Many congratulations to our ESU Debating team who journeyed to Langley on Tuesday evening for the second round of the English-Speaking Union Mace Debating Competition.  

Having progressed through the first online round, our team faced the best teams in the Norfolk and Suffolk regions in an in-person heat. They had a difficult draw, having to oppose the abolition of the House of Lords, and faced a strong and experienced Langley proposition. Miranda H-S opened for the team and erected a very strong defence case, defending the Lords’ status as an amending chamber and citing various occasions when its scrutiny had rightfully caused the elected Commons to pause and improve legislation. Mojo A defended the Lords as an institution that had evolved and reflected diversity, and noted that corruption and cronyism were faults of politics generally, and not the exclusive fault of the Lords. Eva O’D summed up, astutely noting the points of clash, addressing questions from the floor and reminding the floor of why the Opposition’s case had merit and had prevailed in the debate.  

There were six teams in the heat in three debates across four hours of debating and only the best two participating were selected for round three. Happily, Gresham’s made the cut and so for the second year running we progress to the third round of the competition which covers the whole of the eastern region of England and leaves the team one win from the national finals.  

This is an impressive achievement, not least as Miranda is the only survivor of last year’s successful team. Well done Miranda, Mojo and Eva!