Woking Debates

A series of discussions on topics which are of interest to the people of the Woking area and the wider world

January 16

February 20

March 20

April 17

May 15

Our next focus is on knife crime, gangs and violence

nIs knife crime, gang culture and violence a problem in Woking? If, so, what is being done about it? This is the subject of our debate on Saturday March 20. We are still finalising the speakers, but hope to have a boxing club organiser and the borough police commander opening the debate. nOur debate on February 20 – Woking in 2050: Dream or Nightmare – attracted more than 70 people to log on to Zoom. Our speakers were Woking MP Woking MP Jonathan Lord, Susan Venn from the University of Surrey, masters student Raul Lai and local accountant Victoria Russell. nWoking Borough Council's chief executive, Ray Morgan, was among the audience, initially just intending to listen to the debate “out of interest”. He responded to comments made in the chat box and then agreed to speak for five minutes at the end of the debate on topics that had been raised. nMr Morgan, who retires from his post at the end of March, actually spoke for more than 20 minutes, revealing his views on the controversial town centre tower blocks and banning parking and cars and parking from the town centre streets. Watch the whole debate on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxl4XtMtTrw&t=1005s nRestrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic caused our debates to go online but we have been pleased by the number of people taking part and the quality of the events. We have planned debates for the first five months of 2021 and are discussing other possible topics. nRecordings of all our debates via Zoom since August 2020 can be viewed at www.youtube.com – search for Woking Debates. nThis is the ninth year of the debates. Started by Woking Action for Peace to encourage active participation in our community by looking at underlying issues facing us, they are organised with the support of several local groups. We believe that together we can find ways forward to a more equal, peaceful and united world. nMembers of the public are always welcome, to join in the discussion and pose questions to the speakers. nWhen conditions allow, the debates will return to being held on Saturday mornings, from 11am to 12.30pm, in The Gallery meeting room at Christ Church, Jubilee Square, Woking town centre. Entrance is free, although donations are requested to help with expenses. nWhen we meet “in person”, tea and coffee are served for a small fee from 10.30am. Come along and meet other attendees and committee members before the debate begins. nAlso involved in organising and running the events are members of Churches Together in Woking, Friends of the Earth, Woking Environment Action (Formerly Woking LA21), Woking Quakers, Surrey Faith Links, Transition Towns, and Woking People of Faith.

Do you have a view on gang culture and knife crime? Knife crime, gang culture and violence will be the focus of our debate on Saturday March 20. Is it a problem in Woking, and how it is being tackled. If you would like to be one of our speakers, please contact Keith Scott (see below). On April 17 – our 50th Woking Debate – the the subject is the arms trade and military expenditure, and air pollution and its effects will be debated on May 15. There will be ample opportunity for everyone to share their views and concerns about these important topics. Please keep an eye on this website and our Facebook page for the latest news on forthcoming subjects and speakers. The debates will be on the Zoom online platform, starting at 11am. To join in, via smartphone, laptop, tablet or PC, contact our chairman, Keith Scott on 01483 824980 or email him at keithsc_2000@yahoo.com.

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