From the archive: ‘A nursery of the Commons’: how the Oxford Union created today’s ruling political class
Jun 25, 2025•30 min
Episode description
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: at the Oxford university debating society in the 80s, a generation of aspiring politicians honed the art of winning using jokes, rather than facts By Simon Kuper. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast