCL Pre-WUDC and the English Second Language category of the European Debating Championships. The Union fully sponsors members’ participation in external tournaments, covering both travel and participation costs. These tournaments offer not only the opportunity to compete at the highest level, but also the chance to travel at no cost. In recent months, our members have competed in destinations including New York, Vienna, Athens, Copenhagen and Istanbul. During term time, we host regular training workshops led by some of Oxford’s finest debaters. Our Monday Beginners’ Workshops are open to all and designed as standalone sessions, ideal for members to try debating for the first time. Our Intermediate and Advanced Squads takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday for members with greater experience. Competitive debating offers a wealth of transferable skills: it cultivates the ability to express ideas with persuasion and think quickly under pressure. Our sessions provide an intellectually serious and welcoming environment to debate the world’s most fascinating issues. To join the competitive debating mailing list and receive weekly updates on debating opportunities, members should send a blank email to debateannounce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. Further information can be found on Instagram at @oxforddebating. Any member with questions is warmly invited to contact the Chair of the Debate Selection Committee, Nicole Wong, at cdsc@oxford-union.org.

DEBATES The Oxford Union was established 200 years ago to protect and uphold the principle of free speech, and debating remains at the heart of the Society today. In the spirit of this timeless tradition, debates are normally held on Thursday evenings during term, with the following timings:

19:45

Emergency Debate. Featuring exclusively student speakers, our Emergency Debates seek to address topical issues, with motions being set weekly. Check our Instagram, Facebook page and Noticeboard on Monday evenings for the motion of the week.

20:30

Main Debate. With high profile speakers from all around the world, our Main Debates address pressing questions on a variety of topics.

In the Main Debate, Points of Information (POIs) can be offered to speakers during their speeches. These can be forwarded by raising your hand and stating “Point of Information”. The speaker may reject a POI. If they choose to accept, a statement must be given briefly in response to the point which has been made. It is then the responsibility of the speaker to respond. Moreover, before the two final speakers, the Chair will look for several members to deliver two minute floor speeches on each side of the debate. There are exciting prizes on offer for the best floor speakers each week. Members can also ballot to attend the pre-debate dinner with our guest speakers, the form for which will be released each week via email and on our Instagram and Facebook page.

WEEK

PAGE

HOUSE HAS NO CONFIDENCE IN 1 THIS HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

16-17

HOUSE BELIEVES THAT THERE IS 1 THIS TOO MUCH MONEY IN SPORT

18-19

HOUSE BELIEVES THAT THE UK 2 THIS SHOULD WITHDRAW FROM THE ECHR

22-23

HOUSE WOULD TURN TO 3 THIS NUCLEAR ENERGY

26-27

4 THIS HOUSE CAN FIX THEM

30-31

HOUSE FEARS CENSORSHIP 5 THIS MORE THAN EXTREMISM

34-35

HOUSE BELIEVES THAT THE CHURCH 6 THIS OF ENGLAND’S DAYS ARE NUMBERED

38-39

HOUSE BELIEVES THAT THE INSTITUTION 7 THIS OF MARRIAGE STILL HARMS WOMEN

42-43

HOUSE PREFERS A DICTATORSHIP OF 8 THIS MERIT OVER A TYRANNY OF THE MAJORITY

46-47

Photo Credits: Chloe Pomfret

*Please note that event timings and details may be subject to change. The most up-to-date information can be found on our Instagram page @theoxfordunion.

4 October to 10 October

NOUGHTH WEEK OPEN PERIOD | NON-MEMBERS ALLOWED AT ALL EVENTS

SUNDAY 04/10

MONDAY 05/10

TUESDAY 06/10 THURSDAY 08/10

WEDNESDAY 07/10

Freshers’ Freshers’ Freshers’ Fair Fair Drinks We will be at the Oxford University Student Union Freshers' Fair at Examination Schools! Come over to say hi, ask questions or pick up a physical copy of our term card!

9am – 4pm, Exam Schools

FRIDAY 09/10

7pm – 10pm, Oxford Union

SATURDAY 10/10

Plant and Poster Sale 10am – 7pm, Oxford Union

14 11 October to 17 October

FIRST WEEK SUNDAY 11/10 MONDAY 12/10 Committees

Debate Selection Committee 12pm

TUESDAY 13/10 Committees

Access Committee 4pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

Consultative Committee 1:15pm

Alan Dershowitz was the youngest professor in Harvard Law School's history. He went on to become one of the most high profile defence lawyers of his generation, representing clients from O.J. Simpson and Jeffrey Epstein, to Julian Assange and Donald Trump.

Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Debaters’ Drinks

Alan Dershowitz Alan Dershowitz

In a reversal of roles for one of America’s most famous and controversial defence lawyers, Professor Dershowitz will find himself in the hot seat facing the questions himself and challenged head-to-head by members across the despatch box. 5:30pm

Gianmarco Soresi's comedy special Thief of Joy has racked up over 3.2 million views on YouTube. He has brought his stand-up to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Come watch an exhibition debate and meet our competitive debate team. Free pizza and drinks included! 7pm

Band Night 8:30pm

Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

8pm

Gianmarco Soresi

WEDNESDAY 14/10

THURSDAY 15/10

Dr Michael Mann Jim Al-Khalili Jim Al-Khalili is a Professor of Theoretical Physics who has become one of the UK's best-known science broadcasters, presenting BBC programmes including The Life Scientific and Chemistry: A Volatile History. His latest book is On Time: The Physics That Makes the Universe Tick.

Dr Michael Mann is a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, best known for developing the 'hockey stick' graph, which revealed how sharply global temperatures have risen. In 2019, he won The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. 5pm

Debate

This House has no confidence in His Majesty’s Government.

