We’re the largest debating union based in Manchester that encompasses the city’s institutions of higher education. Since we were founded in 1996, we have grown to be one of the UK’s most active debating societies.

Try competitive debate
We facilitate our members’ involvement with the InterVarsity competitive debating circuit, and send teams both domestically and internationally.
Join our training sessions
We conduct two weekly training sessions on Monday and Tuesday in University Place, University of Manchester. Learn how to speak in public, form persuasive arguments, and see issues from all sides.


Join our training sessions
We conduct two weekly training sessions on Monday and Tuesday in University Place, University of Manchester. Learn how to speak in public, form persuasive arguments, and see issues from all sides.

Come to our socials
We host regular social events for our members to get to know one another. It’s a great way to meet new people!
News
- Extinction Rebellion public debateYesterday we hosted the public debate This House Believes that XR has done more harm than good for the movement towards climate action! Huge thank you to everyone who attended, we ended up hosting a great discussion. The debate and other information can be found on the event page.
- Manchester wins the Oxford IVHuge congratulations to Jacklin Kwan and Lucie Slamova for winning the final of the Oxford IV 2020! Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the competition was held online. The final motion read “This House regrets the narrative that there exists no objective truth” and the debate can be watched on YouTube where Jacklin and Lucie were … Read more
- Public debate: This House Would Privatise the NHSThe involvement of the private sector in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has been a sharply debated issue for many years. Critics have claimed their involvement drives down the standard of care given to patients and runs opposite to its core founding values. Proponents of privatisation call for more market competition to cut down … Read more