Motion: This House believes that inequality is necessary for a free society:
Initial Vote:
For: 7
Against: 10
Abstain: 10
Key Arguments:
Proposition: Inequality is necessary for a successful and prosperous society. Some roles are more important than others and we need to get the most talented people into these roles. This most talented people can only be attracted by offering greater rewards for the most important jobs.
Opposition: An equal society is one in which all citizens have both an equal opportunity and all the resources necessary to achieve their full potential. The state should remove any barriers that unfairly get in the individuals way Barriers such as prejudice, discrimination or poverty should be removed. The opposition do not support equality of outcome. Under their definition those who work hardest or who have the greatest natural talent would still enjoy the greatest rewards.
Proposition: Inequality is necessary for a free society. Inequality is caused by the decisions that people choose make in their own lives. For example, by opting not to be involved in the political process (by not voting) they guarantee they will be treated unequally by politicians and the state compared with constituents who regularly vote. You could only overcome this inequality by compelling people to vote. however, this would reduce the freedom of citizens to choose how they live their lives.
Opposition: Inequality is not merely caused by the choices that we make but the circumstances that we are born into. Inequality can be passed on from generation to generation. For example, wealthier parents can choose to send their children to private schools ensuring that their own children have an educational advantage in the jobs market.
Proposition: Any government powerful enough to enforce complete equality would be a government powerful enough to rule in a dictatorial manner.
Opposition: The opposition is focusing on only one part of freedom. Freedom from the oppressive rule of the state ("negative freedom"). They should also focus on the freedom of each citizen to achieve their full potential and not be trapped by poverty or discrimination ("positive freedom"). Furthermore the freedom the proposition support is the "freedom to go to hell" without a welfare safety net.
Proposition: Inequality leads to greater prosperity for all. The most entrepreneurial are motivated into working harder by the reward of greater wealth and prestige. This in turns increases more revenue for the exchequer and generates more jobs.
Opposition: Unequal societies tend to be less happy societies. Inequality reduces the health of society overall and damages community cohesion.
Final Vote:
For: 6
Against: 16
Abstain: 2
MOTION FAILS
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Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Help CLDS do its bit for charity this Thursday...
This Thursday, 24th May, CLDS will be taking part in a public speaking gala, a fundraiser for the ESU, a global education charity, which aims to help children and adults from all walks of life fulfil their potential through the power of communication. We will be teaming up with the College of Public Speaking, Cogers, Sylvans, and some of Toastmasters' finest to bring you a showcase of public speaking as you've never seen or heard it before.
Two of our own finest speakers - Jason Maude and Apeike Umolu - will be taking part in a special CLDS v ESU education debate, so I hope you will all join me in cheering them on and making our contribution to a truly fantastic charity, which every year hosts some of the most prestigious debating tournaments in the world, at both school and university level, where aspiring speakers are given the chance to show what they can do.
The event will take place at the ESU's home of Dartmouth House in Mayfair. Doors open at 6.30pm and speaking begins at 7.30pm. There is no admission fee, but simply a requested donation of £5 to the ESU, the proceeds of which will go towards continuing their education programme, more of which you can learn about here.
Spaces are limited, so if you would like to come, please let us know by emailing us at central.debating@gmail.com and we will send you a confirmation of your place on the guestlist before Thursday.
There will of course also be a bar.
For a full programme of the night's entertainment, please visit the College of Public Speaking website at: http://www.collegeofpublicspeaking.co.uk/English-Speaking_Union.html
Finally...
Tomorrow night, the City of London Cogers meet at the Old Bank of England pub in Fleet Street at 7pm to discuss the events of the last month. If you have an opinion you'd like to share, or simply want to hear what others think, the come along. It's great experience for those who are just getting into debating as there is no obligation to speak and if you do come forward, you will be given 5 minutes to simply speak about whatever you want.
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
Have a great week
CLDS Team
Two of our own finest speakers - Jason Maude and Apeike Umolu - will be taking part in a special CLDS v ESU education debate, so I hope you will all join me in cheering them on and making our contribution to a truly fantastic charity, which every year hosts some of the most prestigious debating tournaments in the world, at both school and university level, where aspiring speakers are given the chance to show what they can do.
