Easter Term 2024 | The Cambridge Union

the Cambridge Union

“

Failure only comes when we forget our ideals and objectives and principles.

— Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, addressing the Cambridge Union Society in 1955

Welcome

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While our traditions and the mission of defending free speech continue to shape us today, the Cambridge Union is very different to how it was 209 years ago. Our first President, Sir Edward J. Gambier, became a judge within the British colonial administration in India. I was born in an independent India 168 years later and would not have been allowed to join the society when it was first established. We may have come a long way since our founding in the back of the Red Lion Inn above Petty Cury but there is always more to be done. Speak in our debates. Ask questions of your officers. Apply for positions. Run for election. Tear it all down to build it back up again. Throughout my time here, the Union has undergone remarkable changes and continues to look more diverse than ever but it is you, our members, that make it possible.

So amidst the impending doom of revision and exams–when it all feels like it might be getting too much–I hope the Union can be a space for you to unwind, be challenged, and have fun, like it has for many before you.

Bust a move with Greentea Peng, pick up some new things at the Outdoor Flea Market, or frivol at our annual Summer Party. Get absolutely binned at cocktail making and then enjoy free tea in the Members’ Room on a Tuesday to cure that well-deserved hangover. Debate sex with an award-winning barrister in this term’s Women & NB debate, discuss religion at our panel, or network with a law firm. If this won’t bring you down to Bridge Street, not to worry because you now have access to over 25+ new reciprocal membership clubs and can enjoy 10% off at Michaelhouse Cafe amongst our many other membership benefits.

This term, we’ve curated a diverse set of debates that keep the Union’s spirit of challenging ideas and sparking lively discussions at the forefront of what we do. We kick off Easter by debating the future of the House of Lords, featuring the second woman Union President and inaugural Lord Speaker, Baroness Hayman. You’ll have the opportunity to debate masculinity with Jordan Stephens (yes, of Rizzle Kicks), sport with one of the Lionesses’ top scorers, Eniola Aluko, the West’s engagement with Russia with former Attorney-

General Dominic Grieve KC, and imperialism with the Secretary-General of Amnesty International, Dr Agnès Callamard. I’m also really proud to (finally!) bring back floor speech prizes. From a Summer Party ticket to a Glassworks Spa Treatment, and the opportunity to have a custom Jack’s Gelato flavour, participating in our Thursday night debates has never looked so good. So if you’re a seasoned floor speaker or have never spoken in one of our debates, do come along and contribute.

But this term isn’t just about our debates. Maybe you want to ask Sam McAlister about that infamous Prince Andrew interview, or maybe you want to meet a former British number one tennis player in Johanna Konta. From Tony-nominated actress Keala Settle to billionaire businessman Peter Thiel and philanthropist and socialite Marla Maples, there’s something in it for everyone.

Perhaps, the event I’m most excited for this Easter is the visit by Saint Levant, the Jerusalem-born artist behind songs such as ‘From Gaza, with Love’ and ‘Very Few Friends.’ Our mission as a free speech society is to highlight the issues of our time and to facilitate open dialogue. In the middle of one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time, I believe it is so vital to this mission that we hear from Palestinian voices here at the Union.

Welcome to Easter 2024 at the Cambridge Union. Whether you’re a third year leaving Cambridge, or a fresher embarking on your first set of exams, I hope to see you around at our events amongst all the sun and stress. Good luck and godspeed.

Neha Pauly | Christ’s President, Easter 2024

Contents

pg. 2

Welcome pg. 4

History pg. 5

Getting Involved pg. 6

Competitive Debating pg. 7

Facilities pg. 9

Accessibility pg. 11

Treasurer’s Treats pg. 12

Reciprocal Membership pg. 15

Debates pg. 31

Speakers pg. 43

Equalities pg. 49

Social Events pg. 59

Committees pg. 63

President’s Thanks

pg. 65

Sponsors

History

Born from the amalgamation of three smaller student societies, “The Cambridge Union” was established in 1815. From its very beginning, the Union has been synonymous with defiance, boldness, and fearlessness—principles that continue to ring true to this day. Its foundation was propelled by a group of students, led by Edward Gambier, who were eager to discuss and spread their ideas amidst a backdrop of unprecedented European transformation. After a brief and unsuccessful attempt by university authorities to dissolve the society in 1817, the Union emerged victorious as one of the most active and largest student societies in Cambridge.

Over the next twenty years, the Union continued to grow and experienced increasing difficulties with finding meeting venues bearing in mind that the University, whilst not banning the Union, was less than accommodating. Funds were raised by members to purchase an official venue in the form of a small pub called The George, behind the Round Church on Bridge Street, which was purchased sometime around 1840. Despite being the first official home to the Union, The George proved inadequate for hosting frequent, well-attended meetings and another fundraiser was launched as part of the mission to find the Union a permanent home.

By 1862, fruitful fundraising efforts led to £18,000 being secured which enabled the construction of the iconic Victorian clubhouse designed by Alfred Waterhouse who later designed the Natural History Museum in London. Opened in 1866 on Bridge Street, the building quickly became a central fixture in Cambridge significantly aiding the Union’s growth and influence.

Over the years, the Union has weathered significant events including its commandeering during World War II for RAF use, and later, strategic planning for Operation Conqueror. This period left damage to the building’s library and historic artefacts which remain as poignant reminders of the Union’s role in a key moment in British history.

As part of the post-war period, the society needed to reset itself and debating was actively embraced with a newfound fervour. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Union regained its dynamism, bolstered by groups like the Cambridge Mafia and the Footlights, which included members such as Norman Lamont, Ken Clarke, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and most of Monty Python—who would frequent the Union’s bar and contribute to a lively social scene.

The Union’s commitment to free speech and debating continued to attract influential figures, including members of the royal family from King George VI to King Charles III (who made his maiden speech on the floor of the chamber in Easter Term of 1970) and politicians who found their rhetorical footing within its walls such as Sir James Peiris, Vince Cable and Michael Howard. Women went on to gain a prominent role in Union life highlighted by the election of its first female president: Ann Mallalieu, in 1967. Women presidents like Arianna Huffington and Clare Balding continued to make history.

The Union remains an institution that continues to evolve year after year, having finished a major renovation of the building in 2015 as part of our bicentenary anniversary. Now, we are joined by our on-site purpose-built restaurant & bar, the Orator. We continue to play a major role in oracy and debates worldwide, armed with more reciprocal memberships than ever before (over 30 clubs worldwide). With speakers ranging from Julian Assange and Bill Gates to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Nancy Pelosi, the Union remains true to its original promise of being a place for the free exchange of ideas despite all odds.

