The debate is hosted by a moderator, who introduces the motion and the two speakers. The first speaker proposes the motion, the second opposes it. Each speaker has three opportunities to put forward their argument in the form of an opening statement, an update and a closing statement. This exchange takes place over a three-week period, during which the website audience has the opportunity to participate by posting comments to a message board. At the end of the debate, the moderator summarises both arguments and then opens the debate to a vote. The speaker who obtains the greatest number of votes wins the debate.

To participate in the debate, click on ‘Post a comment’ at the bottom of the page, type your comments into the box, and click ‘Submit’. Please keep your comments brief and relevant to the debate. Comments will not be posted live but will be moderated before publication. They will normally appear on the website one working day after submission.

At the end of the debate, you may vote for which speaker you thought had argued most persuasively. To vote, click the ‘With’ or ‘Against’ button in the voting box at the bottom of the main screen. You will have a week in which to cast your vote. The result of the vote will be published at the end of this week. You are also invited to submit suggestions about topics you would like to see debated in the future.