Politics Trip to London 6th-7th April 2017
On the 6th of April Year 13 and 14 Government and Politics students travelled to the City of London to explore various sites of political
significance. Despite assembling in the Quad at 3.45am, the levels of energy and excitement were high all round.
The first destination of the day was the Foreign Office. Constructed in 1868, we received a tour various extravagant rooms within the building. Such
impressive rooms certainly showcased elements of ‘soft power’ as well as the relics of a once mighty empire. For many of us the highlight of the
visit was meeting Karen Pearce, Chief Operating Officer of the Foreign Office. Ms Pearce answered our questions and discussed her career achievements,
such as being ambassador to Afghanistan. Our group also debated the challenges in international politics today, such as the war in Syria. We gained
a great insight into the work of the Foreign Office and the construction of the Government’s Foreign Policy.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Supreme Court, the Highest Court in the Land. Here we received a fascinating tour of the relatively new court,
and were privileged enough to meet Baron Kerr of Tonaghmore, the Supreme Court Justice from Northern Ireland. Lord Kerr explained the relevance
of the Supreme Court’s work on the political landscape and answered our questions regarding the lack of diversity in the courts, as well as the
qualities required to be an effective judge. We were all very grateful to him for taking time out his busy schedule to meet us.
Following our tour of the Supreme Court we had time to browse the shops and explore the beautiful City of London. At the end of an exceptionally tiring
day we enjoyed dinner before returning to the hotel and heading straight to bed in preparation for another busy day filled with sight-seeing.
On the second day of our trip, we walked to The Houses of Parliament. Here we received an extensive tour which included the exploration of Westminster
Hall, the Royal Robing room, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Standing in the epicentre of British Politics, a real sense of history
was felt amongst us all. It was particularly interesting to see the transformation that our country’s political system has undergone throughout
the years.
Despite only having two days in London, we visited so many interesting places and met many truly inspirational people. Such fantastic experiences will
undoubtedly help us in our politics course, as well as our future careers in law, politics, and many other fields.
The group would like to thank Mr Gaston and Mrs McCurdy for organising this fantastic trip and looking after us so well in London.