Event date: 08 March, 2022 · Debating Forum

Britain on Trial – Putney Debates

Careers, Debating, Events, General, Guests, News, Performance, Senior School, Sixth Form

Britain stands charged with failing as a country to take either sufficient or effective action to combat the existential threat posed by climate change, to stem the rising tide of health inequalities, to promote diversity and minority rights, and to ensure true equality for women.

 Today Britain will be tried on its record on four counts:

  1. The environment
  2. Health outcomes
  3. Diversity and minority rights
  4. Gender equality

At the end of the trial you, the jury, will be asked to decide if Britain is guilty or not guilty of failing to take sufficient or effective action on each of the four counts.

The ‘Britain on Trial’ event took place in Careers Week 2022, and on International Women’s Day, as the showcase event for Putney’s new Debating Forum.

We were delighted to be joined by ‘expert witnesses’, Camilla Berens (environment), Rebecca Hilsenrath (rights and equality) and Dido Harding (healthcare) who took the stand as key speakers on each of the main charges.

They were ‘examined’ by prosecution and defence ‘lawyers’ from our sixth form debate teams and there certainly was some lively debate.

After two hours in court, and just a few minutes deliberation, Britain was found guilty on all three counts by the jury of Year 7 – 9 students who tuned in via live stream from the Performing Arts Centre and voted via interactive poll.

Rebecca Hilsenrath takes the stand
Rebecca Hilsenrath takes the stand
From left, Rebecca Hilsenrath, Dido Harding and Camilla Berens.
From left, Rebecca Hilsenrath, Dido Harding and Camilla Berens.
Mrs Longstaff accompanied by our 'judge,' key witnesses and defendant, Great Britain
Mrs Longstaff accompanied by our 'judge,' key witnesses and defendant, Great Britain

Thanks to...

Prosecution:

Flo J

Izzy W

Tabi S

Georgie M

 

Defence:

Alice M

Sarah F

Bella V d G

Phoebe B

Lilah B

 

Judge: Maddie L

Britain: Tallis H

 

Clerk: Govhar D

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