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...

SATIRE: How to feel rich during quarantine

You only need to put yourself in the shoes of socialite Emeliva Howawante to see the richer side of quarantine living

The Future of Satire

‘The beauty of satire is that, by its nature it offends and so demonstrates the lines which free speech should be wary of crossing.’ Natasha Voase breaks down the beauty of satire and its many uses.

Is soft socialism the way forward for Labour?

Whether in Opposition or in Government, the position of (Shadow) Chancellor of the Exchequer is key to the functioning and coherence of any cabinet. You only...

How Life in Lockdown is Preparing us for Smart Cities

Empty London buses follow the usual circuits on clear roads, like Scalextric cars. Churches take to streaming Sunday service. Students, uncertain about their foreseeable...

Shorts: The world after Covid-19

1. Jed Burkat (Brasenose) Slavoj Zizek, beloved pop-culture icon and philosopher, has called Coronavirus a ‘perfect storm’ which ‘gives a new chance for Communism’ in Europe in...

The Minefield of Coronavirus Metaphors

“This is the frontline in a war,” begins BBC medical correspondent Fergus Walsh’s special report on coronavirus, filmed in University College Hospital, London. He...

God Save the Queen, I Guess

Natasha Voase calls on the Royal Family ‘to prove that they’re more than just reality stars with posh accents’.

Now is a Time for Politics

The coronavirus is not only a threat to public health but to our values of democracy and civil liberty, Edward Rhys Jones argues.

Violence on the Frontline: the changing public perception of the NHS

'The assault of NHS workers is far from a new phenomenon.' Emily Passmore discusses public perceptions of the NHS and how COVID-19 has exposed them.

A Crisis of Faith?: the role and responsibilities of organised religion

When David was King of Israel, his people is said to have been ravaged by a plague claiming the lives of hundreds every day....

Clap for Our Carers: A Revival of Direct Action

Standing in suburban London as a short-lived round of applause peters out, I couldn't help but think to myself: What is the point? Notwithstanding the admirable sentiment...

Can I speak to the manager?: what ‘Karen’ tells us about Internet discourse

'The social context to Internet discourse should not go ignored.' Zehra Munir discusses the 'Karen' phenomenon and its ability to capture the mood of society.

A Case For Sonder: rejecting putting a price tag on life

All throughout the world, health professionals are facing some of the most disheartening scenes of our times. Their efforts are valiant, there’s no denying...

Starmer’s Labour: the long road to relevance

'If you don’t look ready to lead the country, the country won’t put you in charge.' Ed Lawrence presents Labour's strategy for the next decade.

Pandemic Democracy: Trump, Biden, and the politics of coronavirus

The 2020 election already had all the elements you’d expect from a blockbuster political thriller. An impossibly large star-studded cast, a twin election conspiracy...

Blind Spots and Vigilantism: Learning from the ghosts of recent pandemics past

‘I refute the claim that news cannot be made directly relevant, engaging, and motivating wherever it happens.’ Francesca Butt warns us against the blind spots in our media coverage and tells us what we can learn from online outrage.

Opinion – Oxford Finalists Deserve a Proper ‘Safety Net’

On Wednesday 25th March I released an Open Letter to the University advocating for a ‘guaranteed minimum’ grade to be implemented to protect students particularly...

Calm Down About Your Five-Year Plan

Timea Iliffe questions at what point we all started living by the unspoken five year plan

COVID-19 Is Changing the Way We Socialise

'I can hardly offer them a virtual cup of tea when the conversation runs dry.' As our online interactions proliferate, Janae Byrne discusses the pitfalls of communicating via social media.

This House Believes Oxford University is Defined by its Students

Jack Glynne-Jones and Joseph Mochhoury debate whether Oxford University is defined by its students or if it is the other way around.

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