Recent Debates
Please note that, due to circumstances beyond our control, this website will be not be updated now until May 2017. Please see the programme for details of forthcoming debates.
December 2016
Fifteen people attended the Christmas Balloon Debate where five members argued for whom they thought would make the best neighbour. Each person pleaded their case before Oscar Wilde, Otzi, Florence Nightingale and Boadicea were ejected, leaving Chris Lane's choice of Charles Darwin alone to fly the balloon! The attendees also shared seasonal refreshments and a raffle.
November 2016
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall , the November question time panel of Derek Cheek, Helen Rees and Jon Salisbury addressed a variety of topical questions about: Brexit, UKIP, Referenda, the American Presidential campaign, State pensions and the Richmond and Batley by-elections. With many lively contributions from the floor it proved to be an enjoyable evening.
October 2016
At this month's debate: "Leadership in Politics is more important than Honesty" both speakers agreed on the key qualities required in leaders and neither wanted a corrupt government. However Proposer Tony Oswick considered that the pragmatism and realism necessary for strong political leadership could take precedence over idealism and principles. He felt that complete honesty was limited by cabinet responsibility and not possible at times of national crisis or in the face of forensic media analysis.
Opposing the motion, prominent Brighton debater Jean Yates argued that politicians must have integrity because they lose all credibility when found to be lying. She thought that political duplicity was a direct attack on democracy, ridiculed government and exacerbated public indifference giving historic examples where this had been the case.
Both speakers were commended for a high standard of debate and providing clear and logical arguments; however the motion was lost by 8 votes to 3 with 2 abstentions.
September 2016
For the debate "It is better to give than to receive", both speakers agreed that this was a moral argument which hinged on which aspect people found to be of personal benefit. Proposer Lorry Greenall stated that research had established that those who gave to others reported greater happiness than those who did not. Furthermore she argued that while receiving gifts can be nice, it can also be fraught with difficulty and could even make us become greedy and selfish. Opposer Chris Lane disagreed, asserting that just seeing children unwrap their presents at Christmas was at variance with the motion. He considered giving and receiving to be integral and equal parts of the same process and felt that until people learn to receive with an open heart they could not feel the true benefits of giving.
Following contributions from the floor, the motion was won by 5 votes to 0 with 6 abstentions.
After the debate there was further discussion about appropriate regulation of school uniforms
August 2016
"Criminal Justice should focus more on rehabilitation " was proposed by Murray Lane who considered the high re-offending rates following custodial sentences to be of little benefit to either individuals or society. He stated that most lawbreakers had literacy or other life disadvantages which imprisonment did not address and made re-offending more likely. Both speakers agreed that criminals needed to be managed through an ongoing process which required a collective responsibility to accept them back into their communities. However, Jake Clapham opposed the motion, arguing that to be effective, input should be increased into all aspects of the penal system with priority being given to appropriate deterrents. He believed that rehabilitation should only be highlighted once order and justice had been restored.
July 2016
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall , the question time panel of Jake Clapham, Mary Lane and Bill Violen addressed a variety of questions about: post EU referendum politics, the Chilcot Report, Clacton alcohol exclusion zone and embarrassing moments. With many stimulating contributions from the floor it proved to be a lively evening. Nineteen people attended.
June 2016
The AGM preceded the debate and all appropriate officers were appointed.
Proposing the motion, Helen Rees considered that "Screening for Genetic Selection is Wrong " because the consequences of deselecting out of nature are, as yet, unknown. She felt that since individuals have a right to self determination it is wrong to make a value judgement about someone else's worth. Furthermore, having the technology does not make it acceptable to choose a child's gender for any reason as it is the welfare of the child and not what parents want that is important.
Opposing the motion, Jake Clapham argued genetic modification had advanced our health considerably and that many problematic human conditions could now be erased. He asserted that our constant endeavour for immortality and improved quality of life meant it was better to have controlled genetic selection than none at all. In addition, he felt that it was arrogant to place ourselves above other life forms if we are to achieve the productive human race that we deserve.
After contributions from the floor, the motion was lost by 8 votes to 3 with 4 abstentions.
The next meeting will take place at Imperial House, Rosemary Road, Clacton on Sea on Wednesday 6th July at 7.30pm when the panel will explore questions on subjects of topical interest. All welcome, annual membership £16, visitors £2.