Leonas Pausch | Homerton Vice President

Ivan Alexei Ampiah | Downing Secretary, Easter 2024

Getting Involved

Debates

Our debates aren’t just for show—members can participate in them too! Applications to speak in our emergency and main debates as a speaker open via our Facebook members’ group, Instagram story, and weekly members’ email. All members are welcome to apply - we encourage it!

19:30 - Emergency Debates

Featuring only student speakers, our Emergency Debates address the topical issues of the week and serve as a warm-up to the Main Debate. Our emergency debate speakers are rewarded with a free drink and a charitable point.

20:00 - Main Debates

In the Main Debate, members can engage in real-time through Points of Information (POI). This is where you can make a correction, ask for clarity, or just propose a question. You can stand and say ‘Point of Information’ at any point after the first and before the last minute of a speaker’s speech. The speaker may reject a POI; however, if they choose to accept, you must give a brief statement in disagreement with the point that has been made. It is then the responsibility of the speaker to respond.

If you’d like more time to suggest an argument, raise your hand when it’s time for the two rounds of floor speeches during the debate. You’ll be able to speak in proposition, opposition, or abstention, to respond to the debate as it unfolds. This term, we have some

exciting prizes on offer for the best floor speakers each week, alongside the results being announced in the bar.

Speakers and Panels

At each of our individual speaker or panel events, we allow our members to put questions to our guests. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to interact with our guests.

Join a Committee

You can also get involved by joining our committees and we have lots of them!

We recruit for Full Committee, Speakers’ Subcommittee, Debates’ Subcommittee, Equalities Subcommittee, Social Events Subcommittee, and Ball Committees. Look out on our social media and emails to be notified when applications open. Do applyyou won’t regret it!

Run for Election

Elections for Standing Committee are held at the end of each term. To run to be an Officer, you must have served a term on Full Committee and collected 4 charitable points. To run for President, you must have previously served a term as an Officer. If you have any questions about running for election, please email vicepresident@cus.org!

Competitive Debating

In addition to our weekly Thursday night debates, the Cambridge Union runs a long-established and prestigious competitive debating program. CUS regularly sends debaters to competitions across the world to represent the Union and Cambridge, including the World and European Universities Debating Championships. Our competitive debating program also forms a core part of our outreach work through Cambridge Schools and ICYD.

What is Competitive Debating?

Competitive debating at the university level often follows the British Parliamentary (BP) format. There are four teams of two speakers each, with two teams proposing the motion (the ‘Government’ teams) and the two teams opposing the motion (the ‘Opposition’ teams). Each side consists of both Opening half and Closing half teams (i.e. Opening Government or ‘OG’ and Closing Government or ‘CG’). Teams must represent their side of the motion and compete to present the most compelling, impactful, unique and substantiated arguments for their side. Each team is given 15 minutes to prepare once the motion is released, and speakers are given 7 minutes each to present their arguments. The speaking order starts with the first speaker of OG, followed by the first speaker of the Opening Opposition. It alternates, ending with the last speaker from the Closing Opposition or ‘CO’.

How do you get involved with competitive debating?

The most direct way to get involved in competitive debating is to join our training sessions. We have dedicated trainers who run weekly workshops and/ or competitive debaters who can help you improve your debating skills. Additionally, you can sign up to represent Cambridge at external tournaments and competitions - these opportunities will be publicised regularly via our mailing list and our group chats.

You can also get involved by volunteering at tournaments organised by Cambridge. In Michaelmas term, we successfully organised the Cambridge WGM,

which attracted more than 30 of the best teams worldwide. Additionally, we organised our flagship Cambridge Intervarsity tournament, welcoming the best debaters to one of the most prestigious debate tournaments in the world. In Lent term, we ran Cambridge Schools, one of the largest tournaments in the UK for schools within regionals across to the country and wider world. You can get involved at these tournaments as a judge, tabulation team member, or simply volunteering to help with logistics.

Keeping in touch

To stay up to debate with all our latest achievements and activities, you may request to join the Cambridge Debating Facebook group, and join our mailing list. Follow us on Instagram (@cambridgedebating) to receive the most updates about our competition performances, upcoming opportunities, and to find out more about members!

Our Competitive Debating Officers

Marcus Choy: marcus.choy@cus.org

Wei Kang Lee: wei.kang.lee@cus.org

Our Competitive Debating OfficerDesignates

James Cater: james.cater@cus.org

Joshua Low: joshua.low@cus.org

To contact our officers, please email debating@cus. org, or alternatively use their direct addresses.

The Cambridge Union is more than just our events! Your membership provides you access to a range of rooms across the building for everyday use. Just sign in at reception — and if the room isn’t free, you can always use the Members’ Room!

The Orator

Dining Room

Members’ Room

Members are always welcome to join us in the Union! You can visit the Chamber and library for events, enjoy a meal at the Orator, or cool off in the Garden with a cocktail!

Accessibility

We have worked hard to make sure the Union is an increasingly accessible and open space for all of our members. Our goal is to make sure that everyone who wants to can take part in our events.

There is a functional hearing loop in the main chamber, which can be turned on for any chamber event upon request. We are also affiliated with Hidden Disabilities, so there are a range of items available at the reception for any of our members who may feel more comfortable using them. This term, our bathrooms will also be stocked with free period products.

Physical Access

Do I have to queue for events if I have impaired mobility or another difficulty?

No, you can reserve benches for speaker events & debates, both in the chamber and the library. The reception, accessed by Park Street, is an accessible waiting area for highdemand events. Please email us at vicepresident@cus.org to book either of these.

What rooms are wheelchair accessible?

Every room in the Union is wheelchair accessible, bar the chamber balcony. You can enter the building through the Orator entrance on Round Church street or the reception entrance on Park Street. The reception, chamber entrance, library, and Fairfax Rhodes room doors are all wide enough to fit a wheelchair through.

Is there a quiet space for events?

The Members Room is available during and after debates as a quiet space.

Can I bring my non-member carer or guide dog with me to events?

For the most part, this should not be a problem. Please email us in advance at vicepresident@cus.org to let us know who you’ll be bringing along so we can confirm.

We offer a range of discounted memberships, depending on financial need. Our lowest band of access memberships begin at £90 for those on the full Cambridge bursary.

Whether you are new to the society or a long-standing member, we are here to support you in any way we can to make sure you get most of your membership. If you have any concerns or questions, then please contact our access team: access@cus.org

Access Memberships Welfare

Your Welfare Officers

Izzy Wyatt Seetal Kaur

Hannah Moshal

We will be running weekly welfare hours, which will be communicated via our social channels and emails.

The Orator provides anti-drink spiking covers upon request, and if you ever feel like you’re in an unsafe situation, you can ask for Angela at our bar. Our team of bar staff will know you need help and assist you as necessary.

