Saturday 9th August 2025

Opinion

The Encaenia is PR without the public (or anyone else)

Wholesale reform is the last thing Encaenia needs. If only people knew what it is, it would be a well-suited PR exercise for a modern Oxford.

This is how we combat the crusade against universities

It’s easy to think of an arts degree as a fruitless pleasure. But education and academic study are intrinsically valuable.

From pensioners to students, all should fear the Palestine Action ban

If you think this is a win for one side over the other in relation to Israel’s war on Gaza, be careful what you wish for.

Trashing rules save face, not students

Trashing is banned. But what does the banning achieve except pushing students further from...

Varsity: Learning something on the slopes, if not how to ski

Learning humility (if not skiing) in Tignes

Cringe, appreciate and cringe some more

The line between irony and political insensitivity is blurred and as a result often has dangerous consequences

Is anybody listening, Mr Clegg?

Marc Kidson wonders why Nick Clegg struggles to get his voice heard in politics

5 Minute Tute: Copenhagen Summit

Dr. Bettina Wittneben explains the upcoming international climate conference

Juggling the plates is hard work but women are brilliant at multi-skilling

The Guardian columnist Jackie Ashley argues that women can have both a successful career and a family

Is Christmas less fun as you grow up?

Is Christmas less enjoyable for adults than for children?

Interview: Richard Curtis

Richard Curtis talks to Georgia Lindsay about comedy, optimism and charity.

By-election win: a good omen for Gordon?

Two students consider whether the tide has turned for Labour

Human Rights on hold

Amnesty International's Sara MacNeice bemoans the slow pace of change since Obama's inauguration

‘Successful activists aren’t really activists’

The Times columnist pours scorn on student activism

5 Minute Tute: Water on the moon

Professor FW Taylor Halley explains NASA's crash landing on the moon

Should sex education be compulsory?

Two students consider the recent developments in sex education

Stop making sex a taboo subject

Sex and relationship education is important in helping children make infomed choices

Too close for comfort

India's unique conception of personal space

That’s more like it

Those asking questions about OUSU's role should take a look at what they have achieved this week. Candidates, take note.

Ken Livingstone: Boris, the Beeb and Me

Ken Livingstone speaks of his anger at the mayor, the media and a certain Mr Blair

5 Minute Tute – Pirates: Somalia’s lawless seas

Dr Sarah Percy explores the new terror of the high seas

Guest Commentator: Yasmin Alibhai Brown

The Independent's leading columnist argues that free speech is a right that comes with responsibilities.

5 Minute Tute: Darfur: The Crisis Continues

Jo Read considers the current situation in Darfur

In defence of defence

General Sir Mike Jackson makes the case for the British Army

Follow us