Lords Members visit over 50 schools across the UK
14 October 2010 (updated on 14 October 2010)
On Friday 15 October Members of the House of Lords will visit over 50 schools across the UK giving students the opportunity to question Members on all aspects of their work in Parliament.
Members will talk to the students about working life in Westminster, allowing them to hear about politics first hand from those who are making laws and holding the Government to account on a daily basis.
The day is part of the Peers in Schools programme that operates in all regions of the UK getting Members of the House of Lords into schools to meet young people.
The scheme was devised and is managed by Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker, as part of the House of Lords outreach programme, which aims to raise awareness of the role of the House of Lords and encourage people to get involved in politics.
The Peers in School project launched in September 2007 and has so far organised more than 350 school visits, with Peers talking directly to over 17,000 pupils. Demand from schools has continued to grow with more than 500 schools having made requests for visits for the current academic year.
The 57 visits taking place on Friday 15 October represent the most ever undertaken in a single day, reflecting the House of Lords’ continued efforts to meet demand and ensure as many young people as possible have the chance to speak to a Member of the Lords. It is estimated that on Friday alone Peers will speak to almost 3,000 pupils.
Further information
The Lord Speaker chairs daily business in the House of Lords. The Lord Speaker also represents the House of Lords on ceremonial occasions and acts as an ambassador for the House, explaining its role and contribution to the work of Parliament.