Past Presidents & Officers Film Series

This month we were honoured to welcome University Chancellor Lord Hague of Richmond for a filmed interview about his time as President of the Oxford Union in 1981.  His participation further enhanced the distinguished line of former presidents now taking part in the compelling Past Presidents Film Series now appearing on the Oxford Union YouTube channel. These short, standalone interviews capture a rich oral history of the Union from the 1950s onwards.  The longer, uncut recordings are stored in perpetuity by the Oxford Union Library for research purposes.

The project was first conceived in October last year and won the support of the Homestead Foundation who financed this first phase of fourteen interviews, some of which are still in the production phase.   The series set out to bring to life the stories, debates, and personalities that have shaped the Union over the decades. With it we hope to educate our wider audience and followers about the values of the Union, how it works from within and why its leadership so strongly believes in the importance of debate in today’s society.  As you will see, their explanation of how simply listening to others with whom you disagree is an essential skill and one which we cannot afford to lose.

The series also offers a vivid portrait of student leadership, personalities, friendships, ideas and political leanings. It is brimming with first hand accounts of some of the extraordinary range of guest speakers ranging Richard Nixon, Bobby Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II and Malcom X.   The series reflects on how the Union’s debates have mirrored—and at times influenced—the wider world and at the same time showcases the stature and eloquence of the Union’s illustrious alumni.

Do take a moment to have a look.  The series will not doubt help rekindle memories of your Oxford days and hopefully think about how important it is to preserve the Society for the future.  Tune in using this link to watch the playlist https://youtu.be/DfdZkFIKvxo?si=1uLqCbUSW_i8mNE1  New films are uploaded every 2-3 weeks, soon to come Jeremy Beloff, Sir Ronald Cohen, Lord Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University.  Otherwise, access the latest debates here: OxfordUnion - YouTube