On Friday, 17th March the school held its inaugural debate on whether freedom of speech should be absolute right enshrined in law. The importance of free speech clearly captured the pupils’ imagination and there was a real sense of excitement and interest as pupils discussed the issues in the weeks leading up to the debate.
Pupils were given the opportunity to attend the debate and had to sign up in advance as it soon became clear that the 350 capacity would be reached with ease. On the day of the debate and in a crammed hall, pupils listened attentively to the different arguments and witnessed what soon became a lively and skilful debate.
It was a particular honour to welcome back MP for Bexhill and Battle, Huw Merriman, who had previously chaired our debate on the EU Referendum. Similarly, it was a privilege to welcome the Home Secretary and Hastings MP Rt Hon Amber Rudd, who alongside Mr Merriman and Miss Cronin judged the debate.
Proposing the motion that freedom of speech should be an absolute right, Ethan Macdonald (Head Boy and Team Captain), Ethan O’Hara Harris and Ben Satow set out their arguments, emphasising that Britain is a tolerant country that would stand up to religious extremism and hate speech. Their team drew on real case studies and were able to appeal to the British values of democracy, tolerance and the rule of law.
Opposing the motion, Serena Coyle (Head Girl and Team Captain), Primrose Munroe and Jake Ludham emphasised the damage that would be done if people could express hate and racist language in public without prosecution. They drew parallels with Nazi Germany and quoted statistics on the harmful effect of bullying.
After the first two speakers from each team had delivered their speeches, the debate was opened to the audience and pupils from all years were able to ask individual teams specific questions about what had been discussed. This led to a lively exchange of views and it was great to see both teams having to think on their feet and answer questions they hadn’t expected.
The debate was brilliantly chaired by Deputy Head Girl, Emilie-Jayne Relf who remained impartial throughout and ensured that each team were able to make their points clearly and without prejudice.
At the end of the debate, pupils were given an opportunity vote and it was clear that the overwhelming majority agreed with Ethan, Ethan and Ben who are argued in favour of freedom of speech being an absolute right. This led to an interesting reaction, not dissimilar to Prime Ministers’ Question Time, when the Mr Merriman announced that the judges had decided that the opposition were the winners of the debate.
Summing up the arguments at the end of the debate, Ms Rudd complimented all of the pupils involved, drawing out the individual strengths of each speaker. Later that evening, both Mr Merriman and Ms Rudd tweeted photos of the event describing our pupils as “fantastic debaters” and “our future leaders”.
Amber said:
“Encouraging young adults to engage in politics is vital as it allows them to understand the importance of getting involved, not only at times of elections, but also every day, and to have an opinion on things that matter to them. Being able to judge this debate, alongside the Principal and Huw Merriman, was a privilege, and I hope that St Richards continue with their debating society in years to come.
“It was fantastic to see such a large turnout for an important event, so well done to all students who put their arguments across either in favour or against.”
Huw Merriman added:
"To witness the outstanding students from St Richard's making their debating debuts was a great pleasure. The students spoke with passion, reason and intelligence. That they did so before not only their classmates and teachers but the Home Secretary was particularly impressive. I look forward to returning and working with the debaters as they continue to use their voices in our community."
All in all it was a wonderful occasion and for our pupils and a proud moment for the school. My sincere thanks to all of our pupils, especially Emilie-Jayne, Ethan, Ethan, Ben, Serena, Primrose and Jake who led the debate; Mr Merriman, Ms Rudd and Miss Cronin for judging the debate and Ms Horton for helping to prepare the pupils.
Finally, a huge well done to our Head Boy, Ethan Macdonald, who organised the debate and whose vision it was to for the whole event to happen. I think it’s fair to say that we may see Ethan in the House of Commons in the not too distant future!
Mr Byrne
Vice Principal