Opening Government, usually abbreviated OG, is the first Proposition team in a British Parliamentary debate round. OG has two speakers: the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Their job is to open the round by defining the motion, setting up the Proposition case, and establishing the territory on which the debate will be fought.
OG Responsibilities
OG sets the tone for the entire round. Their definition of the motion, the arguments they introduce, and the framework they establish all shape what the other three teams (Opening Opposition, Closing Government, Closing Opposition) can do. A strong OG gives their side a clear advantage; a weak OG hands the closing teams an opening to dominate.
Competing With Closing Government
In BP, Opening Government and Closing Government are on the same side but also competing with each other for rank in the round. OG wants to set up a case that is so comprehensive Closing Government struggles to add anything meaningful. Closing Government wants OG to leave enough room for a strong extension. That internal tension is one of the things that makes BP unique.