Cambridge Union releases termcard with John Bercow, Katie Price and Neil Tennant among the speakers

The Cambridge Union, the world’s oldest debating society, has released its termcard for the coming months with former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys and TV presenters Katie Price and Rylan Clark among those set to address students.

The society’s famous Thursday night debates will take on some of the biggest issues of the day, with students hearing from leading figures on questions about the future of the NHS, whether trade unions are still a force for good, and whether the press has too much power and not enough accountability.

Union president Christopher George said: “The whole debates team have worked hard to ensure that students can hear from those at the heart of these issues, but debates are also a space for students to put forward their own thoughts and ideas.”

In addition to the ‘big hitters’ from the world of politics like Bercow, former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and Novara Media founder Aaron Bastani, the line-up for the term also features many leading activist voices.

Students will hear from Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and Soma Sara, founder of anti-rape organisation Everyone’s Invited.

“Ultimately, the goal of the Cambridge Union is to facilitate a marketplace of ideas where students can hear new and fresh perspectives from leaders in their fields,” added Christopher.

[Read more: Peter Hitchens debates the nationalisation of Eton at the Cambridge Union, Jeremy Corbyn addresses the Cambridge Union, The Cambridge Union debates the fall of Rome]

The union’s ‘open period’, where non-members can attend any event, runs until January 24. For more information, go to cus.org.