Neil was recently invited to lecture students of politics at the University of Nottingham — an engagement that offered a valuable opportunity to bring real-world political experience directly into the lecture theatre.
The session centred on two of the most consequential moments in recent British political history: the 2017 and 2019 general elections, and the 2016 referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union. Together, these events reshaped the political landscape in ways that continue to be felt today, making them rich and important territory for students seeking to understand how democratic processes unfold — and the profound consequences they can carry.
Neil’s own background in politics and education policy lent the lecture a depth of perspective that goes beyond the academic. Having observed and participated in political life at a senior level, he was well placed to offer students not just an account of events, but an insight into the forces, decisions, and dynamics that drove them.
“Hugely enjoyed lecturing students of politics at the University of Nottingham. The subject was the 2017 and 2019 general elections and, of course, the disastrous referendum on membership of the European Union. Great questions followed my presentation.”
— Neil Carmichael, UCEC
The presentation was met with evident enthusiasm. A lively question and answer session followed, with students demonstrating a keen engagement with the subject matter — a reminder of how much appetite there is among the next generation for serious, informed political debate.
Opportunities such as this sit at the intersection of UCEC’s commitment to education and its belief in the importance of civic understanding. Neil looks forward to further engagements of this kind.
