Friday 1st May 2026

Opinion

We need to talk about Oxford’s gossip problem 

Gossiping is an innately human pastime, existing long before our generation, and a beloved form of social interaction that teeters on the boundary between harmless fun and cruelty. Yes,...

When I met Peter Mandelson

In October 2024, during the Oxford Chancellor election, one of my responsibilities as Deputy Editor of Profiles at Cherwell was to interview Peter (then Lord) Mandelson, who was among the five frontrunners contesting the election.

There really is no smoke without fire

Preoccupation with one’s appearance is to be expected when starting at University. New wardrobes...

I was wrong. Oxford needs a ‘reading’ week.

In passing, friends often bemoan how their partners at other universities get a week...

Cringe, appreciate and cringe some more

The line between irony and political insensitivity is blurred and as a result often has dangerous consequences

Is anybody listening, Mr Clegg?

Marc Kidson wonders why Nick Clegg struggles to get his voice heard in politics

5 Minute Tute: Copenhagen Summit

Dr. Bettina Wittneben explains the upcoming international climate conference

Juggling the plates is hard work but women are brilliant at multi-skilling

The Guardian columnist Jackie Ashley argues that women can have both a successful career and a family

Is Christmas less fun as you grow up?

Is Christmas less enjoyable for adults than for children?

Interview: Richard Curtis

Richard Curtis talks to Georgia Lindsay about comedy, optimism and charity.

By-election win: a good omen for Gordon?

Two students consider whether the tide has turned for Labour

Human Rights on hold

Amnesty International's Sara MacNeice bemoans the slow pace of change since Obama's inauguration

‘Successful activists aren’t really activists’

The Times columnist pours scorn on student activism

5 Minute Tute: Water on the moon

Professor FW Taylor Halley explains NASA's crash landing on the moon

Should sex education be compulsory?

Two students consider the recent developments in sex education

Stop making sex a taboo subject

Sex and relationship education is important in helping children make infomed choices

Too close for comfort

India's unique conception of personal space

That’s more like it

Those asking questions about OUSU's role should take a look at what they have achieved this week. Candidates, take note.

Ken Livingstone: Boris, the Beeb and Me

Ken Livingstone speaks of his anger at the mayor, the media and a certain Mr Blair

5 Minute Tute – Pirates: Somalia’s lawless seas

Dr Sarah Percy explores the new terror of the high seas

Guest Commentator: Yasmin Alibhai Brown

The Independent's leading columnist argues that free speech is a right that comes with responsibilities.

5 Minute Tute: Darfur: The Crisis Continues

Jo Read considers the current situation in Darfur

In defence of defence

General Sir Mike Jackson makes the case for the British Army

The murky world of politics isn’t so bad

The Guardian's Assistant Editor looks at a political career

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