During the succeeding ten years, and even previously, he took part in numerous disputations at Oxford University, many of which were directed against members of the mendicant orders.
Along with Wycliffe he was one of the delegates sent by King Edward III to the papal representatives at Bruges in 1374, with the purpose of reaching an agreement concerning the vexed question of canonical provision in England.
According to the Eulogium Historiarum, Uthred represented Durham Abbey at a 1374 council in Westminster held by Edward, Prince of Wales.
Historians including James Tait and Aubrey Gwynn have questioned whether such a council actually took place, although Jeremy Catto argues for its plausibility.
Uthred is depicted as initially defending the pope's right of overlordship, but changing his vote on the next day to follow that of the council.