Debate: ‘This House has Concerns about the Relationship Between Chinese Institutions and British Universities’
Debate: ‘This House Opposes Long Sentences for Disruptive Activists’
Speaker Address: Clare Mulley, ‘Krystyna Skarbek: The Spy Who Loved’
Debate: ‘This House Supports Faculty Strikes as an Effective Means of Achieving University Reform’
Speaker Address: Liz Earle, ‘Women in Entrepreneurship and Wellness’
Debate: ‘This House Would End Western Military Assistance to Ukraine’
Debate: ‘This House Believes the Government Is Entitled to Phase Out Smoking for the Sake of the Economy’
President’s Welcome
It’s a pleasure to welcome you all back for the second year of the York Dialectic Union’s revival.
This year, we’re building upon strong foundations to approach this semester with clarity of purpose, putting quality, inclusivity and accessibility at the centre of our society and our events. We are striving to host a term that not only features excellent speakers and debates, but also creates an integrated academic community. Our society is a welcoming and exciting forum for all students - regardless of your degree, interests, or background.
This is why we’ve made the ambitious decision to cut membership prices by 65%, while hosting more debates than last year. Wherever your interests lie, you’ll find an event that speaks to you. We’ve also reimagined our debate format, offering the audience the chance to take an active role in the discussion, beyond simply asking questions.
What sets the York Dialectic Union apart is our inclusive culture. Instead of seeking prestige through exclusivity, our openness is what drives our success. We are a forum where ideas are heard, examined, and challenged, and we look forward to welcoming you as part of our society.
Dominic Williams
24th, 18.00, BS/005
Natalie Bennett Natalie Bennett
Former Green Party Leader And Member of the House of Lords
Motivated by her commitment to environmental issues, social justice, and progressive policies, Natalie Bennett joined the Green Party in 2006. She became the party leader in 2012, focused on expanding the party's profile during the 2015 general election, resulting in a significant increase in its share of the vote, yet retaining only one seat in Parliament.
Bennett stepped down as leader in 2016 and was succeeded by a joint leadership team of Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley. Following her leadership, Bennett has continued her political work and was elevated to the House of Lords in 2019, where she serves as a life peer, continuing her advocacy for environmental and social issues.
Known for her passionate commitment to sustainability, equality, and grassroots democracy, she is a prominent figure in the UK's green political movement, leading the charge for a radical charge in mainstream political thought, and rejecting the growth centered economics entrenched within the two dominant British Parties.
“
Date TBC, 18.00,
Proposition
Howard Zhang Broadcaster, Entrepreneur, Journalist
With a career in the BBC spanning over two decades, Howard Zhang reported on and analysed developments in China’s politics, economy and society. Howard left China in following the Tiananman uprising and embarked upon a career in Journalism. This culminated in his leadership of the BBC Chinese Service as Chief Editor and Head of Service.
Sam Dunning Director of UK-China Transparency
As one of the leading China-focused investigative journalists in the UK, Sam Dunning runs UK-China Transparency, a research organisation that promotes openness in all ties between Chinese and British Institutions. His work includes exposing ties between the CCP and Oxbridge Colleges, as well as highlighting the role of British research to the Chinese Military.
Opposition
Speaker TBC
Speaker TBC
”
October 15th, 18.00,
Proposition
Alex De Koning
PhD Climate Scientist, Just Stop Oil Figurehead
Alex De Koning was part of the team that broke the record for the longest oil terminal occupation in the UK. He has acted as a representative for Just Stop Oil across domestic and international media platforms, such as the BBC, Euronews, the Jeremy Vine Show and others.
Dr. peter gardner
Senior Sociology Lecturer at the University of York
Dr. Peter Gardner is an expert in the sociology of Climate Change, particularly regarding how the crisis has affected social movements. He has conducted extensive research into the global rise of Extinction Rebellion and the role of symbolic objects into contentious politics.
Opposition
Daniel Sillett
President of the Europinion Institute of Research
Dan Sillett is a political commentator and President of the Europinion Institute of Research, an independent Think Tank that conducts research into social, political and environmental issues.
Peter Bleksley
Former Undercover Detective, Media Personality
One of the most renowned fugitive hunters in the UK, Peter’s career in the Police was primarily dedicated to uncovering London drug gangs. After leaving the police, Peter took on a star role in the Channel Four reality TV show ‘Hunted’.
17th, 18.00, AEW/003
Clare Mulley Clare Mulley
Author, Broadcaster, and AwardWinning Public Historian
Clare Mulley is an award-winning public historian, author and broadcaster, primarily focused on female experience during the Second World War.
Mulley also writes and reviews for, among others, the Telegraph, the Mirror, the Mail, the Spectator, TLS, the Literary Review, History Today, BBC History, Military History Monthly and Britain at War, and has served as a judge for the book prizes of the Historical Writers Association, and The Biographers Club.
Recent TV includes various series for Channel 5, More 4, Sky, Smithsonian and the History Channel, as well as two series of the BBC’s Rise of the Nazis. She has been a repeat BBC commentator for the national D-Day commemorations, and has guested on Newsnight, The One Show, Songs of Praise, BBC World News, Sky News, ITV News etc. A regular on radio and podcasts, Clare has contributed to the BBC R4’s Today Programme, Woman’s Hour and PM, as well as Times Radio and many others. She is a favourite on Dan Snow’s History Hit, James Holland and Al Murray’s We Have Ways of Making You Talk and the BBC’s History’s Secret Heroes series, among many other podcasts.
