Bharati Shakha Newbury takes part in UK Parliament Week with environmental debate
A Hindu community group organised a climate change debate as part of UK Parliament Week last month.
On the evening of Friday, November 18, 95 Bharati Shakha Newbury members debated on the issue ‘Should we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels?’ at St Bartholomew's School.
The group, which is a local chapter of the national Hindu organisation Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK, has taken part in UK Parliament Week activities over the last four years.
A group spokesperson said: “It was an intense debate and both sides presented their arguments and countered each other.
“There were a total of 26 participants aged between eight and 45 and argument was fierce on both sides.”
In total 83 votes were cast and the side in favour won 50 to 33.
The spokesperson continued: “The audience and our councillors were all very impressed with the amount of research that the participants put in.”
Newbury MP Laura Farris could not be present at the event, but she sent a message that was read out at the beginning of the debate.
Newbury Town Council's deputy mayor, Nigel Foot (Lib Dem, West Fields), deputy leader Sarah Slack (Lib Dem, Wash Common) and councillor Sue Farrant (Lib Dem, Clayhill) all attended the debate.
Mr Foot made a speech following the debate, in which he focused on the importance of Parliament and its significance in a democracy.
He also picked a few of his favourite moments from the debate and gave a shout out to the participants for the “discipline and decorum” that they displayed.