Our Treasurer’s Treats make sure you get the most out of your membership. We hope to continually grow this list over term! If you have any questions, please get in touch at treasurer@cus.org. Michaelhouse Cafe Woo Wednesday

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS

London

The National Liberal Club

The Lansdowne Club

The Century Club

UK (Outside London) & Ireland

The Oxford Union Society, Oxford

The Durham Union Society, Durham Trinity College Historical Society, Dublin

University of St. Andrews Union Debating Society, St Andrews

The Dublin Philosophical Society, Dublin

The Clifton Club, Bristol

The Cardiff and County Club, Cardiff

The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh

The Hove Club, Brighton

The Ipswich & Suffolk Club, Ipswich

The Norfolk Club, Norwich

Europe (Outside UK)

The Union International Club, Frankfurt

The Circolo Bononia, Bologna

The Grémio Literário, Lisboa

The Business Club Hamburg, Hamburg

The Übersee Club, Hamburg (special provisions)

The Residence Exclusive Club, Sofia

The Buyuk Kulup Cercle D’Orient, Istanbul

United States & Canada

The Yale Political Union, New Haven

The Hudson Union Society, New York

The National Democratic Club, Washington D.C.

The Montauk Club, New York City

The National Club, Toronto

The Halifax Club, Halifax, Canada

The Saskatoon Club, Saskatoon

The Cypress Club, Medicine Hat

Globally

The Capital Club Dubai, Dubai

The Abbottabad Club, Abbottabad

The Rand Club, Johannesburg

The Uruguay Club, Montevideo

The Bowring Institute, Bengaluru

Your Cambridge Union membership grants you access to members’ clubs and debating societies across the world. The Cambridge Union is immensely proud to present an expanded number of reciprocal memberships available to all Cambridge Union members! Please email vicepresident@cus.org for a Letter of Introduction and more information, and include your membership number and intended visit dates for your request.

Saturday 27 April

Brought to you by the 6pm — Late Interview & DJ Set

Union Chamber & Footlight Cellars

Cambridge Union in collaboration with the Cambridge Up and Coming Society

Felix Esche | Pembroke Debates Officer

This House Would

Scrap the Lords

Thursday 25th April - 8pm

In the first debate, we discuss a classic question of the British political model, namely the morality, practicality and democratic accountability of the second house. Is the House of Lords an outdated, undemocratic institution filled with hereditary peers and unscrupulous appointments? Or is it a place of accountability, preventing American-style legislative gridlock, whilst allowing for scrutiny of proposed law by genuine experts?

Emergency Debate to begin at 7:30pm

PROPOSITION

Darren Hughes

Darren Hughes is chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society. ERS was formed in 1884 and campaigns for democratic reforms including proportional representation for the House of Commons and an elected second chamber to replace the House of Lords. Darren has served as a Member of Parliament and Government Minister in New Zealand. He moved to the United Kingdom in 2012 and holds a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a a Bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington.

Kezia Dugdale

Kezia is a Professor of Practice at the University of Glasgow and Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy.

Before joining the University of Glasgow, Kezia was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothians region for eight years, during which she led the Scottish Labour Party through four national elections and the EU referendum. Beyond her working life, she is on the board of the housing charity Shelter UK, The Electoral Reform Society and the Oversight Board of The Promise, an organisation driving change for care-experienced young people in Scotland.

Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, FSA

Jenny was born in Brighton, the daughter of a hospital cook and a dinner lady. Jenny has held several prominent political roles: Deputy Mayor of London, Deputy Chair of the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee, Green Councillor for Southwark Council and Chair of the Green Party of England and Wales. When the Green party was offered its first seat in the House of Lords in the summer of 2013, Jenny Jones was at the top of the party’s selection list, the result of a vote by all party members. Jenny was introduced to the House of Lords on November 5th 2013, she took her title, Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, from the council estate she grew up on in Brighton.

Baroness Hayman, GBE, PC

Baroness Hayman is a Crossbench peer who served as the first ever Lord Speaker from 2006 to 2011. Having entered the House of Lords in 1996, she has also held Ministerial posts in the Transport, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Health Departments. She is the current Chair of Peers for Planet and served as President of the Cambridge Union in Easter 1969.

The Lord Norton of Louth

Philip Norton (Lord Norton of Louth) is Professor of Government and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies at the University of Hull. He was appointed to the Chair of Government in 1986 making him, at 35, the youngest professor of politics in the UK. He is President of the Study of Parliament Group, Chair of the History of Parliament Trust and the Higher Education Commission, and editor of The Journal of Legislative Studies. He has been described in the House Magazine - the journal of both Houses of Parliament - as ‘our greatest living expert on Parliament’.

This House Believes

Masculinity Has Failed Men

Thursday 2nd May - 8pm

The second debate grapples with the legacy and future of masculinity. In an age where even the most genuine criticisms of the social expectations of masculinity have led to extreme backlash, we ask whether the core values and virtues associated with modern masculinity can be defended and cherished, or whether our retention of the idea prevents true liberation for all.

Emergency Debate to begin at 7:30pm

PROPOSITION

Chris Green

Chris Green is the founder of White Ribbon (UK) and the cofounder of Male Allies Challenging Sexism. From 2005 to 2008, he was appointed to be a member of the Council of Europe Task Force to combat Violence against Women which formulated and obtained funding to create the Istanbul Convention, now ratified by 26 European countries. From 2012 to 2016, he sat on the Public Health England Violence against Women Advisory group, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence working party on Domestic Abuse. Chris has worked with more than 20 different womens organisations including Refuge, Womens Aid, Object, No More Page Three, Feminista, Womens Institute, Reclaim the Night, and more.

Jordan Stephens Student Speaker

Jordan Stephens is a writer and performer, best known as one half of the chart-topping duo, Rizzle Kicks. He’s also appeared as an actor in television including: Catastrophe, Feel Good and Glue, and films including: Star Wars: Rogue One and most notably TUCKED, in which he played drag queen Faith. Having been publicly open with his own struggles surrounding mental health, Jordan has been very active in creating awareness around the stigma. His mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament. He lives and works in London.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Rosie Campbell

Professor Rosie Campbell is professor of politics and director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. She held positions at Birkbeck and UCL before joining King’s in 2018. She has recently written on barriers to participation in politics, gendered patterns of support for the populist radical right and what voters want from their elected representatives. She is one of two principal investigators of the ERC (UKRI) Synergy Project QUALREP, with Professor Sarah Childs at the University of Edinburgh, which attempts to measure the quality of women’s political representation in five European countries.

