The Oxford Union
Trinity 2016
Welcome
Welcome back to Oxford for Trinity Term 2016!
My Committee has worked exceptionally hard over the Easter vacation to produce a great line-up of debates, speakers, and socials, and I am very grateful for their support. Many of you will have exams this term, but I hope we can tempt you out of the library to enjoy a few events; even if we can’t, our updated list of Treasurer’s Treats should at least make your caffeine binges more affordable! With different high-profile speakers coming through our gates on an almost-daily basis, it can be easy to forget the impact the Oxford Union has. It was here that President Nixon chose to make his first public address following Watergate. It was here that Malcolm X demanded black empowerment “by any means necessary”. It was here in 1975 that members voted that Britain should remain a member of the EEC, foretelling the result of the national referendum just days later. This term, our EU Referendum Debate will take place only two weeks before the vote itself; with Gisela Stuart and Lord Howard taking on Alex Salmond and Lord Heseltine, this debate will no doubt have a significant impact on the country’s crucial decision.
Whilst upholding tradition, it is also important to adapt to suit the needs of the present day. I hope modernisation doesn’t mean my job is taken by IBM Watson, the Union’s first non-human guest, but I do have two exciting announcements. Firstly, we are in the process of building a new website. Secondly, we are currently seeking planning permission to install an additional fire escape in the Chamber, which would substantially increase our capacity. Stephen Fry wrote to me over the vacation to say: “No one of any worth at all has ever assumed that office so far as I can recall, it having been the prerogative of rogues, rascals, pompous arses, vulgarians, crooks, charlatans, and villains of the worst kind since it came into existence. I hope you can change that and be the first President of whom your University and Union can be proud.” I can only promise to try my best.
Robert Harris, President New College
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The Oxford Union
Librarian’s Welcome
Treasurer’s Welcome
Welcome to Trinity Term at the Oxford Union! For most of you, third term means exam term but, as your Librarian, I have the unique role of combining both work and play. Most people will think of the exciting celebrity speakers we regularly host at the Union when they think of this position – and, as you will discover, TT16 is no disappointment on that front – but, as my title suggests, I am also in charge of the Union's beautiful libraries, making sure that they stay well-stocked and regularly updated. Thus, it falls upon me to provide you with both a peaceful working environment for all of that revision, and then something interesting whilst you take a well-deserved break!
I hope you have all had a restful vacation and are looking forward to what promises to be an amazing Trinity Term. The sponsorship team and I have done our best to ensure that the Union’s finances remain healthy, and that you get the best from your membership.
The Committee and I will continue to work hard throughout the term to confirm arrangements for the TBC events, so don't forget to check us out on our social media pages. As always, there will be ballots for drinks and dinners with speakers, so do remember to take advantage of these opportunities – where else could you say you had a drink with Kate Beckinsale or Vitali Klitschko? If you are interested in seeing how the Library Committee works and want to get involved in its decision-making processes, have any questions about speaker events, or would just like a friendly chat, please feel free to contact me at librarian@oxford-union.org. Ssuuna Gooloba-Mutebi St John's College 2
Having worked hard to maintain our sponsorship deals with a number of high-profile companies, including Credit Suisse, KPMG, and Hogan Lovells, I am confident that the Union will continue to strengthen its corporate relations this term. In the near future, I plan to redevelop our database and utilise our alumni network – all to ensure that the Union is able to support its historic buildings, to produce exciting events, and to ensure our membership fees remain affordable. Obtaining additional funds for the Union and its members is one thing; ensuring that members make the most of these opportunities is another! Don’t forget to enjoy all 40 Treasurer’s Treats, including over ten which are brand new – please do take a look. We have also revolutionised our debate floor speech prizes (p. 20); I hope that a dinner at Côte and the 19 other prizes will encourage you all to participate! If you have any questions, suggestions, or are interested in contributing to the work of the Union’s treasury, please email me at treasurer@oxford-union.org. Nikolay Koshikov Exeter College
Trinity 2016
Secretary’s Welcome Welcome back to Oxford! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful Easter vacation and are looking forward to the Trinity Term ahead. As Secretary, it’s my job to organise the Union’s social calendar, as well as to minute debates and meetings of the Standing Committee. I hope you all enjoy the range of events we have to offer this term. I’m very excited to announce that, with the promise of better weather, the Union will play host to a Garden Party on Saturday of 6th Week. With plenty of cocktails and sweet treats on offer, it’s one definitely not to be missed! The inaugural ‘Live at the Union’ Comedy Night will also be taking place on Friday of 4th Week, hosted by none other than Jon Culshaw, and featuring a number of student and professional talents, so be sure to check that out. With a number of exciting prizes up for grabs in our pub quizzes and snooker tournament, I hope there’s something on offer for everyone!
Contents Debates
4
Speakers
22
Socials
56
Info
64
FAQs
73
Committee
74
Stay Informed
76
The Union is nothing without its members, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to get involved. The Wines and Spirits Committee is in charge of the Members’ Bar, and is always looking for new members. If you’d like to have a say in the way that the Bar is run, would like to get involved, or have any questions or feedback, it would be lovely to hear from you! Please do not hesitate to get in touch at secretary@oxford-union.org. Mia Smith Oriel College 3
The Oxford Union
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Trinity 2016
Debates Religion Debate
6
Climate Change Debate
8
Refugee Crisis Debate
10
Two-State Solution Debate
12
DNA Manipulation Debate
14
Technological Privacy Debate
16
EU Referendum Debate
18
Floor Speech Prizes
20
Debate is the beating heart of the Oxford Union, with Thursday evenings remaining the highlight of the week: 19:45 – Emergency Debate. These motions attempt to tackle topical questions, and are set by the Consultative Committee each week. 20:30 – Main Debate, featuring high-profile guest speakers. These motions have been decided over the Easter vacation, and details can be found on the pages which follow. Members’ participation in debates is very much encouraged. In the Main Debate, time is reserved for members to give short floor speeches before the last speaker on either side; and Points of Information can be offered to speakers at any time. There are prizes for the best floor speakers in the Emergency Debate and Main Debate each week, ranging from dinners in restaurants around Oxford, to a helicopter tour of London! 5
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
Religion Remains the Opiate of the Masses Thursday 28th April 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Prof. Peter Atkins Emeritus Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Oxford. He is a Patron of the British Humanist Association, and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society.
