In 2026 the Edinburgh Union Debate Society brought together opposition and proposition teams to debate the question, ‘Have Universities Forgotten Their True Purpose?’

Opposition: Baroness Natalie Bennet and Dr. Chris O’Donnell

Proposition: Sir Peter Mathieson and Lord Chris Smith

It was surreal to be in the presence of so many noteworthy names, no less to meet them afterwards. I videographed and photographed the event from a perch close to the debate table, and brought the clips together in a short video intended to encourage students to watch the debate in its entirety.

You can find the video here: https://www.instagram.com/edinburghunion/?hl=en