Debate

In 1215 bad King John was confronted by his rebellious barons and forced to concede them some rights, later enshrined in the Magna Carta. Amazingly, for the next 800 years, apart from a 12 year blip in 1648, the monarchy has continued in this country.

Now, in 2015, some rebellious commoners called ‘Republicans’ are questioning the UK’s claim to be a true democracy unless its head of state is elected. The pros and cons of this issue will be debated, and the degree of audience support for rebellion estimated.

Proposer: Jennifer R. Jeynes 

While working at the LSE for INFORM (Information Network Focus on Religious Movements), she did voluntary work for Conway Hall Ethical Society. In 1996, she stepped in as Acting Secretary for the Society and then became the Programme Coordinator for the Society’s events, courses and its weekly Sunday meetings. She also was the Society’s librarian, enlarging the Humanist Reference Library collection. Jennifer will argue that Britain cannot count as fully democratic until its head of state is elected.

Opposer: Paul Carroll

Paul is the founding president of 104 London Debaters TM (UK’s first Toastmasters club to specialise in debate) and a member of the Ancient Society of Cogers, (founded 1755) the world’s oldest free-speech forum.

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Ethical Society members.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.