Sunday 3rd May 2026

Opinion

Both rags and riches: Social media is heightening Oxford’s class disparities

According to the University of Oxford’s admissions data, in 2024, 14.5% of students admitted were from the most socio-economically deprived areas in the UK. Many students at the University...

We need to talk about Oxford’s gossip problem 

Gossiping is an innately human pastime, existing long before our generation, and a beloved...

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...

State school colleges are a belittling suggestion

Frances Timberlake rejects the proposal that state school Oxbridge colleges would enhance access

Police brutality is not a new problem

Sian Meaney argues that recent incidences of police brutality are part of a latent and often ignored issue in our police's history

Postgraduate loans: a case of too much education?

Harry Gosling argues that the introduction of postgraduate loans will not necessarily promote prosperity and social mobility

The butcher and the salesman

Charlotte McLean condemns the cosmetic surgery industry as insidious and sexist

Dining club’s bad taste lingers

Tom Robinson argues that the Gridiron Club's failed attempt to admit female members is another example of Oxford dining clubs' growing irrelevance at the University

The dangerous assumptions behind the latest porn regulations

Alice King argues that the recently announced restrictions on certain types of porn show an outdated and dangerous mindset on the part of the government when it comes to issues of censorship

Stand for your JCR committee: a call to arms

Tom Carter responds to the growing apathy for JCR politics

Interview: Judge Rinder

Rob Rinder, the British Judge Judy, talks lawyers, legal aid and the cult of celebrity

Interview: Ed Balls

Ed Balls discusses his politics, diversity and Labour with Charlie Atkins

Debate: Does ‘no platform’ threaten free speech?

Tom Posa and James Elliott debate 'no platforming' in the light of Tommy Robinson's invitation to speak at the Union

The insensitivity of the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert

Mary Reader argues that the Sainsbury's Christmas advert is just another example of the commodification of warfare in our society

The Living Wage: It’s time to Accredit

Lucy Valsamidis, in conjunction with the OUSU Living Wage campaign, argues that both the University and individual colleges should sign up to be accredited Living Wage employers

Being bisexual is not like being a unicorn

Sarah Boyd stresses the importance of OUSU's “Bye Bi Prejudice” campaign

Should Oxford award scholarships to its undergraduates?

Charlotte Clark and Zaeem Bhanji discuss the merits of Oxford's scholarship system

A response to the rise and fall of Dapper Laughs

Anthony Blair considers what the likes of Dapper Laughs and Julien Blanc can tell us about the society we live in

Interview: Tanni Grey-Thompson

Dan Hitchens talks disability and euthanasia with Tanni Grey-Thompson

Interview: Stuart Skeates

Alex Stronell discusses the Army’s role in the 21st century with the Commandant of Sandhurst, Major General Stuart Skeates 

Access and diversity: Why I am running to be OUSU President

Will Obeney outlines what he thinks Oxford's biggest problems are and what he would do to solve them

Myth-busting: In defence of an annual vote on OUSU policy

Presidential candidate Adam Roberts responds to the 5 biggest concerns about his flagship policy and discusses why he thinks it would increase student engagement with OUSU

Falling through the gaps: Oxford’s failing welfare system

OUSU presidential candidate Becky Howe discusses improvements that must be made

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