Should physician-assisted suicide remain illegal? This is just one of a series of controversial topics being discussed at a national debating competition taking place today [Tuesday 20 March] at the University of Bristol.

Pupils from Howell’s and The Chase schools together with New and Weston colleges will be competing against each other in the ‘Debating Matters’ West and South Wales regional final competition.

Pupils will be thrashing out issues as far-ranging as ‘should books remain the essence of public libraries?’ and ‘should scientists adopt the precautionary principle?’ The final debate of the day will address one of the most pressing questions for the region, ‘should Britain apologise for its past role in the slave trade?’.

After presenting their arguments, the pupils will tackle arduous questions and frank comments from the opposing team, the audience and expert judges, which include Bristol University Senior Research Fellow, Dr Harry Witchell and Community Engagement Manager, Kim Fitzgerald. 

The finalists will be competing for a place in the national final in June along with £1,000 worth of book vouchers from the competition's prize sponsor, the educational publishers Hodder Murray.

Run by the Institute of Ideas & Pfizer, ‘Debating Matters’ is aimed at young people encouraging them to become involved in real-life debates. Judges for the event are drawn from many different fields, ranging from the arts, science and business to academic and the media.

The event is taking place in the Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol and sponsored by Bristol University and the Natural Environment Research Council.