Dr Nina Ansary Bestselling author, historian, and leading authority on women’s rights in Iran. She holds a PhD in History from Columbia University, and was recently honoured as one of ‘The 21 Leaders of the 21st Century’.
Opposition Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan Senior Researcher at The Quilliam Foundation, a thinktank specialising in human rights and counter-extremism. He is a trained Imam, and has argued in favour of compatibility between Islam and human evolution.
The Very Revd Prof. Martyn Percy Dean of Christ Church since October 2014. He was the Founding Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute, and is a regular contributor to The Guardian, BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. 7
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
The West Has No Right to Impose Environmental Standards on Developing Countries Thursday 5th May 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Peter Lilley MP Conservative MP for Hitchin and Harpenden since 1983. A former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, he served as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under Margaret Thatcher, and currently serves on the Environmental Audit Select Committee.
Dr Paul Oquist Minister of the Nicaraguan Government, and Secretary of Public Policy. Having worked in Colombia, Vietnam and the Philippines, he is a leading expert on climate change, and represented Nicaragua at the most recent UN COP 21 Convention held in Paris.
Opposition Prof. Bruce Pardy Professor of Environmental Law at Queen’s University, Canada. A former litigation lawyer, he has frequently criticised the Kyoto Protocol in academic journals, and recently published a book entitled Ecolawgic: The Logic of Ecosystems and the Rule of Law.
Paul Bledsoe President of Bledsoe & Associates, a global public policy firm specialising in climate change. He is a former fellow of the Oxford University Centre for the Environment, and was a senior figure in President Clinton’s Climate Change Task Force. 9
The Oxford Union
This House Would
Condemn Britain’s Response to the Refugee Crisis Thursday 12th May 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Stephen Hale OBE CEO of Refugee Action, a UK charity which provides legal, financial, and practical support to refugees. He is a trustee of Friends of the Earth, and formerly headed the Geneva office of Oxfam International.
Barry Andrews CEO of GOAL, an international aid organisation which has spent over £10m on humanitarian programmes. He was Irish Minister of State for Children 2008–2011, and has given a popular TED Talk entitled ‘Why No One Cares About Syria’.
Opposition Dr Thérèse Coffey MP Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal since 2010. She is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, which recently voted against launching airstrikes in Syria.
Dr Andrew Murrison MP Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire since 2001. A former medical officer in the Royal Navy, he has since served as Minister of State for Northern Ireland and Minister for International Security Strategy. 11
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
A Two-State Solution in the Middle East is Unattainable Thursday 19th May 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Gideon Levy Award-winning columnist for Haaretz whose writing focusses on the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Some consider him a heroic journalist, and others a propagandist for Hamas.
Salma Karmi-Ayyoub Criminal barrister and external consultant for Al Haq, a Palestinian human rights organisation. She is also Co-Chair of the British legal charity, Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights.
Prof. Padraig O’Malley A specialist in divided societies, he was instrumental in the Northern Ireland peace process. He recently published The Two-State Delusion: Israel and Palestine – A Tale of Two Narratives.
Opposition High-Profile Israeli Official Due to the sensitive nature of this speaker’s security arrangements, we will be releasing their details nearer to the time.
John Lyndon Executive Director of OneVoice, an international grassroots movement which supports a two-state solution by amplifying the voices of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians.
Prof. Raphael Cohen-Almagor An Israeli academic, he has vocally expressed his support for a two-state solution, and was involved with the campaign which exchanged the captured Gilad Shalit for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. 13
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
The Manipulation of Human DNA is an Ethical Necessity Thursday 26th May 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Prof. Sir Ian Wilmut OBE Lead scientist of the research team which cloned Dolly the Sheep, he was knighted for his services to science in 2008. He is Chair of the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Prof. Julian Savulescu Director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, and one of the world’s most outspoken philosophers on ‘procreative beneficence’. He is Editor of the Journal of Medical Ethics.
Opposition Prof. Barbara Evans Professor of Law, George Butler Research Professor, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology at the University of Houston. She specialises in the relationship between biotechnology, genetics, and the law.
Prof. Norman Fost Paediatrician and leading bioethicist, he was part of President Clinton’s Health Care Reform Task Force. He is Director of the Medical Ethics Programme at the University of Wisconsin. 15
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
Technology Companies Should Prevent Government Access to Consumers’ Data Thursday 2nd June 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Denelle Dixon-Thayer Chief Legal and Business Officer of Mozilla, a free-software community whose products include the Firefox web browser. She leads Mozilla’s global business development, public policy, and legal teams, and wrote its highly influential amicus in support of Apple.
Naomi Wolf Acclaimed author, journalist, and feminist, first coming to prominence as the author of The Beauty Myth. She is a former advisor to President Clinton and Al Gore, and has written extensively about government surveillance and intelligence.
Debate Kindly Supported by KPMG
Opposition Matthew G. Olsen Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center 2011–2014, he was formerly Head of the Guantanamo Review Task Force and served as General Counsel of the National Security Agency. He is now President of the consulting firm IronNet Cybersecurity.
Air Marshal Chris Nickols CBE Chief of Defence Intelligence 2009–2012, and former Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff for Operations. Having joined the Royal Air Force in 1974, he is now Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund. 17
The Oxford Union
This House Believes
The United Kingdom Should Leave the European Union Thursday 9th June 2016 | 20:30
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Trinity 2016
Proposition Gisela Stuart MP Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston since 1997. She is a leading left-wing critic of the European Union, and currently Chair and Co-Convenor of Vote Leave, the official ‘Brexit’ campaign group.
Lord Michael Howard QC Leader of the Conservative Party 2003–2005, Home Secretary under Sir John Major, and former Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Foreign Secretary. He is an Ex-President of the Cambridge Union.
High-Profile Business Executive Senior business executive who will soon announce their support for the Vote Leave campaign.
Opposition Alex Salmond MP Scottish National Party MP for Gordon since 2015. As First Minister of Scotland 2007–2014, he headed the campaign for Scottish Independence, and was leader of the SNP for over 20 years.
Yvette Cooper MP Labour MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford since 1997. She served as Shadow Home Secretary until 2015, resigning from the post when she lost the Labour leadership election to Jeremy Corbyn.