Judson Horras is the President & CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference. After more than 18 years serving Beta Theta Pi—over eight as the Administrative Secretary—he took on this role in 2016 to lead the NIC into the future. Jud is a graduate of Iowa State University. He lives in Indianapolis with his two children, Anna and Andrew, who he hopes will enjoy meaningful fraternity/ sorority experiences in the near future.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Judson Horras

Student Speaker

This House Would

Keep Politics Out of Sport

Thursday 9th May - 8pm

It’s the year of the Paris Olympics, Paralympics and the European Football Championship, and questions of sport are at the forefront of the zeitgeist.

In the third debate, we consider the role of sportspeople and events within political discourse. Should sport act as a unifying force for those of different backgrounds? Should political actors be universally removed from the sporting world? Do individuals and institutions with cultural power have the same duty and license to tackle inequality and political questions?

Emergency Debate to begin at 7:30pm

PROPOSITION

Mims Davies

Mims was elected as the Mid Sussex MP in December 2019, following 4+ years as the Eastleigh MP. She is the PPC for the new East Grinstead & Uckfield constituency following recent boundary changes. Currently the DWP Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, she’s held a number of Ministerial positions over the last 8+ years, including DWP Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Home Office Minister for Safeguarding, DWP Minister for Employment and DCMS Sports Minister.

OPPOSITION

Tim Hollingsworth

Tim is Chief Executive of Sport England, the Government agency responsible for growing and developing grassroots and community sport and getting more people active across England. He has held the role since November 2018. For seven years prior to this, Tim was Chief Executive at the British Paralympic Association, the National Paralympic Committee for the United Kingdom. Tim currently serves as the Government’s Disability Access Ambassador for Sport and Physical Activity.

Student Speaker Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Eniola Aluko Student Speaker

Eniola Aluko is a former professional footballer who represented England making 104 appearances over 11 years and playing for Great Britain in 2012 London Olympics. She leads a multi-hyphenate career as an accomplished UK solicitor, football broadcaster, philanthropist, entrepreneur, best-selling author and an executive adviser holding notable roles such as the first ever Sporting Director for the high profile women’s team Angel City FC in Los Angeles.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This House Regrets

The West’s Approach to Russia

Thursday 16th May - 8pm

For the last decade, our relationship with Russia has been central to foreign policy discourse. With the invasion of Ukraine and wars in Georgia and Chechnya before that, the fourth debate asks whether the last thirty years of Western-Russian relations have been an inevitable path to their current dire state. Could this relationship have been different had Western governments responded more forcefully to early expansionism or by engaging more openly with Russia before its abhorrent military actions?

Emergency Debate to begin at 7:30pm

Dominic Grieve

Dominic Grieve is a KC and former Attorney General from 2010-14 and Conservative MP for Beaconsfield from 1997-2019. He was chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament from 2015-19. He stood as an Independent candidate in the 2019 election having been expelled from the Conservatives for opposing the Prorogation of Parliament and a No deal Brexit.

OPPOSITION

Elizabeth Braw

Elisabeth Braw is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, focusing on new national security threats and on geopolitics and the globalised economy. She’s also a columnist with Foreign Policy and Politico Europe and the author of Goodbye Globalization: The Return of a Divided World (Yale University Press). Elisabeth was previously a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington and a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. She’s also a member of the UK National Preparedness Commission.

Grigory Yavlinsky is a Russian economist and politician. He held senior positions in the governments of the USSR and Russia. Yavlinsky is the initiator and author of “The 500 Days” program of market economic reforms, he is a leader of the opposition democratic party “Yabloko”. He ran for president of Russia in 1996 and in 2000. Yavlinsky is a principled opponent of Putin. Yavlinsky is a Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

Grigory Yavlinsky Student Speaker Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Mary Seery Kearney

Mary Seery Kearney is a Fine Gael Senator and spokesperson on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

By profession Mary is a practicing barrister and management consultant specialising in Industrial Relations, Employment, Data Protection and Corporate Governance Law. She advises the business community on ethical and rights based approaches to the incorporation of AI, strategic management of geopolitical issues affecting supply chains mindful of economic statecraft.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This House Believes

We Are Living In An Imperial World

Thursday 13th June - 8pm

The consideration of the legacy of imperialism is highly relevant to an understanding of the modern world. From BLM to Indigenous land rights protests, questions have been asked of the continuing responsibility and power of former colonisers, and whether post-colonialism has resulted in neocolonialism. Our presidential debate aims to answer these, discussing whether imperialism is still the dominant force of modern international relations or whether it has been superseded by distinct and different power structures.

Neha Pauly is the outgoing President of the Cambridge Union Society. Having lived many lives from sushi chef to debating coach and JCR Ents Officer, she’s currently a second year Politics & International Relations student at Christ’s. You might know her best from Ticketbridge.

Dr Agnès Callamard is Secretary General at Amnesty International. She leads the organization’s human rights work and is its chief spokesperson. Agnès has been a prominent figure in the human rights world for decades. In 2016, she was appointed as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary killings. As a leading advocate for freedom of expression, a feminist and an anti-racism activist, she pushes out the frontiers of rights through her scholarship and advocacy.

OPPOSITION

Neha Pauly Dr Agnès Callamard Student Speaker Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Magatte Wade

Magatte Wade is an entrepreneur, speaker, and visionary leader in African entrepreneurship. She is recognized as one of Forbes’ “20 Youngest Power Women in Africa” and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Magatte has spoken at prestigious organizations like United Nations, Aspen Institute, Harvard, and TED. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and she has been a popular guest on podcasts hosted by Jordan Peterson and Lex Fridman.

Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Roger Hallam

Roger Hallam is a British farmer turned revolutionary who cofounded the UK’s most influential movements on climate collapse, Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. He is currently working on a revolution to transform politics to be based on deliberative democracy and Citizens Assemblies.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

This House Believes Monday 10th June - 8pm

Party Politics is Dead

Over the last decade, British politics has experienced an unusually tumultuous time, with coalition governments, three elections and five prime ministers. Whilst journalists and academics have questioned whether the manner of politics in this country is fit for purpose, in a collaborative debate, we aim to answer a more fundamental question. Activist groups like Just Stop Oil and XR are on the rise, as well as the power of interest groups and media. Considering this, is the political party still the most effective way of organising political engagement?

OPPOSITION

Martha Dacombe

Martha Dacombe is co-chair of the Cambridge University Labour Club (CULC). Martha is also the incoming National Labour Students Women’s Officer, and a second-year undergraduate student reading HSPS at Robinson College.

Toby Noskwith Student Speaker Student Speaker

Toby Noskwith is the chair of the Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA). Toby is a third-year student reading History at Hughes Hall.

Anoushka Kale

Anoushka Kale is a second-year English student at Sidney Sussex and the chair of the Cambridge University Liberal Association (CULA). She is the society’s former Campaigns Officer and has frequently canvassed for the Liberal Democrats.