May 2016
Ray White proposed that "Schools should be Religion Free Zones" because he believed it to be man-made, existing only to help answer the unanswerable. He argued that schools should not be places for indoctrination but a preparation for life where knowledge is gained and children taught to reason for themselves. He further considered faith to be an act of intellectual dishonesty because it is not based on scientific evidence.
Opposer Reverend Guy Thorburn disagreed, asserting that religion did not brainwash children but rather, gave them a positive framework for life for belief, behaviour and belonging. He felt that schools should be an oasis of peace and love where children are taught the essential truths of being a human being, to appreciate their own self worth and be supported by the church family.
Following many lively contributions from the floor, the motion was won by 10 votes to 6 with 4 abstentions.
April 2016
Philip Donegan proposed the motion that "Proportional representation is a more democratic form of Government" because divisions in an electorate are then reflected accurately within the elected body. He believed that the current UK system of first past the post was unfair because it allowed the established parties to win formal control of parliament with as little as 35 per cent of the votes. When non voters are added to this equation, MPs could be seen to be acting for a very small section of the British population.
Jon Salisbury disagreed arguing that the introduction of proportional representation would create more problems than it would solve and would certainly result in damaging the constituency link. He considered that the task of a democratic government was to represent the views of the people in the best way possible and felt that it was the fairness delivered to the electorate that mattered, not the electoral system mechanics. What we have works and therefore we should stick with it.
Following contributions from the floor, the motion was declared a draw.
March 2016
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall, the question time panel of Philip Donegan, Mary Lane and Bill Violen addressed a variety of topical questions about: the European Union, playing contact rugby in secondary schools, limiting criminal appeals , dilution of the English language and Donald Trump's presidential aspirations. With many stimulating contributions from the floor it proved to be a thought provoking evening.
February 2016
There is no report as the Secretary was on holiday
January 2016
Lorry Greenall proposed the motion that "Younger People make Better Parents ". She argued that nature equips women to have their babies more easily before they are 30 with the risk to both mother and child increasing with age. She stated that while young parents are as human and complex as any other parent, their youth put them at an advantage with conception, pregnancy, delivery, health and energy. Opposing the motion Mary Lane asserted that older parents were more mature and had a greater understanding of the needs of the their child and how to respond to them appropriately. She also felt they were more financially secure and therefore in a better position to provide a stable home environment.
Following many diverse contributions from the floor, the motion was declared a draw with both speakers receiving an equal number of votes.
December 2015
Nineteen people attended the Christmas Balloon Debate where five members argued for what they thought was the best national treasure. Each person pleaded their case before Sooty, Pam Ayres, Pie and Mash and the Shipping Forecast were ejected, leaving Chris Lane's choice of the NHS alone to fly the balloon! The attendees also shared seasonal refreshments and a raffle.
November 2015
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall, the question time panel of Derek Cheek, Helen Rees and Jon Salisbury addressed a variety of topical questions about: local police service cuts, compulsory health insurance, round the clock medical services, trading with China, and abolishing the House of Lords. With many stimulating contributions from the floor it proved to be a thought provoking evening.
October 2015
This month, prominent Brighton debater Jean Yates proposed that "Voting should be Compulsory" because it is both a civic duty and the core of the democratic process. She considered that the current situation where a small section of the population controls the ballot outcome to be both uninspiring and dangerous and felt that if the whole population participated in elections it would result in a more responsible and representative government.
Opposing the motion, Tony Oswick argued that while it was desirable to encourage more involvement, making voting obligatory would be both idealistic and impractical. He asserted that citizens have an inalienable right not to vote in a free society, and reasoned that the apathetic could not be forced to be interested and abstention could be a form of protest.
Both speakers were commended for a high standard of debate and providing clear and logical arguments however the motion was lost by 15 votes to 4 with 1 abstention.
September 2015
A small group attended for the debate: "The Freedom of Speech means the Freedom to Insult", Both speakers agreed that freedom of speech is fundamental to British culture. However Proposer Helen Rees considered that it sometimes resulted in offensive language which was acceptable as long as it was in accordance with current legislation. Furthermore she stated that it was difficult to define an insult because not everybody would perceive things in the same way. Opposer Wally Bensilum disagreed, asserting that any statements made could be critical or challenging but never offensive. He felt that people need to be more sensitive to the beliefs of others and understand that verbal abuse can lead to unnecessary conflict.
Following contributions from the floor, the motion was lost by 5 votes to 3 with 1 abstention.