Lord Michael Heseltine, Ex-President Conservative stalwart who served as Deputy Prime Minister under Sir John Major, and Secretary of Defence under Margaret Thatcher. He is an Ex-President of the Oxford Union (Michaelmas 1954). 19
The Oxford Union
Debate Floor Speech Prizes Main Debate First Prize Religion Debate
The House
Climate Change Debate
Quod
£100 drinks voucher
Cocktails & dinner for 2
Old Parsonage Hotel
Refugee Crisis Debate
Overnight stay with complimentary breakfast for 2
Old Bank Hotel
Two-State Solution Debate
20
Overnight stay with complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea for 2
DNA Manipulation Debate
Gee’s
Technological Privacy Debate
Willows Leisure & Spa
EU Referendum Debate
The London Helicopter
Lunch for 2
Spa day for 2
London ‘Buzz Flight’ for 2
Trinity 2016
Main Debate Second Prize
Emergency Debate Prize
Cockadoo
Côte Brasserie
6-set dinner for 2
£60 meal voucher
Phoenix Picturehouse
Brasserie Blanc
Cinema tickets for 4
£50 meal voucher
Millets Falconry
Al-Andalus
Falconry experience for 2
£50 meal voucher
Willows Leisure & Spa
Shanghai 30’s
6-week membership
Dinner for 2
Ultimate Picture Palace
Joe’s Bar & Grill
Cinema tickets for 4
£50 meal voucher
1855 Wine Bar
Mamma Mia
Cuisine & wine experience for 2
Dinner for 4 with complimentary wine
Blenheim Palace Annual passes for 2
There will be no Emergency Debate due to hustings for the Union Elections
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The Oxford Union
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Trinity 2016
Speakers 1st Week
24
2nd Week
27
3rd Week
29
4th Week
33
5th Week
35
6th Week
40
7th Week
42
8th Week
45
Dates to be Confirmed
47
We have taken great care to ensure that, at the time of printing, all the times for invited guest speakers are accurate. However, one problem with inviting such interesting and influential speakers is that their schedules can change at short notice. If this happens during term, we apologise in advance and will do everything we can to update you on any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. For any speakers listed as ‘To be Confirmed’, we are still negotiating dates and times. As soon as we know the date for an event, we will share this information by email and on Facebook.
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The Oxford Union
Ambassador Mark Regev Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom
Prior to his appointment as Israeli Ambassador to the UK in April 2016, Australian-born Mark Regev was the Chief Spokesperson for Prime Ministers Ehud Olmert and Benjamin Netanyahu from 2007 until 2015, and served the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Washington, Beijing and Hong Kong. He has been described as “the most prominent voice in defence of Israel”, and has a reputation for confronting Israel’s diplomatic situations head on. He will be speaking on the topic: “Middle East Reality Check – The Road to Peace”.
1st Week | Tuesday 26th April | 20:00 24
Trinity 2016
Mikhail Khodorkovsky
Exiled Russian Businessman and Dissident Believed to have once been the richest man in Russia, Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a businessman, philanthropist, and former oligarch. He was imprisoned in 2003 by President Putin under charges of fraud and embezzlement, but the trial was plagued by accusations of political interference. Now resident in Switzerland, he established the Open Russia Foundation in 2001, which campaigns for reforms to the Russian political system, including a strong and just state, free and fair elections, and the rule of law. He will be speaking on the topic: “Post-Putin Russia�.
1st Week | Wednesday 27th April | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
Dr Vitali Klitschko Mayor of Kiev
Known as ‘Dr Ironfist’, Vitali Klitschko’s incredible height, reach and win record have cemented his position as one of the world’s best boxers, with an 87.23% knockout rate. Following his retirement from sport, he has become active in Ukrainian politics, playing an instrumental role in the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. A powerful advocate of the European Union, he is currently Mayor of Kiev and is widely tipped to be a future President of Ukraine.
1st Week | Thursday 28th April | 17:00
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Trinity 2016
Michael Eavis CBE
Founder of Glastonbury Festival For over 40 years, Michael Eavis has been hosting the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts on his working dairy farm in Somerset. The Festival has played host to the likes of Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, and has become an icon of popular culture. In 2009, Eavis was nominated by TIME magazine as one of most influential people in the world.
2nd Week | Monday 2nd May | 20:00
Clarence Seedorf A retired Dutch footballer and former Manager of A.C. Milan, Clarence Seedorf is regarded by many as the best midfielder of his generation, and was chosen by Pelé as part of the ‘FIFA 100’. Having appeared in 87 matches for the Netherlands, he is one of the most decorated Dutch footballers of all time, and is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid and A.C. Milan.
2nd Week | Tuesday 3rd May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
George Foreman A two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist boxer, George Foreman made two successful title defences before losing to Muhammad Ali in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974, which has been described as “arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century”. He was unable to secure another title, and retired following a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977. He has since become an ordained Christian Minister, author, and entrepreneur, widely known for his promotion of the George Foreman Grill.
2nd Week | Wednesday 4th May | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
Geri Halliwell & Christian Horner OBE Married in 2015, Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner are best known for their impressive careers in the entertainment and motorsport industries respectively. Halliwell rose to prominence as one of the Spice Girls, the best-selling female pop group of all time, and has since been successful as a solo artist. Horner is the Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, which has won four Constructors’ Championships under his leadership.
3rd Week | Monday 9th May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
Liv Boeree
#1 Female Player on the Global Poker Index A television presenter with a background in astrophysics, Liv Boeree is also one of the most successful poker players of all time. With total tournament winnings of more than $2.9m, she joins some of the best known poker faces in the world as an ambassador of PokerStars. As of November 2015, has been ranked as the Number 1 female player on the Global Poker Index. She recently co-founded Raising for Effective Giving, an organisation which encourages poker players to donate at least 2% of their winnings to highly effective charities. She will be giving strategic and practical poker advice.
3rd Week | Tuesday 10th May | 17:00
Anthony Geffen
Sir David Attenborough’s Filmmaker Having collaborated with Sir David Attenborough on 11 award-winning projects, Anthony Geffen is one of the world’s leading documentary filmmakers and producers, renowned for his innovative use of 3D and virtual reality technology. The CEO and Creative Director of Atlantic Productions, he is the only producer to have won the Huw Wheldon BAFTA twice, and to have won three Emmy Awards in a single year. He will be showing clips from his films.
