Society rejects veil ban

As James said in his closing comments today, this debate was not one of the best we've seen, but it was nonetheless an insightful and emotional clash about a very tricky subject. Although they were defeated by a landslide victory for the opposition, Keir and Thomas presented their arguments well, with Qur'an evidence and a clear definition. All speakers were fairly elliquent, but structure was lacking in most of the speeches.

Sam and Willem were criticised for having overlapping arguments, but - with some help from a fierce reaction to the motion from the floor - they managed to rebuke the proposition's arguments with zeal and accuracy.

Keir and Thomas found their arguments unwrap with a lengthy Point of Information, which will be worked on with the non-Year 7 debaters next week in the fortnightly workshop (I shall be hosting that in L8, as James gallivants to the capital), and their controversial comments about veil-wearers being bullied.

Well done to all of the debaters today, and I hope they'll join me next week, when we'll go over in more detail exactly what won the debate for the opposition, and what all members can work on for the next whole-Society debate, about climate change on 03 February.

League table: The league has shifted dramatically, with Ben Wallace losing the first-place position he has occupied since November. Willem Evans now dominates the competition on a mammoth 12 points. Today's chair Milo Dibdin remains with James Green at third place.

Previously: Miss Murphy presided over a Year 7 dinners debate, which saw a similar opposition landslide.

No debating this week

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable holiday, despite the bad weather.

There will be no debates this week at Heaton Manor Union Society in order to allow everyone to settle in to the new term. Debating will resume next week Wednesday 13th January 2009 with a debate on the motion 'This House believes students should be allowed unhealthy choices for school dinners'. This will be a Year 7 debate.

Year 8s and above will be taking part in a workshop ahead of the debate on the Burkha the following week.

We look forward to seeing everyone next Wednesday.