The Politics Society had the privilege of welcoming Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, for a memorable evening on Monday 19 November. Mr Tice shared his experiences from Westminster, offering pupils an insight into political life.
Viggo (Year 13) shares a picture of the evening.
On Monday 19 November, the Politics Society had the privilege of welcoming Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, to School. Speaking to an audience of over 150 pupils, Mr Tice offered a compelling insight into the workings of Westminster, drawing on his experience as one of the UK’s most prominent political figures.
Arriving on campus late in the afternoon, Mr Tice would have noticed the calm and quiet atmosphere of Charterhouse – a stark contrast to the lively London farmers’ march he had attended earlier in the day. Once inside Hall, he opened his speech with a humorous remark, thanking the audience for their warm reception. Reflecting on a previous visit to Durham University, where he was met with not one, but two separate demonstrations, he noted how much he appreciated the more cordial welcome from Carthusians.
Mr Tice then shared his early impressions of Parliament. Describing the Commons as no bigger than Hall, his vivid and enthusiastic descriptions made politics seem not only accessible but also aspirational, serving as an inspiring advertisement for any pupils considering a career in public service.
He moved on to address pressing national issues, including immigration, the climate crisis, and the current Labour government. One particularly engaging moment came during a discussion on the Assisted Dying Bill, where Mr Tice, a supporter of the legislation, invited the audience to vote on the matter. Subsequently, nearly every pupil in the room raised their hand in favour of legalising assisted dying, an interesting outcome.
As he concluded his speech, Mr Tice emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and urged Carthusians to think independently in all aspects of life. Following a series questions from the audience and several photos with pupils eager to capture a moment with the speaker, Mr Tice joined a small group of pupils in Oak, where refreshments accompanied further discussions on politics, both domestic and international.
The description of the evening by one pupil as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” is testament to the impact Mr Tice’s visit had on those in attendance. His comments sparked much discussion long after his talk, an outcome one could certainly describe as a tremendous success. Charterhouse extends its gratitude to Mr Tice for giving his time to provide pupils with such a unique and thought-provoking perspective, challenging them to question the political status quo.
Viggo (Year 13)
The description of the evening by one pupil as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” is testament to the impact Mr Tice’s visit had on those in attendance.
