YDU Termcard Summer 24/25

YORK DIALECTIC UNION SUMMER SEMESTER 24/25

YORK DIALECTIC UNION

Table of Contents

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

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COMMITTEE

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DEBATES

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SPEAKER’S ADDRESSES

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President’s Welcome Hello and welcome to the York Dialectic Union! I’m truly honoured to serve as your president this semester.

Having been part of the Union for three semesters now I’ve always admired how all our participants engage with ideas they might have never encountered. I am so proud to maintain a space where even the most challenging conversations can be had with respect and curiosity. In today’s political climate, this kind of dialogue is more important than ever.

This semester, I want to change the way a lot of us approach politics. I aim to broaden our debates beyond traditional narratives, embracing often-overlooked perspectives. I want to focus on traditional politics but through critical, postcolonial, and feminist lenses. By doing so, I hope to attract students from all disciplines, strengthening the Union’s spirit of intellectual diversity, inclusion, integrity, and community.

I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you all.

Together with my irreplaceable committee I’m sure this semester will be one full of thought-provoking discussions and dialogue

Benedicta Owusu, President of the YDU

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Comm Ethan Reuter, Secretary

Kit Drummond, Head of Outreach

Elle-Rose Waters, Treasurer

Alessandro Arthur, Creative Director

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ittee Maria Loubenski, Director of Strategy & Outreach officer

Matthew Nichols, Wellbeing Officer

Dom Williams, President Emeritus

Kate Collins, Director of Communications

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Continued.

Maddie Noakes, Social Secretary

Oscar Hilder, Outreach Officer

Zoe Mann, Outreach Officer

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BuyMembership Today.

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The Debates.

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Welcome to our Tuesday Evening Debates!

The evening starts with the President introducing a motion.

Speakers will present and oppose the motion by giving speeches and make closing statements, before the floor is opened to the audience.

Once the sides have made their cases, the audience is invited to participate with their own speeches and questions. To wrap up the evening, the audience will cast their votes on the motion where a result and swing is determined Speakers at to change so some debates have biographies instead of confirmed speakers.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION B/S/005

THW WILLINGLY FIGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY Tuesday February 11th 9

THW Willingly Fight for Their Country" asks whether people would volunteer to fight for their country in a time of war or conflict. Exploring the ideas of patriotism, personal duty, and the real reasons behind such a decision, we hope to raise questions about whether these choices are truly voluntary or influenced by societal pressures, government policies, or economic need.

With ongoing global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip, and varying views on military service, the issue is at the forefront of ours, and the nation’s mind. Sparking important discussions about the balance between personal freedom and national duty, and the ethics of war and government decisions we hope you’ll join us for an evening on whether THW Willingly Fight for Their Country.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION B/S/005

THS LABOUR’S AGRICULTURAL INHERITANCE TAX MEASURES Tuesday March 4th 11

Farmer and member of the National Farmers Association

Elliot Keck Author and Head of Campaigns at the Taxpayers Alliance

Student speaker

Tom Haller

opposition

Toby Lipatti-Mesme

proposition

James Mills

Student speaker 12

THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION

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THH SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINESE INSTITUTIONS AND UK UNIVERSITIES

Tuesday March 18th

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Howard Zhang Former BBC Chief China Editor

Sam Dunning Director of UK-China transparency

The Dialectic union will be hosting a joint speaker address with Howard Zhang and Sam Dunning’.

Howard Zhang was former editor at the BBC's China service and is an renowned journalist and broadcaster specialising in contemporary Chinese history. Sam Dunning is the director of UK-China Transparency, an institution that seeks to investigate ties between the UK and China.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION

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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE YORK STUDENT UNION IS FIT FOR PURPOSE

Tuesday March 25th

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The York Student Union serves as the voice and support system for students, advocating for their interests, enhancing their university experience, and fostering a sense of community.

One of its primary roles is representation and advocacy, acting as a bridge between students and the university administration. It campaigns on key issues such as tuition fees, mental health support, accommodation, and student rights while providing a democratic platform for students to express concerns and influence university policies.

This debate is an opportunity to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of York Student Union.

Some have critiqued the union for being a waste of financial resources 16

THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION

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TH SUPPORTS THE IMMEDIATE RECOGNITON OF A PALESTINIAN STATE

Tuesday April 24th

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Iqbal Mohammed

Jacob Eriksson Lecturer and Academic in the Politics Department

proposition

MP for Dewesbury and Bately

Jacob Sacerdoti

Elon Perry Journalist and activist

opposition

Journalist and broadcaster

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION B/S/005

THB AI IS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO THE HUMAN RACE Tuesday May 1st 20

Professor on Artificial Intelligence at Oxford University

Chris Firth Professor at Oxford University

Student at Imperial College London

Aldo Faisal

opposition

Paul Bentley

proposition

Philipp Koralus

Professor at Imperial College London 21

THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION

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THB THAT THE UK SHOULD IMPLEMENT PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION

Tuesday May 6th

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This House believes that the UK should implement proportional representation explores a topic that has existed in the heart of British politics for the better half of two decades. A fair and free electoral system is imperative for any healthy democracy.

The current use of first-past-the-post in the UK is said by some to create an unfair system where some voters are left voiceless. Whereas other warn against the shaky, unstable coalition governments that systems like Proportional representation make.

In this debate, we will explore whether the UK should adopt proportional representation, weighing fairness, political stability, voter engagement, and the overall impact on governance.

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Speaker’s Addresses.

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In addition to the intensity of our evening debates, The Union will also host speaker events.

These events will offer Union members an exceptional opportunity to hear from, engage with, and learn from individuals with compelling personal stories and expertise in unique fields.

Each event will feature a speaker's address, followed by a panel discussion led by the event Chair. Once the Chair has asked their questions, the audience will have ample time to engage with the speaker directly.

The Union is always looking to expand its roster of speakers, so if you have suggestions or contacts, we encourage you to get involved and run for committee.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION PRESENTS

Andy Wigmore Friday 28th of March

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A B O U T

Andy Wigmore Andy Wigmore came to give an address on UK/US relations post BREXIT and the rise of the Reform Party in the UK. He spoke about the war with Ukraine, the design of the Oval Office, and of his impression of Donald Trump.

Wigmore works behind the scenes for Reform so gave interesting insights into the workings of a political party.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION PRESENTS

Professor

Sara De Jong Tuesday 11th of March

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A B O U T

Prof. Sara De Jong Professor Sara De Jong is a renowned political researcher and activist, her work focuses on the overlooked experiences of political go-between, a term that refers to people that risk their lives in order to aide British and American soldiers during the War on Terror. Sara’s work focuses on the injured lives of Afghan interpreters and their mistreatment by Western governments.

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THE YORK DIALECTIC UNION PRESENTS

Dominic Cummings Tuesday 29th April

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A B O U T

Dominic Cummings Dominic Cummings has served as a senior advisor to several key parliamentary officials, including Boris Johnson and Michael Gove. He will be delivering an address on his experiences working within the most delicate mechanisms of government and the reforms he believes should be implemented based on these experiences.

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Instagram: @theyorkdu LinkedIn: The York Dialectic Union E-mail: yorkunion@yorksu.org

Due to the busy nature of speakers’ schedules, events may be subject to cancellation or last minute changes.

Debates, Speakers and Dialogue