World Speech Day saw James Fredrickson debating with some of Oxford's finest debaters in the historic Oxford Union.

The motion debated was 'This House believes that Jeremy Corbyn has been positive for the Labour Party.'

James spoke against the motion and contributed to the motion being defeated.

The event, held to mark World Speech Day was well supported by pupils of some nine schools from across Oxfordshire.

James said

It was an enormous privilege to be invited to participate in such a fantastic event. I am awe of the fluency and compelling arguments advocated by all the participants.

It is particularly appropriate that the event was held at the Oxford Union which for nearly 200 years has upheld the principle of free speech, in that time hosting debates about issues such as Votes for Women before women were enfranchised and the rights of Catholics at a time when they were prevented from graduating.

I applaud all the speakers from local schools and Oxford University for the high standard of debate and for a very enjoyable event.