Oxford Union Trinity Term 2025

the OXFORD UNION TRINITY TERM 2025

“We ask solely for the right to take part in debates, instead of an occasional grudging admission to the gallery, to sit in reverent silence and regard the top of the speaker’s head.”

Jenny Grove

ANITA OKUNDE The President I welcome you all back to another brilliant term at the Oxford Union. As an anaemic, Trinity has always been my favourite. The sun finally shows up, and my perpetually cold self can actually feel her fingers again.

who famously disguised themselves as men to challenge our exclusionary past. Their defiant presence honours all those who fought for inclusion — Millicent Fawcett, Lucy Sutherland and Judith Okely — whose campaigns helped open these doors.

To my fellow finalists: I don’t envy you, but I’m cheering you on (from a safe and non-exam-taking distance). I hope this term card offers something worth stepping away from your revision for, even just once, before heading back to the library to lock in. To everyone else, whether you’re escaping your reading list or just here for some vitamin D and great conversation, I hope this term and our events bring you a little joy.

Six decades on, the path carved by these women made it possible for forty-two to serve as President.

Because of them, I now have the humble privilege of becoming the first Black woman to lead the Union, alongside our second all-women officer team. Our progress is measured not only by the courage of those who opened the doors, but by the resolve of those who continue to walk through them, refusing to see the ceiling as the limit.

Our socials are certainly designed to do just that — our Pimms Party kicks things off with sunshine, sparkle, and the chance to get your own back by splashing the hacks. Our outdoor movie night offers a dreamy escape under the stars, and puppy yoga brings calm, laughter, and a much-needed pause.

From that moment of calm, we move to the main event — the Secret Garden Ball, a night filled with all my favourite things: flowers, food, and cake. Whether you’re a first-timer, a Union Ball regular, or simply looking for Commem on a budget, we’ve got you covered.

Women are still fighting for the most basic rights beyond these walls. Our first speaker this term, Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, cannot join us in person. Iranian authorities have confiscated her passport in an attempt to silence her advocacy. This is why we must appreciate and protect the privileges we hold, and why the Oxford Union remains a special place that matters. In a polarised world where democratic values are under threat, spaces like this — where people are free to speak, challenge and listen — are more important than ever. This term’s debates ask urgent questions — from the future of the NHS to Africa’s place in the world. I hope something you hear in that chamber stays with you long after you leave it.

This term card was designed with the many in mind, not just the few — and I’ve carried that ethos beyond our socials, as reflected in the speaker line-up. From presidents to pop stars, you’ll have the chance to be inspired by and meet leading figures in their fields, like John Legend, Mary Robinson and Peter Drury.

You’ll be able to challenge commentators like Charlie Kirk and step into the mind of headline-making world leaders like President Nayib Bukele. I hope everyone finds a moment to hear from someone who speaks to them.

This term card reimagines a historic photo of the Chamber, once filled solely with men. Now inverted and styled like a 20th-century Nigerian postage stamp, it features Jenny Grove and Rose Dugdale,

First term or last, this is your space. Own it. Come for the debates, stay for the yaps — your voice matters.

Here’s to a term of purpose, play and possibility. See you around baddies.

Warmly,

Anita Osasenaga Okunde Magdalen College president@oxford-union.org

1

ANYA TROFIMOVA Librarian Welcome back! As the sun lingers a little longer over Broad Street, we find ourselves at the threshold of Trinity Term. For some, this is a chapter of finals and farewells, for others, of long-awaited summer and new beginnings.

Whatever this term holds for you, I hope the Union can offer both refuge and inspiration.

It is an immense honour to serve as your Librarian. While my role more often involves interviewing speakers rather than curating books, the Library remains the quiet pulse of our building (and, in fact, our original debate chamber). A place to think slowly, to question deeply, and to retreat without disengaging.

Whether you’re a familiar face or a new member, I encourage you to make this place your own.

Library Committee meets each Monday at 2.15pm – we would be delighted for you to join us as we shape our collections!

It has been a privilege to work with this exceptional committee on a programme that speaks to the defining issues of our time. From world-renowned entrepreneurs to human rights defenders and political leaders, our term card is a celebration of free speech in action. This chamber, at its best, is a crucible for ideas in their rawest and most refined forms; in every speech and every idea, you will find the legacy of those who dared to think differently.

Come ready to be challenged. Stay to be inspired.

Yours ever, Anya Trofimova St John’s College librarian@oxford-union.org

2

ROSALIE CHAPMAN Treasurer A very warm welcome to Trinity Term at the Oxford Union! Serving as your Treasurer this term marks my sixth term on committee - a privilege and journey that has been incredibly rewarding.

Trinity is particularly busy, with many of you preparing for exams. Despite this, we have a compelling lineup of debates, covering issues such as labour’s relationship with the working class, the ethics surrounding the commodification of women’s bodies, and whether the right to die should be a human right. With exceptional guest speakers secured by the committee, please do join us on Thursdays for some engaging conversations.

Beyond the debates, your membership unlocks access to Treasurer’s Treats - exclusive discounts and offers at numerous vendors around Oxford. I warmly encourage you to enjoy these perks designed to enrich your Union experience. If you’re interested in the financial heartbeat of our Society, please join us at the Finance Committee every Monday at 3 PM; your involvement is always warmly welcomed.

Here’s to an exciting term filled with vigorous debates, great speakers and meaningful connections. I look forward to seeing many of you around the Union - do feel free to say hi!

Rosalie Chapman Hertford College treasurer@oxford-union.org

JENNIFER YANG Secretary Welcome back! The sunny courtyard has been anticipating your return.

With longer days and shorter reading lists, Trinity Term is the best time for lengthy walks and talks along the winding streets of Oxford, which should lead you to a vibrant venue the Oxford Union. As your Secretary, I am dedicated to sharing my favourite place in this university with you, through the visions of great people, but also a bit of fun.

With champagne, strawberries, and teddy bears, we will start off the term with a Brideshead Revisited-inspired social. The summer heat will then lead you to an afternoon with unlimited Pimm’s, along with the choice of splashing the hacks who have bothered you the most in the last two terms or more.

For one evening, our chambers will be turned into Barbie’s dream house, even though that transformation seems a bit redundant in the presence of four female officers. For those of you with prelims and finals, feel free to come for a yoga session filled with sunshine and puppies.

By the end of Week 5, I shall invite you to the Secret Garden Ball in our very own garden, with butterflies at dusk and - shhh - I should probably stop there. I’ll leave you to the buzz of Trinity.

Jennifer Yang St Hilda’s College secretary@oxford-union.org

INDEX WELCOME

1-3

HISTORY OF THE UNION

4-5

DEBATES

6-29

TREASURER’S TREATS

32-33

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

36-37

SPECIAL EVENTS

38-53

SPEAKERS

54-76

SOCIALS

78-83

MEMBERS’ INFO

84-97

COMMITTEE

98-99

PRESIDENT’S THANKS

102

3

HISTORY OF THE UNION n 1823, a group of students met in secret to discuss and debate topics which at the time had been prohibited by the University of Oxford. Over the last 200 years, this has evolved into the Oxford Union we see today – the world’s most famous student society, and, in the words of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (Librarian, Michaelmas 1914), “the last bastion of free speech”.

Perhaps our most famous debate was held in 1933, with a motion titled ‘This House will under no circumstances fight for its King and country.’

With 275 votes for and 153 against, the motion passed and came to be referred to as the ‘Oxford Oath,’ characterising what many saw as growing pacifism amongst British youth. Following the debate, the national media seized upon the results, with reports coming from the likes of The Times, The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail. Winston Churchill himself described the outcome as “that abject, squalid, shameless avowal,” whilst his son Randolph even sought to strike it from the Union’s records. However, this motion suffered a resounding defeat in the chamber and he left the chamber with a police escort – the right to free speech had won that day.

More recently, the Union has developed a legacy of hosting a huge range of influential speakers, from world leaders, to sporting legends, as well as stars of stage and screen.

4

PHOTO CREDITS © THE OXFORD UNION

Whilst the Union has grown in many ways throughout that time, it remains at heart a student debating society, committed to its founding value of free speech and the axiom that debate is crucial to the pursuit of truth and free discussion. For two centuries, students have gathered together in our chamber to grapple with the biggest issues of the day, and as we now begin what will hopefully be another prosperous 200 years, it is fitting to look back on our history.

5

PHOTO CREDIT © THE OXFORD UNION

DEBATES

onsistent with timeless tradition, debates remain our flagship event. Our debates offer you the chance to hear from and to challenge prominent figures on some of the most important questions of our time. Before the two final speakers on the order paper for the main debate, the chair of the debate will look for members to make two minute ‘floor speeches’.

There are prizes on offer for the best floor speech every week, so we warmly encourage you to take part.

Main Debates 8:30pm This features high-profile guest speakers from around the world, addressing pressing questions on a variety of topics.

Before each debate, we host a weekly dinner with our speakers.

Any member can ballot for this dinner, either for a paid slot or for a free-of-charge slot; the form will be released each week via email and on our social media channels. Guests are welcome to attend our debates for a small fee, and can purchase guest tickets at the Bar. Guests must be with a Union member to purchase a ticket, and the Union member is responsible for their guest during their time on site.

For security reasons some of our debates may be Members Only. In these cases, notice will be provided on our social media channels and our mailing list.

6

PHOTO CREDITS OPPOSITE © THE OXFORD UNION

During the Main Debate, you are able to raise Points of Information (POIs) to any speaker by raising your hand and stating ‘Point of Information’. The speaker may reject a POI, but if they choose to accept, a statement must be given briefly in disagreement with the point which has been made. At the end of the debate, we invite you to vote on the motion by walking through either the ‘Ayes’ or ‘Noes’ door.

19.45 20.30

EMERGENCY

DEBATES

This features only student speakers, seeking to address topical issues.

Motions are set weekly at Consultative Committee, which is open to all members, so attend at 13:15 on a Monday to suggest a topic yourself!

7

8

DEBATES WEEK

PAGE

0

This House Believes Capitalism has Killed the Arts

10-11

1

This House Believes The NHS is Beyond Repair

12-13

2

This House Would Hold the Arms Industry Responsible for War Crimes

14-15

3

This House Believes Labour has Failed the Working Class

16-17

4

This House Believes Trump has Gone Too Far

18-19

4

This House Believes The Right to Die is a Human Right

20-21

5

This House Believes Africa Must Evict its Colonial Masters

22-23

6

This House Believes That No One can be Illegal on Stolen Land

24-25

7

This House Believes The Profit Motives have no Place in Public Health

26-27

8

This House Believes 28-29 The Commodification of Women’s Bodies Is a Form of Exploitation

9

26TH APRIL 20:00

10 10

PHOTO CREDIT: FIKRY-ANSHOR-ON-UNSPLASH

WEEK 0

All speakers are students from The Oxford Union for this debate.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES CAPITALISM HAS KILLED THE ARTS

C

apitalism shapes much of our world—but has it stifled creativity in the arts? As industries become increasingly market-driven, artists face pressure to prioritise profit over innovation. Platforms and institutions often favour what’s commercially viable, sidelining originality. Yet capitalism also funds and expands access to art, offering exposure to marginalised voices. This debate asks: has the profit motive reduced art to a product, or helped it flourish? Can true artistic freedom exist within a system built on profit?

11

1ST MAY 20:00

12

PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE-ON-UNSPLASH

WEEK 1

PROPOSITION Dame Clare Gerada A former President of the Royal College of General Practitioners and chairperson of the RCGP Council

Karol Sikora A world-leading cancer specialist, and co-founder and medical director of Rutherford Health.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE NHS IS BEYOND REPAIR

T

he NHS, a symbol of post-war compassion, has long upheld the health of the British workforce. But 77 years on, it faces existential challenges: chronic underfunding, staff burnout, record waiting lists, and crumbling infrastructure.

Some argue better funding and management can preserve its core principle—free care at the point of use. Others believe the system is buckling under modern pressures. This debate asks: can the NHS be saved, or is it now beyond repair?

OPPOSITION Dr Julia Patterson Founder and Chief Executive of grassroots advocacy group EveryDoctor, campaigning for NHS staff and patients.

Sir Simon Wessely Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College London and former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

13

8TH MAY 20:00

14

PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS-TUCKER-ON_UNSPLASH

WEEK 2

PROPOSITION Ann Wright A vocal campaigner against the Iraq War, and a retired US Army colonel and State Department official.

Katherine Gallagher A Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, working on cases of torture and other war crimes.

THIS HOUSE WOULD HOLD THE ARMS INDUSTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR WAR CRIMES

S

hielded by the Iron Triangle, defence contractors shape policies that protect them from accountability for the consequences of their weapons. Critics argue they have long prioritised profit over ethics, influencing governments while distancing themselves from the human cost of war. Others claim weapons are neutral tools, with responsibility resting on those who deploy them. As defence firms grow more powerful amid rising global conflict, this debate asks: should the arms industry be held responsible for war crimes?

OPPOSITION Professor Shannon E. French The Inamori Professor in Ethics at Case Western Reserve University, specialising in military ethics.

Dr Sean McFate Professor of strategy at Georgetown and National Defense University, and an expert in national security and foreign policy.

15

15TH MAY 20:00

16

PHOTO CREDIT: JAKOB ROSEN-ON-UNSPLASH

WEEK 3

PROPOSITION Delyth Jewell The Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru and Member of the Senedd for South Wales East.

Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston Current co-chairman of the Conservative Party; a financier, hedge fund manager, and former minister.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES LABOUR HAS FAILED THE WORKING CLASS

F

ounded to represent the working class, Labour now faces criticism for abandoning its roots. Since scrapping Clause IV, it’s been accused of drifting toward metropolitan elites and mimicking Conservative policies—backing welfare cuts, rejecting nationalisation, and offering limited economic reform. Supporters argue it’s modernising to win power while upholding social justice. Yet with policies like the twochild cap and minimal tax rises for the wealthy, this debate asks: has Labour failed the working class it once championed?

OPPOSITION Speaker TBC

Lord Kevin Brennan of Canton A Welsh politician who was previously a Minister of State and the Labour MP for Cardiff West

17

WEEK 4 20TH MAY 20:00 18

PHOTO CREDIT: ERIC-GONZALEZ-CLD-JJIR6VE-UNSPLASH

MEMBERS CAN BALLOT AND AUDITION FOR THE PAPER SPEECH

PROPOSITION Joseph Nye An American political scientist who has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense and Chair of the National Intelligence Council.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES TRUMP HAS GONE TOO FAR

A

s President Trump crosses the 100-day mark of his controversial second term, this House confronts the consequences of his restoration. From reports of student deportations targeting political speech to sky-high tariffs shaking global markets, his administration has moved with unprecedented speed to reshape America’s institutions and global role. But is this the course correction critics have long feared—or the democratic reckoning America truly needs?

