Over 270 students from nine local sixth forms gathered in the nave of St Albans Cathedral for this year’s Sixth Form Debate, an annual event giving young people the opportunity to engage with national and global issues in the setting of the city’s historic Abbey.

The panel — Matt Adams (founder and editor of St Albans Times), Dr Mariama Ifode-Blease (writer, broadcaster and Anglican priest), Helen Campbell (Deputy Leader of St Albans City and District Council) and Eleanor Jackson (Chair of St Albans Reform Party) — fielded questions on some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

Topics included immigration and asylum, climate action ahead of COP30, and the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, with students offering spirited questions and thoughtful responses throughout.

The debate opened with a speech from Enny Jacob, a student from St George’s School, who argued in reply to the motion “This house believes that the government should target skilled migrants over asylum seekers.”

Caroline Godden, the Cathedral's Adult Learning Officer, chaired the debate, said afterwards : "It’s inspiring to see how passionately young people engage with these debates. The Cathedral is proud to be a space where ideas can be explored with openness and respect.”

Matt Adams commented "As a journalist I’m not used to being grilled, but these students were taking no prisoners. This was a fascinating insight into the issues that are at the forefront of this generation, and I hope I was able to offer some perspective from regional news.” 

Dr Mariama Ifode-Blease added,“It was lovely to meet such diverse, knowledgeable, and thought-provoking students and panellists. The students certainly lit up on the subject of AI.”

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