Meeting with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
A group of A Level Politics students recently travelled to London to meet Alan Milburn at the Palace of Westminster. The 20 students enjoyed a tour of Parliament before meeting their MP in a Select Committee room and asking him searching questions about current political issues and about his role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Alan Milburn said:
'I wanted to give these very bright students the opportunity to see the Houses of Parliament in action. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College consistently achieves record results and produces some of the most able students in the country. I take part in forums with people around the country but quite often the toughest questions I face are those from students.'
The questions raised by our students were far ranging. They asked about Mr Milburn's views on fox hunting and the use of the Parliament Act, security issues and the introduction of identity cards, the relationship between the UK and America, the Middle East, Iraq, the North East Regional Assembly referendum and the EU constitution. In addition, Mr Milburn explained his new role in the Labour Party as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and gave some insight into the party's preparations for the general election.
Mike Ellis, Director of Humanities at QE, was one of the staff who accompanied the students on the visit. He commented:
'It was a very valuable experience for the students - they gained a lot from it. We're all very grateful to Alan Milburn for making time to see us and to his staff - particularly Helen Cook - who arranged the visit and travelled down to London with us. GNER subsidised the rail travel and again this was very much appreciated. Such trips bring politics alive for young people and make it more relevant to their lives.
December 6, 2004