August 2015
For the debate "Positive Discrimination is never Justified", both speakers were thanked for standing in at the last minute. They defined it as the process of giving preferential treatment especially in employment to minority groups that have been prejudiced against in the past. Proposing the motion, Bill Violen considered it a political minefield which should not be entered. He provided information about what happens globally and argued that it was a nonsense to believe that it could be universally implemented. Opposer Mary Lane asserted that positive discrimination expresses a belief in equality of opportunity and respect for all people. She also argued that it is a practical measure to end centuries of ingrained prejudices and attain a more representative society.
Following contributions from the floor, the motion was lost by 6 votes to 9 with 0 abstentions.
After the debate there was further discussion about the Calais migrant crisis and whether pupils should mark their teachers
July 2015
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall , the July question time panel of Wally Bensilum, Lawrence Cohen and Chris Lane addressed a variety of topical questions about: payment of overseas aid, the proposed third runway at Heathrow, growing up in the present time, access to pension funds and how to stop swearing at Wimbledon. With many stimulating contributions from the floor it proved to be a thought provoking evening.
Mary Lane retired as Chair of the Society and was thanked for all the hard work she had done throughout the years. Derek Cheek was subsequently voted in as her replacement with Helen Rees as Vice Chair.
June 2015
The AGM preceded the debate. Sadly Mary Lane is standing down as Chair for the Society and nominations for the post are requested for consideration at the next meeting. Details of the change of venue in July to Imperial House Rosemary Road Clacton on Sea were distributed.
For the June debate, Chris Lane proposed the motion: “Image is more Important than Substance". He stated that people make judgements within 3 seconds of meeting someone based on how they look because their brains are wired to respond in this way He argued that, throughout the ages, humans have used the power of imagery to inform their actions because they have had neither the time nor energy to consider anything else.
Opposing the motion, Lorry Greenall disagreed asserting that substance is of greater consequence since it is about the real person based on their core values and beliefs. She believed that the current preoccupation with appearance contributed to erroneous assumptions, bullying and eating disorders. Nevertheless beauty may attract the eyes but it is character that captures the heart.
Following contributions from the floor, the motion was defeated by 2 votes to 8 with 7 abstentions.
May 2015
At the May debate, Wally Bensilum proposed the motion that "Conservation is a Luxury we can no Longer Afford". He considered conservation to be important but said it needed to be inexpensive because funding was required to build housing for an ever increasing population. Furthermore he believed that wildlife would adapt to the changing environment as it had done throughout history. Opposing the motion, Lorry Greenall asserted that nature could survive without humans but humans surviving without nature was a different matter. She argued that human wealth and production was dependent on natural resources and the only way to maintain our prosperity was to conserve them. Following contributions from the floor, the motion was lost by 13 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
April 2015
Under the chairmanship of Lorry Greenall, the question time panel of Philip Donegan, Helen Rees and Jon Salisbury addressed a variety of topical questions about: the forthcoming election, the Lufthansa air tragedy, pupil violence, the effect of electronic gadgetry on social relationships and the Kennedy Way Health Centre. With many stimulating contributions from the floor it proved to be a thought provoking evening. 22 people attended.
March 2015
Derek Cheek proposed the motion: “There are too many graduates". He considered that having a university degree once equated with having a top occupation with a good wage. Now, he feels it results in an unbalanced workforce with overqualified people in menial jobs or living on benefits. Furthermore he believes that employers are finding that university has not equipped students with essential working skills.
Opposing the motion, Tony Oswick argued that studying for a degree broadened the mind and facilitated independence through the provision of time for pure education. He reasoned that there had been a revolution in higher education because it now provides opportunities for everyone irrespective of gender, race or social class and to make cut backs would be both highly controversial and regressive. Following contributions from the floor, the motion was won by 9 votes to 5 with 2 abstentions.
February 2015
For the February debate, Wally Bensilum proposed that: “Local Government should be Local". There is no full report as Lorry was on holiday, however Wally made Debating Society history by getting no votes at all with 7 against the motion and 4 abstentions. The result was evidently a surprise as he made quite a good case for local government!
January 2015
Mary Lane proposed the motion that "Assisted Death should be Legalised". She asserted that it was a person's right to end their own life and affliction but argued that appropriate legislation needed to be put into place to protect qualified professionals helping them to do so. Opposing the motion, Reverend Guy Thorburn felt that this was the start of a slippery slope. While he appreciated the anguish that suffering can cause he considered that life was a sacred gift from God which should only end when it has run it's natural course.
Following many thoughtful contributions from the floor, the motion was won by 16 votes to 10 with 2 abstentions.
