April
The motion for the April debate was "We must stick to Net Zero 2050". Proposer John Ratford explained that Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and those removed so that our net contribution to climate change can be effectively stopped. For the UK, this target is legally binding under the Climate Change Act, with all sectors of the economy being required to decarbonise by 2050. The overall aim being to limit global warming and consequent climate change. He believed that, despite the high expenditure required, we need to act quickly.
Opposer Chris Lane generally agreed with the principal of Net Zero 2050 but felt that although some progress had been made, the target was simply not achievable because it is not being implemented fast enough and it also places a huge financial burden on an already overstretched GDP. He considered Net Zero to be a flawed and absolutely counter productive slogan, with a cavalier burn now, pay later attitude, which places an over reliance on technology while still, somehow, managing to increase deforestation. Furthermore he maintained that the UK's 1% of global emissions was irrelevant when placed aside the much higher levels of countries such as China, USA and India.
Following a variety of comments from the floor, the motion was won by 6 votes to 2 with 2 abstentions.
March
A variety of topics came under the microscope for the March debate on current issues. These included America and War, Trump and Starmer, the Royal Family, Children and Social Media, Car Usage in Large Cities, Abortion and Deformities and the cost of rail travel now train services are being nationalised.
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.