Following the horrifying death of Charlie Kirk, the president-elect of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, posted comments online appearing to celebrate his murder. Since then, many have called for him to be removed from the post. The whole affair has raised questions about the necessity and limits of free speech in a democracy – and what more vital topic could there be for a debate column than the future of Britain’s most venerable debating society?

AYES: Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union

I found George Abaraonye’s comments about Charlie Kirk abhorrent and his apology inadequate. Nevertheless, as a member of the Oxford Union, I will not tick the ‘yes’ box in the no-confidence vote, assuming there is one. The bottom line is I don’t think people should be cancelled for posting lawful comments online, however offensive, and that goes double for comments posted in private chat groups.

I don’t hold with the argument that he should go because he’s shown himself to be unfit to do the job or brought the organisation into disrepute. Those criteria are too vague and subjective and, as the director of the Free Speech Union, I’ve seen them used again and again to justify firing people. I should add that if Abaraonye does hang on it will be easier to defend those people in future – and those calling for his head should bear in mind that 90 per cent of the people who........

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