Oxford News
Activism proves a stimulating topic at Sheldonian Series event
‘The Power of Activism’ delivered a stimulating evening of discussion as the theme for this term’s Sheldonian Series event on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
It was a brilliant evening of discussion and a lively crowd
Dominique Palmer
The event, which is open to all and aims to promote freedom of speech and inclusive inquiry, saw a robust exchange of views on themes including the relationship between democracy and activism, the ethical and legal limits of activism, and the measurement of long term success within activism.
An engaged and lively audience at the Sheldonian Theatre contributed throughout the evening, prompting scrutiny of a broad range of topics such as the use of legitimate and illegitimate tactics, geopolitical instability, feminism and Palestine.
Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University said: ‘I was thrilled to see a packed Sheldonian Theatre once again for another event in our series promoting good dialogue and freedom of speech, which this year explores the theme of “Power”. In this panel event, we examined the power of activism and its role in bringing about change in government and society more generally. A huge thanks to all our panellists and the audience for their contributions to an energetic exchange of views on the topic. I am very much looking forward to our final event this academic year, which will explore the ‘Power of Satire’ in Trinity term.’
Dominique Palmer and Dr Julius Grower
Image: University of Oxford/John Cairns
Dominique Palmer, a Climate Justice Activist and a panellist at the event, said: ‘It was a brilliant evening of discussion and a lively crowd. As a Climate Justice Activist, I enjoyed hearing the audience’s positive thoughts on activism for a range of climate and social justice issues. I wanted to be part of this event to encourage conversation on what activism means in the times we face, and provide a perspective as someone who is one full time. We need to be engaging with others to create real change. We covered a lot including climate and Palestine, with a focus on the UK. The conversation could have gone on – we only scratched the surface!’
The pursuit of truth
Other panellists included Munira Mirza, Chief Executive at Civic Future, and Shermar Pryce, President for Communities and Common Rooms at the Oxford University Student Union. Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE, Labour peer and former director of human rights advocacy group Liberty, provided pre-recorded contributions, sharing insights on the legal and ethical limits of activism.
Yesterday’s event was a brilliant demonstration of what Oxford does best, which is to provide a platform for the robust and forensic examination of contentious but strongly held views
Dr Julius Grower
The conversation was moderated by Dr Julius Grower, Associate Professor of Law at Oxford University, who said: ‘Yesterday’s event was a brilliant demonstration of what Oxford does best, which is to provide a platform for the robust and forensic examination of contentious but strongly held views. If universities are not places for the pursuit of truth through passionate but open-minded dialectic, nowhere is. Our panellists crossed swords on a number of points, yet perhaps surprised themselves with how much they could also agree upon. It was a great example of why no topics should be off limits, and why all sacred cows must be subject to good faith scrutiny. We hope that this is the start of more and more conversations about the power and appropriate limits of activism in British society.’
Federica Genovese, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Oxford University, and a panellist at the event, added: ‘It was a stimulating event and I enjoyed sharing the stage with activists, the people I usually observe and study as a political scientist. I also appreciated the opportunity to feed back to an engaged audience what we researchers know works – and does not work – there where activism and democracy interact.’
Invited speakers
Invited contributors
(Left to right) Shermar Pryce; Professor Federica Genovese; Munira Mirza; Dominique Palmer; and Dr Julius Grower (moderator). Image: University of Oxford/John Cairns.
Panellists on the evening:
- Professor Federica Genovese – Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Oxford
- Munira Mirza – Chief Executive, Civic Future
- Dominique Palmer – Climate Justice Activist, Youth Climate Justice Fund
- Shermar Pryce – President (Communities and Common Rooms), Student Union, University of Oxford
With pre-recorded contributions from:
- Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE – Labour peer, House of Lords, and former director of human rights advocacy group Liberty
The conversation was moderated by Dr Julius Grower, Associate Professor of Law at Oxford University and Ann Smart Fellow in Law and Tutor at St Hugh’s College, Oxford.
Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, opened the event with a welcoming address.
Tim Soutphommasane, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Oxford, gave the closing speech.
The Sheldonian Series is open to all and aims to promote freedom of speech and inclusive inquiry. Further details about the next event in Trinity term will be shared here: Sheldonian Series.
Officers have closed off Donnington Bridge at the junction with Townsend Square following a crash in the late hours of yesterday night (Tuesday, August 4).
A police presence has been at the scene since last night and is continuing into the early hours of today (Wednesday, August 5).
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The road has been closed with a cordon of police tape now in place preventing vehicles from passing through, and multiple police vehicles are at the scene.
In a breaking news alert just after midnight, Thames Valley Police announced that a crash had occurred and appealed for those with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for the police force said: “Donnington Bridge Road is currently closed at the junction with Townsend Square following a collision.
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“Any drivers should avoid the area as much as possible, and we will provide more information when we can.
“Anyone with information or footage related to the collision should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 2801 of yesterday.”
An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous told this newspaper: “It looks quite scary from a distance.
“I can see a motorcycle on the pavement and a car nearby.”
Stand By Me: Bob Harris – A Celebration Of Life In Music will take place in London on December 2.
The one-off show will also include performances by Rick Wakeman, Carly Pearce, Chris Difford, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Judie Tzuke, Kate Rusby, The Shires, Kezia Gill and Toby Lee.
READ MORE: Broadcasting legend leaves BBC radio
In June, it was announced that the broadcaster, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, was standing down from hosting his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country because of ill health.
The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.
Mr Harris said at the time leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.
He added: “It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.
“I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.
“Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.
“I am so proud that the Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest-growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.
“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.
“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100 per cent.”
Following the announcement regarding the show, Bob Harris said he was honoured.
He told The Standard: “I’ve been blessed and honoured to have been there with all these artists right at the beginning of their careers, so we all have long working relationships and deep friendships.
“I truly love the Royal Albert Hall too. I first began attending concerts there in 1968, and it is, to me, the most beautiful and prestigious venue in Britain.
“So I feel so honoured to have these wonderful artists with me onstage at my favourite venue. Bringing this music together for Stand By Me is the realisation of a dream.”
The event will also feature broadcasting and music industry figures on stage to present the show and share their memories of Harris.
The daughter of former footballer David and ex Spice Girl Victoria lives with her family in Oxfordshire.
She had been working on a skincare line inspired by Korean beauty, initially branded HIKU by Harper and aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
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However, according to cosmetics industry reports and US filings, the US Patent and Trademark Office refused her first application in July “because of a likelihood of confusion” with existing trademarks already registered in the country.
Documents cited by cosmeticsbusiness.com show that “Hiku” is already protected for personal care products and fragrances, while “Harper” appears on the register for cleaning products such as brooms and scrubbing brushes – blocking the path for “HIKU by Harper” in those categories.
Coverage of the setback notes that Harper had six months to respond to the provisional refusal if she wants to challenge the decision or narrow the scope of the American filing.
READ MORE: Brooklyn Beckham feud costs Harper ‘dream’ Sephora launch
Yet, now, she is pursuing a new brand, this time focused around make-up and called Harlo by Harper.
According to The Sun, the teenager has lodged papers with the US Patent and Trademark Office asking to be granted sole rights to use the name and with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark the brand.
The aim is to launch the brand at some point next year, as the only daughter of the Beckhams seeks to build a beauty empire.
A source for the paper added that Victoria has been “guiding her every step of the way”.
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