The event provided students with a valuable insight into parliamentary procedure and the legislative process within the UK Parliament. During the session, students explored the role of Private Members’ Bills — public bills introduced by members of the House of Lords who are not government ministers — and learned how these bills progress through Parliament.

Students heard from a House of Lords Clerk, who explained the process behind Private Members’ Bills and the significance of the ballot system at the beginning of a new parliamentary session. They also listened to The Lord Bishop of Manchester, who reflected on his own experiences of introducing legislation during the previous Parliament.

A particular highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to witness the live drawing of the Private Members’ Bill ballot, allowing them to observe parliamentary procedure taking place in real time. Excitingly, one of the bills drawn during the ballot was entered on behalf of our Year 12 students, making the experience especially memorable.

The session offered a fantastic opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of politics beyond the classroom and engage directly with the workings of Parliament. It was an inspiring and exciting experience for all involved.