Oxford Union slammed for ‘racist’ cocktail

The Oxford Union debating society has been accused of racism by students after offering a drink called “Colonial Comeback” at a recent event.

The cocktail was advertised at the event, titled This house believes Britain owes reparations to her former colonies, which was set up to debate how British politicians should address colonialism.

The drink was advertised on posters which pictured a pair of chains around a black pair of hands, alongside the drink’s price and ingredients.

The posters were removed after Oxford University PhD student Adam Cooper complained, and since other students have expressed their anger via social media.

Oxford Union BME (black, minority and ethnic) officer, Esther Odejimi, told student paper Cherwell of her intention to resign from her role.

She said: “This ridiculously insensitive poster has been pasted up on the union walls. I’m disgusted at the way they have behaved both towards me, and the wider black community. I want nothing to do with them at all. I’m disgusted. Racism is definitely not dead.”

The Oxford Union has apologised through a statement released on its Facebook page.

It said: “The Union would once again like to apologise for the cocktail last night. We let a lot of people down: the cocktail and its flyer were entirely inappropriate, and offensive. We must ensure that this never happens again. The individual responsible has apologised and deeply regrets their actions.

“All future cocktails will now be brought to the Standing Committee each week to ensure they have been seen and voted on by the committee, to avoid such an incident ever being repeated. This situation should never have arisen. We apologise sincerely.”