About the
Cambridge Union Society
Defending free speech since 1815.
A student led society hosting weekly debates and talks with leading world figures
What we are
From our small beginnings in 1815, The Cambridge Union Society has grown into the largest student society in Cambridge, and currently boasts 70,000 members worldwide.
Since our inception we have remained a unique forum for the free exchange of ideas and the art of public debate.
Led by our Student Committee, we host weekly talks and debates to provide our students and members the opportunity to meet and question the people that shape our world. This includes celebrities and leading figures in politics, science and art and we have had the privilege of hosting such great figures as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, the Dalai Lama and multiple members of royalty.
Our public debates and guest speakers inspire passionate student engagement, and our university and school debating competitions remain the UK’s largest and most prestigious.
The Union has many notable alumni, John Maynard Keynes, Ken Clarke MP, Arianna Huffington and Clare Balding among them, who made the Union a defining part of their Cambridge experience; it continues to produce exceptionally successful professionals and politicians.
To view a full timeline of the Union’s history click the button below, alternatively, scroll down to learn more about what the Union does today.
Debates
The highlight of the week is always our Thursday night debate. Every Thursday we invite some of the best speakers from across the world to debate a hot topic of the day alongside students.
Students can either audition to deliver a paper speech alongside our guests, speak from the floor, or simply enjoy watching a fantastic night.
Recently, speakers have ranged from Cabinet Ministers to figures from the sex industry and topics have ranged from the future of the NHS to the limits of free speech.
After the debate speakers and listeners gather in The Orator, to trade views, discuss further and eagerly await the results of the motion’s verdict.
Speaker Events
Beyond debates, we host regular keynote events where members can question some of the world’s most notable figures.
Recent guests include Robert DeNiro, Ekin-Su, Nancy Pelosi, and Claudio Ranieri. Most events feature a short interview followed by audience Q&A, with frequent opportunities to meet the speaker.
An Educational Charity
At its heart, the Union has fought for free speech. We are active in over 18 countries worldwide, through training in schools and running competitive debating competitions.
We fund members to deliver outreach programmes in secondary schools, teaching public speaking and constructive dialogue. These skills are tested in regional and national tournaments, with finals in our debating Chamber in Cambridge. We also offer a range of scholarship programmes to encourage disadvantaged university students to take part in the discussion.
With education at our core, our charitable programmes reach over 12,000 people each year and help many more develop lifelong communication skills.
Membership subscriptions directly support this work.
More than Debating
The Cambridge Union society is also available for private hire, from weddings in the historic Chamber to conferences, dinners, and receptions, with catering provided by The Orator.
The Orator, our refurbished Brasserie and Bar, is open to all. Offering seasonal food, drinks, and a relaxed setting before or after events. Union members also enjoy a 20% discount on all food and drink.
Become a
member today.
Join Cambridge’s largest student society today for the opportunity to see world-class speakers and debaters as well as many other member benefits.
