A team of Sixth Form Debaters travelled to Harrogate Ladies College (HLC) recently for a lively afternoon discussing 
international issues.
The St Peter’s team proposed: ‘This House believes that the use of pre-emptive strikes against rogue states is justified.’
Joe Himsworth (Grove House) opened and explained why pre-emptive strikes were occasionally necessary within a United Nations framework.
He was supported by Bill Goss (School House) who was concerned about the consequences if action was not taken against states that threatened others once diplomacy had failed.
Bill said that “we would be failing in our beliefs as a western liberal democracy and tainting our moral compass if we did not take action.”
Joe Himsworth makes a point during the floor debate. Charlotte, Anna and Joanna spoke for HLC and all the 
speakers responded to questions from the floor – Joe warning questioners against “squishy relativism” in international affairs.
Guy Cowman Sharpe (School House) brought a broader focus to the floor debate, concerned about the attitudes of the US and UK.
Jonny Fry (School House) closed the debate and summed up for St Peter’s making clear what was at stake for the world if action was not taken.
Further discussion continued over coffee and cakes with the Harrogate girls and staff.
Our team was delighted to be declared the winners by the adjudicators.
We were grateful to be invited to HLC and look forward to a re-match in York next term.
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