Open

Brief welcome and division in to groups – Helen Birtwistle.

Seminars for new schools

Why debate matters
Following the opening session the students will divide in to ‘break out groups’. Each group will take part in a workshop that reflects on the issue of free speech and why debate matters in political and intellectual life. These sessions will be run by the core Debating Matters team.

Break

Welcome

Welcome from Blackburn College and explanation of the day from Helen Birtwistle, Debating Matters.

Plenary debate

Debating the war on terror and contemporary terrorism
While the twentieth century is remembered for bloody wars between nation states and armies, the twenty-first has been dominated by terrorism perpetrated against civilians. Since 9/11 the West has been engaged in a controversial War On Terror, leading to the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, and at home increased domestic security measures and growing restrictions on civil liberties. Some say, however, that modern terrorism is very different from what was experienced before – arguing that groups such as Al-Qaeda belong to no nation in particular and make no specific political demands to respond to – and new ways must be found to counter it. Others suggest we have gone too far in sacrificing our own freedoms in the face of an exaggerated threat. Do modern terrorist groups have anything in common with each other, or political movements of the past? How far can you go in protecting the public without giving in to the terror such attacks provoke? Can the West ever defeat contemporary terrorism? Is the war against terror actually winnable?

Speakers:

Our speakers, all with contrary views, will deliver a short speech and then engage in discussion with one another and the chair. Then the debate goes out to the audience so that students and teachers can contribute points and questions to the speakers. This opening plenary will present students with an exciting and stimulating start to the day and demonstrate the importance of debate and open minded thinking.

Lunch

Student debate 1

Protecting the public from terrorism should come before civil liberties
Speakers:

Break

Student debate 2

Extremist religious and political groups should be banned from university campuses
Speakers:

Round up

‘Question Time’ style Global Uncertainties debate

In the style of the BBC’s ‘Question Time’ programme, panellists will address a range of questions related to issues such as terrorism and civil liberties, youth radicalisation, belief and politics, foreign policy, surveillance and privacy, as well as broader issues relating to the state of politics in the UK. Students, teachers, parents and other members of the community will be encouraged to put questions to an illustrious panel:

Speakers: