YOUR GUIDE TO
The British
Parliamentary Debate
Introduction
Welcome to British Parliamentary Debate, also
known as BPD. In this format, we take on the roles
of different political parties debating important
world issues, just like in the British Parliament. Each
debate has four teams: two on the Proposition side
(supporting the motion) and two on the Opposition
side (against the motion). Each team has two
speakers, and each speaker speaks once. The goal
is to present strong arguments, respond to other
teams, and stand out as the most valuable
contributor in the round.
This guide will help you understand three major
motions we’ll be debating. These are real-world
issues that countries discuss, and this is your
chance to explore them like a true policymaker.
Everything is explained in a way that’s clear but
also meaningful - helping you speak with
confidence and depth.
This House Would Abolish the Monarchy Motion 1
Many countries around the world still have monarchies — some with kings
and queens who have real power, and others with monarchs who are only
symbolic. In places like the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Japan, the royal
families mostly attend ceremonies and represent the nation at events, but they
don’t actually make laws. However, they still receive public funding, live in
royal palaces, and are treated with special respect just because of their birth.
This motion asks us to consider whether monarchies should still exist in
democratic countries, or if they are outdated and unfair in today’s world.
Proposition Opposition
For abolishing Against abolishing
Monarchies go against equality Monarchs are part of a country’s
people should not be given power or history and cultural identity — they
status just because they were born help bring people together during
into a certain family. national events or
crises.
Democracies should be fully merit-
based, where everyone has the same They are politically neutral, which
opportunities. helps maintain unity in times of
political division.
Public money spent on royal families
could be used for more important The royal family attracts tourists and
areas like education, healthcare, or brings economic value through global
the environment. attention and royal events.
Monarchs have no real power, if Removing the monarchy could create
they’re only symbolic, they aren’t legal confusion and upset large parts
necessary. of the public who value tradition.
Many republics (like France or the The cost of maintaining the monarchy
U.S.) thrive without monarchies and is often exaggerated and may be
still have strong national identity. balanced by their positive influence.
This House Would Abolish Nuclear Weapons Motion 2
Nuclear weapons are some of the most powerful and dangerous weapons ever
created. They were first used in World War II and have the ability to destroy
entire cities and kill millions of people in just seconds. Today, several countries
possess nuclear weapons, including the United States, Russia, China, India,
Pakistan, and North Korea. These countries often argue that nuclear weapons
keep them safe by preventing other countries from attacking them — a theory
known as deterrence.
This motion asks whether the world should agree to ban and eliminate all
nuclear weapons forever.
Proposition Opposition
For abolishing Against abolishing
These weapons are a global threat — Nuclear deterrence has worked —
one accident or mistake could cause major world powers haven’t gone to
mass destruction and even endanger all war with each other partly because of
life on Earth. fear of mutual destruction.
The fear of nuclear war increases Not all countries can be trusted to
international tension and mistrust. follow disarmament agreements —
some may secretly keep weapons
Trillions of dollars are spent on nuclear while others disarm.
programs — this money could be used
to solve urgent issues like poverty or Weak or small countries may rely on
climate change. nuclear weapons to prevent invasion
or pressure from more powerful
The fewer weapons in the world, the countries.
safer everyone becomes.
Giving up nuclear weapons without
Some countries like South Africa have total global cooperation could leave
already given up their weapons and some nations vulnerable.
remained peaceful.
Historical examples like Ukraine
show that disarming doesn’t always
lead to safety.
This House Would Impose Democracy Motion 3
Democracy is a political system where people vote for their leaders, have civil
rights, and are protected by laws. While many countries are democratic, others
are ruled by dictators or authoritarian governments that limit freedom, silence
opposition, and ignore the rights of their people.
This motion asks whether democratic countries should force non-democratic
countries to become democracies — even if the people in those countries aren’t
asking for it.
Proposition Opposition
For imposing Against imposing
Democracy is a basic human right — Forcing democracy goes against a
everyone deserves freedom and the ability nation’s right to self-determination —
to choose their leaders. people must choose their own systems.
In places where people are oppressed, Imposed democracies often fail or lead
outside help may be the only way to to civil war and instability (examples:
bring change. Iraq, Libya).
Successful democracies (like Germany Real democracy must grow from within
and Japan after World War II) have been the people — it can’t be planted like a
built with external support. seed by force.
Countries that stay under dictatorship Interventions are sometimes excuses
often suffer from violence, corruption, for powerful countries to control
and poverty. weaker ones.
Standing by and watching injustice can The goal of democracy may be good,
be as bad as supporting it — the world but the way it's done matters — and
should take responsibility. forced change often causes more harm
than good.
Final
Thoughts
British Parliamentary Debate is more than just a competition—
it’s a training ground for future leaders, problem-solvers, and
global citizens. In this format, we learn how to look at complex
issues from many different sides. Whether you're arguing for or
against something, your job isn't just to share your opinion but
to understand what others believe too, and then explain your
ideas clearly, logically, and respectfully.
One of the most important things BPD teaches us is how
to think deeper. When we debate topics like abolishing
the monarchy, banning nuclear weapons, or forcing
democracy, we're not just dealing with simple “yes or no”
questions. We're dealing with questions that governments
around the world have struggled with for decades,
questions about fairness, peace, human
So whether you're the first speaker opening the debate,
the second speaker bringing in a new argument, or the
last speaker summing everything up, your role is important,
and your voice MATTERS.
Keep practicing. Keep asking questions. Keep trying to
understand every topic as fully as you can — not just to
win, but to grow. Because in the end, debate isn’t about
proving you’re right — it’s about learning
how to think.