3rd Week | Tuesday 10th May | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
Jeroen Dijsselbloem
Dutch Finance Minister and President of the Eurogroup As Minister of Finance of the Netherlands since 2012, Jeroen Dijsselbloem is now also President of the Eurogroup and President of the Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism. He took the lead in negotiations between European creditors and Greece over its bailout package in 2015, and is an advocate of fiscal reform to promote the smooth functioning of the currency union.
3rd Week | Wednesday 11th May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
Bangladesh Panel Discussion
From a Basket Case to a Development Role Model: The Story of Bangladesh How has Bangladesh achieved such remarkable success in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth? What are the key challenges the country still faces today? What lessons from Bangladesh can be useful for other developing countries in Asia and Africa?
3rd Week | Saturday 14th May | 17:00
Dr Kamal Hossain | Architect of the Bangladeshi Constitution, he served as Law Minister 1972–1973, and Foreign Minister 1973–1975, following the independence of Bangladesh.
Dr Gowher Rizvi | Scholar and academic who specialises in international relations and public policy. He is the International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Prof. Sir Paul Collier CBE | Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. His research focusses on international growth and development.
Prof. Mthuli Ncube | Professor of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, where he teaches macroeconomics, finance, development economics, and political economy.
In Partnership with the Oxford University Bangladesh Society
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Trinity 2016
Candide Thovex Considered by many specialists to be the best freeskier in the history of the sport, Candide Thovex first gained fame by jumping Chad’s Gap, a 120ft jump over a 40ft gully. He became an online sensation following his video series, One of Those Days, which records his somewhat extreme approach to skiing in the French Alps. Producing all of his own videos, the second instalment of the series was viewed more than 13 million times in the first month.
4th Week | Wednesday 18th May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
In Partnership with the Oxford University Africa Society
Oxford Africa Conference
Challenging Narratives: Governance, Youth Leadership & Business in Africa A student-led initiative organised by the Oxford Africa Society and its partners, the Oxford Africa Conference aims to provide a vibrant platform for new thinking about Africa across all disciplines: politics, society, business, arts, technology, and academia. It connects intergenerational leaders from around the world to shape an integrated and innovative perspective on Africa’s future. The Conference brings together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, academics, artists and students across two days to expand the critical discourse on Africa. The Oxford Union is proud to continue its partnership with the Oxford Africa Conference as the venue for its opening day. 150 Day 1 tickets have been reserved for members of the Oxford Union.
4th Week | Friday 20th May | 08:00–17:00 34
Trinity 2016
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker and Activist An acclaimed journalist and filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has won six Emmy Awards, and made history in 2015 by becoming the first Pakistani to win two Oscars. Her best known documentary, Saving Face, follows female victims of acid attacks and reportedly assisted the conviction of a perpetrator. TIME magazine listed her as one of the most influential people in the world in 2012. There will be a screening of Saving Face before the start of the event.
5th Week | Sunday 22nd May | 17:00 In Partnership with the Oxford Pakistan Society
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The Oxford Union
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Renowned for his strong personal leadership, Chief Rabbi Mirvis is an advocate of the expansion of women’s roles in Orthodox Judaism, and supports interfaith collaboration, having been the first United Synagogue Rabbi to host an address by an Imam in his synagogue. Born in South Africa, he is also a Talmudic scholar, and previously served as the Chief Rabbi of Ireland.
5th Week | Monday 23rd May | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
KT Tunstall An award-winning singer-songwriter and musician, KT Tunstall won the Ivor Novello Best Song Award for her 2005 single, ‘Suddenly I See’, and has been nominated for a Grammy Award and the Mercury Prize. Having already released five albums to international acclaim, and having had a successful career in Hollywood as a writer of film soundtracks, she will release her sixth album in 2016. She will be performing.
5th Week | Tuesday 24th May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
In Partnership with the IBM Watson Division
IBM Watson
The Oxford Union’s First Non-Human Guest IBM Watson is a cognitive technology platform which represents a new era in computing: by understanding natural language and generating hypotheses based on evidence, Watson processes information more like a human than a computer, through senses, learning, and experience. Watson continuously learns over time, gaining in value and knowledge from previous interactions. In a historic event, we will be joined by representatives from IBM to discuss the technology behind Watson, and the history of how it came to be, from the grand challenge of competing on Jeopardy! to supporting clinicians. They will also discuss what the future holds for artificial and augmented intelligence.
5th Week | Wednesday 25th May | 20:00 38
Trinity 2016
Kate Beckinsale Having made her film debut in Much Ado About Nothing prior to starting her French and Russian degree at New College, Kate Beckinsale has since appeared in acclaimed independent films and blockbuster features. Credits include Brokedown Palace, Pearl Harbor, Laurel Canyon, Underworld, The Aviator and Total Recall. Her new film, Love & Friendship, is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, in which she re-teams with Last Days of Disco Director, Whit Stillman, and co-stars alongside ChloÍ Sevigny and Stephen Fry. She will be screening clips from her new film, Love & Friendship.
Ph oto : Ja me sW hit e
5th Week | Friday 27th May | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
James Blunt Having won two BRIT Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, as well as receiving five Grammy Award nominations, James Blunt is a singer-songwriter who has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. He rose to prominence in 2004 with the release of his debut album, Back to Bedlam, which became the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK. He previously served as a reconnaissance officer in Kosovo under NATO, and actively supports MÊdecins Sans Frontières and Help For Heroes.
6th Week | Tuesday 31st May | 20:00
40
Trinity 2016
Ken Livingstone The First Mayor of London
The Mayor of London from 2000 until 2008, Ken Livingstone has been characterised by Margaret Thatcher’s biographer as “the only truly successful left-wing British politician of modern times”. During his tenure as Mayor, he introduced initiatives such as the Oyster Card and the Congestion Charge, and strove to improve the rights of women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and ethnic minorities, though he has been accused by some of cronyism and anti-semitism.
6th Week | Wednesday 1st June | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
Allyson Felix The finest American sprinter of her generation, Allyson Felix has long captivated the hearts and minds of the world with her blinding speed. She has won four Olympic gold medals (three of which were won at London 2012), two silver medals, and nine World Championship gold medals. She will be competing in the 200-metre and 400-metre races at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
7th Week | Monday 6th June | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
Dr Riek Machar
Vice President of South Sudan A driving force of South Sudanese independence, Riek Machar challenged the government for over 20 years. He served as the first Vice President of South Sudan from 2011 until he was removed from office in 2013 for allegedly organising a coup against President Kiir. In 2012, he publicly apologised for his role in the Bor Massacre as Leader of the SPLA-Nasir rebel faction. He has just returned from exile having been reappointed as Vice President in February 2016.
