Next Debate
Welcome
Was there ever a better time to restore the tradition of formal debate? Where one side presents an argument while the other listens carefully before responding. This is what the Brighton & Hove Debating Society has been doing for over 60 years. Our membership reflects the cosmopolitan mix of the Brighton and Hove area
OUR MEETINGS
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at St Johns Day Centre, Palmeira Square, Hove see The Venue and if you like what you see on this site, you are welcome to join us and help keep this great tradition alive.
OUR BELIEF
We believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be accorded a fair hearing. Throughout the year we debate a wide range of topics from matters of public concern to lighter subjects. The Chair presides to ensure everyone abides by a few simple rules: to talk within the given time limit and to listen to other speakers without interrupting.
In this way we maintain a friendly atmosphere.
LATEST NEWS

November 2020 Debate – Universal Basic Income is a good idea
November’s debate was our third via Zoom and attracted an even larger audience, including one Peter Andrews from Canada, his second appearance with us. The topic was “Universal Basic Income is a good idea” which seemed apposite in view of various Covid-19 bale-outs such as the furlough scheme. The speakers Raphael Hill and Paul Chandler delivered the pros and cons with aplomb, throwing light on a complicated subject. Both recognised the many unresolved issues, particularly on the funding side. Raphael championed the concept of a ‘floor’ income, and being universal, no-one would fall through the cracks. This would make it of particular value for those working in the creative arts. Paul, opposing such a scheme, stressed the potential cost and the fact that, as needs were not universal, UBI could never succeed. There were contributions from two thirds of the ‘audience’, and the concluding vote was 46% in favour of UBI, with 31% against and 25% abstaining.
We are hoping to make accessible previous Zoom debates via this web site, with the aim of inspiring greater interest and more participation.
Tel: 0871 711 3328 Email: info@debsoc.com
Copyright Brighton and Hove Debating Society. All rights reserved.