Government and Politics students at Gower College Swansea welcomed a very special visitor to the Gorseinon Campus recently.
The Lord German OBE met with A Level students at the Gorseinon Campus as part of the popular Learn with the Lords programme.
During the visit, he gave a fascinating and insightful guest lecture on the role of the House of Lords in the UK legislative process. Drawing on his extensive political experience, the Lord German OBE provided students with a first-hand perspective on the crucial scrutiny function of the House of Lords, explaining how legislation is examined, debated and amended before becoming law.
Following the lecture, students took part in a lively Q&A session where the Lord German OBE responded thoughtfully to a wide range of topics - such as the UK’s relations with Europe and how young people can influence the Welsh curriculum - and encouraged learners to consider the challenges and opportunities facing the UK's political institutions.
"We are extremely grateful to the Lord German OBE for taking the time to visit our students,” says Assistant Learning Area Manager, Michelle Knipe. “His expertise, openness and willingness to engage with our learners helped create a truly memorable and enriching educational experience that will support their studies and inspire future political engagement."
The Lord German OBE has been a member of the House of Lords since 2010. Born in Cardiff, he was the first ever Deputy First Minister of Wales from 2000 to 2001 and then again from 2002 to 2003, and he was Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2008. He was the overall Welsh Party leader between 2007 and 2008 and he was also Minister for Economic Development from 2000 to 2001 and Minister for Rural Affairs and Wales Abroad from 2002 to 2003.
“This was an amazing and vibrant group of young people - all with an active interest in politics and democracy,” says the Lord German OBE. “They gave me great hope for the future of Wales and the UK as the generation who will soon be in charge!”
Learn with the Lords is a unique opportunity for students to interact with a member of the House of Lords and learn more about the vital role of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament.