Academy students take EU action at British Council and Foreign and Commonwealth Office event
16 November 2010
Students from Lambeth Academy will take tough decisions today at a mock European Union Council meeting before an audience including the Minister for Europe and the EU Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Lambeth Academy students Stephanie and Sarina will join young people from schools across England at Lancaster House in London. The students, selected from the British Council’s Comenius Programme, will represent each of the 27 EU Member States, the European Commission and the Secretariat-General of the Council. They will debate the topic of the social and economic integration of the Roma and cast votes on the issue, as well as consider proposals around the creation of an EU energy market.
The event aims to provide young people with insights into how EU Member States work with each other and the Commission to debate and shape policy with global impact. The students will meet distinguished guests, including the Minister for Europe David Lidington, Jonathan Scheele, Head of the European Commission Representation in the UK and Matthew Ryecroft, EU Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Stephanie said: “I am thrilled about this opportunity. Not only will it be fascinating to hear what the other students have to say on the Roma issue, but it will also be great practice for a future career in law.”
Sarina added: “I’m very excited but also nervous about being the General Secretary for the Mock Council of the EU. I’ve never done anything like this before, so this should be an invaluable learning experience for me.”
Stephen Potter, Principal of Lambeth Academy, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing our students tackle an issue which adults in the EU have struggled to confront. It will also be a chance for these future leaders to hone their debating, diplomacy and language skills.”
