Natasha Johnson | This House Believes Identity Politics Is A Distraction | Cambridge Union

Описание: Natasha Johnson speaks as the third opposition for the motion in the Debating Chamber on Thursday 20th February 2025.


With the rise of identity politics in recent years, we will be exploring this crucial topic and whether it is a distraction. In a debate that cuts across typical political divisions, we will discuss the ways in which identity politics can both help and hinder different ethnic communities in Britain. Have identity politics been weaponised by politicians across the political spectrum to distract from economic issues? Or do identity politics hold an important place in society?

Ayes - 66
Abstain - 62
Noes - 120

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Cambridge Union Society Debate Info:

In The Chair: Sammy McDonald

Taking the Minutes: Leonas Pausch

The Debate Motion title is always preceded in context by the phrase “This House Would”, “This Would Believes”, or simply “This House”.

The Debate motion is typically phrased in Proposition of the argument prior to any votes or speeches, regardless of controversial nature.

Six 10 minute speeches are given, alternating between each Proposition & Opposition speaker of the Debate Motion.

The Chair governs authority over interjections, time limits, and any discretions/arrangements agreed between speakers and/or CUS.

There are two ways interjections can be made by audience members; a Point of Information (upon acceptance from the speaker) or a Floor Speech. (Interjections are not to be interpreted as Audience Questions and can be denied or ignored at discretion of the Speaker or Chair)

Points of Interest cannot be made during the first & last minutes of any speech, they also must be under 30 seconds and maintain relevance.
(As a result it is impractical to provide microphones for Points of Interest and apologise for any issues with audibility)

Floor speeches are made by audience members at intervals during the Debate discussing support for Proposition, Opposition or Abstention.
(The Union rarely publishes Floor Speeches due to Release Form arrangements within membership contracts)

At the end of the Debate, all Speakers and audience members cast their vote as they leave the Debating Chamber through doors labelled “AYES” & “NOES”, with the central door exit representing Abstentions.

The Chair calls an announcement shortly after the Debate to confirm the votes.


Full Debate:
   • This House Believes identity Politics is a...  
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Thumbnail Photographer: Nordin Catic
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NATASHA JOHNSON

Natasha Johnson is the Co-Founder of Anti-Racist organisation All Black Lives UK and currently the EDI Officer for a Midlands Homelessness Youth Charity. For the last five years, Natasha has dedicated her life to anti-racism, anti-fascism and equality for all people nationally and internationally.


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