Our public debates and guest speakers continue to generate passionate student engagement, and our university and school debating competitions remain the largest and most prestigious in the country, operating in over 16 countries worldwide. Since 1815 the Union has been committed to the principles of free speech and of fair, open, and honest debate. Sales Manager at The Grand Hotel Birmingham. John Cleese has cancelled an appearance at Cambridge University after a visiting speaker was banned for a Hitler impression. Where do you stand, and what do you see as the Union's place in all this? "I regret that I did the same on a Monty Python show, so I am blacklisting myself before someone else does. At 2021 Wolfson Research Event, he honed in on conservative national identity and its role in American polarisation. "We were really looking forward to hosting John here," he said. School/Building Date Time 159 Continue Reading 2018 CEA Breakfast Schedule These have since been transferred the Union's YouTube channel titled 'The Cambridge Union'. [8] Construction on the major redevelopment project was scheduled to begin in Michaelmas 2018.[9]. The move by the Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star was in protest after the debating society banned art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon for impersonating Adolf Hitler. Find Cambridge Union stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. I was looking forward to talking to students at the Cambridge Union this Friday, but I hear that someone there has been blacklisted for doing an impersonation of Hitler. If there is dichotomy between free speech and offence, I would defend free speech. Protests have been arranged by students against the appearance of Universities Minister David Willetts, Government Minister Eric Pickles,[35] during which the building was broken into, former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn,[citation needed] French politician Marine Le Pen[36] and Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange. A total ban on animal products could one day be on the cards for Cambridge University's food services following an Extinction Rebellion offshoot campaign. the Lord Smith of Finsbury PC. The Cambridge Union Society, also known as the Cambridge Union, is a debating and free speech society in Cambridge, England, and the largest society in the University of Cambridge. Over the years The Union has hosted some of the greatest speakers in the world such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and recently President Zelensky, its part of history. Afterwards he said he had had two glasses of wine with dinner beforehand but was "not impeded in my ability to chair the debate". ", "Letter from the Cambridge Union Society Debating Officer", "Bernie Sanders in Cambridge: 'We have a very strange president', "Dawkins defeated in Cambridge Union religion debate", "Peter Hitchens and Lord Desai post debate clash: This House Regrets the Rise of New Atheism", "President Talabani visiting the Cambridge Union (Hosted by Pres. Many of the Union's former Officers have gone on to considerable personal success after their time involved in the society. An additional wing was added several decades later. London: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi while speaking to MBA students at the Cambridge Judge Business School on the subject of "Learning to Listen in the 21st Century", said that people around the world need to find a way of listening compassionately to new concerns in the 21st century that has been transformed by the shift of production away from democratic countries and toward China. Keir Bradwell, the Cambridge Union President announced that he would create a 'blacklist', effectively banning speakers like Dixon from further debates. It is the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. But I like it in the bar afterwards where someone can say that person made a really good point, and she made a really good speech I dont agree with her but she came over well. Join Cambridges largest student society today for the opportunity to see world-class speakers and debaters as well as many other member benefits. Often these huge figures are, understandably, busy and so you cant get your hopes up. 2023 BBC. [49] The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 eventually clarified that Higher Education institutions must retain particular regard to the duty to ensure freedom of speech and the importance of academic freedom within University societies,[50] although it is unclear whether this applies to the Union. One of the Union's most famous debates in recent years was between Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams in February 2013, on the motion, 'This House Believes Religion has no place in the 21st Century', which was rejected by the assembled members. My favourite part of debating is when people from various persuasions argue behind one proposition so there might be a Labour MP, alongside a Conservative commentator, next to a Liberal student and they come at the argument from different angles but theyre all on the same side. The task of leading it in the first term of 2023 has fallen to Christopher George, a 23 year old History undergraduate. Former President of the Cambridge Union Joel Rosen tweeted he felt 'physically sick' from what he saw at the event. Dame Emma Thompson, Union Speaker 2017. Credit: Paul Seagrove. The lawyer for Crowley's union, Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association, predicted that Obama would regret the comments. Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU) is the university-wide representative body for students at the University of Cambridge, UK. 1 2 13 Next. It is understood there were concerns among some scheduled speakers that the Cambridge Union, long considered a bastion of free speech, had succumbed to censorship. [1][4], The Cambridge Union is sometimes confused with the Cambridge University Students' Union, the student representative body set up in 1971; consequently, the term 'President of the Union' may cause confusion. Photography:Nordin CatacTobia NavaPaul SeagroveCambridge University, The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Wolfson History undergraduate Christopher George has been elected President of the Cambridge Union for Lent Term 2023. Sometimes you get really close to booking someone but then it falls through. He is currently training to be a solicitor in London. "We very much hope that we will be able to host him at some point he's the kind of speaker that would thrive with our audience and in our room. Christopher is the first student from Wolfson, or any of the mature and post-graduate only colleges, to be President of the Cambridge Union in the institution's 207-year history. Such a welcome was perhaps surprising given the psychologist's recent history with Cambridge University. It would have been incredible to visit . He said he had consumed two glasses of wine over dinner beforehand, as did our speakers, but added that he was not impeded in my ability to chair the debate. 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Christopher George President David Eagleson Vice President Max Ghose Debates Officer Mark Wadey Communications Officer Calvin Hartley Treasurer Sal Widdicombe Speakers Officer Isabelle Sim Competitive Debating Officer Harrison Moore Social Events Officer Shibhangi Ghose Equalities Officer Bernd Wond Competitive Debating Officer Alistair Mathieson The Board's Report expressed serious concerns about the University's continual failure to remunerate its staff properly. Back in 2019, the then-president of the Union, Abdullah Shah, told the Telegraph that he wouldn't invite Nigel Farage to speak on a solo platform. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Graham-Dixon said: "Mr Bradwell's implication that I am a racist and anti-Semitic by placing me on his list is utterly rejected and in the context, surprising. The PA news agency understands Cleese was due to visit the University of Cambridge as part of a documentary he is making on "woke culture". Over the last two years Ive been lucky enough to work with an incredible team [Christopher joined the Union in his second term and has just completed a stint as its Debates Officer]. The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo at The Cambridge Union on November 20, 2017 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. Turnout was 1463. Read about our approach to external linking. On YouTube soon! Meet the team, behind the team, at The Cambridge Union. London, Mar 1 (PTI) Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi focussed his lecture at the prestigious University of Cambridge on the "art of listening" and called for a new thinking to promote a democratic environment globally, as opposed to a coercive one. Its odd when you see your name in Varsity or when people come up to you asking what our plans are for this or what we will do about that, but Im in this because I really believe we can always get better so I accept what comes with it.. While presiding over the debate, he said he was "quite drunk". [5] The Union also organises talks by visiting speakers and a wide array of events throughout the academic year. I love the job, I love working with the people, I love what we do. She is the author of . Thats the point it gets people talking. Rich Wiltshire CEO Membership Engagement Department Gabbi Foreman Lux Research combines technical expertise and business insights with a proprietary intelligence platform, using advanced analytics and data science to surface true leading indicators. Thank you Abby Goldie and Adam Heard for #hosting the #breakfast #event at The Boutique Workplace Company #Birmingham I regret that I did the same on a Monty Python show, so I am blacklisting myself before someone else does. Keep an eye out for the release of the termcard in the next week! Its important to stress that this isnt just a Cambridge University institutionwere open to people across the city, across the country and the world, enabling them to come to a place where they can hear a range of ideas. While he acknowledges current polarisation of views, hes clear that confronting those differences openly and respectfully is the best way to achieve positive change. Votes were held to amend the constitution to allow women as members, but although a majority voted in favour, they failed to meet the two-thirds majority required by the constitution to make constitutional change. The historian, known for presenting documentaries on BBC4, was criticised by students for adopting a German accent to express, in character, the artistic views of Hitler. In my speech I caricatured him, briefly, paraphrasing HIS