MP reveals mockery of northern accent at Oxford University

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, told GB News that he was teased by tutors while at university and asked if he was drinking a mug of gravy by other students because of his broad northern accent.

Mr Charters became the Labour MP for the area at the last election having previously worked at the Bank of England and in the fintech industry.

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He studied philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) at Mansfield College, Oxford, from 2013, graduating in 2016.

The 30-year-old told Chopper’s Political Podcast there were older tutors who mocked him for the way he spoke.

Oxford University (Image: Other)

On at least one occasion a fellow student asked him whether he was drinking a mug of gravy or a mug of tea.

Mr Charters added that he was advised to water down his accent if he wanted to get a good graduate job or do a Master’s.

“They’re not going to understand you,” he was apparently told.

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Classism and accent discrimination has been a regularly discussed topic at Oxford University in recent years.

It was around the time of Mr Charters’ graduation that St Hilda’s College first introduced a ‘class liberation officer’ to support working class students.

Several years later the principal of Somerville College, Jan Royall, controversially suggested octopus be removed from the college menu as it did not foster an inclusive atmosphere.