7th Week | Tuesday 7th June | 17:00
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The Oxford Union
Theo Paphitis The owner of stationery chain Ryman, homeware specialist Robert Dyas, and lingerie retailer Boux Avenue, Theo Paphitis came into the public eye as one of the Dragons for nine series of Dragons’ Den. He was previously Chairman of Millwall Football Club, and was responsible for bringing the Club out of administration. In 2014, he was reported to have an estimated net worth of £210m.
7th Week | Tuesday 7th June | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
Jerry Springer A former soldier, actor, and musician, Jerry Springer is an American TV presenter whose eponymous tabloid talk show has been running since 1991. He has since achieved record ratings, and has become a household name all over the world, with the chant “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” becoming something of a cultural phenomenon. He also hosted America’s Got Talent for two seasons and was Mayor of Cincinnati in the late 1970s. He will be speaking on the topic: “The Big Break-Up: Jerry Picks Apart the Presidential Race”.
7th Week | Wednesday 8th June | 20:00
Craig David Rising to prominence after featuring on the Artful Dodger single ‘Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)’ in 1999, Craig David is an English singer-songwriter who has since sold over 13 million records, and has won Ivor Novello and MTV Awards. He will be accompanied by his manager, Colin Lester, who has supported his career from the outset; their partnership is renowned for its longevity and lucrative nature. He will be performing.
8th Week | Monday 13th June | 20:00
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The Oxford Union
Lord Michael Dobbs Author of House of Cards
A best-selling author, Lord Dobbs served as an advisor to Margaret Thatcher, and then as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party under Sir John Major. His writing career took off with the publication of House of Cards in 1989, a political thriller which was turned into a BAFTA-winning television miniseries. More recently, the series has been adapted by Netflix into an international sensation starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, with Lord Dobbs as Executive Producer. He will be speaking on the topic: “Life, Liquor and Lust: How House of Cards Wrote Itself”.
8th Week | Tuesday 14th June | 20:00
Gabrielle Aplin Having achieved fame for her cover of ‘The Power of Love’, the soundtrack of the 2012 John Lewis Christmas advert, Gabrielle Aplin is recognised as one of the best up-and-coming singer-songwriters of today. She has been championed by BBC Introducing for her lyrical honesty and stripped-back sound. Her debut album, English Rain, sold over 100,000 copies and peaked at number two on the UK Album Chart. She will be performing.
8th Week | Wednesday 15th June | 20:00
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Trinity 2016
Naomi Campbell Scouted at the age of 15, Naomi Campbell became one the most popular models in the world during the late 1980s and 1990s, widely recognised as one of the original ‘supermodels’. In 1988, she became the first black model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris, and has remained an icon ever since. She is an outspoken advocate of the Diversity Coalition, a group which aims to fight racial discrimination in the fashion industry.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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The Oxford Union
Sir Michael Gambon CBE Born in Dublin, Sir Michael Gambon is a star of film, television, and theatre, best known for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise. In a career spanning over five decades, he has won countless awards, including three Olivier Awards and four BAFTAs. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest British actors of his generation, having delivered acclaimed performances in productions from The Caretaker to Brideshead Revisited.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss GBE First Female Lord Justice of Appeal
As Lord Justice of Appeal, Baroness ButlerSloss was the highest-ranking female judge in the UK until she was superseded in 2004. During her career, she chaired the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, and was the first woman to hold the position of President of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
Adel al-Jubeir
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2015, Adel al-Jubeir is the first person not belonging to the House of Saud to hold the post. He previously served as a Foreign Affairs Advisor to King Abdullah, and as Ambassador to the United States between 2007 and 2015, overseeing record-level investments between the two countries. He is outspoken on Syria, and has said that “Bashar al-Assad will leave – have no doubt about it”.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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The Oxford Union
Shehbaz Sharif Chief Minister of Punjab
As the longest-serving Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif had to self-exile to Saudi Arabia following a military coup in 1999. He has held the office of Chief Minister three times, most recently following the 2013 general election. He is credited with making Punjab more socially liberal, having established initiatives like the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, and he is widely tipped to be a future Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
Andreja Pejić
Transgender Model and Activist Scouted as a model whilst working for McDonald’s, Andreja Pejić initially made waves in the fashion industry for modelling both masculine and feminine creations for high-profile designers such as Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier. In 2014, she came out as a transgender woman, and became the first openly transgender model to be profiled by Vogue.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
Photo: Justi n Poland
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Ben Affleck Gaining worldwide acclaim for Good Will Hunting, Ben Affleck is an actor and director who has since starred in Shakespeare in Love, Hollywoodland, Argo, Gone Girl and, most recently, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He has won 67 awards, including two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and two BAFTAs. He is also a noted philanthropist, having co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative, and actively fundraised for the A-T Children’s Project since 1998.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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The Oxford Union
Guy Verhofstadt
Former Prime Minister of Belgium As Prime Minister of Belgium from 1999 until 2008, Guy Verhofstadt was the first liberal Prime Minister since 1884. Since 2009, he has served as an MEP, where he leads the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, and founded the Spinelli Group, which strives for federalisation of the EU. He is critical of the British and French policy towards refugees, and referred to the recent EU-Turkey deal as “not just immoral, but fundamentally flawed”.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
Lindsey Vonn The most successful American ski racer in history, Lindsey Vonn is one of only two female skiers to have won four overall World Cup championships. She has won a total of 76 World Cup races, an all time women’s record. Receiving the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award in 2010, she has also worked as a correspondent for NBC News.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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Paula Radcliffe MBE Ending her competitive running career in 2015, Paula Radcliffe is the current women’s world record holder in the marathon with her time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds. She has won the London Marathon and the New York Marathon three times each, as well as being World Champion in the marathon, half marathon, and cross country. Representing Great Britain at four consecutive Olympic Games, she won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2002.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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The Oxford Union
Sir John Major KG
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990 until 1997, Sir John Major oversaw Britain’s longest period of continuous economic growth and the beginning of the Northern Ireland peace process. Having been Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer under Margaret Thatcher, he successfully negotiated Britain’s opt-out from the Euro at Maastricht in 1991, and then won the greatest number of votes in British electoral history in the 1992 general election.
