The "Home Rule debates" refer to discussions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United Kingdom regarding the governance of Ireland. The central issue was whether Ireland should have its own parliament to manage local affairs while remaining part of the United Kingdom. Proponents argued that self-governance would address local needs better, while opponents feared it could lead to the complete independence of Ireland. These debates intensified with the introduction of various Home Rule Bills, particularly those proposed by Charles Stewart Parnell and later by John Redmond. The debates highlighted deep divisions between Unionists, who opposed Home Rule, mainly in Ulster, and Nationalists, who supported it. Ultimately, the debates set the stage for significant political changes in Ireland.