Meeting Josh Dean MP

On Friday 3 July, a group of three Politics students, accompanied by Ms Durant, met with our local Member of Parliament, Josh Dean, at a coffee morning.

The topics raised focused on local issues faced by both residents and students daily, such as public transport fares, protection of small businesses, and safeguarding of students. As simple as they may seem, these considerations can and are often neglected by MPs’ roles in national politics, so seeing a community able to reach Josh Dean directly and, as Politics students, being able to question him on issues that needed more focus was a very valuable opportunity.

Although Josh Dean takes an interest in local matters, residents can be unaware that they are able to easily reach their MP. Critics have frequently noted in the past that MPs for the Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford constituency lacked visibility in local engagement, often due to a focus on Westminster duties, so having the opportunity to engage directly with a sitting MP and ask questions on issues requiring greater attention was particularly important.

We were also able to speak to a colleague of Josh Dean who helps in organising such events and had attended Presdales during their time from Year 7 to Year 11. They explained their duties and priorities in reaching more people and addressing concerns of the community, supported by a degree in Sociology. It was incredibly interesting to not only discuss political issues we’ve studied throughout our Year 12 course but to gain an insight into the decision-making process behind constituent MPs concerning their representation of constituents.

Ediz Koch

House of Lords Visit

Year 12 Politics students were very fortunate to be visited by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, a member of the House of Lords, on Friday 10th July. This opportunity came about through the Learn with the Lords initiative, to promote discussion around politics. Year 12 asked questions around Brexit, foreign policy, voting and the political system.

Lord Parkinson also delivered a presentation that explained what the House of Lords is, how it operates and also what the stages of a Bill are.

One of the questions Lord Parkinson asked of the students was; ‘Do you think 16 year olds should have the vote?’ The majority of students said they did not feel this should happen as many 16 year olds do not have the political understanding needed to make an informed vote.

‘Today, on the 10th of July, the Year 12 Politics class had the honour of being visited by Lord Parkinson. Lord Parkinson’s role in the governance of the UK has had multiple links to the A-level course, from his presence in Brexit and voting reformation campaigns to his role as a lobbyist and a special advisor to Theresa May. Students were able to question Lord Parkinson on not only topics that were relevant to the course but were able to effectively follow up and consistently ask questions that individually concerned them as future voters. At the end of the session, Lord Parkinson was able to ask questions to students concerning the rising issue of the voting age being reduced and took an active effort to understand the concerns of the policy.’ Ediz

We are grateful to Lord Parkinson for coming in to speak to the students, and we look forward to arranging similar events with students in the future.

Politics Department and the Sixth Form Team