Six schools battled it out for the 8th Watford Inter-School Debating Cup.

Every year, Watford MP, Richard Harrington, organises an inter-school debating competition for secondary schools, held in the Houses of Parliament in London.

This year, year 10 to 13 students from Watford Boys, Parmiter’s, Watford Girls, Kings Langley, St Michael’s, St Clement Danes and Queens’ debated topics including Brexit, climate change, faith schools and green belt land.

Richard Harrington, MP for Watford, alongside Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere, and Lord Maurice Glasman chaired the debates.

Watford Observer:

The competition was judged on debating and presentation style, as well as the quality and clarity of arguments made. Students had to impress a panel of respected judges, including Lord Daniel Finkelstein of The Times, Lord Jon Mendelsohn, Linda McIntyre from Watford Workshop, and Hertfordshire county councillor Frances Button.

St Clement Danes and Queens’ reached the final where a debate was held over a motion of: ‘This House believes that UK citizens that joined ISIS should have their citizenship revoked’, with St Clement Danes arguing against the proposition and Queens' arguing in favour.

St Clement Danes went on to clinch victory in the closely fought contest, winning the title of Watford Debating Champions, a trophy and £100 worth of Amazon vouchers.

The Winner will also be invited to meet the House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow MP.

Watford Observer:

This is the eighth year of the competition which was won last year by Queens’, and the year before by Watford Boys.

Speaking about the event, Richard Harrington MP said: “I was delighted to crown students from St Clement Danes as this year’s debating champions. It’s fierce competition every year, so really well done to all the speakers.

“I’d like to thank all the schools for taking part, as well as our illustrious panel of judges and co-chairs.

“I started organising the Watford Debating Competition because I think it’s so important to engage young people in politics. A debating competition is great way to do that, whilst also helping students to gain public speaking experience.”

Watford Observer:

Richard Harrington presents the trophy to St Clement Danes