Debates

Since 2019 we have created detailed summaries of our debates. Reading those provides the best way to understand how Sylvan debates work and tap into the wisdom we generate.

See recent debates below, or search for any topic of interest here:

Recent debates

In the prison population debate, the Sylvans weighed whether we lock up far too many people, and agreed by 8 votes to 5.

Prison population: do we lock up too many people?

Motion in the prison population debate: we lock up far too many people Debated: 17 August 2026, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, Fleet Street Format: rapid debate, opening speeches, floor speeches, closings …

In the space exploration debate, the Sylvans weighed whether earth should come before space, and disagreed, 6 votes to 11 with 4 abstentions.

Space exploration debate: should earth come first?

Motion in the space exploration debate: we should focus resources on earth, not space exploration Debated: 1 June 2026, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, Fleet Street Format: main debate, proposer and opposer, f…

In the talking too much debate, the Sylvans considered whether people and debaters talk too much, and disagreed in a razor-thin vote!

Are we all talking too much? A not-so-quiet debate

Welcome to the latest recap from the Sylvans. On 20 May 2026, the room tackled a very relatable and modern frustration about talking too much. Specifically, the house debated the motion: this house be…

Earlier debates

For debate summaries from more than a year ago, please go to past debate topics. You can see results of debates since 2015, our motions since 1999 and a selection of debate topics running back to 1968 (our centenary). We also have more information about the history of the Sylvans.

How the debates work
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