The event will take place at the ESU's home of Dartmouth House in Mayfair. Doors open at 6.30pm and speaking begins at 7.30pm. There is no admission fee, but simply a requested donation of £5 to the ESU, the proceeds of which will go towards continuing their education programme, more of which you can learn about here.
Spaces are limited, so if you would like to come, please let us know by emailing us at central.debating@gmail.com and we will send you a confirmation of your place on the guestlist before Thursday.
There will of course also be a bar.
For a full programme of the night's entertainment, please visit the College of Public Speaking website at: http://www.collegeofpublicspeaking.co.uk/English-Speaking_Union.html
Finally...
Tomorrow night, the City of London Cogers meet at the Old Bank of England pub in Fleet Street at 7pm to discuss the events of the last month. If you have an opinion you'd like to share, or simply want to hear what others think, the come along. It's great experience for those who are just getting into debating as there is no obligation to speak and if you do come forward, you will be given 5 minutes to simply speak about whatever you want.
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
Have a great week
CLDS Team
Monday, 14 May 2012
Next debate: Is inequality a necessary price to pay for living in a free society?
Date: Thursday 17 May
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: The Devereux, WC2R 3JJ
Motion: This House Believes that inequality is a necessary price to pay for living in a free society
Background:
Income inequality is rising faster in Britain than any other rich country, so says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In January, the High Pay Commission reported that in the last year alone, the Chief Executives of the 100 biggest companies in Britain had seen their pay increase by an average of 49% compared to just 3% for their employees. Campaigners and politicians alike have also warned that impending cuts to public services will exacerbate inequalities in other areas such as health, education, and child development.
However, there is much disagreement on how to respond to this trend. Should the government raise taxes on the 'super rich' 1 percent and redistribute their wealth to the poor to minimise the impact of austerity on their lives, as the newly elected French President, Francois Hollande, has pledged to do? Or, is government intervention restricting innovation and preventing Britain's most talented invidividuals and productive businesses from fulfilling their potential to restore growth and jobs to an ailing economy?
You decide.
Taking part:
All speakers for each debate are selected from the membership. However, all are welcome to attend and contribute comments and questions from the floor. If you would be interested in speaking or getting even more involved in the running of CLDS, please email us at central.debating@gmail.com.
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome and if you know anyone else who might be interested in this debate, feel free to bring them along too.
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
See you Thursday
CLDS Team
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: The Devereux, WC2R 3JJ
Motion: This House Believes that inequality is a necessary price to pay for living in a free society
Background:
Income inequality is rising faster in Britain than any other rich country, so says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In January, the High Pay Commission reported that in the last year alone, the Chief Executives of the 100 biggest companies in Britain had seen their pay increase by an average of 49% compared to just 3% for their employees. Campaigners and politicians alike have also warned that impending cuts to public services will exacerbate inequalities in other areas such as health, education, and child development.
However, there is much disagreement on how to respond to this trend. Should the government raise taxes on the 'super rich' 1 percent and redistribute their wealth to the poor to minimise the impact of austerity on their lives, as the newly elected French President, Francois Hollande, has pledged to do? Or, is government intervention restricting innovation and preventing Britain's most talented invidividuals and productive businesses from fulfilling their potential to restore growth and jobs to an ailing economy?
You decide.
Taking part:
All speakers for each debate are selected from the membership. However, all are welcome to attend and contribute comments and questions from the floor. If you would be interested in speaking or getting even more involved in the running of CLDS, please email us at central.debating@gmail.com.
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome and if you know anyone else who might be interested in this debate, feel free to bring them along too.
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
See you Thursday
CLDS Team
Friday, 27 April 2012
Next debate: Wednesday 2nd May - London Elections 2012
DATE: Wednesday 2nd May
VENUE: Old Cock Tavern, Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA (Upstairs bar on 1st floor)
TIME: 7.30 pm
TOPIC: London elections balloon debate
Background:
This week, Londoners will be casting their vote in the Mayoral and GLA elections and we couldn't resist the opportunity to have our very own CLDS election special. I'm sure you'll agree we've all seen enough of the candidates slugging it out with each other, Punch and Judy style. We want to take the personality cults out of this contest and get to the big ideas at the heart of it, so we've decided to return to our famous balloon debate format - but with a twist - for this event.
Format (the important bit):
We are looking for five volunteers to speak in defence of the policy they would most like to see enacted by the next Mayor and Assembly, whoever wins. You will not be asked to represent a candidate or a party. You will be asked to either pick one of their core policies or make up your own and tell the rest of us why it is the first and most important thing the winners of next week's elections should do.
As usual, there will be four rounds of debating, at the end of which one member of the panel will be voted off by the audience. The rules for each round are as follows:
Round 1: Speakers will be allowed only to propose their own idea
Round 2: Speakers will be allowed only to rebut their opponents' ideas
Round 3: Q&A from the audience
Round 4: Free-style debate
If you're interested in taking part, but not sure about what exactly the rules mean, don't worry: we will go through them again on the night and in the meantime, we will be on hand to answer any questions
Taking part:
There are two ways to take part. You can either volunteer in advance and tell us what you'd like to talk about in the debate OR you can volunteer on the night.
We will begin the debate with an informal discussion on what the London elections mean to you after which we will invite volunteers to join the panel.
Further Reading:
Take a look at the following links to find out more about the issues dominating the London elections and see where you stand:
1) London elections 2012: The issues
2) The responsibilities of the London Mayor and Assembly
3) Vote Match 2012
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
See you Wednesday
CLDS Team
VENUE: Old Cock Tavern, Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA (Upstairs bar on 1st floor)
TIME: 7.30 pm
TOPIC: London elections balloon debate
Background:
This week, Londoners will be casting their vote in the Mayoral and GLA elections and we couldn't resist the opportunity to have our very own CLDS election special. I'm sure you'll agree we've all seen enough of the candidates slugging it out with each other, Punch and Judy style. We want to take the personality cults out of this contest and get to the big ideas at the heart of it, so we've decided to return to our famous balloon debate format - but with a twist - for this event.
Format (the important bit):
We are looking for five volunteers to speak in defence of the policy they would most like to see enacted by the next Mayor and Assembly, whoever wins. You will not be asked to represent a candidate or a party. You will be asked to either pick one of their core policies or make up your own and tell the rest of us why it is the first and most important thing the winners of next week's elections should do.
As usual, there will be four rounds of debating, at the end of which one member of the panel will be voted off by the audience. The rules for each round are as follows:
Round 1: Speakers will be allowed only to propose their own idea
Round 2: Speakers will be allowed only to rebut their opponents' ideas
Round 3: Q&A from the audience
Round 4: Free-style debate
If you're interested in taking part, but not sure about what exactly the rules mean, don't worry: we will go through them again on the night and in the meantime, we will be on hand to answer any questions
Taking part:
There are two ways to take part. You can either volunteer in advance and tell us what you'd like to talk about in the debate OR you can volunteer on the night.
We will begin the debate with an informal discussion on what the London elections mean to you after which we will invite volunteers to join the panel.
Further Reading:
Take a look at the following links to find out more about the issues dominating the London elections and see where you stand:
1) London elections 2012: The issues
2) The responsibilities of the London Mayor and Assembly
3) Vote Match 2012
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Joining CLDS:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
See you Wednesday
CLDS Team
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
This House Would Ban Private Funding of Political Parties
Motion: This House would ban private funding of political parties.
Time: 7:30
location: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Date: Thursday 12th of April
The recent resignation of Conservative Party treasurer Peter Cruddas, following a journalistic sting where he was exposed offering direct contact and influence with the Prime Minister and the party's policy unit in exchange for £250,000, has brought a long-simmering debate to the fore.
Labour argues that the Conservatives are overwhelmingly dependent on big business donations for their sources of funding, and that this will inevitably encourage lobbying and patronage. On the other hand, the Conservatives highlight Labour's dependance on trade union donations, and reject Labour's drawing of a distinction between big business and trade union members' personal contributions.
Beyond Westminster, the alternative, taxpayer funding of political parties, is equally distasteful in some quarters, with many asking why the often uninterested taxpayer should be required to cough up for political mudslinging, especially in this age of financial austerity.
