On 7th February 2013 The Oxford Union held the debate “This House Would Not Fight for Queen and Country”. it was the 80th anniversary of the original debate in 1933 in which The Oxford Union voted in favor of the motion.

Speaking for the motion were Ben Sullivan (Christ Church College), Ben Griffin (former SAS soldier) and Gareth Porter (US Historian).

Speaking against were Rory Stewart (Conservative MP), Nikolai Tolstoy (International Monarchist League) and Malcolm Rifkind (former Foreign Secretary).

The Union is the world’s most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

On the night the motion was defeated as it has been on every occasion that it has been held since 1937.

Read a transcript of the speech given by Ben Griffin at Veterans for Peace