Two students from Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School will be making decisions on some of the most pressing issues facing the European Union this month when they take part in a mock meeting of the Council of the European Union on Thursday 17th November 2011.

In central London’s historic Lancaster House, the two students,
B Gavaghan and N Ben-Hamida, will join pupils from schools throughout England who will represent each of the twenty seven
EU Member States, the European Commission and General Secretariat. Representing Poland, the pupils will debate and vote on issues around the Arab Spring and economic growth.

Mrs C Workman, Head of Citizenship at the school said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for our students to debate topical issues and to hone their debating, diplomacy and language skills.”

The event will provide insight into how EU Member States work with each other and the Commission in order to debate and shape policy which will have a global impact. The students will hear first hand from high profile speakers from the UK and Europe, including Jonathan Scheele, Head of Representation of the European Commission in the UK. Students will present ‘their’ country’s standpoint and make alliances with other countries during working groups, before casting their final votes in Council sessions.
The pupils have researched Poland’s position on the Arab Spring and economic growth in some depth.  They have been assisted by the Polish Embassy and have gained a deep understanding of the politics and economics involved.
Many of the students participating in the Mock Council, including the LGGS students, have been selected from the British Council’s Comenius programme, an EU-funded scheme that aims to develop knowledge and understanding of different European cultures and languages, and helps young people gain skills for their future lives and careers. The event in London is one of a series of Mock Council events taking place in England, Northern Ireland and Wales this autumn.

Rt Hon David Lidington MP, Minister for Europe, said:
“The EU Mock Council is an invaluable opportunity for students to test their debating and negotiation skills. The event, organised by the British Council, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the London Representation of the European Commission, provides an excellent platform for students to understand how the decision making process of the EU really works.  I’m sure that participants will thoroughly enjoy the event.  I hope it encourages students to consider the wide range of opportunities open to them within the EU.’’