Students at New College Durham welcome a visit from Lord Shipley as part of the UK Parliament’s “Learn with the Lords” programme

Students at New College Durham welcome a visit from Lord Shipley as part of the UK Parliament’s “Learn with the Lords” programme

Students at New College Durham welcomed Lord Shipley OBE to campus as part of the UK Parliament’s nationally recognised “Learn with the Lords” education programme. The programme offers learners a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work of the House of Lords and explore how government policy shapes business, communities and the wider economy.

Lord Shipley visited the college to speak with students studying Business, Travel and Tourism, discussing the role of the House of Lords in scrutinising legislation, debating national issues and influencing government policy through committee work and parliamentary review.

The visit carried particular relevance for students in the North East due to Lord Shipley’s extensive regional connections and long-standing commitment to public service across the region. A former Leader of Newcastle City Council and Chair of the Prince’s Trust North East, Lord Shipley has played a prominent role in regional development, local government and economic policy throughout his career.

Since entering the House of Lords in 2010, he has continued to contribute to national discussions surrounding housing, planning, transport, finance and regional growth.

During the session, students explored a range of contemporary topics including economic development, regional inequality, transport infrastructure, the role of government in supporting industry and how legislation affects businesses and local communities. Learners also gained valuable insight into parliamentary processes and the importance of democratic accountability.

Rachael Holt, Lecturer in Business, Travel and Tourism at New College Durham, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Lord Shipley to the college as part of the Learn with the Lords programme. This was an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with a member of the House of Lords and gain a clearer understanding of how legislation and policy influence the modern business environment. The students prepared thoughtful and informed questions, and the experience encouraged them to think critically about the relationship between government policy and industry.”

Speaking after the visit, one student commented:

“It was really interesting to hear first-hand how laws and policies are developed and how they can affect businesses and communities across the North East. The opportunity to ask questions directly to someone involved in Parliament made the experience engaging and memorable.”

Lord Shipley also reflected on the value of engaging with young people through the programme, highlighting the importance of encouraging greater understanding of Parliament and public life among future generations.

The Learn with the Lords initiative, delivered by UK Parliament Education, provides schools and colleges across the country with opportunities to engage directly with members of the House of Lords, helping students better understand democracy, legislation and political decision-making.

For students at New College Durham, the visit provided not only a valuable enrichment opportunity, but also a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world political and economic issues affecting the North East and beyond.