Top Level Government comes to Hereford Sixth Form College
Posted on 20th December 2023
Ex-student Dan Powell (Liberal Democrat Councillor), Debate Society President Lola R, politics student Theo K, our guest Sir Simon Hughes and politics tutor Marco Martinelli.
On two successive weeks in October, Hereford Sixth Form College hosted both a current and ex-Government Minister from Conservative and Liberal parties. As one celebrated the opening of our new building and presented his newest novel, the other addressed the long-established Debate Society on its regular Friday lunchtime event.
Current serving Conservative Minister for Transport and local MP Jesse Norman visited HSFC on the 6th October to unveil our newest building, Thornbury, for its opening ceremony. Surrounded by staff, students and all those involved in the project’s vision, Mr Norman enthusiastically “cut the ribbon” for the structures grand reveal. More details regarding Thornbury’s facilities can be found here!
Mr Norman then joined us for refreshments and gave a talk on his new novel “The Winding Stair,” which has received positive reviews from prestigious critics such as Stephen Fry. Weaving together events of Elizabethan and Jacobean England and captivating characters with political intrigue; Mr Norman described his inspiration for the plot of this historical fiction piece.
The following week, former Minister of State for Justice and Civil Liberties, Liberal Democrat Sir Simon Hughes delivered a talk “Britain and Europe: Where do we go from here?” to student-led Debate Society on the 13th October. Topics covered the history of the beginnings of the European Cooperation to the current European Union. Together they discussed areas of trade and economics, political cooperation and the question of human rights and the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). As is tradition; students had time at the end to pose challenging and incisive questions. Being one of the largest non-timetabled societies at HSFC, Debate saw record numbers attending with approximately 140 students ready to discuss!
Both guests proved to be exceptional speakers, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and true passion for their respective subjects. As is tradition; students had time at the end to pose challenging and incisive questions to the speakers.
Having been impressed with our lively campus, both speakers have offered to return later in the academic year. Students should be sure to watch IMPACT hub for details on upcoming events.