OPPOSITION Charlie Kirk An American conservative activist, author and media personality who founded conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA.

19

22ND MAY 20:00

20

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL WILLIAMS II ON UNSPLASH

WEEK 4

PROPOSITION Lord David Pannick A barrister and member of the House of Lords, practising in public law and human rights.

Lord David Neuberger Of Abbotsbury Former President of the UK Supreme Court, now serving on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE RIGHT TO DIE IS A HUMAN RIGHT

A

ssisted dying remains one of the most complex ethical debates. Proponents argue that bodily autonomy and compassion demand the option of assisted dying, recognising an individual’s basic right to determine their own fate. Critics, however, warn that it would erode the sanctity of life and could pressure the vulnerable into premature death. This debate raises a crucial question: is assisted dying a fundamental human right, or a threat to the value of human life?

OPPOSITION His Eminence Archbishop Anba Angaelos The Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and the official representative of Pope Tawadros II to the UK.

Professor Katherine Sleeman A doctor and academic in palliative medicine at King’s College London, researching end-of-life care.

21

29TH MAY 20:00

22

PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS-KAYBEE-PHOTOGRAPHY-664870201-31585441

WEEK 5

PROPOSITION Dr Umar Activist, psychologist, and motivational speaker. The self-proclaimed ‘Prince of Pan-Africanism’, he is an expert on African history.

Vusi Thembekwayo A South African entrepreneur, author, investor, speaker and businessman who has appeared on South Africa’s Dragons’ Den.

THE HOUSE BELIEVES AFRICA MUST EVICT ITS COLONIAL MASTERS

D

ecades after independence, Africa still grapples with the deep-rooted legacy of colonialism. From economic inequality to political influence, neocolonialism shapes much of the continent’s reality. Critics argue that foreign powers—old and new—continue to dominate Africa’s future, while others see global involvement as key to progress. This debate asks: who truly controls Africa’s destiny? Has the continent’s sovereignty been compromised by lingering colonial influence—or is it time for Africa to fully reclaim its future?

PHOTO CREDIT: DR UMAR : CEDRIC JONES

OPPOSITION Errol Musk A South African businessman and politician who served on the Pretoria City Council; father of Elon Musk.

Speaker TBC

23

5TH JUNE 20:00

24

PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN MIDDELKOOP ON UNSPLASH

WEEK 6

PROPOSITION Dr Aviva Chomsky A prominent American professor, historian, and activist, author of Undocumented: How Immigration Became Illegal.

Nivine Sandouka A Palestinian feminist and peace activist, currently Regional Director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace.

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT NO ONE CAN BE ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND ew issues are as charged as immigration on land shaped by colonisation and displacement. Proponents argue that enforcing immigration laws on stolen land lacks moral legitimacy, and that calling anyone “illegal” perpetuates historic injustice. Critics insist that sovereign states must control borders, regardless of past wrongs. As countries confront the legacy of colonisation, this debate asks: do immigration laws uphold order—or continue cycles of exclusion? Can anyone truly be “illegal” on land taken by force?

OPPOSITION David Seymour MP Leader of right-wing political party ACT New Zealand and Minister for Regulation.

R.J. Hauman An influential American immigration hardliner and current President of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement.

25

12TH JUNE 20:00

26

PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE-ON-UNSPLASH

WEEK 7

PROPOSITION Gerald Prosner An American investigative journalist and author of PHARMA: Lies, Greed, and the Poisoning of America.

Speaker TBC

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE PROFIT MOTIVES HAVE NO PLACE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

T

he intersection of profit and public health is increasingly contested. As pharmaceutical revenues soar, market forces now shape access to essential medicines and biomedical innovation. Critics argue that healthcare should prioritise people over profit, expanding access rather than enriching shareholders.

Supporters claim that profit drives innovation, funding research that advances global health. This debate asks: do profit incentives undermine the goals of public health — or are they necessary to deliver the innovation and progress society needs?

OPPOSITION Dr Freda Lewis-Hall A clinician, researcher, and award-winning advocate for health equity, previously Pfizer’s Chief Medical Officer.

Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu A nanoscientist, Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and President of Wolfson College, Cambridge.

27

19TH JUNE 20:00

28

PHOTO CREDIT: NICO-KALKA--ON-UNSPLASH

WEEK 8

PROPOSITION Leana Deeb A proudly Muslim and hijabi YouTuber and TikTok star creating positive and inspiring fitness content.

Speaker TBC

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE COMMODIFICATION OF WOMEN’S BODIES IS A FORM OF EXPLOITATION

F

rom influencer culture to sex work and OnlyFans, the commodification of women’s bodies is more visible—and profitable—than ever. Supporters argue it offers agency and financial independence; critics see it as a repackaging of patriarchy, reinforcing harmful ideals and systemic inequality. This debate asks: is selling the image of the female body a choice or a consequence of deeper exploitation? Can true empowerment exist in systems that profit from objectifying women’s bodies—or is it inherently exploitative?

OPPOSITION Dana Thomas An author and journalist advocating for more sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Lize Dzjabrailova AKA ‘TheWizardLiz’: a TikTok star and YouTuber producing candid and empowering content targeted at young girls

29

FLOOR PRIZES Tap Social: “Build a Beer Box” voucher

Mamma Mia: £100 voucher

The Perch: £100 voucher

Barefoot: Vouchers value TBC

Happy Cakes: 3 boxes of 6 cupcakes

Gees Restaurant & Bar: £100 voucher

Parsonage Grill: £100 voucher

Quod Restaurant & Bar: £100 voucher

Missing bean: 15 coffee vouchers

30

PHOTO CREDIT: THE OXFORD UNION

31

32

TREASURER’S TREATS You must show your Union membership card to use these offers

Tree Artisan Cafe10

Wicked Chocolate

10%

Cape of Good Hope

Burrows & Hare

iScream

Cosmo Restaurant

Oxford Wine Cellar

Moo Moo’s

15%

Ned’s Noodle Bar

Thaikhun 15% off valid sunday - thursday

Kit Keeper

Ede & Ravenscroft

Steamhouse

WH Smith - books, stationary, cards

20%

33

AFTER HOURS You must show your Union membership card to use these offers

Duke of Cambridge Happy Hour All day Every Day & Oxford Union Special

Bridge Thursday 10% discount

Plush Free Entry with Union Membership

Tap Social After hours / Floor Price* *After hours: 15% discount across the venue + 30% off pizzas (Fridays & Saturdays, 4-6

34

PHOTO CREDIT: THE OXFORD UNION

35

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Debates and Events The Union is committed to giving members the opportunity to engage with and challenge its speakers. At our Thursday night debates, all members can make speeches at the ‘Emergency Debate’ held before the main motion. Members also have the chance to be chosen by the President to make floor speeches during the Main Debate.

At our individual speaker or panel events, there is a section open to the audience in which any member can ask questions to our guests, a unique opportunity which we encourage all members to take advantage of.

Run for Election Each term, elections are held for Officer and Committee positions on Friday of 7th Week.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for help sessions run by our Returning Officer team – if you have any questions about running for election in the meantime, please email ro@ oxford-union.org for more information.

Appointed Roles A number of Committee positions are appointed, including Press, Sponsorship, and Equalities officers, and are a fantastic way for members to get involved in organising the events they wish to see at the Union and the general running of the Society.

