Liverpool, Ukraine and the fine art of debate

3200km apart, two groups in Liverpool and Dnipro band together in a celebration of the right to disagree

Dear members — debate can be a contentious thing. Many are the viral clips of angry radio callers-in or Question Time audience members losing their heads at each other, while Twitter can often be a bloodbath. It doesn’t matter if we’re discussing geopolitics or who should start up front for Everton, many now believe civilised debate to be an anachronism in itself.

A group in Liverpool called The South Liverpool Debating Society, or SLDS, are hoping to be an antidote to this. They meet up at the back of Keith’s on Lark Lane and discuss the big topics: vaccines, lockdowns, race etc. Nothing is too taboo. The idea is that by meeting in person, sharing some food and a drink together, even those of us with diametrically opposed viewpoints can get along. We sent Jack to check it out.

First though, your daily briefing, including Liverpool officially entering the Eurovision race.