Easter Floor Speech Prizes

Bring a friend to our masterclass on cocktail making!

Week 2

Week 1

Win a free ticket to our end of term highlight, our Garden Party on 15th June.

Week 3

Get the exclusive chance to dream up a flavour for the Jack’s Gelato team to make for you!

Week 4

Week 4

Share an exclusive celebratory cake from Fitzbillies with your friends after a Thursday night debate.

Take the opportunity to relax at The Glassworks Spa before exams are in full swing!

Week 8

A chance to reward yourself and a friend after exams, with a fine-dining experience at the Orator.

Starting Easter Term 2024

Post-Debate Food & Drink

Themed Cocktails & Free Chips available at the Union

Thursdays after each debate

Historical Debates

Life happens in cycles. Seasons change, hacks come and go, and skinny jeans go out of style. Or they come back. We’re not sure. But the same holds true for Union Motions. Here are a few moments in history from the books that echo this term’s termcard:

Easter Term 2012

Ayes: 81

Nays: 115

Abst: 47

Lent

Ayes: 115

Nays: 141

Abst: 24

Ayes: ‘Less’

Nays: ‘More’

Ayes: 219

Ayes: 163

Nays: 307

Ayes: 58

Nays: 369

Michaelmas Term 2005

Term 1982

Lent Term 1977

Michaelmas Term 1976

Michaelmas Term 1982

Speakers events are integral to the vibrant life of our Union, and this term we are thrilled to present you with a diverse and engaging line-up. These events are brilliant opportunities for you to come into contact with influential figures across multiple sectors and disciplines – from sport to politics to music. I am delighted that we are delivering a line-up of people who bring valuable insights on current global affairs, share lessons from remarkable careers, and represent a spectrum of backgrounds and interests. There is guaranteed to be something in store for all of our members.

Come to the Union this term to listen to the likes of tennis legend Johanna Konta, visionary businessman and political activist Peter Thiel, and multilingual musician Saint Levant. These speakers events are chances for you to hear about their stories and important issues that mean the most to them. This term’s line-up would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of my hardworking subcommittee and several members of Full Committee, whose dedication and diligence

have been exemplary from the outset. I am equally thankful for all of the support from every single member of the Standing Committee, with special thanks to the incredible Neha Pauly, our president. I am grateful, inspired, and proud to call them all dear friends of mine.

This term card truly epitomises the best of what the Union has to offer, and I am really looking forward to hopefully seeing you all at our events!

Louis Davidson | Homerton Speakers Officer

Che Lingo stands at the forefront of contemporary British music and rap, using his artistry to reflect and drive societal change. Recognised as an influential voice of our era, Che has received critical acclaim and a nomination for his album “The Worst Generation.” He has also become a prominent advocate for racial justice, earning him the title of the British voice of the Black Lives Matter movement. His music has been featured on FIFA 21 & 22 and NBA2K soundtracks, as well as in popular anime like Jujutsu Kaisen and British series such as TOPBOY and One Of Us Is Lying.

Che recently returned from Tokyo, where he attended and presented an award at the prestigious Anime Awards 2024; his stay in Japan marks a global recognition of his voice and talent. Che continues to shape the musical landscape and inspire audiences worldwide through the dedication to his craft and his commitment to social messages.

Wednesday 24th April - 6pm

and Co-founder of Humanitarian China, Tiananmen prodemocracy student leader in 1989, human rights activist since then. Advocate for political prisoners and internet freedom, supporter for the Tiananmen Mothers, partner of Liberty Sculpture Park, collector and curator of artifacts and artworks of Tiananmen protests. Through decades of work, have provided supports for thousands of prisoners of conscience in China, covering lawyers, journalists, persecuted christians, labor activists, and women’s rights activists, including Hong Kongers, Uyghurs and Tibetans.

Monday 29th April - 7pm

Johanna Konta was the British No. 1 female tennis player for six years, having reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4, the highest ranking of any British woman since 1978.

Reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the French Open, as well as quarterfinals of the US Open, Konta made history by becoming the first British woman to win the Miami Open. She represented Great Britain 24 times at the Fed Cup / Billie Jean King Cup and was selected twice by Team GB for the Olympics Games (Rio and Tokyo).

Since Johanna’s retirement from tennis in 2021, she has featured as a pundit for various broadcasters, including the BBC covering The Championships, Wimbledon, as well as Sky Sports’ coverage of the US Open.

Wednesday 1st May, 6pm

Peter Thiel is a technology entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded PayPal and Palantir, made the first outside investment in Facebook, and has funded companies like LinkedIn and Yelp. Peter also started the Thiel Foundation, which works to advance technological progress and long-term thinking.

Wednesday 8th May - 7:30pm

Keala Settle is an American actress and singer who has enjoyed an extensive career in music, theatre, and film, best known for playing the role of Lettie Lutz in 20th Century Fox’s The Greatest Showman in 2018, alongside Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, and Zac Efron. She sang the song “This is Me” in the film. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and won a Golden Globe, solidifying Settle as a force to be reckoned with in the world of musical theatre. Keala’s first foray into commercial theatre was in 2003 when she was cast as Tracy Turnblad in the First US National Tour of Hairspray. In 2011, Keala’s next project would be her Broadway debut; playing Shirl in the Broadway production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert alongside Australian legend Tony Sheldon. She was nominated for a Tony Award after originating the role of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody on Broadway in 2013, and also originated the role of Becky in the musical Waitress on Broadway in 2016. Keala recently finished production, alongside the likes of Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey, on the new two-part film adaptation of the blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked, the first set to be released in November of this year.

Monday 13th May - 6pm

Marwan Abdelhamid, AKA Saint Levant, was born in Jerusalem to a French-Algerian mother and Serbian-Palestinian father during the second Intifada. He spent 10 years growing up in Gaza, to which he would dedicate his first EP From Gaza with Love. In 2007, Marwan and his family were forced to flee to Jordan, where he would live out the remainder of his youth until moving to Santa Barbara, California, for university. Drawing inspiration from his origins with influences that combine traditional Arabic music, R&B and hip-hop, the young artist embraces the plurality of his own cultural heritage, the Arab community worldwide and the Palestinian struggle abroad. His songs - written in Arabic, French, and English - have captivated a global audience with their international appeal. His latest release, Deira, evokes a hotel overlooking the sea in Al-Rimal, Gaza City, designed and operated by his architect/entrepreneur father. Hotel Deira was one of the most beautiful structures in the city and the place where Marwan called home as a child - it has since been destroyed by IDF bombings over recent months.