Date and Time to be Confirmed
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In Partnership with the Oxford University Conservative Association
R E S TA U R A N T
&
B AR
OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY… UNTIL LATE
new bar new kitchen new menu new terrace no need to book www.quod.co.uk
The Oxford Union
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Socials Snooker Tournament
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Pub Quizzes
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Live at the Union: Comedy Night
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Garden Party
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Pre-Debate Drinks
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The Oxford Union
Snooker Tournament Fancy your chances in a head-to-head knockout-style snooker competition? Defeat your opponent in a game to move up the ranks and be in with the chance of winning some fabulous prizes, including a meal for two at Edamamé going to the winner.
3rd Week | Sunday 8th May 12:00–20:00
Pub Quizzes Build a team of trivia fiends and head over to the Members’ Bar for a chance to win some magnificent prizes. If your sports knowledge and pop culture wisdom is up to scratch, you could win some fabulous prizes. £100 cash will be awarded to the winning team, with runners-up prizes including a meal for four at The White Rabbit, Glee Club comedy tickets, and vouchers for Ex(c)iting Game. Prizes aside, the pub quiz always makes for a great night!
2nd Week | Wednesday 4th May 4th Week | Wednesday 18th May 21:15
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Live at the Union: Comedy Night A night of stand-up, sketch, and improvisation hosted by Dead Ringers star, Jon Culshaw, featuring the very best of Oxford student comedy alongside rising stars such as Simon Caine and Chris Turner. Grab yourself a drink in the Members’ Bar before heading over to the Chamber for what is set to be a spirited night! The full line-up will be revealed nearer to the time.
4th Week | Friday 20th May | 20:00–21:30
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Contact: Mia Smith – secretary@oxford-union.org Tickets: On sale online and in the General Office from Friday of 1st Week
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Date: Saturday of 6th Week (4th June 2016) Time: 14:00–17:00 Dress Code: Blazers & Dresses
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The Oxford Union
Pre-Debate Drinks Please join the Liberation Officers for drinks before four of this term’s debates. These events provide a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have, discuss debate motions, and meet other Union members in a relaxed environment.
2nd Week | Thursday 5th May | 19:00–19:45 | Climate Change Debate Pre-debate drinks with the Women’s Officer (aurelia.vandamme@keble.ox.ac.uk)
3rd Week | Thursday 12th May | 19:00–19:45 | Refugee Crisis Debate
Pre-debate drinks with the Ethnic Minorities Officer (stephen.osuobeni@hmc.ox.ac.uk)
4th Week | Thursday 19th May | 19:00–19:45 | Two-State Solution Debate Pre-debate drinks with the LGBTQIA+ Officer (gabriel.rusk@ssho.ox.ac.uk)
6th Week | Thursday 2nd June | 19:00–19:45 | Technological Privacy Debate Pre-debate drinks with the Disabilities Officer (brahma.mohanty@kellogg.ox.ac.uk)
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Information Competitive Debating
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How the Union Works
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How to Get Involved
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The Library
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The Members’ Bar
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Treasurer’s Treats
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FAQs
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The Oxford Union Committee
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Appointed Officials & Staff
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How to Stay Informed
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Competitive Debating Whilst the Oxford Union is famous for its speaker meetings and Thursday evening debates, it still stays true to its roots, maintaining a strong competitive debating tradition. We pride ourselves on training anyone who is interested in the art of debating, regardless of whether you want to debate competitively, or just improve your public speaking skills. When it comes to competitive debating, we are amongst the best in the world. This year, Oxford reached the semi-finals of the European Universities Debating Championship (EUDC). We also saw all six members of our delegation at the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) rank in the top 50 speakers globally, and progress from the preliminary rounds to the elimination rounds, a feat matched by only one other university. Competitive debating at Oxford is fun, rewarding, and inclusive for members of any experience level, from absolute beginners to the very best in the world. Each year, we send debaters and judges to competitions all over the UK and Europe at no expense, with a novice quota for almost every tournament. The programme for this Trinity includes competitions in Vienna and Paris, as well as an inter-collegiate competition.
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However, competitive debating involves more than just selecting teams to send to competitions; it also encompasses a vast amount of training, hosting our own competitions for speakers from all over the world, and access work for schools which could benefit from the skills required in debating. Training sessions are held each Sunday at 18:30. The format is simple, and social! After a short talk, there will be a round of practise debates, before before continuing our discussions in the Members' Bar at 20:30. Our training programme is specially designed so that people can begin learning to debate at any point during the year. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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This term, two major debating competitions are being held at the Oxford Union and will host speakers from all over the world: the Oxford Women’s Open (6th–7th May); and ICYD, the International Competition for Young Debaters (30th April). All Union members are invited to watch the grand finals during the last evening of both events; they will be of a very high quality indeed, and an excellent introduction to the world of competitive debating.
How Do I Get Involved? We send out our debating announcements via our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to this by sending a blank email from your University Nexus account to debate-announce-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk. If you have a specific question, please email Toby Tricks, the Chair of the Debate Selection Committee, at cdsc@oxfordunion.org, and he will be able to help you.
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How the Union Works Standing Committee Chair – Robert Harris, President The Union’s governing body, which makes all major decisions concerning the running of the Society, and oversees the work of all committees. Mondays, 16:00, President’s Office Finance Committee Chair – Robert Harris, President Responsible for scrutinising termly, annual and event budgets, reporting its findings to the Standing Committee. Mondays, 15:00, President’s Office Consultative Committee Chair – Rio Hoe, CCC A chance for members to question the elected Committee and hear updates on upcoming events. Mondays, 13:15, Gladstone Room Library Committee Chair – Ssuuna Golooba-Mutebi, Librarian Responsible for choosing new library books and DVDs, and for all other aspects of the Library’s management. Mondays, 14:15, Morris Room 68
Wines and Spirits Committee Chair – Mia Smith, Secretary Responsible for choosing and managing the Bar’s stocks, setting its prices, and composing the budget. Ad hoc (at least twice termly) Debate Selection Committee Chair – Toby Tricks, CDSC Responsible for organising internal competitions, and selecting members to represent the Union at external debating competitions. Sundays, 17:00, Gladstone Room Access Committee Chairs – James Olney and Srishti Suresh, Access Officers Responsible for the promotion of wider participation in, and engagement with, the Society. Saturdays, 15:00, TV Room
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How to Get Involved If you are interested in getting involved with the Oxford Union, there are a number of ways to do so. Participate in Debates Debates take place at 20:30 on Thursday evenings, and are held in the Chamber. They cover a range of subjects and are a great opportunity to challenge speakers, as well as to voice your opinions on topical issues. You can participate by giving a floor speech in the Main Debate before the final speakers, or in the Emergency Debate which precedes (starting at 19:45). For those interested in honing their debating skills, debating workshops are held in the Union every Sunday at 18:30. Run for Election All Officers and committee members are elected by you, the members, on Friday of 7th Week. Aspiring committee members are required to make a number of speeches in Thursday evening debates, depending on the position for which they are running. Nomination packs can be picked up in the General Office from mid-5th Week. The deadline for nominations is Friday of 6th Week. For more information, contact the Returning Officer at ro@oxford-union.org.
