The Cambridge Union | In Conversation With...

Recorded in the Chamber on 17th March 2023 at 6pm Beto O'Rourke, 2020 Presidential candidate & candidate for Governer of Texas, his unbroken spirit soldiers on with interesting and diverse ideals that catch the eye of many, particularly in controversial debate; He discusses his considerations for a better America for all. Artwork by Nordin Catic

Former track and road cyclist, Sir Bradley Wiggins, talks about his transition from football to cycling, his complicated relationship with the sport, and his ambitious dreams. He reflects on the emotional journey of being an Olympic athlete and the challenges of retirement. Wiggins also discusses his transition to road cycling, joining a team called Garmin, and the impact it had on his personal life.

Recorded in the Union Library on 14th March 2023 at 5pm. Tasha Ghouri is a model, dancer and media personality who made history in 2020 as Love Island's first ever deaf contestant. Since then her popularity has skyrocketed; her notable fashion taste, as seen in the show led to her appointment as eBay’s first ever pre-loved ambassador. She is also incredibly passionate about deaf awareness, as highlighted by her role as international ambassador for DeafKid International as well as her second Instagram page dedicated to speaking about deaf causes. Artwork by Flo Tawns

Daniel Levy speaks in the Debating Chamber at 4pm on 14th March 2023. Daniel Levy is a prolific businessman and is the current Chairman of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur FC. He is currently the longest serving chairman in the Premier League and oversaw the design and construction of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent years. Levy is also managing director of the ENIC Group, an investment company known for their work in the sports and media industries. He also studied Economics and Land Economy here at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Unlike most of our members, Levy graduated with a First Class Honours Degree. Thumbnail Photographer: Flo Tawns

Recorded in the Union Library at 5pm on 7th March 2023. Simon Mann has done it all. A former SAS officer; his mercenary company Sandline International developed a reputation for efficiency, quelling uprisings across West Africa. In 1997, Sandline was called in to put down an uprising in Papa New Guinea, sparking a military revolt in the so-called Sandline Affair: After organising a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea involving Margaret Thatcher's son, Mann was imprisoned in Zimbabwe for 4 years. He was extradited to Equatorial Guinea in the oil for Mann' deal, where Robert. Mugabe allegedly traded Mann for cheap Equatorial Guinean oil. Mann served 2 vears in Africa's most notorious prison, Black Beach, before being released in 2009 after UK government petitions. Mann maintains that the coup was backed by a number of government ministers. Artwork by William Blakesley-Herbert.

Recorded in the Chamber on 7th March 2023 at 8pm. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the head of United Transitional Cabinet and leads the Belarusian Democratic Movement; A global symbol for peace & struggle for democracy & female leadership. She has recieved numerous accolades, including a nomiation for the Nobel Peace Prize. Artwork by Nordic Catic

William Lenney, better known as 'WillNE' is a Youtuber from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Will's popularity exploded in 2016 with his witty videos about the 'BGMedia' grime channel, which highlighted his dow-to-earth personality and humour. In the six years since, he has been incredibly successful, with over - million subscribers across his two channels, and over 1. billion views. Will was also a member of the now disbanded 'E-Boys' Youtube group, alongside fellow Lent Term speaker Memeulous. Alongside his hilarious editor Mikey Lamb, Will now focuses on high-quality out-of-the-box content. In his most recent video with over 3 million views, he pulled a practical joke on the TED conference, featuring our very own chamber in the outro. Recorded on 5th March 2023.

Soma Sara is a multi-award winning activist, author, speaker and CEO of the charity 'Evervone's Invited'. In June 2020, Soma began sharing her experiences of rape culture on Instagram. In light of the overwhelming response from those that resonated with her story, Soma founded Everyone's Invited. Evervone's Invited is an anti-rape movement organisation based in the United Kingdom, focused on exposing rape culture through “conversation, education and support”. In April 2021, Everyone's Invited triggered a groundbreaking Ofsted review in schools that reviewed safeguarding policies and practices relating to sexual abuse. Similar reviews have now been launched by the devolved administrations in Wales, Scolland and Northern Ireland. Everyone's Invited has provoked new guidelines from the Office for Students asking all universities to review their sexual misconduct and harassment policies by summer 2021, prompted the launch of NSPCC helpline for survivors of abuse in education, worked with the Department for Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, the Police, Ofsted, and met with Government Ministers. We are hopeful that this conversation will help lead to the global exposure and eradication of rape culture. Recorded on 27th Febraury 2023.

Jeremy Vine is a British television and radio presenter as well as a prolific journalist. He is the host of his own BBC Radio 2 lunchtime programme, and is also the host of the Channel 5 quiz show, Eggheads. Vine also presents for his current-affairs show, aptly named Jeremy Vine. His work has also been political - in 1999 Vine presented a report on South African police brutality for the BBC, winning the Silver Nymph award and resulting in the suspension of 22 police officers. Artwork by Nordin Catic Recorded on 24th February 2023.

Rylan came to fame on The X Factor in 2012 and went on to win Celebrity Big Brother the year after before launching a professional career as a TV presenter and radio host. He currently hosts Strictly: It Takes Two and is part of the BBCs presenting team for the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as having his own radio show. Rolan's memoir, Ten, is out now, detailing all the visceral highs and lows of a decade of fame. Rylan is a national treasure, and we are honoured to host him. Artwork by Nordin Catic Recorded on 21st February 2023.