Sunday 19th May - 7:00pm

Marla Maples is an actress, television personality, model, humanitarian, singer, presenter, ambassador, and mother. She is committed to supporting charities and non-profit organizations that promote peace, protect children, and the prosperity of global consciousness. Her number one role in life has been motherhood, ushering her daughter, Tiffany Trump, into adulthood on the world stage.

Monday 10th June - 3pm

Sam McAlister is a former TV producer and author, who worked for ten years as the interviews producer on BBC 2’s flagship news programme, Newsnight. Working behind the scenes, she undertook delicate negotiations that underpinned some of the biggest exclusive interviews in British news. Most notably, she secured an interview with Prince Andrew in 2019 for the programme Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal. It gained worldwide appeal. Sam has since written an autobiographical book entitled Scoops about her experiences securing head-to-head pieces with CEOs, world leaders, and Hollywood stars over the years. She was recently portrayed by Billie Piper in the critically acclaimed Netflix film adaptation, released earlier this month.

Monday 17th June - 3pm

SPEAKERS BALLOT

Meet your faves at the Cambridge Union!

Starting Easter Term 2024, members can ballot to join the Union’s guests at the pre-events drinks receptions!

Information as to how to apply will be shared via our social media channels ahead of each event, and prior to speaker events, three members will be randomly selected from the ballot to meet each guest.

Image Credit: Flo Tawns Image Credit: Nordin Ćatić

Image Credit: Nordin Ćatić

Image Credit: Mark Wadey

The Cambridge Union upholds the importance of free speech, but in order to reap the full benefits of free speech, we must make sure everyone is listened to and respected. With its emphasis on free speech, the Union is responsible in ensuring we are platforming all voices, especially those underrepresented in society. As the Equalities Officer, it is my role to ensure all of our members feel comfortable speaking in our historic institution, not only within the realm of Equalities, but also our world-class debates and speaker events.

Our first event will be our panel discussing the role of religion in the UK. I am delighted to welcome both student speakers and experts in their fields to contribute on a topic that is central to people’s identities and lives. We are also pleased to welcome Holly Bourne, the best-selling YA author, to discuss mental health.

The final Equalities event will be our Women and Non-Binary debate; the motion being “This House believes the Internet has ruined Sex”. With this debate, we intend to create a space where women and non-binary members

feel empowered to engage with a motion disproportionately affecting women and non-binary people.

We have worked to ensure accessibility is at the forefront of the Union, with free period products in the bathrooms and sunflower lanyards available. The Union must break down barriers to participation and uphold a culture of acceptance, respect and empowerment.

I would like to thank Hannah, Tamara, Kerrie, Iman, Chris, Sophie and Issy, my hard-working and dedicated subcommittee for all of their help in making these Equalities events possible. We have worked together to organise interesting and thoughtprovoking events for you.

I am excited to welcome you all to our events this Easter term and I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours truly,

Jessica Spearman | Murray Edwards Equalities Officer

Tuesday 14th May - 6pm

The Role of Religion in Society Today

This panel will discuss the role of religion in the U.K. and how religion intersects with other parts of a person’s identity. We will also discuss how religion is perceived by popular culture and how different religions coexist together in U.K. society, and what can be done to improve perceptions of faith and religion. This panel will bring together voices from different religions to explore the importance of religion in their own lives, and its role in society more widely.

PANELISTS

Dr. Opinderjit Takhar

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar MBE is Associate Professor and Director of the multi award winning Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

Gavriel Sacks

Gavriel Sacks is the President of the Cambridge University Jewish Society. He is a first-year at Trinity Hall reading history.

Dr. Iman Dawood Dr. Desmond Biddulph

Iman Dawood is currently a Postdoctoral Research and Outreach Associate at the Centre for Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge, where she is researching new trends and trajectories in Islamic activism in the UK.

Dr. Desmond Biddulph is President of The Buddhist Society, the longest established Buddhist charity in the nation (Est. 1924), celebrating its centennial this year.

Sanjana Trivedi Toby France

Sanjana, is a second year History student from Magdalene College and a Hindu student passionate about raising awareness about Hinduism and Hinduphobia.

Toby is a second year historian at Corpus Christi. As a Christian he has had the joy of following Jesus for several years now and loves getting to share how God has changed his life with others and how his faith shapes his identity.

Holly Bourne is a bestselling and critically acclaimed author. She was nominated for Best Print Journalist of the Year. Holly started writing teen fiction, including the best-selling, award-winning ‘Spinster Club’ series which helps educate teenagers about feminism. Her first adult novel, “How Do You Like Me Now?” became an instant Times bestseller. Alongside her writing, Holly is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She’s the youth ambassador for Women’s Aid.

Wednesday 15th May - 6:00pm

The Women & Non-Binary Debate

This House Believes

The Internet Has Ruined Sex

Monday 20th May - 8pm

The impact of the internet on sex has been widely discussed, particularly due to the easy accessibility and brutality of pornography. This debate will discuss whether the internet has truly ruined sex or whether it has brought some benefits. This debate will be an opportunity for our women and non-binary members to speak and engage with debates, especially with a student speaker slot for those who identify as a woman or non-binary.

Emergency Debate to begin at 7:30pm

PROPOSITION

Dr. Charlotte Proudman

Dr Charlotte Proudman is an award-winning barrister, Cambridge academic and campaigner fighting for women’s rights in and out of court. As an expert in FGM, Charlotte was instrumental in the introduction of FGM Protection Orders (FGMPOs). She is a legal advisor to Our Streets Now and Plan UK, a campaign to criminalise public sexual harassment and Bloody Good Period, which seeks to make period products freely available in Britain.

OPPOSITION

Dr. Angela Wright

Dr Angela Wright is a Clinical Sexologist and British Menopause Society Accredited Menopause Specialist. She is also qualified in Palliative Medicine and worked in hospice medicine for over a decade. She is particularly interested in improving sexual function and menopausal symptoms in women, especially those who have undergone cancer treatment. She believes strongly in using a trauma informed, biopsychosocial lens when approaching sexual and hormonal problems and in seeing women in the context of their lived experiences, and as the experts in what they need.

Allison Havey

Allison Blaisdel Havey is a public speaker, journalist and the co-founder of the Rap Project (Raising Awareness & Prevention, Est 2012). Working primarily with young people, she engages audiences with discussions about how social media and online porn influence attitudes, expectations, physical and mental health. Her purpose: to empower audiences with an understanding of sexual citizenship by promoting ‘Mutual Respect, Mutual Consent & Mutual Pleasure’ in hundreds of independent schools.

Erika Lust

Erika Lust is an acclaimed indie erotic filmmaker who creates sex-positive adult cinema portraying relatable characters and realistic hot sex and offering a more cinematic alternative to the mass produced mainstream pornography.