The key question is: where should our political parties get their money from, and does it even matter? Do we want a politics where vested interests not surprisingly choose to donate money to the political party most likely to help them, or one where funding from the taypayer is equally distributed between all parties, perhaps encouraging the concept of victory on the merit of argument and policy?
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
The CLDS Team
Time: 7:30
location: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Date: Thursday 12th of April
The recent resignation of Conservative Party treasurer Peter Cruddas, following a journalistic sting where he was exposed offering direct contact and influence with the Prime Minister and the party's policy unit in exchange for £250,000, has brought a long-simmering debate to the fore.
Labour argues that the Conservatives are overwhelmingly dependent on big business donations for their sources of funding, and that this will inevitably encourage lobbying and patronage. On the other hand, the Conservatives highlight Labour's dependance on trade union donations, and reject Labour's drawing of a distinction between big business and trade union members' personal contributions.
Beyond Westminster, the alternative, taxpayer funding of political parties, is equally distasteful in some quarters, with many asking why the often uninterested taxpayer should be required to cough up for political mudslinging, especially in this age of financial austerity.
The key question is: where should our political parties get their money from, and does it even matter? Do we want a politics where vested interests not surprisingly choose to donate money to the political party most likely to help them, or one where funding from the taypayer is equally distributed between all parties, perhaps encouraging the concept of victory on the merit of argument and policy?
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
The CLDS Team
Monday, 26 March 2012
This House believes That marriage Is between A Man and a Woman
Motion: This House believes marriage is between a man and a woman
Time: 7:30
location: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Date: Thursday 29th of march
The Government's launching of a consultation earlier this month, on how best to introduce the right to marry for gay couples in England and Wales, has brought renewed vigour to the modern debate on the nature of marriage.
Whilst welcomed by the main political parties and gay rights campaigners, fierce condemnation emerged from Anglican and Catholic authorities. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Scottish Catholic church, described the proposals as "grotesque" and asserted that their implementation would "shame the United Kingdom in the eyes of the world".
This debate goes well beyond whether or not existing civil partnerships get close enough to creating true relationship equality for gay people, or even whether such equality should exist. At stake here is the very nature of marriage and state vs. church power. Is marriage a religious, legal or societal concept? Should it be for the state, the church or the individual to decide who should and should not be allowed to marry? The answers to these questions will shape the future of this ancient institution for decades or even centuries to come.
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
The CLDS Team
Time: 7:30
location: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Date: Thursday 29th of march
The Government's launching of a consultation earlier this month, on how best to introduce the right to marry for gay couples in England and Wales, has brought renewed vigour to the modern debate on the nature of marriage.
Whilst welcomed by the main political parties and gay rights campaigners, fierce condemnation emerged from Anglican and Catholic authorities. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Scottish Catholic church, described the proposals as "grotesque" and asserted that their implementation would "shame the United Kingdom in the eyes of the world".
This debate goes well beyond whether or not existing civil partnerships get close enough to creating true relationship equality for gay people, or even whether such equality should exist. At stake here is the very nature of marriage and state vs. church power. Is marriage a religious, legal or societal concept? Should it be for the state, the church or the individual to decide who should and should not be allowed to marry? The answers to these questions will shape the future of this ancient institution for decades or even centuries to come.
Admission:
Admission is, as ever, totally free of charge. All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in this debate, do feel free to bring them along.
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
The CLDS Team
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Results of terrorist deportation debate and upcoming events
Hello everyone.
See below for the full results summary of Thursday's debate and a list of upcoming events you may also be interested in.
Thank you to everyone who turned out for probably our most contraversial debate of the year so far and in particular to the speakers on the panel, including Zahra - who made an impressive debut - along with Jason and Apeike, both of whom stepped in to speak at the very last minute, although you couldn't tell from the supreme quality of their speeches.
Here are the results in full:
This House Would Deport all Foreign Terrorist Suspects
Preliminary Vote: For 6, Against 4, Abstentions 4
Key arguments:
•Proposition: Deporting suspected terrorists will make this country safer. If the terrorists are not in this country they will find it a lot harder to carry out attacks against it.
•Opposition: Deporting terrorists will radicalise people creating more terrorists. Terrorists can co-ordinate attacks from anywhere in the world these days.
