Category: Debate

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Conference Debate Speech

Microchipping and that ‘Dog Speech’

It’s interesting to see micro-chipping of dogs in the news again. About 10 years ago, the Lib Dems discussed animal welfare and micro-chipping.

It was a long, earnest and fairly one-sided debate – and some of the journalists and researchers watching appeared to be losing the will to live – when I stood up and opposed the motion (at least part of it).

It’s safe to say, it’s not the most serious speech I’ve ever made. Mark Pack and I came up with the idea for it in the bar the night before. But the journalists liked it. And I didn’t have to buy myself a drink for the rest of conference on the back of it.

The Guardian described it the ‘wittiest speech of the day’ – which I’ve always been rather proud of.

And the policy I was opposing ended up being cited in The Orange Book as an example of the nanny state. I once had great fun asking Paul Marshall why it was only me – a social liberal – who actually opposed the policy at the time, while the Orange Bookers stayed silent… 🙂

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Chandlers Ford Debate Electoral Reform Event Yes2AV

AV debate this Thursday in Chandler’s Ford

Just to let you know about an AV debate that will be taking place this Thursday the 28th at the Dovetail Centre, Chandler’s Ford.

Peter Facey, a  member of the national Yes to Fairer votes campaign committee will be debating Charlotte Vere a Director for NO2AV.

I’m also going to be a panelist on the Yes side – and Andy Milligan from Chandler’s Ford will be a panelist on the No side.

The debate will begin at 7.30 pm on Thursday the 28th. It is being held at the Dovetail Centre, Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, SO53 2GJ.

Hope you can come along to support the cause (and the speakers too)!Debate on the Alternative Vote Referendum - Thursday 29th April - 7.30 pm - Dovetail Centre, Chandler's Ford