Edge Hill Politics and International Relations students recently embarked on an eye-opening trip to London, where they explored the intricacies of the UK’s political landscape. The visit to the UK’s key parliamentary hubs provided students with a first-hand experience of the workings of democracy. From meeting politicians and government officials to attending debates in the Houses of Parliament, the trip highlighted how political ideas are put into action in real-life situations.
Students had the opportunity to explore key political landmarks during their trip to London. They were welcomed by Emma Walker, an Edge Hill graduate and Senior Caseworker for MP Sir Mark Hendrick, at the Houses of Parliament, where they learned about parliamentary staff duties. A private tour of Parliament followed, organised by MP Ashley Dalton.
The group visited Falklands House, where Michael Betts, Deputy Representative of the Falkland Islands Government, discussed the UK-Falkland Islands relationship. Students then attended a speech by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the House of Commons and met Rt Hon. Lord Lingfield in the House of Lords, where they participated in a discussion on the Lords’ role and observed debates from the Public Gallery.
The visit also included a session at London City Hall with Dr. Elisabeth Pop, who discussed civic participation programs, and a tour of The Supreme Court, where students witnessed a live case in the Public Gallery.
Dr Pop said “It was a pleasure to host students and staff from Edge Hill University. The students asked great questions about the state of democracy in the UK and the world and had inspiring ideas about how to serve and improve their communities.”
“It was an eye-opening trip that gave me an insight into the inner workings of Parliament as well as the Greater London Assembly, the Falkland Embassy and the UK Supreme Court.
As a law with politics student visiting both Parliament and the Supreme Court was amazing in observing both the development of law and then application in court! I was able to meet various Parliamentary staff and Lord Lingfield who all gave me an insight into the exciting job of working within Parliament.”
Ella Weatherburn
LLB (Hons) Law with Politics
“I felt privileged to make the trip to London. Our visit to the UK’s capital was thought-provoking in many ways, providing us with an insight into the way our country is run and its relation to and impact upon the rest of the world.
As a group, we shared experiences we won’t soon forget which will shape the way we see our country and our place on the global stage. Throughout our time there, we were grateful to meet with a number of MPs, a member of the House of Lords, and Parliamentary staff – all people whose experience in the highest positions in the country gave us a fantastic insight into what real politics is like.
We were also very lucky to be present during a summit of European leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at a crucial time for the UK’s relations with both Ukraine and Europe. These experiences opened our minds and made us consider what political life is really like. Our trip to London inspired us to think about our future career prospects and helped us understand what a life in politics may look like.”
Max Tinkler
BA (Hons) History and Politics
Why study Politics and International Relations at Edge Hill University?
Networking opportunities. Plenty of lively debates. Field trips to party conferences and political events. You’ll learn about real life politics happening right now. We focus our teaching on the real world and the current political landscape.
Graduate with the skills and knowledge to work within the system and change people’s lives. If you understand politics, you understand how the world works, and how to change it for the better.
April 4, 2025
