Four of the six schools competing in the Michael Fabricant-Arthur Price of England Schools Debating Competition in the Lichfield Guildhall last Friday night (27th February) argued that Coalition is better than single party Government.

Chase Terrace Technology College, The Friary School, John Taylor High School, and King Edward VI School all argued for Coalition Government while The Erasmus Darwin Academy and Nether Stowe School argued against before a packed audience in the Guildhall. “I would prefer a single party Government” says Mr Speaker for the evening, Michael Fabricant, “but the arguments from both sides were well put by all the Schools and were very persuasive.”

The judges this year were Keith Eagland (President of the Rotary Club, St Chads), Cllr Mrs Norma Bacon (Mayor of Lichfield), Cllr Bob Awty (Sheriff of Lichfield) and Simon Price (Managing Director of Arthur Price of England) who also provided the cups.

“The standard of debate was extremely high” says Michael Fabricant. “I am relieved I was not a judge. But in the end, Daniel Ruttley, Robert Adderley and Lucy Boland all of John Taylor High School won the best overall team award, and Grace Deavall of Chase Terrace Technology College won the best individual speaker award. All get to keep cups and all the teams were given certificates.

“I would be amazed if not one or more of the competitors end up in the House of Commons” Michael added. “The Schools Speaking competition which I started many years ago with John Price has become a regular event in the civic calendar. Lichfield City Council the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad do most of the planning and operation on the night together with my staff in Westminster and it has become a huge success. But most importantly, I want to praise the hard work of the competitors and the teachers from the six High schools who coach them.”

Photos show the winners: (standing l to r) – Grace Deavall of Chase Terrace Technology College who won the best individual speaker award, Keith Eagland, Cllr Bob Awty, Cllr Mrs Norma Bacon, Michael Fabricant, and Simon Price and (sitting l to r) Daniel Ruttley, Lucy Boland and Robert Adderley all of John Taylor High School who won the best overall team award; and the audience listening intently to one of the speakers.