Apply for an Appointed Position Applications for Michaelmas Term’s appointed positions open in 7th Week of this term. Roles include inviting speakers and arranging debates, improving access and representation, helping with publicity, and financing the Society. For more information, contact Noah Lachs, the President-Elect, at president-elect@oxford-union.org. Attend Open Sessions or Committees Do you have a burning question to ask the President? Do you want to see how decisions at the Union are made? The President will be holding an Open Session from 14:00 every Monday in the President’s Office, during which anyone can ask questions about the Union. All committees on the previous page are also open for members to attend and observe.
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The Library The Oxford Union has one of the largest lending libraries in the University and, unlike College libraries, boasts an extensive collection of fiction and travel books. Most of our collection is catalogued on SOLO. The Library also has most of your daily newspapers, subscribes to a number of magazines, and has an impressive collection of DVDs.
The Old Library is adorned with some of the world's most famous Pre-Raphaelite murals, painted by artists including William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The adjoining Poetry Room is a true hidden gem, whilst the beautiful Goodman Library is open until 23:00 daily. Our suggestions book can be found in the Old Library. If you are interested in getting involved in the running of the Library, contact Ssuuna Golooba-Mutebi at librarian@oxford-union.org about joining the Library Committee, which meets at 14:15 every Monday during term. Old Library term-time opening hours: Mon–Fri: Sat:
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09:30–19:00 12:00–16:30
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The Members’ Bar Few places in central Oxford are classy and affordable – the Members’ Bar is both. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or an evening drink, you can enjoy high quality food and beverages at student prices, with a 25% members’ only discount. Our lunchtime menu has recently been updated, boasting a delicious selection of homemade options.
Our House Manager, Bridget Gaughan, is looking forward to welcoming you and your guests. Please do not hesitate to contact her at housemanager@oxford-union.org with questions or suggestions about the Bar.
Refurbished over the summer, and much like a hall of fame, the Members’ Bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests. You never know who you might meet there, and current speakers often share a drink with members when addressing the Union. A place to meet friends and celebrities, the Members’ Bar is truly unique. This term, we will be hosting two pub quizzes on Wednesday of 2nd Week and Wednesday of 4th Week. With £100 cash prizes for the winning teams, and mouth-watering prizes for the runnersup, these promise to be great evenings. The Liberation Officers will also be hosting drinks in the Bar before our Thursday night debates in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Weeks.
Mon–Wed: Thurs–Sat: Sun:
Term-time opening hours (subject to demand): 10:00–00:00 10:00–02:00 12:00–22:30
Our revamped lunch menu is served: Mon–Fri:
11:30–15:00
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Treasurer’s Treats Bars Duke of Cambridge The House Raoul’s The Varsity Club NEW! Angels NEW! Bar Aroma
Happy Hour prices (Sun–Thu) Happy Hour prices (Sun–Thu) 30% discount (16:00–20:00) £2 entry on Tuesday Happy Hour prices (Sun–Fri) 10% discount, 10 sambuca / tequila shots for £20
Cafés & Delicatessens Art Café La Croissanterie Formosan Tea Bar The Handlebar Heroes iScream Gelato Modern Art Oxford Café Moo-Moo’s Nectar Oxford Sandwich Company Paul Queen’s Lane Coffee House Queen’s Lane Deli Ricardo’s Sofi de France Tick Tock Café Vaults & Garden Café NEW! Jimbob’s NEW! Smööy Frozen Yoghurt
10% discount 20% discount 10% discount 30p off coffee (Mon–Sat after 18:00), 2 bottles of wine for £22 (Mon–Wed) Spend £5 and get free cake 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 5% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount 10% discount (before 11:30) 15% discount (20% if over £20) 10% discount 10% discount (12:00–14:00), 20% food discount (on weekdays after 14:30) 15% discount 10% discount
Restaurants All Bar One Ask Italian Makan La Maxwell’s Pieminister Shanghai 30’s NEW! Côte Brasserie NEW! Mamma Mia Pizzeria NEW! Qumins Indian Cuisine
20% discount if over £20 25% discount (Sun–Thu) 10% discount 20% food discount 10% discount 25% discount (15% takeaway discount) Complimentary Kir Royale when dining 20% discount (Tue–Fri, 17:00–19:30) 15% discount (Mon–Thu before 18:30)
Shops & Others Fudge Kitchen Happy Cakes Modern Art Oxford Shop NEW! Austin Reed NEW! OxBicycles NEW! Tinc NEW! Ultimate Picture Palace NEW! Walton Street Cycles
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5 slices for £16 (or 7 for £22) 15% discount 10% discount 20% discount (10% if on sale), 10% discount for hirewear Complimentary lock upon bicycle purchase 10% discount 2 for 1 on Tuesday 10% discount on bicycles
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Frequently Asked Questions Can I bring a guest to an event?
What time should I arrive for an event?
Members are allowed to bring up to three guests to an event, as long as:
As early as you can! Given that seats for most events are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, there is no accurate way to predict what time you need to arrive. Our best advice is to arrive early, work in the Library or have a drink in the Bar, and keep an eye on the queue so you know when to join it. We will make sure to give updates about the size of the queue on the Facebook event page.
1. 2. 3.
The guest is not themselves eligible for membership of the Oxford Union. ÂŁ10 is paid on the door per guest. All members who wish to attend the event have already taken their seats.
Events will be made exclusive to members when there is a security risk. Given (3) above, it is unlikely that there will be space for guests at an extremely popular event. Does queuing always operate on a first-come, first-served basis? The vast majority of our events operate on a firstcome, first-served basis. For events which we anticipate to be heavily oversubscribed, some tickets will be released in advance for collection at a specified time from the General Office (details will be publicised by email and on Facebook), but the majority of spaces will still be available firstcome, first-served.
