Sylvan Debating Club

Menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • Meeting info
  • Debates
  • History
  • Contact

July 2019 – Scottish independence

On Monday, 1st July, the Sylvans debated the motion:

This House believes that Scotland should be allowed to conduct a second independence referendum.

It was proposed by Paul Carroll and opposed by Peter Hulme-Cross.  

The proposer opened with a historical perspective on the Union, and provided a clear and detailed overview of the legal position of a second independence referendum.  He argued that the significant change due to the UK Brexit referendum, relative to the Brexit result within Scotland, means that Scotland should have this right.  The opposer pointed out that Scotland was told their referendum was a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance, and was clearly defeated, arguing that the matter was closed.  He outlined a whole range of impacts that would flow from Scottish independence, many with parallels to Brexit, and pointed out that the Brexit outcome is not yet settled, making it too soon for a re-run. 

The floor speeches responded to these points, with a couple of themes emerging on the efficacy of referenda and the focus on Scotland’s legal position rather than the impact of Scottish succession. 

In the final vote the motion carried.

Upcoming Events

  • June debate - geopolitics of Covid-19 1 June 2020 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Online debate - use contact us form or join our mailing list for details
  • July debate - topic tbc 6 July 2020 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Online debate - use contact us form or join our mailing list for details
  • August debate - topic tbc 3 August 2020 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4Y 1AA
  • September debate - topic tbc 7 September 2020 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4Y 1AA
  • October debate - topic tbc 5 October 2020 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 am Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4Y 1AA

Twitter feed

My Tweets

Search Site

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Sylvan Debating Club
Join Our Newsletter
Please correct the marked field(s) below.
1,true,6,Contact Email,2 1,false,1,First Name,2 1,false,1,Last Name,2
  Thank you for Signing Up

Legal Disclaimer

Any views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Sylvan Debating Club or any individual associated with the club.  

© 2020 Sylvan Debating Club | Debating today's key issues in London since 1868