Head's Newsletter 13 May 2022

POLITICS TRIP TO PARLIAMENT & SUPREME

COURT

At a time when Westminster is embroiled in scandal, politics students were lucky enough to step into this chaotic world, by visiting Parliament and the Supreme Court on Monday 25th May.

It felt like a village, literally the ‘ Westminster Bubble ’. I could recognise the odd face, whether it be Conor Burns (Minister of State for Northern Ireland); Nicholas Watt (political editor of Newsnight); or the Blackrod Sarah Clarke. So much power, so many prominent individuals, and the passing of bills that affect our lives, are concentrated within such a small space. The smallness of the place but the magnitude of what happens there struck me - and this was explained by our guide who led us through the various parts of Parliament. Then we went to the Education Centre, where we fought a mock election, and were reminded of the electoral systems that form the UK political system.

After lunch, we visited the Supreme Court on Parliament Square. We were able to visit the courtrooms and think about the importance of an institution which has massively influenced the direction of recent politics (for example, the rulings against the government over the triggering of Article 50 in 2016, or over the prorogation of parliament in 2019). Thanks to the trip, students were able to step into this ‘ bubble ’ and witness how the concepts they learn about are applied. I am grateful to my teachers for organising such a lovely trip. (William Milne)