VETERANS DEBATE TRAINING PROJECT
The aim of the Veterans Debate Training Project is to introduce and teach military veterans the art of British Parliamentary Debate. The project is run in partnership with students from a variety of University Debating Societies including Cambridge Union, Parallel Histories and staff from the House of Commons Parliamentary Outreach Team. Over a period of 8 weeks Veterans are trained in debate techniques and the project culminates in a final debate attended by MP’s, supporters, friends and family members. In recent years, veterans and students have been invited to the Houses of Parliament to watch and perform debates in the both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. On one occasion, this was followed by private select committee style meeting with Dan Jarvis MP and former MP’s Rory Stewart and Dave Anderson. In December 2017 The Forward Assist Debate Team and Student were invited by John Bercow to launch the project at Speakers House. During the C-19 lockdowns, Forward Assist collaborated with Parallel Histories and Cambridge University Debating Society to train 40 women veterans in the art of British Parliamentary Debate. Funded by the Covenant Fund Trust the women were invited to celebrate their success in the House of Commons by Sarah Atherton MP and Emma Lewell-Buck MP on 24th May 2022. Baroness D’Souza was also in attendance as the key note speaker. In March 2024 we took our latest cohort of trainees to the House of Commons where they once again owned the room as they debated the term Military Sexual Trauma.
“Forward Assist and their debating project provides a fantastic opportunity for veterans to further develop skills that will enable them to thrive in civilian life. It hones their public speaking and debating skills, providing a wealth of transferable experience and building participants’ confidence as they move forward into new careers. I am immensely proud of this government’s record on providing support to veterans. There is now more money being spent on veterans than ever before and an office at the heart of government to champion their needs. The charity sector plays a huge part in supporting veterans and I am grateful for all that they do.”
Leo Docherty Former MP & Minister for Defence People and Veterans
Supported by Armed Forces Covenant
“The Forward Assist Veterans Debate project has been successfully delivered over the past 4 years. This training provides the veterans with an insight in to the rules of Parliamentary Debate, giving them an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills. Past participants have seen huge improvements in their confidence and self esteem, whilst developing an emotional vocabulary that enables them express their thoughts in a positive and structured manner. I highly commend the work of Forward Assist in developing this ground breaking project and wish them continued success with this in the coming years.”
Johnny Mercer Former MP & Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs Cabinet Office
“I am pleased to provide a message in support of Forward Assist Veterans Parliamentary Debating Project. As a nation we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Armed Forces community, and it is right that they are held in the highest esteem by the Government and the public.”
“The vast majority of Service leavers make a smooth transition from military to civilian life. The skills that Service leavers possess are in high demand from employers who recognise the benefits of bringing this talent into their organisations. However, the Government is determined to ensure that veterans who do require help are provided with appropriate support.”
“Good communication skills are key for service leavers and students alike, and I commend initiatives such as the Veterans Debating Project that enhance public speaking and debating skills. This supports veterans to transition back to civilian life and gives students a great opportunity to build their confidence, develop their confidence, develop their critical thinking and gain skills for their future careers.”
Theresa May Former Prime Minister
“The Debate Project improves the confidence, public speaking skills and debating skills of veterans, providing them with transferable skills for the future”.
Jeremy Corbyn MP
