What are the challenges for international relations in the 21st Century? Lords opens chamber for annual intergenerational debate
On Friday 1 December, the House of Lords will host its 11th public chamber event with more than 200 participants from across the UK taking part in a debate on international relations in the 21st Century.
The House of Lords opens up the chamber every year, inviting people from across the UK to take part in an intergenerational debating event. This year, the House of Lords is partnering with the British Council, the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association HQ, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch, the Commonwealth Common Ties Network, the English-Speaking Union and the Royal Commonwealth Society, as well as 12 schools from across the UK to give a variety of generations the opportunity to have their voices heard in the chamber.
The adults and young people will come together to contribute their unique perspectives and debate the following motion from the red benches of the Lords chamber: What are the challenges for international relations in the 21st Century?
The English-Speaking Union has trained all the floor speakers participating in the debate, and created three intergenerational teams, who will each propose a different option:
1. The UK should aim to work closely with the Commonwealth, European countries, the EU and global partners to achieve common regional aims.
2. The UK should aim to be a global leader.
3. The UK should keep the affairs of other countries at a distance and focus on its own problems.
Speaking ahead of the debate which he will preside over the Lord Speaker said:
"The House of Lords is delighted to host the chamber event again this year. I hope that the opportunity to debate in the Houses of Parliament will inspire those who will speak. International relations is a fascinating topic, and I look forward to hearing the range of arguments being debated.”
The chamber debate will take place from 15.10 on Friday 1 December and members of the media are welcome to attend. Please contact Katy Durrans in the House of Lords press office on 020 7219 5986.
