The phrase "a debate started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a discussion or argument has begun on a particular topic.
Example: "After the presentation, a debate started about the implications of the new policy."
Alternatives: "a discussion began" or "an argument commenced".
It's very unusual to have the prime minister still on the frontbench three hours after a debate started.
This week energy minister Greg Barker suggested that a debate started by Margaret Thatcher had been hijacked by the centre left.
Tom Anderson, who co-founded Myspace in 2003, issued the warning during a wide-ranging debate about censorship on Google's various platforms, a debate started after TechCrunch columnist MG Siegler had his profile picture removed by Google.
Her comments fuelled a debate started by Miley Cyrus's performance at the MTV awards last month, in which she danced provocatively with singer Robin Thicke and made suggestive gestures with a foam finger.
I personally would like to see a debate started about foreign aid.
There is even a debate started on a Zagat blog about what a restaurant should do if someone forgets their cash.
He will lead a debate starting on Monday on expanding the powers of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio).
But if a debate starts with the mention of rationing, you can be pretty sure you're not hearing one.
During the 1960s, a political debate started concerning whether or not a new main airport should be built for Oslo and Eastern Norway.
A divisive debate started among California LGBT activists as they decided whether to put Prop 8 back on the ballot in 2010 or 2012.
Kundig conceded there was little chance of the initiative passing, but said that "just getting a broad public debate started on this important issue is a victory".
