Members say UN is no longer fit for purpose

Refnation members opened the day with a blunt verdict on the United Nations. Is the United Nations (UN) still fit for purpose? saw a decisive No, with members agreeing the organisation is largely powerless even while accepting the practical value of its aid work.

The verdicts

Should the UK establish a "National Centre for Information Defence" to counter foreign information attacks? passed narrowly. The case for defence prevailed, yet members split almost down the middle over fears the centre would end up policing domestic dissent rather than foreign threats.

Should the UK Government cover Prince Harry's security requirements whilst he is resident in the UK? produced one of the clearest results of the day. Members said No by almost three to one, accepting that stepping back from royal duties also means stepping back from the public purse.

On language in politics, Is the term "far-left" used too broadly in UK politics and media? saw members reject the claim. The label, they argued, is conspicuous by its absence rather than overuse; the media, in their view, reach more readily for its mirror image.

Should the UK Government extend its Islamophobia guidelines to cover all religions? won a clear Yes. Yet the floor’s most respected voices were on the losing side, insisting no religion deserves special protection and warning against any form of blasphemy law.

Should private landlords be allowed to deduct their buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage interest as a business expense for tax? scraped through with a narrow Yes. Members accepted that borrowed money is a genuine business cost and landlords should be taxed only on their real economic profit.

In defence questions, Should able-bodied migrants serve in the military during a wartime emergency? passed decisively. Long-term residents, not new arrivals, formed the dividing line; the strongest argument framed service as a reciprocal duty, though opponents warned of serious security risks.

Finally, Should Holyrood spend time debating Scottish independence? saw members say No by a wide margin. The case for the Scottish Parliament’s right to debate found support, but not enough to overcome the charge that MSPs should be governing instead.

Voting continues today on a fresh set of referendums.

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