The Sharon plan is currently the best hope for progress in the Middle East

27 Jun 2004

Final vote:164 For, 111 Against

Information correct on date of event.

Intelligence Squared is delighted to announce its inaugural debate at Hampstead Theatre.

The debate took place at: Hampstead Theatre.

Speakers for the motion:

Michael Gove MP: Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath and former Chairman of Policy Exchange, a British neo-Conservative think tank.

Melanie Phillips: Daily Mail columnist, panellist on Radio 4's The Moral Maze and author. Her 1996 book "All Must Have Prizes", a study of Britain's educational decline, provoked the fury of educationists and the delight and relief of parents. Her latest book "The Ascent of Woman" is a study of the suffragette movement and the ideas behind it.

Speakers against the motion:

Jonathan Freedland: Award-winning journalist and broadcaster. He writes a weekly column in The Guardian, as well as a monthly piece for The Jewish Chronicle. He also presents BBC Radio 4's contemporary history series, "The Long View".

Ahmad Samih Khalidi: Former Palestinian negotiator and a writer on Middle East political and security affairs.