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| 12 Nov 2025 | |
| Alumni Events |
We're delighted to announce that our first run of films for the Past Presidents and Officers series have now been completed. These short, standalone interviews capture a rich oral history of the Union from the 1950s onwards and draw heavily from the Union's own archival material. The longer, uncut recordings are stored in perpetuity by the Oxford Union Library and Archives for research purposes.
The project was first conceived in October 2024 and won the support of the Homestead Foundation who financed this first phase of interviews. 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.
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.
Interviewees include University Chancellor, The Rt Hon. the Lord Hague of Richmond, President MT 1981; The Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH. President MT 1954; Gyles Brandreth, President MT 1969, Isabelle Westbury, President MT 2011; Tariq Ali, President TT 1965 and more.
If you're interested in supporting the next round of interviews, taking part yourself, or simply have some feedback to share, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We must also acknowledge the fantastic work of our producer, director, and film maker, Ben Whalley. You can view his previous work here and reach him at bwhalley@icloud.com
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