Cambridge Union Art Politics Debate
Cambridge Union Defending Free Speech Since 1851.
The Cambridge Union, a unique institution at the heart of University of Cambridge, has hosted cultural and political figures, such as Sam Altman, James Baldwin, Winston Churchill, Robert DeNiro, Stephen Fry, Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking, Jeremy Hunt, Nancy Pelosi, Ronald Reagan, and the Dalai Lama.
On Thursday, June 19th at 8pm, the Cambridge Union presents the Motion for Debate: “This House Would Not Judge Yesterday’s Art by Today’s Politics”.
PROPOSITION:
Giannina Braschi
René Viénet
OPPOSITION:
Gayatri Spivak
David Černý
Anoushka Kale
Outgoing President
The Cambridge Union Society
Cambridge Union Art vs Politics
Cambridge Union on Today’s Politics Judging Yesterday’s Art
This House Would Not Judge Yesterday’s Art By Today’s Politics
Thursday, June 19th 2025 @ 8pmReply
Cambridge Union Famous Debates
The most famous Cambridge Union Debate: “Baldwin–Buckley“
- 28th July 1942 Union hit by Luftwaffe bombs; three people killed.
- 28th-31st March 1944 Union commandeered by the army for D-Day planning.
- October 1944 Elections resume; RAF cease use of the building.
- 11th June 1946 First female guest speakers (Lady Bonham Carter and Viscountess Davidson MP).
- Easter 1950 First televised Union debate (from Alexandra Palace).
- May Week 1950 Cambridge Union vs. Oxford Union boat race on the river Cam.
- 23rd April 1955 A separate Women’s Union Society holds its first debate.
- 24th April 1953 Recollections of the Cambridge Union, 1815-1939 by Percy Cradock Published.
- Lent 1958 Jennifer Platt (Newnham) becomes the first female student to speak in a debate.
- 1960-1964 The ‘Cambridge Mafia’ – Leon Brittan, John Gummer, Michael Howard, Ken Clarke and Norman Lamont – all President.
- 4th November 1963 The Union votes to admit women 499 – 180.
- Michaelmas 1964 Sheena Matheson (Girton) first woman on Standing Committee.
- 13th February 1965 Union’s 150th anniversary celebrated with a dinner and debate.
- Michaelmas 1967 Ann Mallalieu (Newnham) first female President.
- 12th May 1970 HRH The Prince of Wales (later HM King Charles III) makes his maiden speech at the Union.
- May Week 1975 Union chamber damaged by fire; substantial repairs needed.
- 25th February 1978 Footlights move into the Union Cellars.
- Michaelmas 1981 The Union becomes a registered charity.
- 28th November 1981 Celebratory feast held at King’s to mark the Union’s 500th term.
- March 1990 Disco held to mark the Union’s 175th anniversary.
- October 1990 175th anniversary dinner held at The Savoy Hotel.
- 5th December 1990 President Ronald Reagan speaks at the Union.
- Easter 1993HH The 14th Dalai Lama visits the Union.
- January 2003 Union wins the World Debating Championship in Stellensbosch, South Africa.
- 2005-6 First academic year with three successive female Presidents.
- 7th February 2015 200th anniversary debate.