Politics students learn with the Lords

Lord Balfe began by presenting slides on the role and status of the Lords as well as engaging the students in his own journey from a childrens’ home in Sheffield to the Upper Chamber of Parliament via decades of service as an MEP in the European Parliament and the Labour Party, which he left in 2002. He was able to discuss and expand upon the existing knowledge of the students with regard to the Lords as well as explain the purpose of those appointed to life peerages such as himself, including their vital role as a revising chamber.

Following the initial presentation on the Lords, Lord Balfe then opened up to questions from the students that involved discussions on a range of topics that included the recently abandoned Rwanda scheme, the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine and Israel, his views on the Brexit vote of 2016 and whether or not he saw a future role for the Lords. In response to a question on which Prime Minister he most admired, he entertained the students with his admiration for Edward Heath with an anecdote about a dinner party they both attended. In all instances, Lord Balfe was able to engage with the students on a personal level and gave full and frank responses to everything he was asked. A large number of students waited after the talk was over to capture the event in selfies.

Following the main visit, a smaller group of students from Long Road and Colchester then met in the afternoon for an extension task centred around creating a plan for the future of the Lords, with reference to the talk given by Lord Balfe. This task was designed to build upon and extend existing knowledge of the Upper Chamber and comes at an important time, given the changes introduced by the new government.

It was a very enriching day for all involved, and we thank Lord Balfe and the House of Lords for including us in the programme this year and giving our students a fantastic opportunity to engage in person with a legislator.