01
Freedom of expression
We believe that open debate requires the freedom to express, question and challenge ideas. The Union exists to provide a forum where difficult questions can be discussed openly.
About the Union
A chamber for
public debate.
The King’s Union was established in November 2025 as a chamber for public debate within King’s College London.
What is the Union?
The King’s Union is a student society dedicated to the practice of public debate. We bring together students, staff, alumni and visiting speakers to discuss some of the most important and controversial questions of our time.
Our motions cover an intentionally broad range of subjects. Recent debates have considered everything from intervention in Venezuela to the abolition of the monarchy, giving members the opportunity to engage with political, social, economic and cultural questions.
At its heart, the Union is a place to think out loud. You do not have to arrive with the perfect argument. You simply have to be willing to listen, question and contribute.
The format
Six speakers.
One motion.
One vote.
Our debates follow a traditional chamber format designed to give both sides of a motion the opportunity to make their case, while allowing the audience to challenge and question them.
01Three speakers on the proposition
02Three speakers on the opposition
03Points of information from the floor
04Questions from the audience
05A final vote on the motion
What we stand for
The principles of the Union.
02
Mutual respect
Strong disagreement does not require personal hostility. We expect our members and speakers to engage with one another with respect, civility and intellectual honesty.
03
Intellectual curiosity
Debate is not simply about winning an argument. It is an opportunity to encounter ideas you may never have considered and to leave with a better understanding of the question.
04
A place for everyone
Whether you are an experienced debater or have never spoken in front of a room before, the Union is intended to be a place where students, staff and alumni can participate.
More than
debate.
Photo to comeThe Union also serves as a focal point for student social life at King’s. Debate is only one part of what we do.
Throughout the year, we organise social events including movie screenings, pub crawls and other opportunities for members to meet outside the debating chamber.
Whether you come for the arguments, the people, the speakers, or simply because you fancy a night out, there is a place for you here.
“The Union exists, above all else, to serve the College’s body of students, staff, and alumni. It’s a place where you can speak your mind and be treated with mutual respect. There’s a place for everybody here.”
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