At the November meeting the society debated the motion "This house believes that a country does not have the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another" This was the annual schools debate with speakers from the Cotswold School, Bourton on the Water proposing the motion and those from Chipping Campden School in opposition.

Proposing the motion Olivia Loveridge pointed out that in most cases the action taken is by wealthy and powerful countries that have the resources to interfere with another. They may feel a responsibility to do so, even a sense of moral superiority but this does not give them the right. Interference on this level can have catastrophic consequences. In some cases where there is political instability attempts to impose democracy have led to greater problems. She asked us to consider the possibility that China might interfere in Britain and try to impose Communism if our political system became very unstable. If two countries of equal strength were involved it would inevitably lead to war. Even the giving of aid can be problematical. Individual countries are rarely without ulterior motives and action needs to be taken by international organizations such as the UN.

Seconding the Proposition, Ewan Boyd looked at the subject mainly from a historical point of view and showed how many current problems are rooted in the past, giving Zimbabwe and Israel/Palestine as examples. The era of colonial rule is still creating shock waves and history shows a cycle of interference that can lead to chaos.

Emily Hall, Opposing the motion, felt that action must be taken for the greater good and that it is part of human nature to do so. To oppose Hitler was to act for the common good and eventually led to the establishing of the UN. It was necessary to take a stand against the atrocious abuse of human rights and the religious intolerance in Iraq and genocide in Africa. In a global situation we are no longer separate. Aid helps not only the recipient but can also prevent the spread of disease and the influx of refugees to other countries. We cannot sit back and take no action. Her seconded. Alex Lucking expanded these arguments pointing out the great value of the UN, its peacekeeping forces and the use of sanctions. If action is not taken, problems can escalate and lead to war. This was followed by very thoughtful discussion from the floor, with many of those present finding great difficulty in deciding how to vote. Once again, the Society is giving members much to think about.

The voting was as follows: For the Motion, 18, Against, 13, Abstentions, 3.

The next meeting will be in Church Rooms, Calf Lane, at 8pm on Saturday January 29. The Motion will be "This house believes that British Society owes more to the public than to the public school".