Saturday 9th August 2025

Opinion

The Encaenia is PR without the public (or anyone else)

Wholesale reform is the last thing Encaenia needs. If only people knew what it is, it would be a well-suited PR exercise for a modern Oxford.

This is how we combat the crusade against universities

It’s easy to think of an arts degree as a fruitless pleasure. But education and academic study are intrinsically valuable.

From pensioners to students, all should fear the Palestine Action ban

If you think this is a win for one side over the other in relation to Israel’s war on Gaza, be careful what you wish for.

Trashing rules save face, not students

Trashing is banned. But what does the banning achieve except pushing students further from...

The 80s are back

Unions are the reactionary force controlling the Labour Party

Not so hung up on Dave

Cameron's attack on PR makes him either a fear-mongering hypocrite or an idiot. We shouldn't be swayed from electoral reform.

Arms and ‘The Man’

Make your money how you like, but don't tell us weapons are socially responsible

Been there, don that

The intimate adventures of an Oxford tutor

Bill Clinton, cultural landmark

Peter Sissons talks to the former US President about Oxford, the UK Election...and Peter Sissons

Some Vague Opinions about Politics

Cherwell’s gonzo columnist flails about in the quagmire of his own willful ignorance

Muhammad in a bear suit? Not offensive

South Park's latest 'outrage' has predictably brought death threats, but the violent only have themselves to blame.

TV debates: who’s got the X factor?

New Statesman's Jon Bernstein gives the inside view on leadership head-to-heads, web campaigning and the future of British politics

Is the Pope a Catholic?

'The tempter came to him' (Mat.4:3): In the aftermath of the holy weekend Henry Carr wonders what the Papacy is all about.

The Budget: ‘It’s Politics, stupid’

Unexciting, uninspiring and potentially redundant. But it still knocked the Tories for six, says Thomas Kidney

Abuse of our attention

Twee internet campaigns are demeaning and detract from any real seriousness, says Sofia Abasolo

Love Music Hate Racism

Antonia Tam takes a look at the campaign encouraging people to use their vote and keep out the BNP

Guest Columnist: Chris Tennant

Modern society engages in false consciousness

Notes from the Underground

Music journalist Simon Reynolds talks about the joy of being a bit of a misfit

Falklands Fervour

Malcolm Deas explains the Falklands' Islands' conflict

Voice of the People: India after Independence

Vignesh Ashok considers the progress of India sixty years after independence and her future

Stripping down Thirst Lodge?

Two students debate whether Thirst Lodge should be granted a license to allow lap-dancing

Impartial Order

John Bercow MP for Buckingham, Speaker of the House of Commons, talks to Clement Knox about his new position

Voice of the People: Race relations in South Africa

Christina Charemi looks at race relations in South Africa since Nelson Mandela

Guest Columnist: Olivia Lichenstein

Award-winning documentary filmmaker and best-selling author Olivia Lichenstein describes her complex relationship with her mother

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