Yesterday Politics Society hosted their first session of mini-debates. These debates are an informal chance for any students interested in political issues to practice their debating skills or just to exchange opinions on current affairs.
The motions discussed yesterday were: This House believes that Sarah Palin is a good role model for women and This House believes that America’s global hegemony is coming to an end. The first motion provoked discussion on why Palin was chosen to be McCain’s running mate in the recent US elections and the role of women in politics. Then the second motion raised questions over how to define hegemony - whether economic or military might is the most significant factor and whether their cultural influence has become a more important feature of America’s hegemonic power.
Everyone had the chance to speak and share their opinions in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere at the mini-debates yesterday. Many thanks to everyone who came and especially to Lech, Amy and Jonathan who helped to organise the session and prepared some points to get the debates started. If you have any ideas for topics of the next round of debates – please email Naomi: naomi@manchesterpolitics.co.uk.
Yesterday, the Politics Society hosted ‘Student Question Time’ which saw student representatives of political parties from across the spectrum clash in a spectacular war of words.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Party was Michael Joslin, likewise for the Conservatives was Rob Largan and the Liberal Democrats by Chris Jenkinson. Also present were the Socialist Workers Student Society (SWSS) spokesperson, Dave Sewell and the Greens were represented by Justine Hall.
Unsurprisingly, with the global economic slowdown, and the strains placed on the banking sector, the economy was the major topic of the day. Many allegations were levelled at Labour for the government’s inability to deal with the banking crisis as Rob Largan noted the need for ‘fiscal conservatism’. This earned a stalwart, if not slightly predictable ‘defence of the Labour realm’ retort from Michael Joslin who talked of steering clear of ‘change’ for change sake, and emphasised fears that without Labour leadership, the country would go into a ‘deeper recession’.
The Politics Society’s Environmental Question Time got off to a controversial start on Friday when Phil Woolas, Minister for Immigration, had a cream pie thrown at him. The pie was thrown by a member of the No Borders group which is vehemently opposed to his recent comments on immigration caps in the UK.
Protestors from the No Borders group staged a demonstration at Woolas’ comments on immigration outside the event, holding signs reading “only if you’re British”. A spokesperson said the group objected to the “essentially racist immigration policies” of the government and accused Woolas of “playing right into the hands of right-wing extremists”. The start of the event was delayed by around ten minutes as a result of the protest.
Around 100 students attended the event, which featured six panellists. The Liberal Democrats were represented by Chris Davies MEP, the Greens by Peter Cranie and the Conservatives by Farraz Bhatti. UMSU Communications Officer Robbie Gillett and Gayle O’Donovan, a member of Camp for Climate Action also attended. Politics Society Chair James Maskell chaired the debate. Continue reading ‘Controversial Environment Question Time’
On Tuesday, in another event coinciding with the Labour Party’s Annual Conference in Manchester, Ed Miliband MP (and also Minister in the Cabinet Office and Labour’s Manifesto Coordinator), along with Lucy Powell, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Withington, came to Manchester University’s Students’ Union to discuss the future for the Labour Party and for Britain; he reminded people of the ‘big causes’ in society and why apathy is the biggest peril for political progress. During the one-hour discussion, more than a hundred students seized the opportunity to get answers from a politician at the heart of Labour’s campaign for a fourth-term. The event was hosted by Manchester Labour Students and the Politics Society.
Following an opening speech from Mike Joslin, the current Chair of Manchester Labour Students, Miliband began to explain why he is a member of the Labour party (and specifically not the Conservatives), saying that he believes “we do things better together than alone.” Miliband attempted to stick to his principles of making politics less distant by devoting most of his time to a Q&A session rather than a long winded speech. He claimed that “unfortunately, these days we tend to have ‘talk-not-listen’ politics. But not tonight” and claimed that politics really matters as only by getting involved we can genuinely change the things in society that we don’t like. Lucy Powell addressed the audience, saying that “this [event] is in a way more important than the Conference platform because you are Manchester’s future; you are the ones who help shape this city.” Continue reading ‘An Evening with Ed Miliband’
On Friday 19th October we hosted our third installment of “Question Time” in partnership with Manchester Debating Union.
Video Credits: James Maskell, Tristan Humphreys
The panel featured local politicians from various political persuasions, BBC Radio Manchester talk show host, Alan Beswick, as well as our Students’ Union Women’s Officer, Elizabeth Somerville.
More videos - including interviews with panellists - coming soon!
Politics Society are hosting Question Time III on Friday 19th October.
The format is the same as the BBC show. Questions will be taken from the audience, but you can also submit them beforehand here. Continue reading ‘Question Time III’
He was itching to have his say on it. The man in the dark suit with well-groomed and greying hair breathes in and raises his voice, ?Utterly, utterly ridiculous?. Continue reading ‘Express Yourself’
The Politics Society is a society affiliated with the University of Manchester Student's Union and run for and by students with an interest in Politics.
The Society is politically neutral and does not affiliate itself with or support any political party or group. We aim to bring together those with varied political opinions and stimulate political interest in others.
This website will bring you news articles related to student politics and issues, primarily at the University of Manchester.
