Two Upton-by-Chester High School students Sophie Dalton and Sam Munro travelled to Westminster to represent the school at the EU Mock Council.

A total of 65 students from 31 schools in the UK participated in an exercise in EU decision-making jointly organised in London by the British Council and the European Commission Representation in the UK.

Launched in 2010, the event gives 16-18-year-olds the opportunity to learn more about EU policies in specific areas and then play the roles of national leaders, EU officials or – for the first time this year – the media. Sophie and Sam represented Italy on the Mock Council.

This year’s Mock Council was divided into sessions which discussed the following themes from the point of view of the UK withdrawing from the EU: Erasmus+, the EU programme for young people, and the European Arrest Warrant which allows suspects to be returned more quickly to face trial in the country where they are suspected of committing crimes.

The EU Mock Council Event organised by the British Council

Students representing the EU-27 negotiated what the EU’s position vis-à-vis the UK should be, while those representing the UK delegation held parallel bilateral talks with representatives of the EU-27. Students playing the role of media were tasked to publish real-time news based on interviews conducted throughout the day.

Sophie said: “The event definitely developed our leadership skills as well as demonstrating the need for compromise and finding countries with a like-minded position that would strengthen our case.”

Chair of the House of Lords EU Select Committee Lord Boswell of Aynho opened the session saying: “In this difficult year, especially for the young people, having this Mock Council is if anything more important. The two issues under discussion today, the European Arrest Warrant and Erasmus+, are particularly important and they are issues which parliamentary select committees are taking a particular interest in.”