February
The motion for the February debate was "Population Growth is a Good Thing”. Proposer Clive Hill stated that population growth in the UK is driven largely by net migration and natural change. He cited many key economic and social benefits for it, including a larger, often younger workforce, the reduction of age-related dependency pressures and tax revenue boosts. All of which can stimulate economic growth through increased demands for goods and employment and provide support for infrastructure services like the NHS. In addition, migrants, who make up a significant portion of population growth, contribute to the workforce and bring diverse skills, cultures, and perspectives which enrich the social fabric of the country.
Opposer Barrie Mills agreed with many of the points made, but felt instinctively that the poor environmental effects of population growth were destroying our planet. He recalled the rural life of his childhood, abundant with nature, which provided him with a magical, adventurous lifestyle to explore. He felt that because this was no longer readily accessible, it was affecting the wellbeing of today's youth. Furthermore he believed that the destruction of the rain forest and the marked decline in wildlife was as a direct result of over-consumerism and a throw away society where things were not made to last.
Following a variety of comments from the floor, the motion was overwhelmingly defeated.
January
Fifteen people attended to debate items of topical interest. Issues placed under the microscope included the various exploits of Donald Trump, compulsory eye tests for drivers, whether National Service should be brought back and Denmark's removal of Greenland's children. All shared viewpoints were informative, interesting, and delivered with both sensitivity and humour.