Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Opinion

New Mods: An infantilising step away from the fundamentals

Oxford has long played an important role in the world of classical academia. Feeney, Lyne, Griffin, Macleod, Murray, Hall, Osborne… the list of notable classicists who have studied here,...

Cliques, columns and committees: How insecurity fuels Oxford’s societies

For many freshers arriving at this University, the biggest question playing on their mind...

The infantilisation of young people in politics must end

Despite centring conversations around them, Westminster is following the US into ignoring and isolating entire generations.

Why are students so financially illiterate?

Ask a typical Oxford student about their academic course, and they’ll happily ramble about...

The cutback and growth of Britain’s urban hedges

"There are encouraging signs that point towards the restoration of this fascinatingly ordinary part of British life"

The Case for No: Why JCRs should motion to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students

In the last 6 months, student unions from the universities of Warwick, Brighton, Queen Mary and Reading all voted to disaffiliate for essentially the same matters I am now raising for debate: how the NUS treats Jewish students.

The Crown in our republic

I support the people’s re(s)publica, not a republic of the state. The Royal Crown unites us in a manner that no elected politician can, and in so doing protects our way of life in a way that any eventual establishment of a Republic cannot.

Time to put a lid on it

Although alcohol can bring people together, it can also leave a fair number of people on the outskirts of social settings.

The College-Gap: It’s easy to criticise what you know best

"University is equally about making friends as it is learning how to live independently and, at times, be lonely. I don’t think it’s fair to blame the college-system for limiting your social network."

The quiet language revolution in Russia’s former empire

"Where Western broadcasters once used Russian versions of Ukrainian names for people, cities, and so on, they are now switching to English spellings that are more in line with the Ukrainian language."

The Monarchy: An Embodiment of Britishness?

"The survival of the monarchy is a testament to the moderation that characterises British political history, perhaps our greatest and most distinctive achievement."

Pleasure in the age of panic

"The idea that we must be damned for our enjoyment marks pleasure, and its opponent, sacrifice, as part of utilitarian philosophy."

Have you Met the King? The Met Gala and the Coronation have more in common than you might think

"Both are controversial for their unapologetic extravagance in a time when the country has the dark cloud of inflation looming over it."

The Turkish elections: Time for a new spring?

Since Erdoğan’s inauguration in March 2003, the country has slid down the democracy index as civil rights have been eroded, public institutions politicised and press freedoms curtailed.

Freedom to hate? Why the Oxford Union’s obsession with controversial speakers must end

Freedom of speech is something the Oxford Union champions. However, they often seem to breach the boundary between allowing freedom of speech and providing a platform to members of society who have rightly been banished for their views

Why an AI pause would be detrimental to humanity

"I would posit that AI poses as much a threat to human life as a parrot (perhaps even less, given it doesn’t have a beak)."

Let down?

"I won't even be leaving having experienced the full three years of my degree. I have Covid to thank for that."

The annual token black Love Island contestant

"Year after year, the black woman faces an intolerable amount of rejection."

Freedom of speech in 2023: Why the Oxford Union will never cancel controversial speakers

I don’t support young people from minority or oppressed groups having to defend their own rights in the chamber. I do, however, believe that, the Union should not rescind invites on the basis of Oxford students disagreeing with their views

How Britain lost its greatness

'Perhaps it’s best to start our history, as most stories of British decline do, with the prime ministership of Madame Thatcher. '

The sky’s the limit: Oxford’s dreaming spires and spiralling costs

By allowing buildings to go over the building height limit, the city could restore the housing supply back to a healthy equilibrium and reduce the current property market tension drastically

Why the Tories will win the next election (and why they shouldn’t)

It may seem nonsensical but not only will the Tories avoid annihilation in 2024, but they will even hold on to power for another five years.

Dear Britain: Biden doesn’t hate you… you’re just not relevant.

To demand that the leader of the free world pay special attention to the UK is be beyond entitled.

The Myth of Representation 

"Visibility matters in today's world"

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