Introduction
Welcome to the Durham Union Society and the Easter term.
This Easter aims to follow on from the success of Michaelmas and Epiphany and round off the year on a high. I hope that a mix of good debates, interesting addresses and wonderful socials will be enough to sustain you through exams, and then help you celebrate their conclusion.
Prior to exams, the Union will consider the issue of how to deal with extremist Political Parties. With the growing concern over the rising BNP, and across Europe, the far-right as a whole, how we, as a Liberal Democracy, aim to deal with this increasingly significant issue is something that will affect us all.
Later in the term we will see the Union being addressed by Britain's most senior police officer Sir Ian Blair. A unique opportunity to hear from, and grill this sometimes controversial figure. It will most certainly be unmissable. The Union then examines the hard issue of Prisons; do they work in rehabilitating criminals and, if not, what is the way forward? Finally, the Robson Cup is the Union's attempt to find the best speaker in Durham. We will then follow the competition, which promises to be an engaging night, with cocktails and canapés in 24. So take a night off revision and have fun on us.
After those dastardly exams are over, the Union will re-emerge into (fingers crossed) a glorious English summer. The Union will look into what role religion should have in schools; if any. 24 will be opening early in the afternoon so members can soak up the sun and relax with Pimm's on the Union lawn. Ann Widdecombe will address the Union, her reflections on a life in politics will, I suspect, be wonderfully frank and insightful. The final debate of the year will examine an issue of profound importance; the supposed death of the alpha male. However above all, the Union's traditional summer garden party will provide a wonderful opportunity to end the year on a Pimm's and cake fuelled high.
Best wishes and, above all, enjoy!
Luke Wells
President
