Events

Debates

The Union has always been famous for its controversial debates. Few other places in the world are able to bring together so many high profile speakers of such diverging views and make them defend what they passionately believe in. Uniquely, the Union opens public figures up to your questions, for which they cannot be prepared. Debates are highly relevant to current issues and often mirror discussion in parliament and the media.

The Union's annual debate 'This House has No Confidence in Her Majesty's Government' is always one of the most provoking. Recent years have seen local MP Ann Campbell challenged for supporting tuition fees despite promising not to, and Ann Widdecombe face-to-face with Labour Education minister Margaret Hodge. There is much press attention for debates, and politicians have both flourished and foundered at the Union.

The Union has debated all sorts of topics: crime, drugs, prostitution, race, law, abortion, gay rights, the media, asylum seekers, Europe, Iraq, pornography and tuition fees have all taken place over the last few years. A debate on racism in British society saw Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen, debating against police chief John Grieve, head of the racial crimes taskforce.

Ents

Every night sees a different event, whether it's jazz and cocktails or comedy night live. This year, expect Ann Summers, poker nights, speed dating, open mic sessions, the battle of the bands, a bucking bronco and candy floss; even a chill out night with masseurs on hand to relieve all that work-stress.

Clubbing

The Union is the only student organisation that puts on club nights with late licences into the early hours at weekends. This year you can expect regular events with top DJs and cheap drinks-the only place to be at the weekends in Cambridge!

Tastings

Last year Union members tasted their way through litres of wine, champagne, beer and even some speciality coffee. Scheduled for Michaelmas is all this, plus we're moving onto cheese and chocolates! Whether it's to become a connoisseur, or just to enjoy free goodies, don't miss out.

Pub quizzes

Our regular pub quizzes are always popular with large prizes given away to the most knowledgeable Union members. This year prizes have been £100 of cds or books from a local store.

Snooker tables

The Union is also a snooker club. We offer two snooker tables for members' use free of charge all year round.

Speakers

The Union regularly welcomes some of the most powerful, influential and best known figures from around the globe. It is a rare privilege to hear some of the key decision makers talking about global events that have shaped all our lives - this is exactly what the Union offers its members.

In 1990, at the end of the Cold War, US President Ronald Reagan gave a speech at the Union, in which he reflected candidly on how he had steered the American course through the tense years of the 1980s.

Shortly after the re-unification of Germany, Chancellor Helmut Kohl addressed the Union, to outline his vision for a bold Germany at the heart of Europe. Soon after the release of Nelson Mandela, both F W de Klerk and Archbishop Desmond Tutu were at the Union explaining the way ahead for South Africa. Queen Noor and King Hussein of Jordan used their visit to talk about peace in the Middle East, just when negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians were at a critical phase. The Dalai Lama called for the independence of Tibet and international action against human rights abuses. The first elected President of Iraq spoke of his hope for the country's future.

And we will not shy away from the most difficult and controversial problems that the world must face. Exactly one year after he made it through to the final round in the French Presidential election, Jean-Marie Le Pen visited the Union. Last year, addressing the Union via satellite, Colonel Gadaffi issued a defiant call for Western powers to stay out of Africa.