On the 28th February, the team of Ashish Ramuni (PPE), Jeremy Chen (Economics), Greg Tucker (Economics) and Shermeen Saud (PPE) won The Economics Debate, organised by UCL and the Institute of Economic Affairs. Debating in favour of the motion that “Open borders do not add sufficient value to the economy” in the main chamber at City Hall in London, Warwick beat the UCL team in the Grand Final to remain champions for the second year in a row. The team impressed a panel of judges composing of Dr Steven Davies, Head of Education at the IEA, Dr Helen Jenkins, Managing Partner at Oxera, and Dr Douglas Lippoldt, Chief Trade Economist at HSBC.

Having researched heavily to also beat Durham and Cambridge in the quarter and semi finals, the team were proud to have completed their unbeaten record. This was especially impressive, having been also given difficult motions such as arguing against the proposal that “Developing countries should move towards a cashless economy” versus Durham, and in opposition to to idea that “The International Monetary System is biased towards developed nations” against Cambridge.

Commenting on winning first place, Shermeen Saud had this to say:

"The debate was a thrilling but challenging experience. Throughout, the Warwick Team definitely had the less convincing side of the motion, from arguing that closed borders are good for the economy to justifying that the IMF is not biased towards developed countries. After evenings spent deliberating over motions and last minute practising, the final result is something I and the team are incredibly proud of. I grew and learnt so much each time, and I would definitely recommend getting involved in it in the future!"

The team is elated to see their hard work and time pay off, having invested heavily and grown in skills and confidence over the weeks. Winning the top prizes, including an internship at the Institute of Economic Affairs, a fast-track for an internship at Oxera and £300 cash, for the second year in a row, the team is glad to show the skills they have honed over their years at Warwick. It is especially impressive considering the fact that they debated against 3 Masters students in the final and considering the heavily technical, yet interdisciplinary nature of the debates.