Debating Matters House of Lords Championship 2025

Debate in the Lords

Debate is one of the main ways the House of Lords holds the government to account. Members of the Lords use their knowledge and experience during debates to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns. 

Students from around the UK experience this first-hand when they visit the House of Lords to take part in debating important topics. 

Opening up the Lords

As part of the House of Lords engagement programme, this event connects members of the Lords with young people and opens up new ways of explaining the work of Parliament's second chamber.

Debate subjects

Students will debate for and against the following motions:

• 'Humanity should fear advances in artificial intelligence' (semi-final)
• 'We should build on the green belt' (semi-final)
• 'Assisted dying should be legalised' (final).

Members expected to help judge the debates are:

• Lord Borwick (Conservative)
• Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative)
• Lord Wood of Anfield (Labour).

Schools

The students in the Debating Matters House of Lords Championship 2025 will be from Abbey Grange Academy, Aylesbury Grammar School, Thomas Tallis School, and Congleton High School.

Find out more

Images from the Debating Matters House of Lords Championships 2025 will be available on the House of Lords Flickr on Friday 21 March from 4pm.

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

Read more on the UK Parliament education service and the House of Lords engagement programme.

Image: House of Lords / Roger Harris