Balliol took part in the Great Debate on Sunday, co-operating and debating with their fellow Oxford cohorts in the spectacular setting of the Sheldonian Theatre. The debate covered the topic of climate change, and the Balliol students demonstrated some tremendous skills and understanding during the event.

The proceedings were opened by a speech from Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director General of Britain’s MI5 domestic security service. The Baroness is a truly inspirational individual, and she passed on some of her wisdom and experience as she talked to the students about a variety of subjects, including the importance of taking calculated risks.

The debate began, with Balliol teaming up with St Catherine’s to argue against the proposition that: “This house believes that climate change is the single most immediate threat to national securities.” The students’ thorough preparation and excellent spoken contributions made for a very thought-provoking debate.

The outcome of the debate was, unfortunately for the Balliol students, a victory for the proposing team from Queen’s college, however everyone had done fantastically to contribute to an outstanding and very successful event, and something which the students should take great pride in.

The week ahead will feature the end of the academic work and the final flurry of projects and presentations, but if Sunday is anything by then the campus is set for a tremendous conclusion to a great summer programme!