Oxford union ‘argued’ with reality star Gemma Collins, but it turned into a Sainsbury’s ad

As the world’s most prestigious debating society, the Oxford Union has hosted stalwarts of politics, literature and science for nearly 200 years.

So when the debate on the topic of Christmas The food was promoted with a ‘secret celebrity guest’, creating an atmosphere of excitement on the university campus.

Now, however, students have accused the union of ‘selling out’ and ’embarrassingly low hitting’ after finding out that Monday’s debate was actually part of Sainsbury’s ad campaign with reality TV star Gemma Collins.

Attendees came to discuss whether ‘Christmas meals should consist of only traditional dishes and flavours’. But instead they found Miss Collins and the cameras recording the proceedings.

Oxford students have accused the union of ‘selling out’ after discovering that Monday’s debate was actually part of Sainsbury’s advertising campaign with reality TV star Gemma Collins.

During the ‘fake’ debate, the former The Only Way Is Essex (Tovy) star, known as ‘The GC’, is said to have repeatedly criticized ‘Sainsbury’s research’ and the store’s ‘cute’ food. Referring to the speech. Before those in attendance were asked to vote in his favor. She was up against European Debating Championship quarterfinalist Samuel Scheuer.

Addressing her opponent, Miss Collins said: ‘You made the most amazing points. I can’t say that I completely agree… but you were brilliant, darling.’

Union teamed up with Sainsbury’s to promote their unusual, festive food chain, which includes blanket sushi and pigs in mayonnaise stuffed with sage and onion.

But after participating in a 45-minute debate, a student said many were shocked at the supermarket becoming an ‘unintentional extra’ in a PR campaign.

Attendees came to discuss whether ‘Christmas meals should consist of only traditional dishes and flavours’. But instead they found Miss Collins and the cameras recording the proceedings.

The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and past speakers have included Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon and Professor Stephen Hawking.

The person present on condition of anonymity said: ‘What does this say about the state of the union today? We look forward to high quality debates.

‘We didn’t pay a subscription to be extra in an ad. It is quite shameful that the Sangh is now hosting fake debates for Sainsbury’s advertisements.

When advertised on the union’s Facebook page, the event was described as a ‘debate conducted in partnership with Sainsbury’ and members were told that filming would take place. But those who spoke to the mouth were said to be unknown.

Oxford Union said it was intended to be ‘a lively and light-hearted event before Christmas’.

And Sainsbury said: ‘In partnership with Oxford Union, the event was clearly communicated to all attendees in advance and standard protocol was followed.’

The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and past speakers have included Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon and Professor Stephen Hawking.