5pm

Advanced Squads

8:30pm

7pm

President’s Open Hours 3pm

FRIDAY 16/10

The Hon. Dr Kevin Rudd AC Dr Kevin Rudd is a former Prime Minister of Australia., a foremost expert on China, and the author of The Avoidable War and On Xi Jinping. 8pm

SATURDAY 17/10

Special Debate

This House believes that there is too much money in sport.

8:30pm

This House has no confidence in His Majesty’s Government.

Week One

15/10

proposition

Andrew Rosindell MP

Gideon Amos OBE MP

©House of Commons/Laurie Noble

©House of Commons

Current Reform UK MP, and MP for Romford since 2001. He is the former Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister.

Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson and former Town and Country Planning Association CEO.

Mothin Ali Deputy Leader of the Green Party and Leeds councillor for Gipton and Harehills.

©House of Commons

Lord Dominic Johnson Former Conservative Party CoChair, current Chair of the Lords International Agreements Committee.

Sir David Davis KCB MP

Fraser Campbell KC Blackstone Chambers barrister, former Oxford Union President, Fellow of All Souls College and European Debating Champion

Stephen Pound Former Labour MP for Ealing North and former Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland.

opposition

Former Brexit Secretary, Shadow Home Secretary and Conservative MP since 1987.

This House believes that there is too much money in sport.

Week One

17/10

proposition

©House of Commons/Laurie Noble

James Corrigan

Robbie Lyle

Golf Correspondent for The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, formerly Associate Sports Editor at The Independent.

Founder of Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV), one of the world’s largest football fan-media platforms.

Sam Roberts Rugby commentator and broadcaster, with extensive coverage of Premiership Rugby and international fixtures.

Paulius Motiejūnas

Rory Jennings

Adam McKola Football presenter, Stretford Paddock host and regular contributor to The Overlap’s Fan Debate.

Football presenter, Chelsea commentator and co-host of The Club.

opposition

©House of Commons

Former EuroLeague Basketball CEO and three-time EuroLeague Executive of the Year with Žalgiris Kaunas.

20 18 October to 24 October

SECOND WEEK Julie Pace

Julie Pace is the Executive Editor of the Associated Press, having previously served as AP's Chief White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief. Under her leadership, the AP has won three Pulitzer Prizes.

SUNDAY 18/10

4pm

MONDAY 19/10

Emma Grede

TUESDAY 20/10

Emma Grede is a founding partner of SKIMS and the CEO and cofounder of Good American, building some of the biggest names in fashion alongside the Kardashians. She has also appeared on Shark Tank, bringing that same business instinct to primetime. 11am

Committees Debate Selection Committee 12pm

Beginners’ Workshop 5pm & 7:30pm

Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Pub Quiz

8pm

Committees Access Committee 4pm

Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm Nir Bar Dea is the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, overseeing $150.2 billion in regulatory assets under management. He leads the firm’s strategy, building on Bridgewater’s five-decade legacy in global macro investing. Members will have exclusive access to speak with Bridgewater’s recruitment team. 5pm

Nir Bar Dea Joshua Rozenberg KC

Joshua Rozenberg KC (Hon) is Britain's most experienced full-time legal commentator and the first journalist to be appointed King's Counsel. He has spent decades covering British law and the judiciary for organisations including the BBC and The Daily Telegraph. 7pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

WEDNESDAY 21/10

Charles Adams

Charles Adams is Global Managing Partner of Clifford Chance, one of the world’s largest international law firms, overseeing its global strategy and operations across more than 30 offices. Under his tenure, the firm has advised on major cross-border transactions, including Unilever’s proposed $45 billion combination with McCormick & Company, while continuing to act for leading corporations, financial institutions and governments worldwide. 5pm

THURSDAY 22/10

Chrissy Costanza

Chrissy Costanza is an American singer, YouTuber and the lead vocalist of the rock band Against the Current, best known for the League of Legends theme songs Legends Never Die and Phoenix. Her highestranking covers have amassed over 200 million views. Members will also get the opportunity to see Chrissy perform live at the Oxford Union. 5pm

Advanced Squads 7pm

Debate

This House believes that the UK should withdraw from the ECHR. 8:30pm

OPEN PERIOD CLOSES AT 7 PM ON THURSDAY

SATURDAY 24/10 FRIDAY 23/10

Simon Pegg is an acclaimed British actor, comedian and screenwriter, best known for co-writing and starring in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy: Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. He has also starred in the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek franchises, and first gained prominence with the cult sitcom Spaced.

President’s Open Hours 3pm

Simon Pegg Photo: Dave Willis

3pm

This House believes that the UK should withdraw from the ECHR. Week Two

22/10

proposition

Martin Howe KC

Suella Braverman KC MP ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble

Reform UK MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, formerly Home Secretary and Attorney General.

Chairman of Lawyers for Britain and leading barrister specialising in EU and post-Brexit law.

Lord Peter Lilley PC

Sir Robert Neill KC Barrister, former Conservative MP and Chair of the Commons’ Justice Committee.

George Peretz KC Chair of the Society of Labour Lawyers and King’s Counsel specialising in EU, competition, subsidy control and public law.

opposition

Conservative peer, former Trade Secretary, Social Security Secretary and Shadow Chancellor.

24 25 October to 31 October

THIRD WEEK MONDAY 26/10 Debate Selection Committee 12pm

SUNDAY 25/10

Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm

TUESDAY 27/10

Standing Committee 4pm

Committees

Beginners’ Workshop

Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

Filmmakers Panel

Access Committee 4pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

Graduate Dinner & Debate 8pm

5pm & 7:30pm

Industry showcase panel featuring leading British & international cinema directors and screenwriters. 7pm Edward Berger is an Oscarwinning director of All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, a political thriller set in the Vatican.

Jeffrey Sachs

Committees

Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned economist, bestselling author and professor at Columbia University, best known for his book The End of Poverty and for serving as Special Advisor to three United Nations Secretaries-General. 5pm William Nicholson is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter best known for Gladiator, Les Misérables and Shadowlands, which he also adapted into a Tony Awardwinning play. Peter Strickland is an acclaimed British filmmaker best known for The Duke of Burgundy, In Fabric and Flux Gourmet, celebrated for his distinctive approach to cinema.

WEDNESDAY 28/10

Debate THURSDAY 29/10

This House would turn to nuclear energy. 8:30pm

Vjosa Osmani Vjosa Osmani served as President of Kosovo from 2021 to 2026 and was the country's second female president. She has been a prominent advocate for Kosovo's independence, democratic institutions and closer integration with the European Union. 6pm

Advanced Squads 7pm

FRIDAY 30/10

FRIDAY 30/10 SATURDAY 31/10

Halloween House Party 9pm – 12am

President’s Open Hours 3pm

This House would turn to nuclear energy.

Week Three

29/10

proposition

Kirsty Gogan Co-founder and Managing Director of TerraPraxis and Energy for Humanity; Member of the IAEA’s Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Applications.

Dr Vincent Ialenti Author of Deep Time Reckoning and former Leader of the US Department of Energy’s Consent-Based Siting Consortia.

Princess Mthombeni Founder of Africa4Nuclear, promoting nuclear energy and public engagement across Africa.

Chair of the Nuclear Consulting Group and Member of the Irish Government Radiation Protection Advisory Committee.

Professor Andy Stirling Professor of Science and Technology Policy at Sussex, specialising in energy and technological transitions.

Founder and Executive Director of Beyond Nuclear, formerly a journalist with Reuters and The Times.

opposition

Dr Paul Dorfman

Linda Pentz Gunter

28 01 November to 07 November

FOURTH WEEK Committees

Debate Selection Committee 12pm

Vikas Khanna

MONDAY 02/11

SUNDAY 01/11

Vikas Khanna is a Michelin-starred Indian-American chef and restaurateur, best known as the founder of the restaurant Bungalow and a longtime judge of MasterChef India. He has cooked for figures including Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama.

Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm

6pm

Beginners’ Workshop

Standing Committee 4pm

5pm & 7:30pm

TUESDAY 03/11

Tinie Tempah

Tinie Tempah's breakthrough single Pass Out was one of the fastest-selling debut singles in UK history, launching a run of hits including Frisky, Written in the Stars, Miami 2 Ibiza and Girls Like.

11:30am

Committees

Access Committee 4pm Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

Changpeng Zhao Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, is the founder of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, with a fortune estimated as high as $110 billion. 6pm

Midterms Watch Party 11pm

WEDNESDAY 04/11

Careers Panel A panel focussed on delivering premier private equity recruitment pathways to students, providing advice and networking opportunities. Sponsored by Bending Spoons, an Italian tech giant that acquires, develops, and scales digital products.

THURSDAY 05/11

2pm

Dylan Maxwell Talent Manager

Ani Krishnaswamy Growth Manager

Samuel Baker AI Research Engineer

Helena Zagala Business Analyst

President’s Open Hours 3pm

Advanced Squads 7pm

Debate

8:30pm

This House can fix them.

FRIDAY 06/11

Oxford Women and Gender Minorities Debating Championships Our premier intercollegiate debating competition exclusively for women and gender minorities. If you would like to volunteer look out for signups on the Debate Announcement Mailing list.

Simon Squibb is the founder of HelpBnk and an entrepreneur best known for his viral social media videos encouraging people to pursue their dreams. 6pm

Simon Squibb

*Balloted event, open to members only. Entry is strictly ticket only.

SATURDAY 07/11

Oxford Intervarsity Debating Championships Hosted by the Oxford Union, with more than a hundred teams from universities around the world participating, the Oxford IV is the largest debating competition in the world hosted by a single university. If you would like to volunteer, look out for signups on the Debate Announcement mailing list.

*The buildings will be closed

This House can fix them.

Week Four

05/11

Maria Comstock Political digital strategist and comedic content creator with over 2.4 million social media followers.

David Thomas Stand-up comedian and viral sketch creator whose comedy videos have amassed over 100 million views.

Anna Soden Actor, comedian and writer whose sketches have attracted millions of views across social media.

Isaac H.P Stand-up comedian and social media creator with five million followers across platforms.

Leah Lamarr Internationally touring stand-up comedian, actress and four-time sold-out New York Comedy Festival performer.

32 08 November to 14 November

FIFTH WEEK Committees

SUNDAY 08/11

Access Committee 4pm

Oxford Intervarsity Debating Championships

Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

*The buildings will be closed

MONDAY 09/11 Committees

Debate Selection Committee 12pm Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Beginners’ Workshop

5pm & 7:30pm

TUESDAY 10/11

Martin Seligman Martin Seligman is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. After developing the theory of learned helplessness. He went on to found the field of positive psychology and wrote the bestselling books Learned Optimism and Flourish. 6pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

WEDNESDAY 11/11 WEDNESDAY 11/11 Advanced Squads 7pm

THURSDAY 12/11 Professor Dame Wendy Hall DBE co-chaired the UK Government’s landmark 2017 review of AI strategy. Her pioneering system Microcosm helped lay the foundations for the World Wide Web, and she later co-founded the field of Web Science with Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.

President’s Open Hours 3pm

Matt Murray

Dame Wendy Hall DBE

FRIDAY 13/11

5pm

Dr Lin Han is the founder and CEO of Gate.io, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, which today serves more than 58 million users worldwide. 3.30pm

4:30pm

Dr Lin Han This House fears censorship more than extremism. 8:30pm

SATURDAY 14/11

Diwali Ball

Lalit Modi is the founder of the Indian Premier League, now valued at over $20 billion. He pioneered the franchise model that transformed cricket into a global powerhouse. 1:30pm

8pm – 12am

Baroness Sharon White

Debate

Lalit Modi

Matt Murray is Executive Editor of The Washington Post and former Editor-inChief of The Wall Street Journal, where he led the newsroom through a Pulitzerwinning investigation into Trump's hushmoney payments.

Baroness Sharon White rose through HM Treasury to become the first Black person appointed a Permanent Secretary in HM Civil Service. She was subsequently appointed Chief Executive of Ofcom and Chair of the John Lewis Partnership. 7pm

Karaoke 8pm

This House fears censorship more than extremism.

Week Five

12/11

Professor Jacob Mchangama

Clare Melford

Founder and director of Justitia and the former Chief Legal Counsel for CEPOS.

Co-founder and Executive Director of the Global Disinformation Index.

©House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris

Jameel Jaffer

Baroness Claire Fox

Director of the Academy of Ideas, independent House of Lords peer and former Brexit Party MEP.

Executive Director of Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute and former Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU.

The Hon. Jeh Johnson Former US Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama and former Pentagon General Counsel.

Neil Basu QPM Former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner and former Head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing.

Damian Collins OBE

Dr Julia Ebner Photography by Justin Giffiths Williams

Former Conservative MP and Chair of the Joint Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill.

Oxford researcher specialising in extremism and radicalisation, leading the University’s Violent Extremism Lab.

opposition

proposition

36 15 November to 21 November

SIXTH WEEK MONDAY 16/11 SUNDAY 15/11 Committees Debate Selection Committee 12pm Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm

TUESDAY 17/11

Jack Clark Committees

Access Committee 4pm Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

Jack Clark is co-founder and Head of Public Benefit at Anthropic, an AI research company. Prior to Anthropic, Jack was the Policy Director of OpenAI. Before OpenAI, Jack was a technical journalist who wrote in detail about supercomputers, neural networks, and advanced technology, working for publications ranging from The Register to BusinessWeek. Along with his work at Anthropic, Jack writes Import AI, a popular AI newsletter read by more than 130,000 people every week.

6pm

Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Beginners’ Workshop 5pm & 7:30pm

Start-up Panel Josiah Senu is Co-founder and CEO of Zuba and the Sutton Trust’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Examining how regulation, access to investment, policy, and the broader business environment are shaping the UK start-up landscape.

4pm

Dom Hallas is Executive Director of the Startup Coalition and previously worked at the Department for Exiting the European Union.

WEDNESDAY 18/11

Aman Verjee is a former VP at PayPal and CFO of eBay, and now General Partner and Founder of Practical Venture Capital.

Careers in Law Panel

Explore the diverse career paths available across the legal profession, from the Bar to commercial law and beyond.

5:30pm

Oliver Aikens is a Partner at Freshfields, specialising in international arbitration and disputes.

Kamran Ahmed is a Partner at White & Case, specialising in international arbitration and complex cross-border disputes.

Ahmed Abdel Hakam is a Partner at Volterra Fietta, specialising in public international law and dispute resolution.

Mahnaz Malik is a barrister at 20 Essex and one of seven external judges on the World Bank Sanctions Board.

Advanced Squads 7pm

THURSDAY 19/11

Debate

This House believes that the Church of England’s days are numbered.

FRIDAY 20/11

SATURDAY 21/11

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, comedian, writer and producer, known for her performances in the Pitch Perfect trilogy, Jojo Rabbit and Bridesmaids. She made her directorial debut with The Deb. 6pm

8:30pm

President’s Open Hours 3pm

Winter Carnival Ball 8pm – 2am

This House believes that the Church of England’s days are numbered.

Week Six

19/11

The Most Revd Dr Foley Beach Former GAFCON Chairman and former Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America.

The Rt Revd Andy Lines Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Network in Europe and former Mission Director of Crosslinks.

The Rt Revd Dr Mark Tanner Bishop of Chester, Lord Spiritual and Chair of the Church of England’s Ministry Development Board.

The Revd Dr Sam Wells Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, theologian, broadcaster and former Dean of Duke University Chapel.

Richard Scorer Head of Abuse Law at Slater and Gordon and author of Betrayed: The English Catholic Church and the Sex Abuse Crisis.

Deputy Jayne Ozanne OBE Guernsey politician, Anglican campaigner and founder of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition.

The Revd Dr Lee Gatiss Director of Church Society, Church of England Evangelical Council member and Anglican Church historian.

Professor Grace Davie Sociologist of religion, Professor Emeritus at Exeter and author of Religion in Britain.

opposition

proposition

40 22 November to 28 November

SEVENTH WEEK SUNDAY 22/11

CJP Panel

2pm

Abhijeet Dipke Founder of the CJP and political communication strategist.

Saurav Das CJP spokesperson, coconvenor and investigative journalist.

Committees

Debate Selection Committee 12pm

TUESDAY 24/11

Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Beginners’ Workshop 5pm & 7:30pm

WEDNESDAY 18/11

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was formed by young Indians around issues including unemployment, education and political representation. The group has since organised protests and campaigns focussed on these issues.

MONDAY 23/11

Pub Quiz 8pm

Committees

Access Committee 4pm Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

WEDNESDAY 25/11

Lord Hermer Lord Hermer served as Attorney General from 2024 to 2026 under Sir Keir Starmer, overseeing the Crown Prosecution Service and Government Legal Department, following three decades as a leading human rights and international law barrister at Matrix Chambers, where he argued landmark cases including Vedanta Resources.

Advanced Squads

6pm

7pm

THURSDAY 26/11

War on Drugs Panel 2pm

Steve Rolles is a ldrug policy expert and Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation.

Leading voices examine the consequences of prohibition, the case for reform and the future of global drug policy. Felipe Krause is a Brazilian lawyer and drug policy expert, specialising in international drug policy and criminal justice reform.

