Scottish pupils to debate banning referendums in national competition

Pupils from schools across Scotland are preparing to debate the pros and cons of holding referendums when they take to the floor for the opening rounds of the Law Society of Scotland’s annual debating tournament.

The 2016/17 Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament will see 128 teams from 85 Scottish schools put their powers of persuasion to the test when they debate the motion “This House would ban referendums”. Now in its 17th year, the competition is the biggest school debating tournament in Scotland and 10 schools will be competing for the first time this year.

Heather McKendrick, head of careers and outreach at the Law Society, said: “Young people in Scotland have shown great democratic awareness and interest over the past few years, particularly during the Scottish independence and EU referendums. We’ve set our teams a real challenge by asking about the benefits and drawbacks of holding referendums and I’m looking forward to hearing the arguments they put forward.

“Debating can be hugely rewarding for the pupils taking part. As well as being good fun, it helps young people gain confidence, find their voice and learn skills that could help to open up future opportunities. It’s great to see so many schools entering teams in tournament and we’re delighted to have 14 schools taking part for the first time.

“Last year’s tournament came to exciting finish in the Scottish Parliament’s debating chamber in June, with outstanding performances from some very talented young people as they debated the right to be forgotten online – I’m sure that this year’s competitors will prove to be just as impressive.”

The opening rounds take place on 17, 24 and 29 November with further heats early next year and semi-finals in the spring. The winning team will win £1,000 for their school from the Law Society of Scotland and the top two teams will share educational books to the value of £500 donated by the event sponsor, Hodder Gibson.

Further information about judging in the tournament can be found at www.lawscot.org.uk/debating or contact debate@lawscot.org.uk.