Global meets local as John Simpson comes to Oxford for Russia debate

The debate, which is open to the public, will be chaired by the renowned journalist John Simpson, CBE, BBC World Affairs Editor. It will feature a panel of distinguished speakers, including Sir Laurie Bristow, the former British Ambassador to Russia and Afghanistan.

Reflecting the intersection of local and global issues, all proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Oxford-based charity Asylum Welcome. The charity has been providing support to Ukrainian guests and their hosts in Oxfordshire since the Russian invasion of
Ukraine last year, as well as supporting refugees from many other countries.

St. Edward School is pleased to support Asylum Welcome, a charity with whom we have worked for a number of years, by hosting such an important topical debate. Through our far-reaching partnership programme, we have been able to open the event to many of the local schools with whom we work, as well as to the wider Oxford community.

– Alastair Chirnside, Warden of St. Edward’s School.

The event will be held in the prestigious Olivier Hall at St. Edward’s School from 7:30 pm (preceded by a reception from 6.15 pm) and promises to be an insightful evening of intellectual exchange.

John Simpson is widely recognized as one of the most influential foreign and war correspondents of our time. As BBC News’ World Affairs Editor, he brings unparalleled insight and expertise to this critical discussion.

As an Ambassador for Asylum Welcome, I am incredibly passionate about creating a world in which all refugees are welcomed and supported. It brings me great joy to have played a role in bringing this important and timely debate to Oxford. The goal of the event is not only to facilitate insightful discussions but also to raise vital funds for Asylum Welcome. I am thrilled to announce that all tickets have now been sold.

– Shena Guild, Asylum Welcome’s Ambassador.

The debate will feature a panel of distinguished experts, including Sir Laurie Bristow, the former British Ambassador to Russia (2016-2020), Russian investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov, BBC Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, and Sam Greene, Professor of Russian politics at King’s College London. Together, they will provide valuable insights into the intricate dynamics between Russia and the Western world.

To shed light on the real-life implications of geopolitics, the event will also feature two young Ukrainian refugees, one of whom is currently studying at St. Edward’s School, as well as Mark Goldring, the director of Asylum Welcome, which was the school’s chosen charity for 2022/23.

We are excited to be part of this important event and look forward to an evening filled with stimulating discussions and valuable insights. We are deeply grateful to everyone at St. Edward’s School, and especially to Shena Guild, whose hard work has made this event possible. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have such supportive and generous partners. Every penny will go towards supporting Asylum Welcome in our busiest year on record.

– Mark Goldring, Director of Asylum Welcome.