Alessandra Galloni

FRIDAY 27/11

President’s Open Hours

Alessandra Galloni is the first woman to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Reuters. She previously broke the Wall Street Journal story on how the 2013 conclave selected Pope Francis. 5pm

3pm

SATURDAY 28/11

Debate

This House believes that the institution of marriage still harms women.

8:30pm

This House believes that the institution of marriage still harms women.

Week Seven

26/11

proposition

Dr Charlotte Proudman Award-winning family-law barrister, women’s rights campaigner and founder of specialist firm Proudmans.

Ayesha Vardag Leading divorce lawyer and founder of Vardags, a specialist London family law firm, and a prominent commentator on marriage and family law.

Jane Moore Journalist, Sun columnist, author and longstanding panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.

Founder of Cieo, Spiked columnist and author of How Woke Won.

Dr Wendy Wang Sociologist, Director of Research at the Institute for Family Studies and former Pew senior researcher.

Melanie McDonagh Spectator contributor, Evening Standard writer-at-large and author of Converts.

opposition

Dr Joanna Williams

44 29 November to 05 December

EIGHTH WEEK SUNDAY 29/11 Oxford Novice Internal Debating Championships

This is our internal debating competition entirely for novices. Sign ups will be released on the Debate Announcement mailing list.

MONDAY 30/11 Committees

Debate Selection Committee 12pm

Robert Zemeckis Robert Zemeckis is the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind some of the most beloved films in modern cinema, including Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and The Polar Express.

Consultative Committee 1:15pm Secretary’s Committee 1:45pm Library Committee 2:15pm Finance Committee 3pm Standing Committee 4pm

Beginners’ Workshop 5pm & 7:30pm

Zemeckis is renowned for combining compelling storytelling with technical innovation, and his films have become cultural landmarks across generations. 5pm

Committees

Access Committee 4pm

TUESDAY 01/12

Wine and Spirits Committee 7pm

Intermediate Squads 7pm

WEDNESDAY 02/12

Edward Poulton

Edward Poulton is Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie's London office and a leading figure in international arbitration. He is currently advising on a $10 billion dispute between a Petrobras-led consortium and Brazil's state oil and gas agency, ANP.

Daniel Kraus

Daniel Kraus won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Angel Down. He's authored Rotters and Whalefall, and co-authored Trollhunters and The Shape of Water. 7pm

5pm

Advanced Squads 7pm

THURSDAY 03/12

The most cited legal scholar in the USA, Cass Sunstein is best known as co-author of the bestselling book Nudge, which helped popularise the idea that governments and organisations can shape behaviour through the design of choices. 5pm

Debate

This House prefers a dictatorship of merit over a tyranny of the majority. 8:30pm

FRIDAY 04/12

Cass Sunstein

Pritam Singh Pritam Singh is Secretary-General of the Workers' Party and Singapore’s de facto leader of opposition. Under his leadership, the Workers' Party achieved its highest-ever seat count in Singapore's history at the 2020 general election, winning ten seats in Parliament. 3pm

President’s Open Hours 6pm

SATURDAY 05/12

This House prefers a dictatorship of merit over a tyranny of the majority.

Week Eight

03/12

Professor Garett Jones George Mason economist and author of 10% Less Democracy and The Culture Transplant.

Tom Brake CEO of Unlock Democracy, former Liberal Democrat MP and former Deputy Leader of the House of Commons.

Baroness Natalie Bennett ©House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris

Green Party peer, former party leader and former editor of the Guardian Weekly.

Professor Bai Tongdong Fudan political philosopher and author of Against Political Equality: The Confucian Case.

Professor Stein Ringen Political scientist, Oxford Emeritus Professor and author specialising in democracy, governance and state power.

Dr Jayaprakash Narayan Founder of Lok Satta, former Indian civil servant, legislator and prominent democratic-reform campaigner.

opposition

proposition

48 Week 0, 1, & 2

SOCIALS

Week 3, 4, & 5

. .

.DiwaLi . b a l l

. .

Saturday 14th November Week 5 8pm - 12am

. .

. THE OXFORD UNION’S

Winter . Winter . . Carnival . Carnival . Ball . Ball . . .

SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER | WEEK 6

u s r a er’ e r s T Treats 30% off Sun-Thu

25% off Wed, Thu, Sun

20% off Every Day

20% off Sun-Fri

20% off Mon-Thu

15% off Every Day

10% off Every Day at Bar and Grill

15% off Every Day

Valid Oxford Union Membership Card required for redemption of offers. Full T&Cs on the Oxford Union Website.

15% off Every Day

15% off Sun-Thu

10% off Every Day

15% off Drinks, 10% off Food Every Day

10% off Every Day

10% off (Post 2pm)

£7 Entry on Thu

Valid Oxford Union Membership Card required for redemption of offers. Full T&Cs on the Oxford Union Website.

RECIPROCAL CLUBS The National Liberal Club, London The Lansdowne Club, London The Clifton Club, Bristol The Hove Club, Hove The Cardiff & County Club, Cardiff The St James's Club, Manchester The Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club, Amsterdam The Club International Leipzig, Leipzig The Union International Club, Frankfurt The Union Club of British Columbia, Victoria The Circolo Bononia, Bologna The Círculo del Liceo, Barcelona The Círculo Ecuestre, Barcelona The Grémio Literário, Lisbon The University Club of Washington D.C., Washington D.C. The Naval Club, Valparaiso

In addition to these reciprocal clubs, we have also partnered with The Anglo-German Club and The Übersee-Club in Hamburg which you may visit subject to a prior request to their respective General Offices. To enhance your visit to these Clubs further, several of our Reciprocal Clubs also offer accommodation or discounted rates for local hotels to reciprocal Members, so do have a look at their websites to find out more. Please write to the General Office at enquiries@oxford-union.org to obtain a letter of introduction prior to your visit stating the approximate dates of your stay. Please visit the Oxford Union website for an up-to-date list of reciprocal clubs.

OXFORD WINE COMPANY

|||||||||||

BOTTLE OF

CHAMPAGNE

|||||||||||

£150

SANDY’S

|||||||||||

BAR TAB

|||||||||||

HAPPY CAKES

|||||||||||

2 BOXES OF 12 CLASSIC CUPCAKES

|||||||||||

£100

AROMI

|||||||||||

VOUCHER

|||||||||||

HALLOWEEN

BEST DRESSED

|||||||||||

SPECIAL PRIZE

£100

MAMMA MIA

|||||||||||

DEBATE

VOUCHER

|||||||||||

EIGHT

|||||||||||

WEEK

BRIDGE

|||||||||||

DEBATE

TABLE WITH 1 BOTTLE & 6 COMPLIMENTARY ENTRIES

|||||||||||

SEVEN

|||||||||||

WEEK

4 X £25

BELLA ITALIA

|||||||||||

SIX

DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

VOUCHERS

|||||||||||

FIVE

DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

£100

MAC SIMPLE

|||||||||||

FOUR

DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

VOUCHER

(FOR MACBOOK DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE)

|||||||||||

THREE

GRAD DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

£100

FORMOSAN

|||||||||||

DEBATE

VOUCHER

|||||||||||

THREE

|||||||||||

WEEK

£100

BURROWS & HARE

|||||||||||

TWO

DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

VOUCHER

|||||||||||

ONE

SPECIAL DEBATE

|||||||||||

WEEK

£100

THE PERCH

|||||||||||

ONE

DEBATE

VOUCHER

|||||||||||

WEEK

|||||||||||

floor prizes

THE MEMBERS’ BAR The Members’ Bar stands at the heart of the Union’s social life. More than simply a place to eat and drink, it is a space where friendships are made and sustained, members gather between commitments, and the life of the Society continues beyond the Chamber. For many, it becomes one of the defining social spaces of their time in Oxford: somewhere to meet for coffee, to share lunch, or to unwind with friends at the end of the day. With high-quality food and drink at accessible prices, including a 25 per cent discount for members, it remains one of the Union’s most valued amenities. Adorned with memorabilia from past speakers and guests, the Bar is also often frequented by those appearing at the Union before or after an event. At the conclusion of each Main Debate, once the Chamber has emptied, the President announces the result of the division in the Bar. Members with questions or suggestions are warmly invited to contact our House Manager, Sasha, at bar@oxford-union.org. Those interested in attending Wine and Spirits Committee should contact the Secretary. Opening Hours are displayed on the Oxford Union website.

THE LIBRARY

The Union’s libraries rank among its most distinctive and impressive spaces. Formerly the site of the Society’s earliest debates, the Old Library now forms part of a wider collection of reading rooms that together hold more than 60,000 books, offering members an exceptional environment in which to read and study. Among its most striking features is a rare freestanding fireplace, one of only three in the United Kingdom. The room is also renowned for its extraordinary Pre-Raphaelite murals, inspired by Arthurian legend and executed by artists including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris. Nearby lies the Poetry Room, an especially peaceful and characterful space, well suited to private study. Members may also make use of the Goodman Library, the Gladstone Room, and the Macmillan Room during opening hours. Each provides a quiet and atmospheric setting for study within the Union’s historic buildings. The Library also has chargers and IT equipment to borrow, book and laptop stands for all your studying needs, and coloured acetates to help with reading. To find out more, see our website with blog for more history, and term cards at oxfordunionlibrary.org, and our social media for Facebook at Oxford Union Society Library and Instagram @oxfordunionlibrary Please email library@oxford-union.org with any questions. Opening Hours are displayed on the Oxford Union website.

ACCESSIBILITY The Oxford Union is dedicated to ensuring that it is as accessible as possible for all of our members. If you ever have any questions regarding the accessibility of an event or the Union more generally, please reach out to our Chair of Access, Sarah Senu, at access.chair@oxford-union.org. You can also raise thoughts and suggestions at Access Committee. Accessibility Pass Policy and Event Access Any member who has accessibility requirements is entitled to request reasonable adjustments. Our Accessibility Pass Policy is available on the Rules and Policies section of our website with a PDF version available on request. We have an access bench at all our events for any members with accessibility requirements. For any specific accessibility queries regarding an event, please contact the House Manager at bar@oxford-union.org, the CCC at ccc@oxford-union.org, or the Chief of Staff, Aarush Yendamuri, at chief.staff@oxford-union.org. We can ensure that there is space for a wheelchair or provisions made for a guide dog, or make any other reasonable adjustments necessary to enable members to make the most of their membership. There is a hearing aid loop in the chamber and, should you wish to use it, switch your hearing aid to ‘T.’

GUEST POLICY Members are allowed to bring up to three guests to an event, provided: 1. The guest is not themselves eligible for membership 2. The guest pays an entry fee (to be determined on the door) 3. All members who wish to attend have already taken their seats Events may be made members only when there is a security risk or extremely high demand.

