All our sessions are free to attend for first timers. Please use code FIRSTDEBAIT when booking your spot.A London based debate club for civil debate
Debait is a London-based debating community where people come together to explore important issues through calm, structured conversation.
If you are looking for a debate club that values mutual respect over shouting and trolling that sadly mire online discussion forums these days, this is your place.
Why we created Debait?
Public debate has become polarised and performative and social media has a lot to answer for as it enables vicious behaviour and rewards outrage. What could be a great place with a massive reach to further discussion about important societal issues often sadly turns into a battlefield where insults are hurled from behind the screen by so-called keyboard warriors. How is one to engage in any meaningful public debate in such a toxic arena?
Who joins Debait?
You don’t need expertise. Anyone with openness, interest and respect is welcome to join us. These values are enshrined in our mission statement which is to rebuild a culture of civil debate and respective disagreement.
This is something we seem to have lost along the way since the arrival of social media.
Debait attracts people who:
Want to challenge their own assumptions — and do the same for others respectfully.
Care about society, democracy and public life.
Enjoy thinking critically and hearing different perspectives.
What debait offers?
We are a moderated debating club but it is important to note that our debates do not have ‘winners’ or ‘losers’ and we do not focus on the technical side of ‘how to construct a winning argument’.
Instead, we are like a 21st century public square that gives people the opportunity to explore social, political and philosophical issues in a supportive environment.
Each session brings together up to 20 participants to discuss various topics through a format that encourages:
speaking with consideration
listening with an open mind
constructive dialogue and civil disagreement
“It’s a space for anyone looking for structured debate, discussion groups, or a way to practise public speaking in a low-pressure setting.”
Our mission is to rebuild the culture of civil debate and respectful disagreement. Book a seat
How our debate sessions work
Our in-person sessions are on Tuesday evenings between 6pm-8pm
(259 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7AH, close to Angel station)
Online sessions on Wednesday evenings between 7pm-9pm.
Small groups, by design
Sessions are capped at 20 people which is to ensure that everyone gets to contribute to the discussions. This makes Debait ideal for people searching for small debate groups in London.
Moderated & structured
Our sessions are facilitated by a host. This along with our shared norms ensure that discussions remain balanced and productive.
Thoughtful topics, discussed at grassroot level
We discuss issues that matter, divide opinions and can have an impact on the society at large.