Chiltern U3A

The aim is to participate in politics through political discussions in a convivial group of about twelve people; to be serious and interesting as well as fun. Topics vary considerably - current issues, long standing controversies, political theories and systems, but no party politics.

The topic, selected a few weeks ahead is finalised and circulated to group members a few days before each meeting, often with background material. Members have time to consider their views and perhaps do a little research to improve their understanding of the topic and be able to share this with others.

Subjects vary considerably - current issues, controversies, policies, theories and institutions, but not party politics.

There are two meetings in the Pottery Room each month, on the first and the third Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Members in turn present a topic of their choosing and lead the group discussion. Recent topics include climate change, the Autumn statement and leadership issues.

More members are welcome. Please contact the convenor.

Click here for the forthcoming programme
Click here for a summary of debates to date.

Notes on the following debates are available:

7th June 2021: Euthanasia - the arguments for and against, led by Terry Glover
24th May 2021: Does the West have the right to claim the moral high ground? led by Peter de Groot
10th May 2021: What conclusions can we draw from 6th May local election results?
26th April 2021: What charities really cost the taxpayer led by Merelene Davis
12th April 2021: Libertarianism led by Terry Glover
22nd March 2021: UK foreign aid, ed by George Thackray
1st March 2021: Climate change, led by Merelene David and Jonathan Lucas
22nd February 2021: Human Rights, led by Terry Glover
25th January 2021: The National Health Service, led by Vivian Newall
28th December 2020: The Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement, led by Jonathan Lucas
30th November 2020: Community Boards, led by Councillor Liz Walsh
23rd November 2020: Anarchism and Citizenship, led by Peter de Grootpon and Jonathan Lucas
2nd November 2020: The new Buckinghamshire Council, a talk by Martin Tett, Leader, Buckinghamshire Council
This is a recording of the talk - be patient, it is a large file and may take some time to open
12th October 2020: Localism not populism; led by Merelene Davis
5th October 2020: Salesmanship - the art of politics, led by Neville Freedman
21st September 2020: Fair taxation led by Jennifer Brooke
7th September 2020: European political systems led by Paul Todd
17th August 2020: Book "The road to somewhere" by David Goodhart
3rd August 2020: Education and politics: learning, inequality and social justice
20th July 2020: The effects of covid-19 on British politics
6th July 2020: Black lives matter
February 2020: Do we now have a clear view of the new Goverment's policies?
January 2020: Two political Issues of the decade to come; Global Warming, UK Regional imbalance.
December 2019:The General Election - the Campaign, the result and longer term policy implications
November 2019: Brexit and the general election
October 2019: Brexit
September 2019: Brexit
September 2019: Brexit - the current impasse, conflicting will of the people, conflict over MPs failing to vote with their party, and discussion of the nature of democracy.
August 2019: Brexit renegotiation, no confidence votes, second referendum, General election
July 2019: Is representative democacy effective in providing good government in the UK at the present time?
June 2019: Gender and Politics
May 2019: Collapse of Parliamentary Democracy and What qualities are needed for the position of Prime Minister?
April 2019: Electoral reform and current issues in British politics
April 2019: Political Clans
March 2019: Brexit. How have we reached here and where are we going?
February 2019: Documentary “ Revolution in Ruins; the Hugo Chavez story.”
January 2019: Film “ I, Daniel Blake” and Brexit update
December 2018: Is there such a concept as the National Interest?” And “Is the quality of politicians and their leaders adequate for the challenges of the 21st century?”
November 2018: Austerity and the effect on poverty in the UK; Immigration policy and citizen’s rights; Political Thinking Group matters; Brexit
October 2018: The financing of local government and the trend towards fewer authorities.
October 2018: 'Populism' is a recent development in many democratic countries. What is populism, what characterises it, why has it arisen, what are its dangers (and, if any, its claimed virtues), what can be done to counter it and what are the prospects of success in such an endeavour?
September 2018: What would be a good Brexit?
August 2018: The consequences of Brexit
July 2018: Topic 1 “Take Back Control.” What does this mean? Topic 2 “Leaving and the consequences of so doing.”
June 2018: Topic 1 “In the light of Brexit can a referendum become an integrated part of the UK political system.” Topic 2 “How can a political choice be made between the alternatives of staying in and leaving Europe?”
May 2018: Now that women have achieved political equality, why is equality in other aspects of life so far behind ?
April 2018: Given the continuing and seemingly unstoppable increase in inequality in the UK, why has there not been a revolution?
March 2018: Education is wasted on the young?
February 2018: Are demands on the public purse too high to be met by any acceptable taxation?
January 2018: It is feasible and fair for the UK to implement Land Value Tax to replace at least one third of current tax take?
December 2017: Localism as a political tendency
November 2017 and October 2017: The voluntary sector; past present and future
September 2017: What type of Second Chamber should the UK have?
August 2017: It is now impossible for democratic government to be effective
July 2017: A Free Press is an essential form of protection of individual liberty in a democratic society
June 2017: The UK political institutions Parliament and the Monarchy do not provide adequate safeguards for democracy especially in a hung Parliament
May 2017: The current UK Tax system is not fit for purpose
April 2017: The current UK political system of elected representatives in several Parliaments, unelected representatives and popular referenda in an unclear and ambiguous relationship is not an effective way to achieve a sovereign democracy
March 2017: Current policies with respect to Housing are not working and need a major re-think. Subsidiary topic "Should there be a second referendum on Scottish independence?"
February 2017: Current policies with respect to Education are not working and need a major re-think
January 2017: Current policies with respect to the National Health Service are not working and need a major re-think
December 2016: Topics: "A modern democracy, like Britain, requires a coherent policy of redistribution of wealth and income" 
November 2016: Topics: "Britain needs more grammar schools" and "In Britain local government matters"
October 2016: Topics:" In Britain referendum result should be binding" and "To be democratic Britain needs proportional representation"
September 2016: Topic: "Britain is currently a democracy"