For their first debate this academic year, Liverpool Conservative Future and Liverpool Young Labour are pioneering a new format.
Rather than representatives from the two parties arguing against one another about a topic and then taking questions from the audience, we will create a mini-parliament debating issues that cross partisan lines and in which the audience participate as backbenchers. They can give speeches themselves, if they wish, and at the end of the debate they vote on the motion. It is also open to anyone, not just Labour and Tory supporters.
Our first motion is: 'This House believes that liberal interventionism is an essential part of British foreign policy.' For over a decade now, Britain has been involved in numerous interventions, all of which have deeply divided public opinion – from Kosovo and Iraq to Libya and Syria. The question of whether it is a duty that this country must carry out or a potentially catastrophic luxury divides both the Conservatives and Labour, too. By beginning with this non-partisan issue, we hope to open up the debate to anyone and everyone.
Councillor Paul Lynch (Lab) will act as the Speaker. The room will be divided into 'For', 'Against', and a 'Crossbencher' section for those who're unsure which side to support.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
Please contact office@liverpoolconservatives.org for more information.