•Opposition: We must stand by the fundamental principle of innocent until proven guilty, we cannot deport people who are merely suspects.
•Proposition: The risks of letting a guilty terrorist go free are more serious than for any other type of criminal. Therefore we would advise a lower burden of proof to be used in this case.
•Proposition: We must continue to negotiate with nations that practice torture (as well as other practices we disapprove of). To not do so would just not be practical.
•Opposition: Deporting people to countries that practice torture validates and encourages their use of torture.
•Opposition: Britain must be seen as a bastion of freedom and liberty.
•Proposition: We cannot sacrifice our security to protect our liberty.
Final Vote: For 6, Against 8, Abstentions 2
Final vote (no abstentions): For 7, Against 10
MOTION DEFEATED
Upcoming events of interest
We always like to flag up alternative events that we think are interesting and contribute to our goal of becoming more confident and successful public speakers. These are the events we recommend between now and our next debate.
Tuesday, 20th March - 7pm - Old Cock Tavern pub, Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Thinking Bob - very similar format to CLDS - http://www.meetup.com/thinking-bob/events/49233372/
Wednesday, 28th March - 7pm - Plumbers Arms pub, Lower Belgrave Street SW1W 0LN
Westminster Cogers - Forum-style debate over the events of the last month - http://www.cogers.org/
The next meeting of the Central London Debating Society will be on Thursday, March 29th at 7.30pm in the Old Cock Tavern pub on Fleet Street.
Have a great weekend!
CLDS Team
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
See below for the full results summary of Thursday's debate and a list of upcoming events you may also be interested in.
Thank you to everyone who turned out for probably our most contraversial debate of the year so far and in particular to the speakers on the panel, including Zahra - who made an impressive debut - along with Jason and Apeike, both of whom stepped in to speak at the very last minute, although you couldn't tell from the supreme quality of their speeches.
Here are the results in full:
This House Would Deport all Foreign Terrorist Suspects
Preliminary Vote: For 6, Against 4, Abstentions 4
Key arguments:
•Proposition: Deporting suspected terrorists will make this country safer. If the terrorists are not in this country they will find it a lot harder to carry out attacks against it.
•Opposition: Deporting terrorists will radicalise people creating more terrorists. Terrorists can co-ordinate attacks from anywhere in the world these days.
•Opposition: We must stand by the fundamental principle of innocent until proven guilty, we cannot deport people who are merely suspects.
•Proposition: The risks of letting a guilty terrorist go free are more serious than for any other type of criminal. Therefore we would advise a lower burden of proof to be used in this case.
•Proposition: We must continue to negotiate with nations that practice torture (as well as other practices we disapprove of). To not do so would just not be practical.
•Opposition: Deporting people to countries that practice torture validates and encourages their use of torture.
•Opposition: Britain must be seen as a bastion of freedom and liberty.
•Proposition: We cannot sacrifice our security to protect our liberty.
Final Vote: For 6, Against 8, Abstentions 2
Final vote (no abstentions): For 7, Against 10
MOTION DEFEATED
Upcoming events of interest
We always like to flag up alternative events that we think are interesting and contribute to our goal of becoming more confident and successful public speakers. These are the events we recommend between now and our next debate.
Tuesday, 20th March - 7pm - Old Cock Tavern pub, Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AA
Thinking Bob - very similar format to CLDS - http://www.meetup.com/thinking-bob/events/49233372/
Wednesday, 28th March - 7pm - Plumbers Arms pub, Lower Belgrave Street SW1W 0LN
Westminster Cogers - Forum-style debate over the events of the last month - http://www.cogers.org/
The next meeting of the Central London Debating Society will be on Thursday, March 29th at 7.30pm in the Old Cock Tavern pub on Fleet Street.
Have a great weekend!
CLDS Team
Joining the Central London Debating Society:
Membership of the Debating society is free of charge as is admission to each of our debates. If you would like to join, simply email us at central.debating@gmail.com
Once you're on our mailing list, you'll receive notifications of all upcoming events and will be eligible to speak at a debate or even try your hand at chairing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Join our facebook group and sign up for all our latest events and news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter to receive new updates and see who else is following us at http://twitter.com/centraldebating
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