Columnist Liz Jones has voiced frustration with what she describes as the "over-entitled" nature of students at elite universities, drawing on personal experiences at the Cambridge and Oxford Unions.
Jones, who attended the London College of Printing, recounted an invitation to debate at the Cambridge Union approximately 25 years after her graduation. She noted her initial observations of confident, seemingly privileged students. However, during a pre-debate dinner, Jones stated that none of the students she met inquired about her professional experiences, such as famine coverage or celebrity interviews. She described this as a lack of engagement with her career.
Later, during the debate on the motion "This house believes women are their own worst enemies in terms of the glass ceiling," Jones found herself pitted against Katie Price. Jones, who argued for the motion, mentioned mentoring young women who later left their careers for personal reasons. She also recalled an incident where a Cambridge graduate employed by her was unable to come to work because she was awaiting a sofa delivery. Jones stated the audience, largely female, heckled her, though she could not decipher their comments. The debate resulted in Jones losing to Price by a significant margin. Jones linked this experience to broader concerns about "arrogance and carelessness" at Cambridge.
Two years later, Jones was invited to the Oxford Union for a debate on promiscuity. She described a similar experience at a pre-debate dinner, where the 21-year-old Union president, seated next to her, reportedly focused on his phone and left early. Jones later learned about alleged misconduct involving the president and a drinking society. She expressed a general dislike for individuals, particularly "pontificating columnists," who she believes are overly confident and believe themselves to be always correct.
In contrast, Jones cited journalist Philip Norman, who did not attend university, as an example of humility and self-deprecating humor. She related Norman's apprehension about his writing and the fear of legal repercussions, drawing a parallel to her own anxieties when submitting work for publication. Jones concluded by humorously suggesting that running a bed and breakfast in the Lake District might be a more appealing prospect than her current profession.