Debate: On whether we still need to speak to people to understand them

Overview

The next Debating Group debate, sponsored by Christine Jardine MP, will take place on Tuesday 27th January 2026 and has been organised by the Market Research Society. The motion will be: “We no longer need to speak directly to people to understand them”

Taking place in Westminster, attendees can experience a live debate, hosted under formal debating rules and get a chance to have their say on this topic.

The Debate will take place in Committee Room 14 of The Palace of Westminster.

More about The Debating Group here.

Only individual, personalised sign-ups are allowed for access and security reasons.

It is highly likely that there will be a waiting list in operation, so PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP if you plan on attending and also, if necessary, cancel via Eventbrite in good time, so others can take your sought-after spot!

Our Chair:

Baroness Mattinson of Darlington (Labour Peer & Consultant – Progressive Policy Institute, Washington DC)

Our speakers:

Proposing:

Dr Ben Warner (Co-Founder - Electric Twin)

Leon Mishkis (Chief Operating Officer - NewtonX)

Opposing:

Sir John Curtice (Professor of Practice for Politics - University of Strathclyde)

Bridget Williams (Head of Public Communications Unit - Public Affairs, Ipsos UK