British politician, Lord Peter Lilley visited St Catherine’s School, Twickenham, on Thursday 23rd March, to speak to the Sixth Form students about the House of Lords and to answer any questions about his political career and the present government’s policies.  

 

Lord Lilley was elected as MP for St Albans in 1983, and later he was a cabinet minister for the governments of both John Major and Margaret Thatcher. He served as Trade and Industry Secretary from July 1990 to April 1992, and as Social Security Secretary from April 1992 to May 1997, during which time he introduced Incapacity Benefit. Therefore it was very interesting to hear the differences between how Major consulted people in his cabinet and likewise Thatcher. In discussing his experience in government, Lord Lilley, well known for his support of Thatcher, shared his high opinions of her leadership. Lord Lilley recalls that she presided over a lively cabinet, and enjoyed participating in disagreements about policies, in order “to test an idea to destruction”. Whereas Major, with a split cabinet and a smaller majority, was inevitably more cautious in his leadership style. Though many of us did not share his political views, it was extremely interesting to hear about such a pivotal time in British political history, from someone who had first-hand knowledge. 

 

After a thorough introduction to the role and history of the House of Lords, Lord Lilley was open to questions about Brexit, and the effect it is having on Northern Ireland, the Illegal Migration Bill that is currently making its way through Parliament, and more. In response to some of the students’ questions Lord Lilley discussed how he believes the UK has benefited from Brexit because we now have the ability to make our own laws. When asked by a student if he would like to see the House of Lords reformed, he answered that he thought there could be an argument to see it made smaller, but overall in his view, the House of Lords works effectively as it is currently constituted.  

 

When I asked if meetings with the UK’s young people, like this, are important, Lilley responded “I think it is vital to educate our children, to help them understand their part in their constituency”. 

 

So should more schools bring in MPs and members of the House of Lords to speak to their students about the UK’s political system and current issues within it? I think it is essential for young people to hear from politicians representing different political viewpoints, in order to understand their part in democracy.