Irwin Mitchell Sponsors University’s Winston Cup

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has given a winning debater from the University of Bristol the chance of a lifetime by sending them on an all expenses paid trip to the most famous debating arena of them all – the House of Commons.

The firm, which has an office in Castle Park in the city, sponsored the Bristol Debating Unions’ Winston Cup which took place on 17 March within the university’s Arts Complex, and arranged the winning prize with the help of Bristol West’s Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams.

Non Humphries was declared the winner after a tense grand final and over the summer she and a friend will be taken on a tour of both the Commons and Lords Chambers and the historic Westminster Hall. She will also be given the opportunity to attend a live debate and watch a committee hearing to see the professionals in action.

The Winston Cup is the biggest internal competition of the year for the Bristol Debating Union, open to anyone who is a student at the university, and saw competitors take part in three rounds of debating on various topics.

Irwin Mitchell’s Regional Managing Partner Jonathan Peacock and local MP Stephen Williams introduced the third round of debating and lawyers Suzy Pawsey and Anusheh Ahmadi from the firm presented the delighted winner with their prize.

Jonathan Peacock said: ““As part of our ongoing commitment to developing young legal talent and supporting the local community, we are very proud to sponsor the Winston Cup and work alongside Stephen Williams MP to provide this exciting prize.

“Watching the students debate and seeing what young talent is out there in the Bristol student community was a real privilege. We hope that the experience of touring the ultimate debating forum will inspire them to continue working hard.”

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Bristol West since 2005, said: “Debating is a vital component of the political process and the House of Commons is the premier debating chamber in the world.

“I therefore look forward to welcoming the winners of the Winston Cup to Westminster and hope they are able to gain inspiration from the Mother of all Parliaments.”