Lord Goddard Takes Conner's Question to House of Lords

Posted at 3:16 pm on 28th February, 2018

Wellacre students hear Conner Pollitt's question raised in the House of Lords

On 27th February 2018, Lord Goddard of Stockport raised a question in the House of Lords on behalf of Year 10 Wellacre student, Conner Pollitt, following a visit as part of the Lord Speaker’s ‘Peers in Schools’ Outreach Programme.

In January, Wellacre hosted a talk from a Lord Goddard to encourage students to become more engaged with the political and parliamentary process.  

Lord Goddard met a group of students from Year 9 and 10 to talk about the work and role of the House of Lords, followed by a question and answer session on various aspects of the parliamentary process, life at the Houses of Parliament and issues raised by students they were passionate about.  Lord Goddard answered questions openly and honestly, and went on to explain the role he plays in these issues.

One question in particular, from Conner, captured Lord Goddard’s interest relating to the Grenfell Tower survivors who have yet to be rehoused or compensated as per the Government’s promise.

Lord Goddard assured Wellacre students he would take the question to the House of Lords and he secured a parliamentary question to ask the Minister, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, about the progress of help for the victims of Grenfell Tower.

Jayne Irwin, Teacher of RE at Wellacre said:

“Students watched Parliament TV live as Lord Goddard posed Conner’s question and heard the Government's plan for aid and compensation.  It was touching to hear politicians’ praise for Wellacre students, in particular, Conner for his interest and concern for this ongoing issue.  Lord Bourne also extended an invitation to Conner to visit the House of Lords himself, which was met with great excitement!”

Watching the workings of Westminster today and being part of democracy in action was a great opportunity for Wellacre students.”

Year 10, Conner Pollitt, added:

“It was great to hear my name and Wellacre being mentioned in the House of Lords.  My question about Grenfell Tower was answered in detail and with a lot of appreciation.”

Lord Goddard of Stockport’s visit was arranged through the Lord Speaker’s ‘Peers in Schools’ Outreach Programme, which was established across the UK in 2007 and has so far involved around 90,000 young people.  Members of the House of Lords visit schools, academies and colleges to give talks in support of the citizenship curriculum.