crass and insensitive statements about art and race. Credit: University of Cambridge. Ever wondered how to bring a different dimension to your event? Secretary & Chief of Staff for Debates Charlie Palmer, Heads of Audio-Visual Ewan Woods & James Shillington, Guest LiaIsons Veronica Hera, Connor Philips, Sarah Levy, Heads of Publicity Hannah Huang & Johan Nerlov, Online Publicity Officers Ellen Withington, Leo Wang, Lilliana Walker, Juan Albin, In Person Publicity Officer Izzy Porter, Faculty Outreach Officers Gia Bao & Owen Cooper, In Person Outreach Officer Rudi Ellis-Jones & Sanah Kashyap, The Rt Hon. [34], The Cambridge Union, like its Oxford counterpart, has faced controversy over its choice of speakers. But the big issue with the marketplace is access and thats not justsystemic obstacles such as the cost of joining the Union (currently a lifetime membership is 230), its also image its the actions of certain people who may say something that puts others off, or makes them feel deeply uncomfortable. The union awards honorary memberships to particularly distinguished individuals. Presidents who resigned after being elected but prior to taking office, where known, are marked with , List of presidents of the Cambridge Union, George Stainforth, born 9 March 1796; Chancellor's Medal, 1818; died 24 August 1820, aged 24; brother of, Richard Whitcombe, born 2 March 1794; Scholar 1815; BA 1817, MA 1820; Lincoln's Inn, 1820, called to the bar; died 12 November 1834 (from, https://conservativehistory.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/parkinson-sir-geoffrey-butler-and-the-tory-tradition-conservative-history-journal-2014.pdf, "burkes-peerage.net - This website is for sale! The streaming service is hosted on the Union's website and is available only to members. Wasn't planned, must be fate! He later tried to reassure his peers that Mr Graham-Dixon would not return to the union by proposing a blacklist, subsequently described as Stalinist by critics. 0:07 461 views ", Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Elected by members, he will head a team of over 150 students and staff. The election of Officers was suspended and a Committee of Management appointed. A: Whenever a president takes over we always want to bring in a big name. The woke are just the latest faux enemies of Englishness conjured up by the right | Patrick Wright, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Read about our approach to external linking. Included among the building's many rooms are the debating chamber, a dining room, bar, snooker room, the Keynes Library and various offices. The Cambridge Union is a registered charity and is completely separate from the Cambridge University Students' Union. The speech I gave was a strident attack on Hitlers racism and anti-Semitism., The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. #sustainability #USA #northamerica #california #losangeles #cosmetics. Our friendly team are here help. sustainability especially in this Industry. London: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi while speaking to MBA students at the Cambridge Judge Business School on the subject of "Learning to Listen in the 21st Century", said that people . Feb 10 Since 1815, The Cambridge Union has been a place where people can challenge and be challenged. Existing Members Please note the membership site is still under maintenance and having minor issues, to proceedlog in here: Members Log In, alternatively check back soon. Cambridge Independent Christopher George, Cambridge Union president for the first term. Christopher has no illusions that he is taking on a big role. I don't often post on LinkedIn (that might be changing soon) but it was great to be interviewed by Paul Seagrove for the University of Cambridge as President of the The Cambridge Union. Christopher is the first student from Wolfson, or any of the mature and post-graduate only colleges, to have held the post in the Unions 207-year history. In the 1980s, he often opposed then-U.S. President Ronald . Dont pretend that this world is equal its not. We need the confidence that comes from having truth on your side; it is powerful support. The Cambridge Union Society9a Bridge StreetCambridge CB2 1UBEngland. "I apologise sincerely to anyone who found my debating tactics and use of Hitler's own language distressing; on reflection I can see that some of the words I used, even in quotation, are inherently offensive," he said. Christophers personal and political views developed while he was in UC Berkeley, where he studied Public Policy and Political Economy for a year before coming to Wolfson. He added: I apologise sincerely to anyone who found my debating tactics and use of Hitlers own language distressing; on reflection I can see that some of the words I used, even in quotation, are inherently offensive.. The president of the France Football Federation Noel Le Graet has resigned; the 81-year-old was the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation, he denies those allegations; the former FFF chief . The top members of its debating team compete internationally against other top debating societies. Christopher credits Wolfson as having been central to his time at Cambridge, enabling him to hear a more diverse range of perspectives than if hed gone somewhere else. Cambridge, UK. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [6], In January 2015 the Union announced a 9.5m refurbishment project to begin in late 2016 to address major structural problems and to expand existing facilities, subject to approval by planners, to include a new Wine Bar on the ground floor and a Jazz & Comedy Club in the basement (in the old home of the Cambridge Footlights). For most of its history the Cambridge Union was an all-male club. With a vote of 176 in favour, 56 abstentions, and 36 in opposition, students at Cambridge delivered a strong affirmation of trade unions. Cambridge Union Society is the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. Our experienced team offer onsite event management and AV support. president definition: 1. Graham-Dixons Hitler impression and remarks came during a debate last week on the motion This house believes there is no such thing as good taste. In a statement, the art historian said it was not his intention to upset people, but to persuade the audience that bad taste and bad morality often go hand-in-hand. November 19, 2022 Uncategorized. Were here to facilitate the exchange of ideas, were here to hear disagreements thats our mission. Youre taking on a lot, he says. The purpose of the Union, he says, is to bring in new and different ideas, to challenge them and, importantly, to be challenged by them. It was resolved at a Private Business Meeting held on Monday, May 8, 1916, to hold no elections for terminal officers in the Easter Term, nor subsequently for the duration of War, and that the functions of the Standing Committee be performed by the ex officio members of the Committee. Select from premium Cambridge Union of the highest quality. The Cambridge Union Society, commonly referred to as The Cambridge Union, is a debating and free speech society in Cambridge, England, and the largest society at the University of Cambridge. Results for the Cambridge Union's Standing Committee elections were announced this evening (12/03) in the Union Chamber. Established in 1971 as the new Cambridge Students' Union (CSU), it was eventually recognised by the university authorities on May 25th , 1984 and renamed, following a student referendum in March 1985 , to . Mr Graham-Dixon said he was trying to "underline the utterly evil nature of Hitler" but apologised for offending. "The speech I gave was a strident attack on Hitler's racism and anti-Semitism. Launching the new look Five Rivers la Carte tonight. *Memberships are also available to buy at reception. Andrew Graham-Dixon. In a letter, published on Facebook, Mr Bradwell said Mr Graham-Dixon offended members when he used Hitler's "deplorable" words about Jewish and black people in his speech. Comedian, who impersonated Adolf Hitler in Monty Python, said he was blacklisting himself before someone else does. Mr Bradwell, who joked about the speech directly afterwards, has since apologised to members. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed, but we have started making some progress. We use cookies to personalise your experience. CEA President Dan Monahan and Executive Board Reps will be there to talk with you and distribute TShirts, Membership Cards, Buttons, Magnets and more!! Welcome to The Cambridge Union, a unique members club set in the heart of the city of Cambridge. The All Greys rugby team is my personal highlight, but students here are involved in the ADC Theatre, Footlights, Varsity, and loads of other activities both in College and across the University.. New freedom of speech legislation is working its way through Parliament and theres a big debate about universities hosting speakers known for their controversial views. Video1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. Were going to push to get more students from Anglia Ruskin University to join. Q: How do you deal with situations where a speaker may spark hostile receptions? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The future radical Liberal politician, Sir Charles Dilke, was the President chiefly responsible for construction. The Union is legally a self-funded charity that owns and has control over its buildings in the Cambridge city centre. The explosion caused extensive damage to the Union's library. Christopher is the first student from Wolfson, or any of the mature and post-graduate only colleges, to have held the post in the Union's 207-year history. The society, which aims to promote free speech through discussion, had been holding a debate on the concept of good taste on November 4. The staff team work alongside your elected sabbatical officers. Notes [ edit] On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The referendum was more widely viewed as an opinion poll on the union's refusal to "no platform" speakers. Id hoped this was crystal clear to all present. On Wednesday, Peterson will speak at the Cambridge Union, the student debating society whose vacillating president recently introduced and then abandoned a scheme to blacklist speakers who risked offending someone. 2022 The Cambridge Union Society | Website design & build by Sanders + Jay Ltd. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He caricatured Jewish people and black people and homosexuals in all kinds of terrible ways and curated a huge art exhibition called Degenerate Art as propaganda for his poisonous views. Prospective Memberships If you are looking to become a member, please try back again shortly, or alternatively email [email protected]. Join us for food and drinks in our newly refurnished stunning bar and retaurant, The Orator. Existing Members Please note the membership site is still under maintenance and having minor issues, to proceedlog in here: Members Log In, alternatively check back soon. https://lnkd.in/eVT6ShGF, President at Dhaka University Debating Society, Oxonian, Environmentalist, Author, and Speaker, English Undergraduate at the University of Cambridge and President of the Cambridge Union, Very exciting for your term! Collections; . This page was last edited on 2 December 2022, at 15:23. I dont want to create an impression that the union is against free speech., Mr Bradwell had initially sent out an email saying he would create a blacklist of speakers never to be invited back, with the message adding: Andrew [Graham-Dixon] will be on that list.. Its been a privilege working with so many hard-working students who give up days, if not weeks, each term to make this place something special. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected], Union blacklists historian over Hitler impression, Cambridge college returns looted bronze cockerel, Being black at Cambridge University - BBC News - YouTube, Domestic abuse survivor tells court she 'hates' attacker who strangled her till she was unconscious as he is jailed, Soham vandals cause thousands of pounds of damage in public toilets, Kimbolton: 7,500 funding to keep residents fit and healthy, Cambridge 295 home Timberworks estate: Interactive public art approved, Spalding man has appeared in court charged with a distraction burglary, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, Fire knocks out half of Argentina's power grid, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. [17] The Union's debates regarding religion have also created several controversial incidents, including in October 2014, when Peter Hitchens, speaking in favour of the motion 'This House Regrets the Rise of New Atheism', appeared to break the rules of the House by physically intimidating Lord Desai after a heated exchange.[18]. Cambridge Union President Keir Bradwell, who had said that it was the 'longest Hitler impression' the chamber had ever heard, has now issued an apology for his failure to intervene after the. It is understood the U-turn means Mr Graham-Dixon will not be formally blacklisted. Guests are sometimes admitted to Union events for a charge. The program also includes special events, such as a comedy debate in collaboration with the Cambridge Footlights. On one occasion a female student gate-crashed a debate and was removed, the whole incident seen and reported in the national press. In both of these, leading figures from public life are invited to discuss something of interest to the membership. Appearing before the Cambridge Union the ex-Labour leader was responding to a comment by the society's President Joel Rosen who had asked him what he had done to stop the . But it was criticised by some students and described as absolutely unacceptable and utterly horrifying by Zara Salaria, the equalities officer at the Union. John from Cambridge Crpes on celebrity customers, local fame, and why he's always cheerful 21 January 2023 Union President Christopher George: 'We are here for disagreement' 21 January 2023 Interview Model and ex-Editor-In-Chief of Varsity: 'I feared being adequate at everything but not good at anything' 21 January 2023 The Last President of apartheid-era South Africa, American Presidential candidate and Vermont Senator, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:39. When you come here expect to hear people you disagree with. [26], The Review Committee of the Cambridge Union is a committee of former Officers appointed by Standing Committee under the guidance of the Vice President. [1], The Union is legally a self-funded charity that owns and has full control over its private property and buildings in the Cambridge city centre. Wolfson History undergraduateChristopherGeorge has been elected President of theCambridge Unionfor Lent Term 2023. Cant wait to tell you all about the locations we have secured over here This U-turn has perhaps come across as . The Union might just be the start. Cambridge UCU made some remarks in the Discussion on the Board of Scrutiny's Twenty-seventh Report, which have been published in the University Reporter. Jens Tait Kelly Jamaica Ridge Jude Ellis Sigita Pjampite, Managing Director at Delicious PR Ltd | Building brands creatively and commercially. [33] Before 2014, the Union only occasionally live-streamed popular events, with the first ever live stream held on 12 May 2011, in which Stephen Fry debated Radio 1 DJ Kissy Sell Out on the motion: "This House believes that classical music is irrelevant to today's youth". "The speech I gave was a strident attack on Hitler's racism and anti-Semitism," he said. James Vitali Research Fellow at Policy Exchange; Former President of The Cambridge Union, VC Scholar and PhD Candidate in Politics, Cambridge University. (the title given to) the person who has the highest political position in a country that is a. [44][45][46], Lobbying by former Union Presidents Lord Deben and Lord Lamont resulted in the specific exclusion of the Cambridge and Oxford Unions from the Government's counter-terrorism bill, amid fears it could restrict free debate.