Sammy McDonald | This House Believes Modern Conservatism Is Incompatible With Modern Democracy

Sammy McDonald speaks as the first proposition for the motion on Thursday 20th March 2025 in the Debating Chamber. Has global conservatism, influenced by the milleu of far right populists, taken a turn incompatible with democracy? Or are the accusations of censorious tendencies and antidemocratic practices from left leaning activists the greater threat to our democratic experiment? ............................................................................................................................ Cambridge Union Society Debate Info: In The Chair: Anoushka Kale Taking the Minutes: Roberta Rennie The Debate Motion title is always preceded in context by the phrase “This House Would”, “This Would Believes”, or simply “This House”. The Debate motion is typically phrased in Proposition of the argument prior to any votes or speeches, regardless of controversial nature. Six 10 minute speeches are given, alternating between each Proposition & Opposition speaker of the Debate Motion. The Chair governs authority over interjections, time limits, and any discretions/arrangements agreed between speakers and/or CUS. There are two ways interjections can be made by audience members; a Point of Information (upon acceptance from the speaker) or a Floor Speech. (Interjections are not to be interpreted as Audience Questions and can be denied or ignored at discretion of the Speaker or Chair) Points of Interest cannot be made during the first & last minutes of any speech, they also must be under 30 seconds and maintain relevance. (As a result it is impractical to provide microphones for Points of Interest and apologise for any issues with audibility) Floor speeches are made by audience members at intervals during the Debate discussing support for Proposition, Opposition or Abstention. (The Union rarely publishes Floor Speeches due to Release Form arrangements within membership contracts) At the end of the Debate, all Speakers and audience members cast their vote as they leave the Debating Chamber through doors labelled “AYES” & “NOES”, with the central door exit representing Abstentions. The Chair calls an announcement shortly after the Debate to confirm the votes. Full Debate:    • This House Believes Modern Conservatism Is...   ............................................................................................................................ SAMMY MCDONALD Sammy McDonald is the outgoing president of the Cambridge Union. He is a third year history student, as well as an executive committee member of the Labour Club and Debates Officer for the Cambridge United Nations Association. ............................................................................................................................ SUBSCRIBE for more speakers:    / @cambridgeunionsoc1815   ............................................................................................................................ Connect with us on: Facebook:   / thecambridgeunion   Instagram:   / cambridgeunion   Twitter:   / cambridgeunion   LinkedIn:   / cambridge-union-society