News

10 May 2018

Nation’s economy under control of John Lyon government in Westminster visit

Important national spending decisions were at the top of the agenda as Sixth Form students briefly formed a John Lyon government in Westminster.

Sixth Form students from the School were invited to the Cabinet Office on Friday 4th May to take part in the Cabinet Office Spending Challenge alongside Lower Sixth students from our partner school, the London Academy of Excellence, Tottenham.

The aim of the day was to give students an experience of what it is like to agree a national budget as part of the Cabinet. Mantej Kambo took the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer and was tasked with negotiating with groups of his peers, who were representing different government departments vying for a greater share of expenditure.

Asked about being part of a John Lyon government, Mantej said: “The event really brought it home how difficult it is to decide upon austerity policies when there are so many worthy causes to choose between. I think I learned that economic decisions really are inseparable from value judgements.”

The students experienced the opulent surroundings of Admiralty House; a historic location, from which Winston Churchill ran the Royal Navy during World War One. Students and staff were also privileged to be extended a rare invitation to Number 10 Downing Street, where they were given a guided tour, followed by a question and answer session in the Cabinet Room.

Speaking about the day, Olamide Mabifa, who holds an offer of a place at Cambridge University to study Human, Social and Political Sciences, said: “I really enjoyed walking through the doors of Number 10 Downing Street and seeing where decisions are made that affect the future of our country. It’s an experience I won’t forget.”

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