“
This House Supports
Faculty Strikes as an Effective Means of Achieving University Reform”
October 22nd, 18.00,
Proposition
Dr. John Evemy
Senior Politics lecturer at the University of York, Marxist scholar of Monetary Economics
An Expert on the British Political Economy, Dr. John Evemy is a Senior lecturer and community co-ordinater in York’s Politics and PPE departments. Evemy’s research has focused on the shifting dynamics of UK monetary policy in the post 2009 landscape.
Dr. Maria Chondrogianni
Vice-President of the University and College Union
A Union activist for over 30 years, Dr. Maria Chondrogianni serves on the National Executive Committee of the University and College Union (UCU), which represents academic and professional staff in the UK’s further education sectors. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing key union campaigns for better working conditions and fair pay.
Opposition
Speaker TBC
All Senior university figures and employment bodies involved in this dispute declined our Invitation to debate
Speaker TBC
12th, 18.00, BS/005
Liz Earle Liz Earle
Author, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of the Liz Earle Beauty Co.
Liz Earle is a British entrepreneur, and co-founder of the skincare brand Liz Earle Beauty Co. in 1995. With a background in beauty journalism and a passion for natural wellness, Earle created her business around the principles of using high-quality, naturally active ingredients. Her company quickly became known for its best-selling Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, gaining a loyal following.
Earle's approach to skincare combined effective products with a holistic view of beauty, promoting healthy living and wellness. Under her leadership, the brand grew into a multi-million-pound business, sold in major retailers across the UK and internationally. In 2010, she sold the company to Avon for a reported £140 million, although she stayed involved for a few years afterward to maintain the brand's ethos. After stepping away from the business, Earle has continued her career in wellness, writing books, hosting podcasts, and promoting a natural lifestyle through her wellness website, Liz Earle Wellbeing.
This house would end
Western Military Assistance to
IN collaboration
KCL European Affairs society
Ukraine” November 18th, 18:00, BS/005
Proposition
Peter Hitchens
Broadcaster, Journalist, Author, Commentator
Having started as a foreign correspondent, Peter Hitchens reported from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during the late Cold War, an experience that shaped his understanding of post-Soviet geopolitics. His career has involved frequent commentary on foreign affairs, with a focus on NATO, Russia, and Eastern Europe, particularly during major international crises.
Dr. Benjamin Abelow
Endorsed by figures such as Noem Chomsky, John Mearsheimer and Robert F Kennedy Jr. for his work criticising Western Involvement in Eastern European Geopolitics, Dr. Ben Abelow is an advocate for ending US Military Aid to Ukraine. He previously worked in Washington, DC on nuclear arms policy and has an MD from the Yale School of Medicine .
Author of ‘How the West Brought War to Ukraine’ Opposition
Dr, Shane O’Rourke
Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of York
Dr. Shane O’Rouke, a specialist in Russian social history and foreign policy, began his career as a historian of Imperial and Soviet Russia. He has written two books on the Cossacks and numerous articles, covering the Cossacks from Muscovite times into the post-Soviet period.
Maddy Bange
President of the York United Nations Assocation
Maddy is a second year Human Geography and Environment student at the University of York. She is President of the York United Nations Association.
‘This House Believes the Government Is Entitled to Phase Out Smoking for the Sake of the Economy’ November 19th, 18:00, BS/005
Proposition
Rosie Beacon
Head of Health at Reform Think Tank
Rosie Beacon is the Head of Health at the cross party think tank Reform. She leads the Reimagining Health programme which is focused on rethinking the NHS for modern societies. Rosie was a Senior Analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for four years, focusing on implementing technology in public services.
Max
Abdulgani Account Executive at Chelgate
With experience working with the Tony Blair Institute and in the Offices of Yvette Copper and Luke Charters, Max Abdulgani is an advocate for accelerating Homebuilding projects and an active campaigner for the Labour Party.
Opposition
Dr. Chris Snowdon
Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affiars (IEA)
Dr. Christopher Snowdon is the Head of Lifestyle Economics at the IEA. His work focuses on lifestyle regulation and evidencebased policy-making. He has written dozens of IEA publications, as well as many books on the merits of libertarian economics.
Benjamin Elks Grassroots Development manager at the Taxpayer’s Alliance
Benjamin joined the Taxpayers’ Alliance in September 2021. Prior to working for the TPA, Ben worked as in pensions for seven years and has significant administrative and organisational experience.
14th, 18.00, BS/005
Nicholas Hopton Nicholas Hopton Senior Diplomat and Former Ambassador
to Libya, Iran, Qatar and Yemen
Nicholas Hopton served as the British Ambassador to Libya (2019-21), Iran (2015-18), Qatar (2013-15), and Yemen (2012-13). His diplomatic career has also included assignments in Paris, Rome and Morocco/Mauritania.
At home, Hopton worked in the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and No. 10, including as a Private Secretary to UK Government Ministers. In his 35 year diplomatic service, Hopton focused on advancing UK interests and building partnerships, including in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Throughout his career, Hopton brought his leadership and diplomatic expertise to bear in addressing international challenges and promoting global security, stability and prosperity.
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SocialSecretary
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Alessandro Arthur
Peter Wood
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Alice Lilley
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This semester's planning would not have been possible without the support of so many remarkable people, to whom I am deeply grateful. Thank you to Michael John Ashcroft for allowing us to feature his stunning art. Thank you to the teams at the York Student Union for their assistance with security, administration, and more. Thank you to the Ian Mactaggart Programme for their vital financial support. Thank you to our inspiring speakers, who have agreed to speak pro bono. Thank you to my amazing committee, who have dedicated countless hours to meticulously planning this term. Finally, I extend my deepest appreciation to our members, whose passion and involvement are the lifeblood of this society. Thank you all for your support, and I look forward to seeing you all at our future events in 2025.
