Famous Speakers
An Unparalleled Reputation
The Union attracts figures from all walks of life and continues to maintain its unparalleled reputation for international guests and speakers. To name a few, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and even Kermit the Frog have all found the time to come and speak at the Oxford Union. Every term, every year, the Union has a tremendous range of high-profile speakers unlike anywhere else in Britain, or indeed the world.
International Statesmen
The Oxford Union hosts the world's leading statesmen and international figures. Last year, Yasser Arafat made his first international speech after the Israeli elections, and Ian Paisley, David Trimble and John Hume sat around the same table answering members' questions on Northern Ireland.
In May, the Irish Prime Minister delivered a key-note speech on the beleaugured peace process.
Leading Figures from the World of Sport
Sport is an important part of college life in Oxford, and this is reflected in the guests we invite to speak. Over the last two years alone, speakers have ranged from Diego Maradona to Graham Gooch, Sally Gunnell to Geoffrey Boycott and Steve Redgrave to Chris Eubank.
Stars from Film & Theatre
The world of film, television and theatre has always played a major role in the Union - speakers included Dianna Rigg from 'the Avengers' in the 1960s to Charlton Heston in the 1970s. Recently actors ranging from Sir Ian McKellen to Nigel Hawthorne, Peter O'Toole to Julia Ormond have addressed the Union. For the more light hearted, members have heard from Stephen Fry, Leonard 'Spock' Nimoy and John Sessions. Such events give members an opportunity to hear, question and challenge in a relaxed atmosphere. Few other places can offer students the chance to meet the real person behind the famous face.
Debating The Issues of Today
The Union was founded as a debating society, and debates are still its lifeblood. They remain at the cutting edge of contentious issues. Edward Heath & Norman Tebbit have clashed over the dispatch boxes on Europe, as have Michael Heseltine & Michael Foot on the record of the Conservatives.
In February last year, Alex Salmond, George Robertson & William Hague debated Scottish and Welsh Devolution.
Members are encouraged to participate in all these debates. Before every formal debate each week, there is a 45-minute optional informal debate. Only students speak in this debate - which is on an issue of the moment, chosen a few days beforehand. It is an ideal opportunity for the less confident and first-time speakers to learn.
The debating element of the Oxford Union, its raison d'etre, remains as strong as ever.
Speakers from around the world
Many politicians have spoken at the Union about Ireland and its problems. In 1888, Lord Randolph Churchill spoke on the issue of Home Rule. In 1962, the Reverend Ian Paisley provoked uproar with his attack on Catholicism during a debate.
Others who have spoken on Ireland over the years include Austen Chamberlain, W.B. Yeats and Prime Minister David Lloyd George. Prominent politicans from the Irish Republic who have addressed the Union have included Prime Ministers Liam Cosgrave, Albert Reynolds, John Bruton and Bertie Ahern.
There is also a strong American tradition: Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Carter have addressed the Society. Two of the greatest figures of 1960s America spoke at the Union shortly before their tragic deaths Malcolm X in 1964, and Senator Robert Kennedy in 1967. More recently, Henry Kissinger, Vice-President Dan Quayle, the American Ambassador and Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, have visited.