36

Applications for Trinity Term’s Senior Appointed officials will open in 3rd Week, whilst applications for Junior Appointed officials will open in 5th Week. These will be advertised on the Oxford Union’s social media pages and mailing list, with applications involving a written form followed by an interview. Please contact the President-Elect, Moosa Harraj, at presidentelect@oxford-union.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Join a Committee The Oxford Union has a broad range of committees, designed to ensure good governance of the society, all of which are open to members to attend and observe. The Committees section of this term card contains more information – if you are interested in attending or becoming a member of any of these Committees, email the relevant Committee Chair to find out more!

President’s Open Hours The President, Anita Okunde, will be hosting weekly opening hours where members can come and ask any questions they may have.

Unless stated otherwise, these will run on Fridays at 14:00 PM, in the President’s Office.

PHOTO CREDITS © OXFORD UNION SOCIETY

37

SPECIAL EVENTS ince the Union’s founding 200 years ago, it has served as a forum for the discussions that matter. Whilst Parliamentarystyle debate can capture the imagination, it can at times overshadow topics where more intimate discussion is helpful. To that end, we have organised a range of special events in addition to our usual schedule of speakers and debates.

38 38

EVENT Jacob Collier

40-41

EVENT Women in Law

42-43

EVENT VC and Tech Drinks

44-45

EVENT Gillian Clarke

46-47

EVENT The Richard O’Sullivan Tournament

48-49

PANEL Manosphere Panel

50-51

EVENT Women in Business

52-53

39

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK 3 14 MAY TIME - TBA TH

JACOB COLLIER oin musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier for a special music masterclass — an unforgettable opportunity to learn from the seven-time Grammy Award winner. Known for his energetic live performances and unique inventiveness and musical innovation, Jacob will take you behind the scenes and guide you through the intricacies of his creative process, revealing how he constructs rich harmonies, complex and layered rhythms, and genrebending musical arrangements. This special event offers all members — whether avid musicians or just starting out — the chance to hear and learn from one of music’s most innovative and powerful new talents

40

41

SPECIAL EVENT 23

RD

WEEK 4 MAY - TIME TBA

ur special event on women in law offers members the chance to hear from inspiring female role models and to understand the unique challenges and evolving opportunities facing women in law today. This event will feature two trailblazing women in the legal field: Judge Joanna Korner, who also serves on the Crown Court of England and Wales, and Judge Kimberly Prost, with 18 years of experience in the Canadian Department of Justice — both current judges on the International Criminal Court. For anyone interested in justice, pursuing a career in law, or championing gender equity in professional spaces, this event promises to be unmissable.

42

Joanna Korner

Kimberly Prost

Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC is a British judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC). With over 45 years in criminal law, she previously served as a Crown Court judge and senior prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. In 2004, she was appointed Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Judge Kimberly Prost is a Canadian judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC). She previously held roles as Chef de Cabinet to the ICC President and as the first Ombudsperson for the UN Security Council Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. Prost has also served as an ad litem judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

PHOTO CREDIT : JOANNANKORNER BY ELSMQ - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0, HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX.PHP?CURID=89287776 KIMBERLY PROST: © ICC-CPI

WOMEN IN LAW

43

PHOTO CREDIT © TINGEY-INJURY-LAW-FIRM-VENB0DDEGZE-UNSPLASH

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK 5 27 MAY - TIME TBA TH

VC AND TECH DRINKS e are pleased to offer our members a unique opportunity to learn from, engage with, and draw inspiration from accomplished entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. This candid fireside chat will focus on careers, trends, and what it takes to succeed in technology and investing. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, curious about breaking into VC, or simply eager to hear from those shaping the future, this is an event you won’t want to miss. A drinks reception will follow, offering a relaxed setting to connect and network with others in the industry.

44

Ash Arora

James Lo

Ash Arora is the youngest partner at leading venture capital firm LocalGlobe.

Previously, she led a $100 million fund at Polygon Ventures and helped to grow a number of blockchain ‘unicorns’. She has a particular focus on investments in blockchain, AI, and health.

James Lo is the co-founder and CEO of Ethos, an AIdriven search engine for businesses. After founding an educational social enterprise at the age of 16, he worked at SoftBank Vision Fund and at McKinsey. He also co-founded Mana, a platform allowing content creators to offer one-on-one sessions, live classes, and subscription content.

PHOTO CREDIT © MARTIN-SANCHEZJQ0YVAVMKLO-UNSPLASH

KINDLY SPONSORED BY

45

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK 3 14TH MAY - TIME TBA

POETRY EVENT

Gillian Clarke Gillian Clarke is a renowned Welsh poet, playwright, and translator, celebrated for her lyrical explorations of nature, identity, and Welsh heritage. She served as National Poet of Wales from 2008 to 2016. Her work, widely anthologized and studied, bridges personal experience with collective memory, often highlighting rural life and language.

46

PHOTO CREDIT: GILLIAN CLARKE_ATTRIBUTION_GILLIAN CLARKE

tep into an afternoon of lyrical reflection and creative expression at the Oxford Union with celebrated Welsh poet Gillian Clarke.

In this special poetry reading and workshop, Clarke - former National Poet of Wales - will guide us through her evocative works, rich with imagery of nature, identity, and memory. Participants will explore the craft of poetry in an intimate setting, gaining insight into the power of language to connect the personal with the universal.

A rare opportunity to write, listen, and engage with one of the UK’s most distinguished poetic voices.

47

PHOTO CREDIT © FIONA-MURRAY-DEGRAAFF--LHQI1P799S-UNSPLASH

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK SIX 1 JUNE 17.00 ST

THE RICHARD O’SULLIVAN TOURNAMENT he Richard O’Sullivan tournament is a British Parliamentary debating competition between the members of the Oxford Union.

The tournament is hosted annually to commemorate Richard O’Sullivan, a past member of the Oxford Union who passed away at a young age. A charitable fund was set up in his name, whose objective is to promote education through this competition.

This year’s edition will take place over a single day on Sunday 1st June 2025.

The event consists of three preliminary rounds, followed by a final between the four highest-scoring teams. The adjudication panel for the final includes trustees of the Oxford Literary and Debating Union Charitable Trust, including former Presidents of the Society. The final is open to spectators and will be followed by a formal dinner for all participants in Macmillan.

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the winning team and to the tournament’s best speaker. In past years, the champion prize was £1000, and the best speaker prize was £700. Details for this year’s prizes are to be confirmed.

Participants must register in teams of two. Come speak for a chance at winning the prize! Keep an eye on our social media for more information.

48

PHOTO CREDITS © OXFORD UNION

49

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK 6 DATE AND TIME - TBA

MANOSPHERE PANEL n the age of podcasts and viral clips, figures like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, and the ‘Fresh & Fit’ podcast are shaping a growing online world known as the ‘manosphere’. Praised by some as a space for male empowerment and truth-telling, and condemned by others as a gateway to extremism, this movement sparks urgent questions about masculinity, identity, and influence in the digital era. Is it a community for the unheard or an echo chamber fuelling division?

50

PHOTO CREDIT © ALAN-QUIRVAN-36VH4SVRJRQ-UNSPLASH

51

SPECIAL EVENT WEEK 8 19 JUNE TIME 16:00-21:00 TH

his special event brings together female founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to share their stories, challenges, and insights from across industries. Through inspiring talks and thoughtprovoking discussions, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of leadership, innovation, and equity in the business world. This is a great opportunity for all members, whether you’re looking to build your career, launch your own venture, or are simply curious about the journeys of women breaking barriers. A drinks reception will follow, offering the opportunity to network with peers and professionals.

