Oxford Union: Forum to the stars

Pop group Steps are on the union's wish-list of speakers

The Oxford Union is one of the famous debating chambers in the world and has attracted its fair share of the famous and the infamous.

Generations of politicians, academics and writers have debated in what former British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan called "one of the last bastions of freedom of speech in the Western World."

Founded in 1823, five British Prime Ministers, Gladstone, Lord Salisbury, Herbert Asquith, Edward Heath and MacMillan have all been officers of the union.

West End star Jerry Hall has made a star appearance in Oxford

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was union president in 1977.

Scores of other politicians including cabinet ministers have also honed their debating skills in the chamber.

Debates about the armed services in 1933, the Common Market in 1975 and Ian Paisley's attack on Catholicism have all made national news headlines.

Disgraced former American President Richard Nixon gave his first speech at the Oxford Union after he was ousted from office in 1975.

Lighter touch

Along with the pressing issues of the day, the Oxford Union, especially in recent years, has also been a forum for less weighty matters.

Kermit the Frog, controversial television host Jerry Springer, Jerry Hall and Leonard "Spock" Nimoy have all addressed the union.

Footballer Diego Maradona famously juggled a golf ball on his foot during his stint while former footballer-turned-presenter Gary Lineker debated the motion: "This house would rather participate than commentate".

Love song legend Barry White is set-up for October

Acquitted American football star OJ Simpson also braved the 900 or so students who pack the chamber for the main debates.

Michael Jackson will be preceded by another legend of popular music, Barry White.

White, enjoying a late renaissance in his long career, has been invited to address the union on 9 October.

He has been invited to address the union as "the world's most romantic singer-songwriter".

However, an invitation to the teenage group Steps has, to date, not been accepted.