Officers

Officers-Elect

President

Librarian

Treasurer

Secretary

President-Elect Milo Donovan Lincoln College

Harry Aldridge New College

Gareth Lim St Peter’s College

Claire Luo St Hilda’s College

Saara Lunawat St John’s College

Librarian-Elect Shahmir Aziz Brasenose College

Standing Committee

Treasurer-Elect Henry Nicholls Lady Margaret Hall

Senior Librarian Iftikhar Malik Wolfson College

Senior Treasurer Matthew Taylor St Benet’s Hall

George Christiansen Magdalen College

Sambhav Jain Christ Church

DK Singh New College

Leo Zhou St Anne’s College

Adil Rahoo Christ Church

Isabelle McElvanney Christ Church

Returning Officer Lucas Kirk Corpus Christi

CDSC Nicole Wong Trinity College

Secretary’s Committee

Akheel Kale

Aarav Desai Marion Santo

Antonio Reis

Konstantin Nazarov

Matilda Richardson

Kevin Cui

Leyton Styles

Luisa Fernanda Romero Munoz Thomas Tadesse

David Balbus

Senior Appointed

Chief of Staff Aarush Yendamuri St Peter’s College

Director of Speakers Tim Fraser Kellogg College

Director of Press Sera Besev Worcester College

Director of Projects Hayden Williams Oxford Brookes

Chair of Access Sarah Senu Hertford College

Director of Research Jack Manly St Hilda’s College

Director of Research Alexander Cohen St Hilda’s College

Director of Finance and Fundraising Samson Green St Peter’s College

Director of Social Media Eeshani Bendale Kellogg College

Chief Adviser Chloe Pomfret St Catherine’s College

Events Lead Toby Bowes Lyon Christ Church

Deputy Director of Social Media Christina Robinson Brasenose College

Senior Welfare Officer Junior Welfare Officer Katherine Yang Yusraa Noman St Peter’s College The Queen’s College

Junior Appointed Deputy Director of Finance Shlok Vora

Operations Officer Karan Murthi

Finance Officer Tresor Nsengiyumva

Deputy Director of Speakers Olivia Dogan

Operations Officer Anya Piasecka

Finance Officer Amit Goldman

Socio-Economic Officer Zara Okusi

Operations Officer Grace Makoni

Media Officer Khyati Mohan Baba

Schools Outreach Officer Joseph Kay

Operations Officer Oran Docker

International Officer Aurora Vega

Operations Officer Yonatan Ben-Menachem

Operations Officer Kien Tordoff

Disabilities Officer Juno Ariyubwal-Zazi

Operations Officer Sami Haroon

Operations Officer Kai Beaumont

LGBTQIA+ Officer Hunor Veres

Anti-Sexual Violence Officer Jaid Debrah Women & Gender Minorities Officer Ella Dora Bareham Oxford Brookes Officer Nicolas Buchanan Goertz Ethnic Minorities Officer Aisha Naushahi Hasan

Staff

Bursar Richard Wood

Head of Operations Tom Corrick

Head of Commercial, Compliance and People AJ Carver

Management Accountant Kieran Paul

House Manager Sasha Challen

Librarian-in-Charge Elizabeth Piper

Support Officer Sarah Cornish

Maintenance Operative John Roderick

Assistant Librarian Gareth Smith

Operations Officer Ryan O’Connell

Events Officer Lindsey Gillingham

Assistant Accountant Alla Kostyk

Chair of OLDUT Victoria Schofield Lady Margaret Hall

Chair of Audit Committee Mark Le Page

Oversight

PRESIDENT’S THANKS DEDICATIONS To Mr Nicholas Perry, who passed away too soon last year. I learnt very little literature (my fault) but for some reason you had faith in me. I wish you could have seen this. To Mummy, Papa and Korkor who loved me before I knew what that meant, were my first debate coaches and taught me everything I know. To all my debate coaches, shoutout to Geetha Creffield for putting up with me for all these years.

THANKS I am a man with few talents save one. For some bizarre reason, I have the ability to make some of the most talented, intelligent and hardworking people help me. This termcard is a product of their labours and my lack of shame.

TO THE JUNIOR OFFICERS: Harry – you are a machine. Thank you for always being ready to send an invite or do what I am unable/unwilling to do. Claire – you are extremely funny. Thank you for sitting with me through all those appointed interviews. Saara – despite coming in late, you got to work like a champ.

TO THE SENIOR OFFICERS: Matthew – Thank you for all the advice and help. I’m glad the Union has you and your appointment will go down as a turning point in the Union’s history. Iftikhar – Thank you for all your sagely words. You’re a breath of fresh air and perspective.

TO THE EX-PRESIDENTS: Charlie, Chengkai, Louis, Hannah and Arwa for all the advice and assistance. You make me excited for my future and proud of my present.

TO MY COMMITTEE: Aarush, Hayden and Tim. There would be no term without you. Words cannot express my gratitude. I am humbled by your commitment and proud to call you, my friends. Sera – it’s insane that you’re still the press officer after four terms. I appreciate your experience but more than anything else your warmth, frankness and boldness. It takes a special skill to shut me up. Sarah – you’ve come so far since I first met you in Hilary in the Macmillan. You are brilliant and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Jack – My man(ly)! You were there at the earliest days of the vac days and you kept me sane. Eeshani – the Instagram has never been better. Thank you for dealing with my random requests. The debate leads - Henry, Sambhav, Kai, Izzy, Kien, Thomas, Christina. Thank you for all your work, the debates are as much a product of your verve and drive as they are of my imagination. Olivia – I was right when I said that you were a serious person. I shudder to think what you’ll be capable of when you’re an actual adult. Aurora – You are a gem. Some of the biggest names in this termcard started with an email from you. I am blessed to have appointed you. Samson – Thank you for your hard work organising and liaising with sponsors. Amit – Sometimes old is gold(man). Thank you for the treasurer’s treats and much more. Ella – Thank you for being consulted on my stupidity. You’re a ray of sunshine and so fun to hang out with. To Shahmir, Jaid, Akheel, Aarav, Antonio, Luisa, Toby, Anya, Karan, Kat – thank you for the work that you’ve done. To Zagham. Thank you for writing the getting-involved guide. Your energy and erudition are an honour to experience. Thank you Sangeun for all the work you put into the termcard, especially whenever I say ‘I HAVE A VISION.’

TO THOSE WHO GOT ME HERE: I had a strange path here and many of the following people would be loathe to find themselves next to each other, but I am grateful – Prajwal, Vishnu, Milo, Michael and Arabella. Matthew Chiu – thank you for putting this idea in my head. Aaron – you are the GOAT. I don’t know how you do it but every day I thank the lord that God made you. Lilli – my favourite American. You are fearsome, ambitious and will succeed at anything you do. Stay off the internet and brush up on your Arabic, you will rule the world.

TO THE DEBATERS: Competitive debating made me an arrogant prick; competitive debaters made me learn to be a normal person. I’m not an easy person to be friends with but each of you have somehow managed just fine. I stand on the shoulders of giants and am proud to be a twig on the flourishing tree that we represent.

65 Bharath – my better half. You’re the greatest debater I know and an even better friend. I don’t know why you debate with me but I’m grateful that you did. History will know you as one of the greats, I will know you as one of my favourite people. Tanush – You are one of the most underrated debaters ever. I’m going to miss you so much when you’re gone. Make a bunch of money and remember me when you’re famous. Dazzle – the greatest Indonesian debater ever. I promise I’ll go to your dance recitals once this is over, lots of love. Nicole – Sometimes I wish you would see the value that I see you bring. You’re mentally ill ( just like me!) but you keeping it together is somehow better than so many. The world is not ready for you. Alex – CCC! I remember judging you in Oxford Schools and now you’re one of my favourite people. Chin up, you’re as good as anyone and your friends are lucky to know you. Max –You’re the perfect man – you’re smart, funny and handsome. Your only defect is that you spend all your time helping and hanging out with me. I don’t deserve you. Leo – One day you’re going to do great things. Rarely are kindness and sensitivity combined with an intellect so erudite. Your curiosity, thoughtfulness and good humour are traits so rare that anyone who meets you has met a human of the highest quality. Hans – There are three things that everyone should know about you… Be proud of who you are because I am proud to call you a friend. You are one of the most naturally talented debaters I have ever seen, and I just know that the world will see it too. Chanidu – you’re one of the greatest to ever do it but he spends his time in bed because he needs a challenge. I love you man. Tori – Istanbul Open was one of my favourite comps because it was there that we became proper friends. It’s great to debate with you because you make everything so easy. You’re also really funny and I promise you are not a triangle. Chrissy – that vacation at the start of the year where we hung out a lot was one of my favourites. You’re smart, kind, strong and stable – you are the rock of the friend group and we’re lucky to have you. Jess – I miss you! I’m forever grateful for our Euros run and I just know that one day the world will be in awe of what you’ve done. Chris Mentis – I blame you for this. I love you like a brother. I am you and you are me. Ahmed – I am in awe of your passion. From someone who started debating at university to becoming CDSC, I respect everything you stand for and admire your passion, dedication and competence. Aidan – The man who discovered fire and brought Poker to Oxford. You’re the chillest guy anyone would meet but I apologise for all the times I get on your nerves. Ellen – My favourite Estonian. I just want you to know that you are somehow more than debating. Which while important is nothing in comparison to what you’ll do one day. Imran – I apologise that I am sometimes short with you. You’re the best of competitive debating, deliciously curious and always willing to put everything into what you do. I wish more were like you. Theo – The token Scott. Your dietary habits terrify me, but your debating astounds me. I remember coaching you when you were in beginners squads and am proud to consider you a peer.

66 To everyone else: There are too many of you to thank and too many words to share so your names will do – Patrick, Caridee, Caleb, Daniel, Enzo, Andrew, Ashlyn, Dan LloydHurwitz, Ellie, Jonathan, Giannis and Zach.

TO OXFORD FRIENDS: Chloe – I will always fight for you. You just need to say the word. Emily – you keep me sane and tolerate too much shit from me. I just wish that you knew how brilliant you are. Adi – I’m going to miss you so much. Tesco will never be the same without you and you saving my ass in tutorials. Katherine – my college sister and First Oxford friend. You are the funniest person I know and I’m so, so lucky to call you my friend. I will always ‘love and support’ you. Lexi – you are without a doubt one of the kindest people on this planet. No one I know embodies the virtues of Christ better than you do. Tajei – I still don’t know if you like me. But I like you a lot and am confused why you spend so much time with me. Others include, Daan, James, Matthew, Paarv, Eric, Hannah, Lucas, Ainsley, Antoni, Pri, Kartikay, Connor, Sanmay, Maddie, Josh, Sarvesh and Bella .

TO MY FRIENDS FROM HOME SCATTERED AROUND THE WORLD: Jit, Junfang, Nadia, Claudia, Choon wee, Berry, Yi En, Maggie, Ying Xin, Kareena, Yi Hao, Rick, Tony, Travis, Hong Tzin, Hong Jing, Zhe Ming. So many hours of my life have been burnt by each one of you, I wouldn’t change a thing.

TO THE STAFF: Thank you for all your help and chats. Each of you have seen the history of the place and through it all have contributed more than I ever could. I have so much to learn from each of you but most of all your friendliness and kindness. Thank you to Richard, AJ, Tom, Kieran, Sarah, Sasha, Ryan, Alla, John, Elizabeth, Gareth, Jim and Harry.

TO SOME OTHERS: "It is a defect of God's humour that he directs our hearts everywhere but to those who have a right to them" – I wish I did more to earn that right, but it is in the fractures of our hearts where our furthest dreams lie. Our calluses curate our souls and make us who we are.

TO THE MOST HIGH: Lastly, I thank God for his love; his most precious son, Jesus Christ, for his sacrifice; and his most blessed mother and St Gabriel for their prayers. Every day, I try to love as you did and to see your image in the meek, the starving and downtrodden. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. ☦︎

Photo Credits: Chloe Pomfret