How do I ballot for a speaker reception or dinner? At all speaker events for which the speaker has requested a drinks reception, spaces will be reserved for members. At every debate, there will be 5 spaces reserved for dinner before and drinks afterwards. These spaces will be allocated by an automated random ballot, a link to which will be advertised by email and on Facebook.
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The Oxford Union
The Oxford Union Committee
President Robert Harris New College
Librarian Ssuuna Golooba-Mutebi St John’s
Treasurer Nikolay Koshikov Exeter
Librarian-Elect Frances Varley Somerville
Treasurer-Elect Michael Li Magdalen
Secretary Mia Smith Oriel
President-Elect Noah Lachs Lincoln
Standing Committee
Dom Hopkins-Powell New College
Belinda Gurung Trinity
Ira Banerjee Lincoln
Henry Kitchen Exeter
Sam Billington Somerville
Jack Woollett Pembroke
Kriti Joshi Hertford
Secretary’s Committee
Owen Rapaport New College
Dena Latif Oriel
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Chris Zabilowicz Worcester
Laali Vadlamani Trinity
Rahul Gandhi Green Templeton
Victoria Strutt St Anne’s
Rosie Morgan Jesus
Jack Symonds Lady Margaret Hall
Jess Bollands Somerville
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Appointed Officials & Staff Appointed Officials CCC Director of Operations Chief of Staff Deputy Chief of Staff Returning Officer Press Officer Assistant Press Officers Access Officers Disabilities Officer Ethnic Minorities Officer LGBTQIA+ Officer Women’s Officer SBS Liaison Officer Graduate Officers International Officers Brookes Officer Sponsorship Officers
Rio Hoe Calum Neil John Hutton Henry Robertson Ceri Smith Jack Lennard Neil Suchak; Nimarta Narang; Spencer Howell James Olney; Srishti Suresh Brahma Mohanty Stephen Osuobeni Gabe Rusk Aurelia Vandamme Matthew McGrath Daniel Avraham; Jamie Kang Reza Rezaei Javan; William Sager Tess Noll Christopher Dowd; Hannah Mooradian; James Wilkins; Jaskaran Rajput; Maan Al-Yasiri; Stephan Jensen; Susan Yu; Will Taylor; Susan Yu
Guest Liaison Officers
Alex Urwin; Barnaby Willis; Elisa Mitrofan; Emily Hines; Emily Tench; Hugo Birtle; Jonni Shen; Julian Kirk; Kendra Broome; Liam Hyde; Manal Cheema; Ross McDonach; Roxana Legezynska; Will Rooney
Invitation Researchers
Abra Ganz; Aimanda Gulick; Alan Petri; Desola Kazeem; George Peel; Giles Leigh; Jamie Cox; Laura Fritsch; Louis McEvoy; Lucinda Chamberlain; Nadia Haworth; Robert Paver; Rufus Morgan; Sam Attias; Songyan Yu
Staff Senior Librarian Senior Treasurer Bursar House Manager Librarian-in-Charge Events Manager Accounts Manager Office Secretary IT Officer Graphic Designer
Sean Power Stephen Dixon Lindsey Warne Bridget Gaughan Su Lockey Nikki Wood Robert Phillips Rebecca Hogg Jeremy Worth Craig Slade (Triple Take Ltd)
Trustees Dr Jeremy Catto Hon. Peter Jay Sean Power Stephen Dixon
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How to Stay Informed
f T Y
theoxfordunion
@oxfordunion
oxfordunion
@theoxfordunion
oxford-union.org
Receive Notifications About Our Events Sign up to our mailing list by entering your email address on our website homepage: www.oxford-union.org. On our Facebook page, click ‘Like’ and then turn notifications on from the drop-down menu which appears. All of our events will be advertised on Facebook.
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Events Subject to Change Without Notice Debate
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8th
Wed
Clarence Seedorf 20:00
Snooker Tournament 12:00–20.00
2 Geri Halliwell & Christian Horner 20:00
8
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy 17:00
Anthony Geffen 20:00
16 KT Tunstall 20:00
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis 12:00
22
Dr Riek Machar 17:00
6
5 Craig David 20:00
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Dates to be Confirmed
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13 Naomi Campbell Sir Michael Gambon Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss
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Two-State Solution Debate 19 20:30
14
20
21
27
28
Oxford Africa Conference 08:00–17:00 Comedy Night 20:00
26 Disabilities Officer’s Drinks | 19:00
1
7
13
Kate Beckinsale 20:00
DNA Manipulation Debate 20:30
Jerry Springer 20:00
Lord Michael Dobbs 20:00
Bangladesh Panel Discussion 17:00
Pub Quiz 21:15
25
Technological Privacy Debate 20:30
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6
5
LGBTQIA+ Officer’s Drinks | 19:00
18
Oxford Women’s Open 08:00–22:00
Ethnic Minorities Officer’s Drinks 19:00 Refugee Crisis Debate | 20:30
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29 Oxford Women’s Open 14:00–21:30
Candide Thovex 20:00
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Theo Paphitis 20:00
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Ken Livingstone 20:00
30 Allyson Felix 20:00
Climate Change Debate 20:30
24 James Blunt 20:00
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Pub Quiz 21:15
IBM Watson 20:00
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Sat
28
Women’s Officer’s Drinks | 19:00
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17
Religion Debate 20:30
Other
ICYD Finals’ Day 09:00–20:00
George Foreman 20:00
Jeroen Dijsselbloem 20:00
Liv Boeree 17:00
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15
3
Fri
Dr Vitali Klitschko 17:00
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Social Event
Thu
Mikhail Khodorkovsky 20:00
25
1
4th
7th
Tue
Michael Eavis 20:00
2nd
6th
Mon
Ambassador Mark Regev 20:00
1st
5th
Term Planner
Speaker
Sun
3rd
£5
Garden Party 14:00–17:00
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3
4
Elections 09:30–20:30
EU Referendum Debate 20:30
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9
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15
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Gabrielle Aplin 20:00
14 Adel al-Jubeir Shehbaz Sharif Andreja Pejić
Ben Affleck Guy Verhofstadt Lindsey Vonn
Paula Radcliffe Sir John Major