Oxford News
Oxford Union criticised for inviting Sudanese prime minister
Kamil Idris is due to speak at the union today to discuss the responsibilities of leadership during times of crisis, and the importance of international cooperation in building peace and recovery in Sudan.
Mr Idris assumed office last May amid a devastating civil war in Sudan.
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The invitation has drawn sharp criticism from some Sudanese activists and citizens.
They expressed concern that the high-profile appearance could serve to legitimise military-backed rule and prolong the conflict that has gripped the nation.
Bashir Ahmed, former chairman of the Sudanese community in Oxford, said: “The invitation extended to Dr. Kamel Idris by a respected organisation such as the Oxford Union amounts to normalising war crimes and granting legitimacy to Sudan’s de facto government, despite its commission of all these crimes—including murder, displacement, and rape.
“The invitation to Kamel has led the media of Sudan’s ruling regime to celebrate it as a resounding victory.
“The war in Sudan has entered its fourth year, and the numbers of the dead and those who have fled their homes are staggering, we are talking about millions.
“Therefore, an invitation from a respected organisation like the Oxford Union ultimately benefits the murderous regime in Sudan.”
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The Oxford Union’s literature characterised the current administration as a “government of hope” tasked with maintaining essential services and managing a fragile transition.
It noted that the government operates under intense international and regional oversight during the civil war.
Mr Ahmed said: “I fully respect the Oxford Union’s long tradition of open discussion and engagement with controversial political figures.
“But for those directly affected, offering such a prestigious platform with high profile officials sends a deeply troubling message.”
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris serves as a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, whose military operations have been marked by the use of violence against civilians, contributing to the conflict, and advancing Islamist ideology.
The Brotherhood has been involved in the political and ideological control of Sudan, and has consistently rejected ceasefire negotiations.
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Mr Ahmed continued said: “Across Sudan, survivors and victims continue to demand justice for atrocities, including mass killings and sexual violence.
“For Sudanese communities watching from abroad, and for those still trapped inside Sudan, this event is not seen as a neutral academic discussion. It is experienced as a painful political signal during a moment of immense national tragedy.
“We hope that British institutions with such global influence will stand clearly on the side of those principles.”
Rapper Tinie Tempah, TV personality Abby Lee Miller, Reform MP Matt Goodwin, and former Israeli politician are all set to speak at the Oxford Union this university term.
Oxford Union has been contacted for comment.
The annual Varsity March, which covers 82 miles (132km) from Oxford to Cambridge, raises funds for The Gatehouse, an Oxford-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, as well as Jimmy’s in Cambridge.
This year’s walk began at the University Church in Oxford. Four walkers took part, including event organiser Stephanie and Dylan – a stuffed sheep mascot.
Stephanie, a member of the Cambridge University Rambling Club, was the only participant to complete the full distance, reaching St Mary’s Church in Cambridge after 36 hours of walking.
She said: “We all love walking and a challenge, which really sums up the Varsity March. Walking over 130 kilometres is a stretch even for experienced walkers.
“The added bonus is raising funds for two very important local charities which are doing a great job supporting homeless people in Oxford and Cambridge.”
The three other walkers also covered more than 100 miles combined. However, the final 30 miles fell to Stephanie alone. This marks her 20th Varsity March finish, though Dylan the sheep, who has completed 22, still holds the record.
The walkers’ determination has raised vital funds for The Gatehouse. The charity operates a drop-in community centre in central Oxford offering free services to homeless and vulnerably housed adults.
David Kay, fundraising manager at The Gatehouse, said: “Every year I’m impressed by the efforts of these individuals, and I’m still amazed that anybody manages to walk the whole distance.
“At the Gatehouse we’re extremely grateful for the funds that they raise to help cover the costs of the services we provide free of charge to our homeless guests. Costs have risen massively over recent years as we’ve increased both staff capacity and our range of services to meet growing demand.
“This year we need to raise over half a million pounds, a large proportion of which comes from individuals and organisations in the local community donating money and raising funds for us.”
The Gatehouse’s services include a café, a clothes store, shower provision, and bespoke individual casework and counselling support.
Supporters are encouraged to donate in recognition of the walkers’ efforts.
Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/varsitymarch2026-gatehouse.
Posh Spice and David Beckham have submitted plans to build a new oak balcony at Maplewood Barn, in the 44th application they’ve made since renaming the home they bought a decade ago.
In that time David and Victoria Beckham have been embroiled in numerous rows with neighbours and accused of ‘drip-feeding’ development there.
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And the latest scheme has raised accusations of ‘hypocrisy’ after they had previously accused a neighbour wanting a balcony at their London home of spoiling their privacy.
Documents submitted on behalf of the Beckhams said the latest scheme involved replacing the “Crittall-style screen and doors” and installing an “oak balcony to the western elevation.”
They wrote: “The proposed replacement Crittall-style screen and doors, together with the new oak-framed balcony to the west elevation, have been carefully designed to consider the character and significance of Maplewood Barn and its listed setting.
“The works are to the modern west range constructed as part of the approved barn conversion and will not result in the loss of, or harm to, any historic fabric associated with the original Grade II listed buildings.
“The replacement glazing will match the existing design, proportions, and colour, ensuring visual continuity with the existing barns, while the oak balcony introduces a simple and sympathetic addition that reflects existing timber detailing within the development.
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“Given the small scale of the proposals, and their location within a later addition to the dwelling, it is considered that the works preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed buildings and their setting.”
No public comments have so far been submitted but it comes six years after the Beckhams fought a furious planning battle with neighbours at their Holland Park home in London over renovation plans – including their desire for a balcony.
In 2020 they eventually lost the battle to stop the neighbour drastically updating a posh property close to their £31million townhouse.
The celebrity couple had expressed concerns that the neighbour’s architect was creating a whole new patio area including a balcony on the first floor, which may have overlooked their back garden.
Amended plans were approved when a council officer’s report dismissed any privacy fears.
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At the time they stated: “There are no concerns with the impact of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers in terms of light, sense of enclosure, noise or privacy.”
The couple have also been involved in multiple rows over work at their Grade-II listed country house at Maplewood Barn, near Great Tew in Oxfordshire
Since buying the three listed barns for £6,150,000 in 2016, they have added a new driveway and gates, an additional garage outbuilding, tennis court, treehouse, security hut, extension to the garage outbuilding and a landscaped pond.
This Oxford Mail archive gallery of pictures show shots mostly taken by staff photographer Jon Lewis in the summer of 2006.
From the city to the towns and villages of the county, this collection shows a range of summer fun from two decades ago.
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End-of-term school events feature in this collection, with school plays and sports days both featured.
Pictures of friendly World Cup rivalry between opposing team’s fans show not much has changed in some respects over the past 20 years.
Take a look back through this Oxford Mail archive gallery to be transported back to June 2006.
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