Bankers are a Force for Good

DEBATE: Jonathan Parker v Paul Carroll

Banks and bankers play an essential part in society by protecting, investing and lending money. They play direct and diverse roles at government, company and the individual level. They make absolutely critical decisions in investing in the future success of the UK, including pension, infrastructure and mortgage provision. It is no exaggeration to say that without banks, society as we know it would break down and collapse within 24 hours.

This is a hot and controversial topic, and Jonathan Parker will argue that today’s large banks are a force for good, without them our quality of life would be dramatically diminished. Excessive bonuses are a bone of public contention but these are not a fault of the individual banker but of the embedded culture inherent to the capitalist system, to which mankind owes a huge debt.

The motion will be opposed by Paul Carroll.

Jonathan Parker has worked in the financial services industry for nearly two decades. He has held senior positions in a variety of roles and organisations including banks, insurance companies and asset managers. He graduated from Bristol University with a BA (Hons) in Ancient History.

Paul Carroll is the founding president of 104 London Debaters TM (UK’s first Toastmasters club to specialise in debate) and a member of the Ancient Society of Cogers, (founded 1755) the world’s oldest free-speech forum.

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members. Tickets available on the door.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.