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.

The Most Boringly Interesting OUSU Election in Years

With polls opening tomorrow, Jack Matthews says that there's all to play for in the upcoming OUSU elections

The curious case of the missing candidates

Tom Robinson assesses the impact of fewer candidates running in OUSU elections

“You should ask for big things from the people standing”

OUSU President Louis Trup encourages all Oxford students to demand more of their candidates, and to engage in OUSU elections

Interview: Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen talks elitism, Downton Abbey and Stonewall with Helen Thomas

Interview: Harry Leslie Smith

Niamh McIntyre discusses austerity and activism with Harry Leslie Smith

Debate: Should we wear red poppies to remember the war dead?

William Tilston and James Elliott discuss the ethics of wearing a poppy

We must follow California’s lead on sexual violence

An anonymous contributor and survivor of sexual violence urges the UK to follow California in introducing a new 'Yes is Yes' law with regard to consent

Suggesting solutions: addressing the gender gap at finals

Eden Bailey, Right to Education's candidate for OUSU Vice President for Access and Academic Affairs in the ongoing elections, discusses the problem of the finals gender gap

Electoral changes at the Union: should you bother voting?

Ella Richards argues that even with the vote's problems introducing RON, slates and online campaigning is a step in the right direction

Interview: Simon Callow

Fergus Morgan chats to actor Simon Callow about the National Theatre, religion and homophobia

A golden opportunity for the Church of England

Tom Carter argues that by appointing a female Bishop of Oxford, the Church of England can send a strong message to those that see it as irrelevant in the modern world

Oxstew Column: Week 4

Turnout disappointing after “nastiest OUSU election so far”

Interview: Fran Boait

Niamh McIntyre talks to Fran Boait on the need for an overhaul of our monetary system

Debate: Is space exploration a waste of resources?

Sian Meaney and Tom Robinson debate whether the money and time expended on space exploration could be put to better use elsewhere

Interview: Nick Mirsky

Helen Thomas talks Channel 4, Louis Theroux and Benefits Street with their Head of Documentaries, Nick Mirsky

Debate: Can privileged students make good access officers?

Alice King and Tjao Shze Hui debate whether your background matters when doing outreach work

The silence that is sapping our Student Union

Jack Matthews discusses the remarkable silence around this year's OUSU elections, and encourages more people to consider getting involved in their Students' Union

Interview: John Micklethwait

John Micklethwait, Editor of The Economist, talks print, the internet, and the future.

In Conversation with the IDF

Eleanor Newis speaks to members of the Israeli Defence Force about their experiences of conscription

Debate: Should OUSU support free education?

James Blythe and James Elliott discuss the merits of university tuition fees

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