Chidera Eggerue

Chidera Eggerue, popularly known as ‘The Slumflower’ is an author and advocate who rose to popularity from her viral movement #saggyboobsmatter in 2018. Since then, she has become a Number 1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author with her first book “What A Time To Be Alone,” and has brought an important conversation about women’s bodies and autonomy to the forefront through her 2020 Channel 4 documentary “Bring Back the Bush.”

Student Speaker

This could be you! Applications to be a main speaker open the Sunday before each debate, and can be found in our members’ Facebook group, weekly newsletter, and on our Instagram stories.

Yours truly, Joshua Lim | Wolfson Social Events Officer

Cocktail Making Classes the Cellars 7-10pm 30th April 7th 12thMayJune

Charity Flea Market

Featuring a variety of Cambridge’s finest Vintage Jewellery

Up-Cycled Accessories Clothing HeavenlyCardDesserts Games

Open to All Free Entry and more!

Saturday 4th May

Communications Officer

Esha Patel | Murray Edwards

President

Neha Pauly | Christ’s

Vice-President

Leonas Pausch | Homerton

Treasurer

Alesia Laçi | Homerton

Speakers Officer

Louis Davidson | Homerton

Equalities Officer

Jessica Spearman | Murray Edwards

President-Elect

Competitive Debating Officers

Wei Kang Lee | Hughes Hall

Marcus Choy | Magdalene

Executive Officer

Felix Esche | Pembroke

Social Events Officer

Joshua Lim | Wolfson

Executive Officer-Elect

Speakers Officer-Elect

Equalities Officer-Elect

Social Events Officer-Elect

Comp. Deb. Officer-Designate

Comp. Deb. Officer-Designate

Credits Nordin Čatič

Alessio D’Angelo | Jesus

Anoushka Kale | Sidney Sussex

Alex Mitchell | Queens’

Karina Reed | Fitzwilliam

Penelope Slater | Girton

James Cater | Gonville & Caius

Joshua Low | Magdalene

Senior Members

Secretary: Ivan Alexei Ampiah | Downing

Librarian: Max Eshelby | Clare

Membership & Alumni: Katie Marshall | Newnham

Events Management Department

Head: Gabrielle Apfel | Lucy Cavendish

Deputy: Nicola Craciun | Trinity

Navneet Basran | Emmanuel

Julia Sokolska | Queens’

Madeleine Matthews | Jesus

Sam Hui | Jesus

Roberta Rennie | Sidney Sussex

Franci Tafilaj | King’s

Ben Davison | Homerton

Anna Petrides | Christ’s

Nathalie B Senkye | Trinity

Jack Peters | Gonville & Caius

Publicity Department

Head: Diti Gupta | Queens’

Deputy: Christopher Lorde | Christ’s

Kerrie Portman | Girton

Freya Elizabeth Thompson | Selwyn

Theo Larsen | Jesus

Phoebe Qiu | Murray Edwards

Alexandra Defterios | Robinson

Joanne Yau | Lucy Cavendish

Guest Liaison Department

Head: Dominic Love | Anglia Ruskin University

Senior: Olivia Arney | St John’s

Senior: Sid Fenton | Selwyn

Avvya Sharma | St John’s

Callum Kennedy-Mann | St John’s

Ayushman Nath | Churchill

Orla Hunt | Homerton

Joshua Dargan | Homerton

Scotia Smith | Fitzwilliam

Emma Richter | Homerton

Oscar O’Neill | Girton

Ann Louie Li | King’s

Audio Visual Department

Head: Oscar Beechey-Newman | St Catharine’s

Oliver Brownjohn | Anglia Ruskin University

Seyan Dattani | Wolfson

Welfare

Head: Izzy Wyatt | Sidney Sussex

Seetal Kaur | Lucy Cavendish

Hannah Moshal | Homerton

Photography

Head: Nordin Catic | St John’s

Mark Wadey | Pembroke

Timothy Lambden | Girton

Flo Tawns

William Blakesley-Herbert

The Cambridge Union Standing Committee, Easter 1963

Image Credit: Ken Clarke / The Telegraph

Debates Sub-Committee

Penelope Slater | Girton

Alex Mitchell | Queens’

Gabrielle Apfel | Lucy Cavendish

Ivan Alexei Ampiah | Downing

Orla Hunt | Homerton

Joshua David Dargan | Homerton

Naomi Cray | Sidney Sussex

Dalya Droste | Murray Edwards

Anne Jensdatter | St Edmund’s

Nathalie Senkye | Trinity

Suren Pahlevan | Emmanuel

Christina Huang | Christ’s

Madeleine Matthews | Jesus

Emma Richter | Homerton

Jack Peters | Gonville and Caius

Speakers Sub-Committee

Phoebe Qiu | Murray Edwards

Oscar Poulson | Gonville and Caius

Oscar O’Neill | Girton

George Allwood | Emmanuel

Phoebe Pryce-Boutwood | Churchill

Francis Kelly | Jesus

Ben Davison | Homerton

Ollie Liversedge | Peterhouse

Sam Baker | Gonville and Caius

Sana Soomro | Pembroke

Franci Tafilaj | King’s

Alexandra Defterios | Robinson

WAGs:

Pippa Szepietowski | Downing

Maëlle Bebleadzi | Christ’s

WAGager & Resident Hooligan: Adanna Okoli | Christ’s

Court Jesters:

Luke Poulston | Christ’s

Dominic Remedios | Downing

John Thompson (Jonty) | Christ’s

Presidential Footstool: Charles Palmer | Homerton

Alessandro d’Attanasio | Trinity

Noah Stewart | Churchill

Drishya Rai | Homerton

Equalities Sub-Committee

BME Officer: Iman Khan | Homerton

LGBTQ+ Officer: Christopher Lorde | Christ’s

Women & NB Officer: Tamara Lake | Queens’

Women & NB Officer: Hannah Moshal | Homerton

Disabilities Officer: Kerrie Portman | Girton

Class Act Officer: Sophie-Ann Petrie | Murray Edwards

Class Act Officer: Issy Bartlett | Murray Edwards

Social Events Sub-Committee

Team Lead: Anna Milsom | Sidney Sussex

Team Lead: Cormac Hoare | Churchill

Seetal Kaur | Lucy Cavendish

Luca Vidman | Lucy Cavendish

Janissaries Trisatria Wardha | Anglia Ruskin University

Joanne Yau | Lucy Cavendish

Audrey Kiang | Churchill

Kathryn Maloney | Homerton

Hannah Moshal | Homerton

Chambermaids:

Liliana Kimball Walker | Homerton

Johan Nerlov | Pembroke

Edward Hilditch | Corpus Christi

Hairdresser: Katie Clarke | Sidney Sussex

Bursar: John Brown

General Manager: Joe Burman

Membership Secretary: Justyna Macoch

Finance Manager: Patience Tilbury

Finance Assistant: Ella Cairns

Conferencing Events Manager: Ben Keen

Conferencing Events Coordinator: Giuliana Berman

Restaurant & Catering Manager: Ellen Monteiro

Deputy Restaurant Manager: Freddie Doe Turner

Supervisor: Pedro Eusebio

Head Chef: Josh Held

Sous Chef: Michael Ingrey

Senior AV Technician: Chris Izatt

Site Supervisor: Chris Porter

Housekeeping: Lucia & Monika

Ministers without portfolio: Sky & Moss

Chair: Dr Mohamed El-Erian

Neha Pauly

Leonas Pausch

Nick Heath FRICS

David Robinson

David Branch

Sara Nathan

Phillip Harrison

Sir Christopher Greenwood KC

Lord Stephen Parkinson

Rachel Green

Chair: Joshua Blanchard Lewis

Alex Forzani

Nick Wright

Sam Longton

Rachel Tustin

Freddie Dyke

Imran Mateo

Alasdair Donovan

Alycia Leach

Calum MacDonald

President's Thanks

They say it takes a village to raise a child and I must say, the same is true for any Union President, no less one who is 4”11. And so, whilst there are probably hundreds who deserve thanks beyond what is humanly expressible, I’ll (try) keep it brief.

Firstly, to my Officers who have worked so tirelessly since December. To Leonas, both the Union and myself wouldn’t have survived without you behind the wheel as VP. Can’t wait to visit one of your 25+ new reciprocal clubs! Alesia - We’d never have predicted this as Freshers. Thank you for finally bringing back floor speech prizes and always entertaining panicked midnight calls. Esha - I’m always in awe of you. Thank you for being so consistently good, and apologies for the never-ending spam (and for eight more weeks of it).

To Felix, we’re going to put on some bloody brilliant debates and it’s because of your hard work and vision. Congratulations, the future is bright. Louis - you’ve put in a real shift and I count myself so lucky to have someone as hardworking, patient, and lovely as you as the Speakers officer.

Jess - You’re a brilliant Equalities Officer but an even more brilliant person and friend. You’re an incredible asset to the Union and I can’t wait to see what you do next. To Josh - this term’s Social Events are phenomenal. Please find some time to revel in it all.

Marcus and Wei Kang, thank you for keeping

competitive debating alive and healthy. Some of my favourite Union experiences involve ICYD, Schools’ and WGM but all credit goes to you and our competitive debaters. James and Joshua, please let me convene ICYD!

To the Debates, Speakers, Equalities, and Social Events Subcommittees, THANK YOU!!! This term card is yours much more than it is mine. In particular, Ben D, Ivan, Sana - you’ve been absolute invitation superstars. I’m very excited to read your minutes, Ivan!

To our wonderful Full Committee, I hope you’re looking forward to the next few weeks as much as I am. To Nordin, who is leaving us - we’re so lucky to have you. I’m not quite sure how they’ll replace you next term.

To the Speakers Officers who taught me the ropes. Firstly, Sal - thanks for putting this silly little fresh on your subcommittee and all the advice (plus that free bottle of wine!). Eddy HYou’ve been one of my strongest supporters. I’m looking forward to finally launching our billion dollar business. If it all goes wrong, maybe you and Will can adopt me.

To two former Presidents. James Appiahthanks for being the first President to give me a chance. Charlie - you’ve left some very big shoes to fill but I’ll forever be grateful for your support. Looking forward to your grand return as the presidential footstool!

To the five people who spent hours putting the term card together, thank you x1 million.

Liliana - I’m very sorry that I harassed you into designing the term card in your much-earned retirement. Thanks for being so frighteningly competent yet a world of fun. Johan – treasurer emeritus, graphic designer, chief chambermaid… you’re somehow the perfect balance of mischief, reason and work.

To Chris L - apologies for the countless hours you’ve spent with me over the past few days but you’ve absolutely smashed it, both on the design team and subcommittee. Couldn’t have asked for a better person to carry on the Christ’s HSPS x Union legacy.

Eva O’Brien - you’re the best and so is the term card cover. I’m so proud and I know our year 5-selves would be too. Francis Lau - your debates illustrations breathe life into these pages and you are insanely talented #StateHighTillWeDie.

To the Michaelmas 2023 team–Mark, Matthew, Jasper, Shibhangi, Alistair, Alex–I’ll forever be indebted to you for some precious memories. Katie - hope I’ve given you adequate parenting practice.

My gorgeous Christ’s Clowns–Adanna, Maelle, Luke, John T, Pippa–you all bring me utter joy and I value your friendships and advice more than you could imagine. I promise to be around more, especially if it involves international smash or bounce. To Adanna, especially, grazie mille for the Sports motion. Dim Renditionsglad you’re sticking around. To Dr Monie, thank you for keeping me, my degree, and my mental health intact over the past two years.

Then, to some people all across the world. To my parents, thank you for your unwavering support and love, even when I don’t deserve it (which is often). To Hannah the better Pauly (Minnu), thanks for keeping me humble. To my many aunts, uncles, and cousins - thank you for

always keeping faith. നന്ദിി.

To Clare F & Ms Hotston - I wouldn’t be here without you both, hope I’ve made you proud. To my State High girls, Gohwoon and Samara, I desperately miss you and Brisvegas.

My gratitude also goes to the staff at the Union. John Brown - your advice and support over the past few months has been invaluable. Thank you for always indulging my excitement but most importantly, holding up the bottom line. Justyna - I’ll miss you so much! Freddie - hope I end up in the top half of your presidential rankings. Sorry for constantly annoying you though. To Giuli, Ellen, Ben, Joe, Patience, Ella, Chris I, Chris P (thanks for the actual footstool!), Josh, and the entire Orator team - thank you for being so friendly, patient, and supportive.

To the Trustees, particularly Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, and Review Committee, thank you for your support and mentorship, and for safeguarding this place from ambitious, and often wholly underqualified, 20-something year olds.

To Alessio and the Michaelmas 2024 team, you’ll knock it out of the park! Alessio, there’s no one else I’d want to hand over to. Best of luck!

Finally, to our members. You are the heart and soul of this place and I hope there is something in it for all of you, not just this Easter but for as long as the Union remains. Thank you again for the opportunity of a lifetime.

And I remain, yours forever,

Neha Pauly | Christ’s President, Easter 2024

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Easter 2024 Termcard

Designed by Christopher Lorde

With help from Liliana Kimball Walker & Johan Nerlov

Cover Art by Eva O’Brien

Instagram: @ebadraws Debates Art by Francis Lau

Instagram: @frenk.fronk

“There’s really no such thing as the ‘voiceless’. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.”

- Arundhati Roy