52

Sophia Amoruso

​Reshma Sohoni

Sophia Amoruso is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur.

She founded Nasty Gal — a women’s fashion retailer that grew from an eBay store to a multimillion dollar business — before writing her bestselling memoir #GIRLBOSS, which inspired a Netflix series. In 2017, she launched Girlboss Media, which creates content, videos, and podcasts for women.

​Reshma Sohoni is the co-founder and managing partner of Seedcamp, the leading seed-stage venture capital firm she co-founded in 2007 with a firm belief that European entrepreneurs can compete on a global scale. Under her leadership, Seedcamp has invested in over 550 startups, including UiPath, TransferWise, and Revolut.

PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIA AMORUSO BY TECH CRUNCH - [1], CC BY 2.0, HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX.PHP?CURID=51334166 PHOTO CREDIT: ​R ESHMA SOHONI CC BY 2.0 HTTPS://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY/2.0/ DEED.EN

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

53

PHOTO CREDIT © THISISENGINEERING-DXE_FQXSXUU-UNSPLASH

SPEAKERS ach term we aim to host a diverse range of unique and influential speakers across a variety of fields. At each of these events, you have the opportunity not just to hear from, but to ask your own questions to our speakers, and we hope you take this opportunity to use your voice to shape the conversation.

Our committee will be working hard throughout the term to add new speakers to this lineup. You can find the latest updates on our social media channels, or mailing list (which you can join by emailing enquiries@oxfordunion.org). You can also find links to the weekly ballots for meet and greets with the speakers on our social media channels and mailing list.

Please note that one of the challenges in hosting high calibre speakers is that their schedules can change at short notice.

In the rare situation in which this occurs, we will do everything we can to rearrange the event for a different date, and to do our best to ensure members are given adequate notice of changes or cancellations.

54

55

ON LI N

E

T EN V E

NARGES MOHAMMADI Human Rights Activist

Narges Mohammadi is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Iranian human rights activist and vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center. Despite being imprisoned multiple times for her activism, she remains a fearless voice against authoritarianism, championing women’s rights, civil liberties, and the abolition of solitary confinement.

WEEK 1 28th April 17:00

56

ROBERT FICO Prime Minister

Robert Fico is Slovakia’s longest-serving prime minister, having held office in multiple terms since 2006. Founder of the Smer party, Fico has been a prominent figure in Slovak politics. His government’s has championed economic growth, media control and judicial reform. Fico’s stance on Ukraine has been controversial, as he vowed to end military support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

WEEK 1 29th April 15:00

MARK LANDLER Writer and Journalist

Mark Landler is a senior writer and London bureau chief for The New York Times. A distinguished journalist, he has covered global affairs from over 70 countries. Formerly a White House and diplomatic correspondent, Landler’s work spans economic, environmental, and political reporting. He is also the author of Alter Egos.

WEEK 1 30th April 17:00

57

For the latest information, please see our instagram page:

THEOXFORDUNION

RACHEL PORTMAN Composer

Rachel Portman is a British composer renowned for her work in film scoring. She was the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Original Score for Emma (1996). Portman has composed music for numerous films, including The Cider House Rules, Chocolat, and The Children of Men.

WEEK 2 9th May 15:00

58

DON MCLEAN Singer-Songwriter

Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter renowned for his 1971 hit “American Pie”. His other notable works include “Vincent,” “And I Love You So,” and “Castles in the Air.” McLean has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. His latest album, American Boys, was released in 2024.

WEEK 2 9th May 17:00

MOTAZ AZAIZA Photojournalist

Motaz Azaiza is a Palestinian photojournalist renowned for his courageous documentation of the Gaza conflict. Over 108 days, he captured harrowing images of war’s impact, amassing 18.5 million Instagram followers. Recognized by TIME as one of the 100 most influential people of 2024, he continues to amplify Gaza’s voice globally.

WEEK 4 18th May 17:00

59

CHARLIE KIRK CEO

Charlie Kirk is the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative non-profit advocating for free markets and limited government on U.S. college campuses. Kirk also hosts “The Charlie Kirk Show,” a popular conservative podcast and national radio program. He was named in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2018.

WEEK 4 20th May 16:00

60

JULIUS MAADA BIO President Julius Maada Bio is the 5th president of Sierra Leone and the first democratically elected leader after the end of British colonial rule in 1961.

A former military officer, he led the National Provisional Ruling Council before transitioning to civilian politics. Bio’s government has repealed the death penalty and implemented free primary and secondary education in government schools.

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIL MAHUAD_ATTRIBUTION_HARVARD UNIVERSITY

WEEK 5 26th May time TBA

JAMIL MAHUAD President

Jamil Mahuad served as President of Ecuador from 1998 to 2000, implementing key economic reforms that included dollarization to stabilize the country’s economy. His leadership focused on fiscal discipline and poverty reduction, as well as securing a historic peace agreement with Peru over border disputes.

WEEK 5 28th May 17:00

61

NICK STUDER CEO

WEEK 5 29th May 13:00

PETER DRURY Sports Commentator

Peter Drury is a distinguished British sports commentator, currently serving as the lead commentator for Premier League coverage on Sky Sports and NBC Sports. With over three decades in broadcasting, he has worked for BBC Radio, ITV Sport, BT Sport, NBC Sports, and Sky Sports. Drury has received multiple accolades, including the 2020 Sports Journalists’ Association Commentator of the Year award.

WEEK 5 29th May 15:00

62

STUDER PHOTO CREDIT: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/SIKARIN FON THANACHAIARY, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, HTTPS://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-SA/2.0/DEED.EN

Nick Studer is the President and CEO of Oliver Wyman Group, a global management consulting firm. He has over 20 years of experience consulting in the UK, Europe, and North America, and has advised senior government figures on industry competitiveness and stability. He is also a keen advocate for diversity and sustainability.

NILE RODGERS Musician, Producer, and Songwriter Nile Rodgers is an iconic American musician, producer, and songwriter, best known as the co-founder of the band Chic.

With over 750 million albums sold, Rodgers’ iconic work includes hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” A six-time Grammy winner, he has collaborated with stars like Bowie, Madonna, and Daft Punk.

WEEK 5 30th May 13:00

63

JOHN LEGEND Singer, Songwriter and Pianist

John Legend is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and pianist with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. A multiaward-winning artist, he has won 12 Grammys, an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy, achieving EGOT status. He is best known for hits like “All of Me” and “Ordinary People”.

WEEK 5 31st May 17:00

64

SOURAV GANGULY Cricketer

Sourav Ganguly is a former Indian cricketer and national team captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. He has scored over 18,000 international runs and led India to the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, 2003 World Cup final, and the 2004 Asia Cup.

WEEK 6 5th June 16:00

ATUL KUKARNI Actor, Producer and Screenwriter

Atul Kulkarni is an Indian actor, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in Hindi, Marathi, and several other regional films. With a career spanning over three decades, he has earned critical acclaim for his roles in films like Hey Ram and Chandni Bar. He is also the president of Quest, an education charity.

WEEK 2 6th June 15:00

65

ROGER STONE Political Consultant

Roger Stone is an American political consultant, lobbyist, and strategist. A key figure in Republican politics, he advised several highprofile political figures, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump. He is Trumps’ longest-serving political adviser and is known for his role in the Robert Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

WEEK 6 6th June 17:00

JUDITH LIGHT Actress, Producer, and Activist

Judith Light is an award-winning American actress and producer, renowned for her versatile performances across television, film, and stage.

