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I don't feel that an atmosphere of debate and total disagreement and argument is such a bad thing. It makes for a vital and alive field.

I enjoyed debate on the floor but it's not really debate in the same way.

Arguments only confirm people in their own opinions.

There's always merit to having a debate.

But I do think its necessary to have debates.

The only part of an argument that really matters is what we think of the people arguing.

I'm used to politics at an international level: people put together an argument and, even if you vehemently disagree with them, well, you can recognise it's an argument and respond.

I'd rather lose an argument than get into a long discussion in order to win it.

Debate is healthy and no one in this chamber - starting with me - has a monopoly on being right.