Monday 27th April 2026

Opinion

When I met Peter Mandelson

In October 2024, during the Oxford Chancellor election, one of my responsibilities as Deputy Editor of Profiles at Cherwell was to interview Peter (then Lord) Mandelson, who was among the five frontrunners contesting the election.

There really is no smoke without fire

Preoccupation with one’s appearance is to be expected when starting at University. New wardrobes...

I was wrong. Oxford needs a ‘reading’ week.

In passing, friends often bemoan how their partners at other universities get a week...

The Schwarzman Centre is a commercial venture, not a place of learning

Schwarzman's donation was meant to revitalise study of the humanities. But with cramped libraries and cramped faculties, it's closer to a death knell.

Postgraduate loans: a case of too much education?

Harry Gosling argues that the introduction of postgraduate loans will not necessarily promote prosperity and social mobility

The butcher and the salesman

Charlotte McLean condemns the cosmetic surgery industry as insidious and sexist

Dining club’s bad taste lingers

Tom Robinson argues that the Gridiron Club's failed attempt to admit female members is another example of Oxford dining clubs' growing irrelevance at the University

The dangerous assumptions behind the latest porn regulations

Alice King argues that the recently announced restrictions on certain types of porn show an outdated and dangerous mindset on the part of the government when it comes to issues of censorship

Stand for your JCR committee: a call to arms

Tom Carter responds to the growing apathy for JCR politics

Interview: Judge Rinder

Rob Rinder, the British Judge Judy, talks lawyers, legal aid and the cult of celebrity

Interview: Ed Balls

Ed Balls discusses his politics, diversity and Labour with Charlie Atkins

Debate: Does ‘no platform’ threaten free speech?

Tom Posa and James Elliott debate 'no platforming' in the light of Tommy Robinson's invitation to speak at the Union

The insensitivity of the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert

Mary Reader argues that the Sainsbury's Christmas advert is just another example of the commodification of warfare in our society

The Living Wage: It’s time to Accredit

Lucy Valsamidis, in conjunction with the OUSU Living Wage campaign, argues that both the University and individual colleges should sign up to be accredited Living Wage employers

Being bisexual is not like being a unicorn

Sarah Boyd stresses the importance of OUSU's “Bye Bi Prejudice” campaign

Should Oxford award scholarships to its undergraduates?

Charlotte Clark and Zaeem Bhanji discuss the merits of Oxford's scholarship system

A response to the rise and fall of Dapper Laughs

Anthony Blair considers what the likes of Dapper Laughs and Julien Blanc can tell us about the society we live in

Interview: Tanni Grey-Thompson

Dan Hitchens talks disability and euthanasia with Tanni Grey-Thompson

Interview: Stuart Skeates

Alex Stronell discusses the Army’s role in the 21st century with the Commandant of Sandhurst, Major General Stuart Skeates 

Access and diversity: Why I am running to be OUSU President

Will Obeney outlines what he thinks Oxford's biggest problems are and what he would do to solve them

Myth-busting: In defence of an annual vote on OUSU policy

Presidential candidate Adam Roberts responds to the 5 biggest concerns about his flagship policy and discusses why he thinks it would increase student engagement with OUSU

Falling through the gaps: Oxford’s failing welfare system

OUSU presidential candidate Becky Howe discusses improvements that must be made

Ten thoughts on this year’s OUSU elections

Alex Bartram, a former candidate for OUSU President, shares his ten thoughts about this year's elections on the eve of polling.

Clegg is wrong: The public sector wants more Oxbridge grads

Flora Milligan takes issue with Clegg's recent comments on the public sector and its employment of Oxford graduates

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