Rising to fame with roles in One Life to Live and Who’s the Boss?, she later earned critical acclaim for her work in Transparent and The Assassination of Gianni Versace. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, she continues to be a powerful voice for social justice.

WEEK 7 9th June 15:00

66

CLYDE BEST Footballer

Clyde Best MBE is a Bermudian football pioneer.

As one of the first black players in the First Division, he scored 58 goals for West Ham United between 1969 and 1976. Best also played for Tampa Bay Rowdies, Portland Timbers and Feyenoord, before coaching the Bermuda national team. He has been inducted into Bermuda’s Sports Hall of Fame and received an MBE.

PHOTO CREDIT: JAVED AKHTAR: RAMESH LALWANI - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0,

WEEK 7 9th June 17:00

JAVED AKHTAR Screenwriter, Lyricist, and Poet

Javed Akhtar is a highly-acclaimed Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and poet, celebrated for his contributions to Hindi film and literature. As one half of the iconic Salim-Javed scriptwriting duo, he revolutionised Bollywood cinema in the 1970s.

Now a respected social commentator and public intellectual, he is a member of India’s Rajya Sabha.

WEEK 7 10th June 15:00

67

JUSTICE B.R. GAVAI

JUSTICE SURYA KANT

Justice of the Supreme Court

Sitting Justice of the Supreme Court

Justice B.R. Gavai is a Justice of the Supreme Court of India, having been elevated to the apex court on May 24, 2019.

He is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India. Justice Gavai has been part of several landmark judgments, including serving on the five-judge Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370.

Justice Surya Kant is a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of India, and was elevated to the Court on May 24, 2019. He is in line to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Justice Kant has contributed significantly to environmental jurisprudence and service law.

WEEK 7 10th June 17:00

68

ROGER LYNCH CEO of Condé Nast

Roger Lynch is the CEO of Condé Nast, leading the global media company since 2019. Under his leadership, Condé Nast has focused on expanding its digital transformation and growing its portfolio of premium brands, including Vogue, The New Yorker, and Wired. He previously served as CEO of Pandora and as founding CEO of Sling TV.

WEEK 7 11th June 13:00

69

ARAVIND SRINIVAS Computer Scientist and Entrepreneur

​ ravind Srinivas is an Indian-American computer scientist and A entrepreneur. After earning his PhD in computer science at UC Berkeley, he went on to work for DeepMind, OpenAI, and Google. He is now the co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine that uses large language models to process and answer queries.

WEEK 7 11th June 18:00

70

MARY ROBINSON Former President

Mary Robinson served as Ireland’s first female president from 1990 to 1997. She was instrumental in advancing civil rights, including decriminalizing homosexuality and legalizing divorce. Following her presidency, Robinson became the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and later founded the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice.

WEEK 7 12th June 16:00

71

TAN SRI TONY FERNANDES Entrepreneur

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is a Malaysian entrepreneur best known as the founder of AirAsia, which revolutionized low-cost air travel in Asia. A visionary leader, he transformed the aviation industry by making flying affordable. Fernandes is also involved in sports, music, and education, championing innovation and accessibility across sectors.

WEEK 8 18th June 17:00

72

SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE Fashion Designer

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is an Indian fashion designer renowned for blending traditional Indian textiles with contemporary global styles. Since founding his label in 1999, he has showcased collections at international fashion weeks and collaborated with brands like H&M and Christian Louboutin. He has also contributed to Bollywood costume design and led projects like “Save the Saree”.

PHOTO CREDIT: JURSULA BURNS XEROX (CREATIVE COMMONS LICENCE)

WEEK 8 19th June 15:00

URSULA BURNS Business Executive

Ursula Burns is an American business executive who served as CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016, becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Burns has held leadership positions on the boards of Uber, American Express, and ExxonMobil. She co-founded Integrum Holdings and has led the White House national STEM program.

WEEK 8 19th June 17:00

73

NARA SMITH

Model and Influencer

Nara Smith is a South African-German model and fashion influencer, recognized for her TikTok cooking videos.

Beginning her career at 14 with IMG Models, Smith gained recognition for her stylish cooking videos, often featuring elaborate recipes. She has collaborated with multiple luxury brands, including Marc Jacobs and Aritzia.

TBA

74

JR: BY WILL PALMER FROM LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM - JAMIE REDKNAPP, CC BY 2.0, HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX. PHP?CURID=2545471 HR: BY JAMES BOYES FROM UK - BRIGHTON V SPURS AMEX OPENING 30/7/11 BY KAFUFFLE, CC BY 2.0, HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX.PHP?CURID=18281683

HARRY REDKNAPP

JAMIE REDKNAPP

Football Manager

Footballer

Harry Redknapp is an English football manager and former player whose career spans over five decades. He managed clubs including West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur. His notable achievements include winning the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth and securing Champions League qualification with Tottenham in the 2009–10 Premier League season.

Jamie Redknapp is a former England international midfielder who has made over 300 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Tottenham, and Southampton. Renowned for his technical skill and leadership, he captained Liverpool and was part of England’s Euro 96 squad. Post-retirement, he built a successful career as a leading sports pundit and columnist.

TBA

75

Nayib Bukele is a Salvadoran politician and businessman known for his unorthodox approach to governance. Since taking office in 2019, he has reshaped the Latin American country’s political landscape with a strong-handed style and bypassing traditional institutions. His tough stance on crime has earned both popular support and international scrutiny.

TBA

76

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREX - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0, HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/W/INDEX.PHP?CURID=124910124

NAYIB BUKELE

President of El Salvador

77

78

SOCIALS

SOCIALS EVENT

PAGE

Brideshead Social

80

Outdoor Movie Night

80

Pimms Social

81

Barbie Bop

81

Puppy Yoga

82

Secret Garden Ball

82

Grad Social

83

LGBTQ Drinks

83

*Access Pricing provided for all events

79

Brideshead 3rd May | 3-7PM

SECRET GAR

WE

LCOME TO THE

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT 7 MAY 80

9:30 PM

p S a ’ r M t M y I P cheers cheers cheers

RDEN BALL 17TH OF MAY

81

S P R I N G

B A L L

SECRET GARDEN 2 3 R D Unlimited food and drink Live portrait drawing Gladiator duel

M A Y Ballroom classes Jewellery making And much more!

28th May | 3-5PM

PUPPY YOGA DAY

82

Graduate Social 4th June 20:00-Midnight

7TH JUNE | 6-9PM

LGBTQ DRINKS

83

INFORMATION Guest Policy 86

Competitive Debating

88-89

Committees 90

The Members’ Bar

91

The Library 92-93

Accessibility 94

Reciprocal Membership

84

96-97

85

PHOTO CREDIT © THE OXFORD UNION

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 A £12.50 ENTRY FEE 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.

86

87

PHOTO CREDIT © THE OXFORD UNION

COMPETITIVE DEBATING n addition to our chamber debates, the Union has a proud tradition of competitive university debating in the British Parliamentary format, supported by one the largest and most successful debating squads in the world. We run regular training sessions, and we fully fund teams of debaters to travel abroad for competitions. We welcome everyone to our events & social outings, whether you’re new or already experienced, and we’d be delighted to have you!

The Union’s competitive record speaks for itself, having won many past editions of the European and the World Championships in its history.

We most recently triumphed at the 2024 World Championship in Vietnam and reached the grand final of the 2024 European Championship in Glasgow.

We sponsor members’ attendance at external tournaments, both domestic and international, on almost every weekend. Over the last year, Oxford teams reached over a dozen finals, and won several of them. These tournaments are a great opportunity to visit new places, as we fully fund the travel and participation costs of our teams. Our members recently got to visit Vietnam, Panama, Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia, and many other exciting destinations!

During term time, we host regular practice workshops coached by some of Oxford’s best debaters. Join us for our Monday night Beginners’ workshops — they are standalone

88

sessions and open to all! If you are experienced, sign up for our intermediate or advanced squads instead on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, where our coaches provide a one-on-one development programme.

Competitive debating will teach you many transferable skills. You’ll learn to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively, to think on your feet, and to effectively communicate to an audience. You’ll gain a multifaceted understanding of the complex issues that the world faces today by attending our sessions.

They are a welcoming space to discuss a wide variety of interesting topics with other Oxford students.

To sign up for the competitive debating mailing list with weekly updates, including information on tournaments, training and more, send a blank email to debate-announcesubscribe@ maillist.com. You can also find us on the Oxford Debating Facebook Page, the Oxford Debaters’ Facebook Group, and on our Instagram @oxforddebating.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chair of Debate Selection Committee, Chris Mentis Cravaris, at cdsc@oxford-union.org.

PHOTO CREDITS © THE OXFORD UNION

89

COMMITTEES he 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 - Anita Okunde The President president@oxford-union.org

Mondays at 4pm

The Society’s governing body.

Standing committee makes the Union’s most important decisions and recommends rules changes to the House.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

ACCESS COMMITTEE

Chair - Joyce Dzide-Tei Chair of Access access.chair@oxford-union.org

Monday at 9 am (subject to change)

Responsible for promoting the inclusion of under-represented groups by planning events and suggesting changes.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE

Chair - Rosalie Chapman Treasurer treasurer@oxford-union.org

Chair - Anya Trofimova Librarian librarian@oxford-union.org

Scrutinises the Union’s finances and reports its findings to Standing Committee.

Responsible for the management of the Society’s library: purchasing and withdrawing books, as well as making recommendations for the running of the library.

Mondays at 3pm

Mondays at 2.15pm

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE DEBATE SELECTION COMMITTEE

Chair - Yusuf Kundgol CCC ccc@oxford-union.org

Mondays at 1.15pm

Consultative Committee is comprised of all Union members. It gives you the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the running of the Union’s events and is where Emergency Debate motions are decided.

90

Chair - Chris Mentis Cravaris CDSC cdsc@oxford-union.org

Mondays at 12pm

Responsible for the Union’s competitive debating competitions, trials, squads, and more.

WINE AND SPIRITS COMMITTEE

Chair - Jennifer Yang Secretary secretary@oxford-union.org

Tuesdays at 2pm

Responsible for managing the Union’s Bar offerings, opening times and happy hours!

MEMBERS’ BAR ew, if any, places in Oxford combine the comfort and affordability of our Members’ Bar. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or a pint with some friends, it is a place where members and their guests can enjoy high-quality food and drink, with a 25% members-only discount.

The bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests and is often frequented by our speakers before or after a talk.

Following each Main Debate after everyone has left the Chamber, the President will read out the result of the vote in the Bar. Our House Manager, Sasha, would be happy to hear from members with questions and suggestions. She can be reached at bar@ oxford-union.org.

Alternatively, please contact the Secretary about attending Wine and Spirits Committee.

MEMBERS’ DISCOUNT AT ALL TIMES

OPENING HOURS Monday to Wednesday 11:00 - 23:00

LATE NIGHT OPENING HOURS Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 - Midnight Our Lunch Menu is served: Monday to Saturday 12.00 - 14.00

91

92

PHOTO CREDITS © THE OXFORD UNION

THE LIBRARY he Old Library was the original debating chamber of the Union.

Stocked with over 60,000 books, the Union’s library facilities are extensive, spacious and beautiful.

It even has a freestanding fireplace, one of three in the whole of the United Kingdom! On its walls are some of the world’s most famous Pre-Raphaelite murals depicting scenes from Arthurian legend, painted by artists of the calibre of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris. The adjoining Poetry Room is a hidden gem - a perfect space for silent, independent study.

The Goodman Library, Gladstone Room and Macmillan Room are also spaces available for use from any member during our open hours and provide a secluded study space in a historic atmosphere.

Please email library@oxford-union.org with any questions.

TERMTIME OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 09:30 - 19:00 Saturday 11:00 - 17:00 Sunday Closed

93

ACCESSIBILITY he Oxford Union is dedicated to ensuring that we are as accessible as possible for all of our members and guests. If you have any accessibility requirements, you are entitled to request reasonable adjustments to help get the most out of your membership.

An ‘Access Bench’, near to the exit, is available at all events in the chamber - and more specific adjustments can be made on request. There is space in the chamber for wheelchairs and guide dogs. There is also a hearing aid loop, which can be accessed by switching your hearing aid to ‘T’.

There are also two vacancies for positions on Access Committee, which will be elected on Monday of 1st Week in Consultative Committee (13.15, Goodman Library).

If you want to know more or raise a concern, you can contact the Chair of Access Committee, Zagham Farhan at access.chair@oxford-union. org. For any specific accessibility requirements for an event you can contact the House Manager at bar@oxford-union.org, or the Chair of Consultative Committee, Yusuf Kundgol, at ccc@oxford-union.org.

PHOTO CREDITS © THE OXFORD UNION

All members are entitled, and encouraged, to attend Access Committee. The time and location of the weekly meeting will be published

on the noticeboard. You can raise any concerns, or make suggestions for improving the accessibility of the Union, at this Committee.

This term, we will be reviewing the Union’s accessibility policies, and the input of members is extremely welcome.

94

95

96

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP 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 CIRCULO DEL LICEO, BARCELONA THE CIRCULO 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 previous 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@oxfordunion.org to obtain a letter of introduction prior to your visit stating the approximate dates of your stay.

PHOTO CREDITS OPPOSITE: THE NATIONAL LIBERAL CLUB

97

COMMITTEE TRINITY ‘25 OFFICERS

The President Anita Okunde Magdalen College

Librarian Anya Trofimova St Johns College

Treasurer Rosalie Chapman Hertford College

Secretary Jennifer Yang St. Hilda’s College

COS Amina Bellalem Hertford College

President-Elect Moosa Harraj Balliol College

Librarian-Elect Katherine Yang St. Peter’s College

Treasurer-Elect Raza Nazar Trinity College

Chief Advisor Tim Fraser Kellogg College

CCC Yusuf Kundgol St. Anne’s College

STANDING COMMITTEE

Brayden Lee Christ Church

Matthew Chiu Trinity College

Samy Medjdoub Keble College

Akshay Pendyala Merton College

Chloe Pomfret St. Catherine’s College

Víctor Marroquín-Merino St. Cross College

SENIOR APPOINTED

DOP George Abaraonye University College

Chair of Access SEO Zagham Farhan Benedict Masters University College New College

SMO Diana Manedewo Wadham College

DSpon CDSC Paul Bui Chris Mentis Cravaris St. Hugh’s College Harris Manchester College

DEngagement Eeshani Bendale Kellogg College

DResearch Olivia Sieler Kellogg College

DStrat Pawlin Marwah Worcester College

DDevelopment Grace Seen St. Hugh’s College

98

DMedia Yeji Kim Reuben College

DInternational Development Catherine Xu Exeter College

SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE

Liza Barkova Christ Church

Daniel Eldridge Keble College

Trishaad B Surty Pembroke College

Marissa Rimmele St. Catherine’s College

Milo Donovan Lincoln College

Arjun Joshi Kellogg College

Vishnu Vadlamani St. Peter’s College

Claire Luo St. Hilda’s College

Simar Bajaj St. Anne’s College

Maya Kapila Christ Church

Katie Pannick St. John’s College

JUNIOR APPOINTED ALL THE LIBERATION OFFICERS Schools’ Outreach Officer Harry Aldridge New College

