Introduction to British
Parliamentary Debating
Rachmat Nurcahyo,M.A.
rachmat_nurcahyo@uny.ac.
id

Teams
 4 teams:
Opening Government (Prime Minister, Deputy
Prime Minister)
Opening Opposition (Leader of Opposition,
Deputy Leader of Opposition)
Closing Government (Government Member,
Government Whip)
Closing Opposition (Opposition Member and
Opposition Whip)

Set-up of a BP Debate
Opening
Government
Closing
Government
Opening
Opposition
Closing
Opposition

Format of BP Debate
 Only 1 motion is announced for each round.
 All teams have 20 minutes to casebuild
started right after the Motion Launch
 The government must propose the motion.
 The opposition must negate the motion and
present an alternative (ie. the status quo or
counter model).
 Each speaker has 7 minutes to speak.
 Points of Information (POI) are allowed
between the 2nd and 6th minute.

Roles - Opening Government
 The OG has to set up the debate – ie.
present the context/problem, define the
motion, set a parameter, propose a model (if
necessary).
 The PM and DPM should present different
arguments – ie. through a split.
 The PM and DPM should present logically
consistent arguments.
 The OG should present the bulk of the
government’s case.

Roles - Opening Opposition
 The OO should negate the motion and
present an alternative – ie. the status quo or
counter model.
The LO and DLO should present different
arguments – ie. through a split.
The LO and DLO should present logically
consistent arguments.
The OO should present the bulk of the
opposition’s case.

Roles - Closing Government and
Closing Opposition
 Closing teams should aim to:
Move the debate to a different area.
Be distinct from the opening teams.
 Both GM and OM should present an extension
– ie. new arguments, deeper analysis.
 Both GW and OW should deliver rebuttals and
replies. No new materials/arguments!