Modelled on the Cambridge University and Oxford University debating method, each debate begins with a simple yet provocative ‘Motion’, with speakers split into two sides: the Proposition (for) and the Opposition (against).

The Proposition and Opposition starts with a 2 minute ‘Opening Statement’ then followed by the ‘Opposition’.

Audience questions (approx 5-10) are then posed to those debating who respond to the question and to each other’s position.

A ‘Closing Statement’ of 2 minutes follows by both Proposition and Opposition, to conclude the debate.

The ‘House’—comprising both the physical and virtual audience—then votes for either side, or chooses to abstain.

After the event, the debate transcript, alongside data gathered from a post-event audience survey, is developed into a CEF White Paper. This document conveys the debate’s nuanced arguments in an accessible format and presents stakeholder recommendations for future actions.

Socialising and networking opportunities during our in-person events feature both before the debate starts and afterwards.