GREY College, a constituent college of Durham University which was named after the North East-born Earl Grey, who became Prime Minister in 1830, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Included in the many events we are holding to commemorate the event is a debate with the Reform Club, which is open to everyone.

The motion is: “You never had it so good!” Given the current economic and political situation this is a serious subject.

However, I can assure people it will be highly entertaining with witty speakers.

Speaking in favour will be Mihir Bose, president of the Reform Club and BBC sports correspondent, and Brian Holden-Reid, librarian of the Reform Club and professor of military history at King’s College, London.

The opposition will be Jonathon Porritt, the founder-director of Forum for the Future, and regionally-based playwright Ed Waugh.

The chairman will be Richard Moss, of the BBC’s Politics Show.

The event will take place on Friday, June 12, at 7.30pm, in the Holgate lecture theatre of Grey College, South Road, Durham.

There is an open invitation to everyone.

For further information about the debate contact Joyce Dover on 0191-334-5638 or email joyce.dover@durham.ac.uk Martyn Chamberlain, Master, Grey College, Durham