The second event in the ‘Debating the Difficult’ series saw speakers from all sides discuss the issue of assisted dying.

Developed by Oxford students and academics, the ‘tips’ are designed to facilitate respectful debate while protecting everyone’s right to freedom of speech. They were launched in a pilot debate at Worcester in November 2023 on the topic of migration.

This term’s debate was hosted at Brasenose College where speakers covered the arguments for and against assisted dying. The arguments were led by former Lord Chancellor Charlie Falconer, Baron Falconer of Thoroton, and Ilora Finlay, Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Professor of Palliative Medicine at Cardiff University. They were joined by Yuan Yi Zhu, Assistant Professor of International Relations and International Law at Leiden University, and Brasenose PPE student James Forsdyke.

L-R: Lord Falconer, James Forsdyke, Baroness Finlay, Yuan Yi Zhu

A poll taken before the event showed a slight majority in favour of assisted dying. Audience members of all views listened attentively to the arguments on both sides during a debate which was civil and respectful. A concluding poll showed a reduced majority in favour of assisted dying.

Next term’s debate – the subject of which is yet to be agreed – will be held at Balliol College. The ‘Debating the Difficult’ series and the Promoting Freedom of Speech at Oxford ‘tips’ are a joint initiative developed by Balliol College, Brasenose College, Mansfield College, Somerville College and Worcester College.