Star names join the Union

7:54pm Sunday 12th October 2008

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Glamour model Jodie Marsh and nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow are among celebrities set to test their debating skills at the Oxford Union.

The historic debating society, in Frewin Court, off St Michael's Street, has played host to many notable people since it was founded in 1823.

Miss Marsh will be joined by I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here star David Gest in arguing: "This house would rather be good looking than good," while Mr Stringfellow will be arguing capitalism can save the world. Other stars on the autumn term bill include Sir Michael Parkinson and former Oxford student and drugs baron Howard Marks.

David Beckham's former personal assistant Rebecca Loos, pop act the Cheeky Girls, disgraced British sprinter Dwain Chambers and TV presenter Keith Chegwin are also scheduled to take part in debates.

Miss Loos will be taking on the Cheeky Girls over the motion: "This house believes with great celebrity comes great responsibility."

More heavyweight political fare will be provided courtesy of former French president Valery Giscard d'Estaing, while Conservative MP Oliver Letwin will argue the motion "this house has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government", against the Government's higher education minister John Denham.