Perm and Temp Officer Hayden Williams Oxford Brookes

Ethnic Minorities Officer Jamie Bernard Magdalen College

Anti Sexual Violence OfficerTushna Elavia Worcester College

LGBTQIA+ Officer Tess Josephine Brasenose College

Partnership Officer Alex Webster Lincoln College

Socioeconomic Officer Zahra Saeed Balliol College

Efficiency Officer Dr. Kubilay Ahmet Küçük Kellogg College

Women and Gender Minorities Officer Wafa Audei Linacre College

Press Officers Zac Yang, Christ Church Oliver Green, Magdalen College

Graduate Officer Conrad French St. Edmund Hall International Officer Charles Shachinda Regent’s Park College Disabilities Officer Alisa Brown Linacre College

Media Officers Sasha Koslova, Christ Church Davina Thandi Jesus College

Operations Officer Bupe Lughano Kabaghe Worcester College Colby Cunningham Magdalen College Events Officer Toki Hong St. Hugh’s College Senior Welfare Officer Bob Sira Kellogg College Junior Welfare Officer Jenny Wright St. Anne’s College

First Ladies Larissa and Manuella Bridge Bandits Aliyyah, Disha and Chloe D

Sponsorship Officers Saskia Maini Brasenose College Joseph Kay Worcester College

Term card Cover Illustration: Ashling Sugrue - http://ashling.me Term card Graphic Designer - Danielle Blyde https://vavoom.co.uk Patterns used throughout - AdobeStock_1232307910, AdobeStock_875094732 and Bee - AdobeStock_399962272

99

Staff With exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment, our team of staff works diligently behind the scenes to enrich the Union experience for all members and guests. Their invaluable support and meticulous attention to detail make it possible for the Oxford Union to continue its tradition of fostering debate and discussion. If you see them around the buildings, be sure to say hello!

Bursar David Whittingham

Deputy Bursar Richard Wood

OLDUT Chair Victoria Schofield

Librarian-in-Charge Tom Corrick

Deputy Librarian Laura Johnson

Assistant Librarian Elizabeth-Jane Piper

Trainee Librarian Gareth Smith

Events Manager AJ Carver

Head of Finance Martin Perrin

Accounts Assistant Alla Kostyk

Office/Membership Administrator Ryan O’Connell

Maintenance Operative John Roderick

Archive and Records Manager Sally Gilbert

Development Administrator Natasha Varney

Development Director Heather Taylor

Head Chef Steven Ramli

House Manager Sasha Challen

100

101

ANITA OKUNDE President’s Thanks “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid...” Psalms 118:6

This verse has walked with me through lecture halls and committee rooms, through doubts and triumphs alike all my life. It reminds me that while faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, it is people who water it - and how all of you have made me grow.

To my parents - my first believers. mamo, you showed me that strength wears many faces: sometimes it’s steel, sometimes it’s sacrifice, always it’s love.

Dad, you taught me that ceilings were meant to be shattered long before I could reach them. When the Union’s history pages turn to this term, know that your fingerprints are on every word.

To Kolade - Your belief became my compass when I was lost. Where I saw endings, you wrote ‘chapter one’. This presidency is your stubborn faith made real.

To Habib, my best friend - thank you for enduring my Union obsessions, for memorising dramas you never signed up to know.

To my school teachers: Your dedication proved that a state school education isn’t about limits, but about the magic that happens when great teachers believe in their students.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile” - there is no strength without unity. My #UNIFY team, you were the living proof. George, from that first hesitant “yes” over pancakes to the thousand determined “we move”s that followed - you turned my wildest visions into reality. Chloe, you are my cheerleader, the first to celebrate every small victory as if it were your own.

To Aliyyah and Sultan, where it all began, it is an honour to know you both as friends.

102

The credit for this term card belongs to so many unsung heroes. Tim, you have been my compass, always answering panicked calls with calm solutions and somehow finding time between your many commitments. To every committee member who worked quietly behind the scenes, thank you. And to my Officers, Mina and Yusuf, I cannot wait to serve with you.

Disha and Hannah - the women that you are. To model you both and learn from your leadership has been invaluable. Adam, Louis and Israr, your counsel meant more than you know. And Mungo, our debates were fierce but our friendship fiercer — proof that some bonds can outlast politics.

To the staff who keep this ancient institution breathing, thank you. John, you have listened to my every minor inconvenience (and then fixed it). To the members who trusted me with its future - thank you for letting me serve this place I love.

The Union is more than its debates; it’s the late-night conversations in the bar, the friendships forged in fire, the collective belief that words can shape worlds.

As I serve, I hope that just as seeing Josh Chima take his place as Treasurer once showed me what was possible, another wide-eyed fresher sees themselves through me in this chair and thinks, “That could be me too.”

With Love,

Anita Osasenaga Okunde

103

104

TERM PLANNER Sunday

Debates

Monday 27

1

Speakers

Tuesday 28

Narges Mohammadi Online event 17:00

Wed 29

Mark Lan 17:00

Robert Fico 15:00

6

5

4

Sp

Outdoor 21:30 - 2

Atul Kukarni 17:00

2 11

12

18

19

13

3

4

Motaz Azaiza 17:00

5

6

20

America Debate 20:00

26

25 Julius Maada Bio TBA

Richard O’Sullivan Tournament 17:00

Charlie Kirk 16:00

1

VC and Tech Drinks Special Event TBC

27

3

2

7

Judith Light 15:00

Grad Soc 20:00 - M

9

Clyde Best 17:00

15

Jamil Ma 17:00

Puppy Y 15:00-17

Mark Gatiss 17:00

8

Javed Akhtar 15:00

10

16

Roger Ly 13:00 Aravind 18:00

Justice B R Gavai Justice Surya Kant 17:00

17

Tan Sri T 17:00

8 22

9

Jacob Co Special E Gillian C TBC

23

24

pecial Event

Socials

dnesday

Thursday 30

ndler

Friday 1

NHS Debate 20:00

7

Movie Night 23:00

ollier Event TBA Clarke

EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

Defence Debate 20:00

Rachel Portman 15:00

9

10

Don Mclean 17:00

15

28

Yoga 7:00

4

cial Midnight

Women in Law TBA

Sourav Ganguly 16:00

29

Srinivas

18

Tony Fernandes

25

Mary Robinson 16:00 Public health Debate 20:00

Nile Rogers 13:00

24 Barbie Bop 21:00

30

John Legend 17:00

31

Secret Garden Ball 18:00-01:00

5

6

12

7 LGBTQ drinks 18:00-21:00

Roger Stone 17:00

Stolen land Debate 20:00

11

23

22

Nick Studer 13:00 Peter Drury 15:00 Africa Debate 20:00

17

16 Pimms Social 20:30

Euthanasia Debate 20:00

ynch

3

Labour Debate 20:00

21

ahuad

2 Brideshead Social 20:30

8

14

Saturday

13 ELECTION DAY

14 ELECTION DAY

Sabyasachi Mukherjee 19 15:00 Women in Buisness 16:00-21:00 Ursula Burns 17:00 Feminism Debate 20:00

20

21

26

27

28