Lower Fifth Formers and A level Politics students at Solihull School boosted their inside knowledge of the House of Lords after a visit by a prominent local peer.

Lord Philip Hunt, Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Chairman of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, spoke to more than a 100 boys and girls in the independent school’s Bushell Hall about the role of the chamber in scrutinising, debating and shaping Bills as they pass through Parliament.  

The Labour peer, who is also Opposition Spokesperson for Health and President of the Royal Society of Public Health, also answered questions from boys and girls at the independent school on topics ranging from education and health policy at local and national level to British involvement in Afghanistan.

Lord Hunt, who lives in Birmingham and is a former city councillor, was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997. His career has included being Government Spokesperson for Education and Employment, Minister of State for Quality at the Department of Health, and Government Spokesperson for Health.

Ruth Lancaster, Head of Solihull School’s Middle School, said: “Lord Hunt brought politics to life for our pupils who were thrilled to be able to interact with someone who knows the Parliamentary system inside out. We hope to welcome Lord Hunt back to talk to specifically talk to our A Level Politics students with the possibility of also arranging a visit to Parliament.”