News Release

15th November 2001

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT ANNOUNCED FOR SCHOOLS' SPEAKING COMPETITION

The Michael Fabricant MP and Arthur Price of England Schools' Speaking Competition will be held on Friday 1st February at 7.15pm in The Guildhall, Lichfield. The five High Schools in Lichfield and Burntwood will be participating in a debate run on the lines of the House of Commons. Parents and well-wishers are encouraged to attend. The Right Honourable Sir Alan Haselhurst MP has just agreed to be the Speaker (ie the chairman) of the debate. Sir Alan is Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.

The subject of the debate will be:-

"That this House believes that terrorism should be defeated whatever the cost."

"This gives huge scope to the debaters in this Competition", says Michael Fabricant. "While many would agree that the fight against terrorism is justified, many question the extent to which the fight should be taken. Is the bombing of civilians justified if terrorists hide amongst them? To what degree should our Government remove personal liberties for the protection of the greater population? These and many other questions are likely to be addressed by the debating teams.

"I am delighted that Sir Alan Haselhurst has agreed to be the Speaker at this event. He has huge experience in the House of Commons having been Speaker for debates on similar constitutional matters in the Commons Chamber. This promises to be an interesting evening and I hope that it will be well supported by friends, relatives, and anyone concerned with these issues".