Introduction to British Parliamentary Debating Rachmat Nurcahyo,M. A Introduction to British Parliamentary Debating Rachmat Nurcahyo,M.A. rachmat_nurcahyo@uny.ac.id

Teams 4 teams: Opening Government (Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister) Opening Opposition (Leader of Opposition, Deputy Leader of Opposition) Closing Government (Government Member, Government Whip) Closing Opposition (Opposition Member and Opposition Whip) There are disagreements on what is and what isn’t the ‘right way’ to do a BP debate. What I’m going to explain to you is the most accepted view, or how the majority of adjudicators assess a BP debate (ex. extension is a must!).

Set-up of a BP Debate Opening Government Opening Opposition Government bench. Opposition bench. All 4 teams are separate from one another. Physical separation between the teams, not casebuilding and discussing arguments together. All try to win from one another, including the team on their own bench. Closing Government Closing Opposition

Format of BP Debate Only 1 motion is announced for each round. All teams have 20 minutes to casebuild started right after the Motion Launch The government must propose the motion. The opposition must negate the motion and present an alternative (ie. the status quo or counter model). Each speaker has 7 minutes to speak. Points of Information (POI) are allowed between the 2nd and 6th minute. Motions are worded “That this house…(would/believes/should)”. “This house” refers to the government. Example on proposing and negating motion.

Roles - Opening Government The OG has to set up the debate – ie. present the context/problem, define the motion, set a parameter, propose a model (if necessary). The PM and DPM should present different arguments – ie. through a split. The PM and DPM should present logically consistent arguments. The OG should present the bulk of the government’s case.

Roles - Opening Opposition The OO should negate the motion and present an alternative – ie. the status quo or counter model. The LO and DLO should present different arguments – ie. through a split. The LO and DLO should present logically consistent arguments. The OO should present the bulk of the opposition’s case. Example of different argument of LO and DLO : LO :from economy point of view (the raising of fuel price ) DLO: from society point of view.

Roles - Closing Government and Closing Opposition Closing teams should aim to: Move the debate to a different area. Be distinct from the opening teams. Both GM and OM should present an extension – ie. new arguments, deeper analysis. Both GW and OW should deliver rebuttals and replies. No new materials/arguments!