Professor McGoldrick takes part in debates on British values

Professor Dominic McGoldrick, HRLC Co-Director, took part in a British values debate at Broadgreen International School, Liverpool. The junior ‘Question Time’-style debate was part of a programme of events for Year 7 pupils to ‘promote fundamental British values’. Professor McGoldrick was part of the panel of guests which also included Member of Parliament Luciana Berger and Councillor Nick Small. They answered a number of questions from pupils on a wide range of topics including immigration and crime and punishment. They were also quizzed on whether Britain should leave the EU and voting be compulsory or the age at which you can vote be lowered to 16.

Earlier in the day, pupils had taken part in a variety of workshops related to the values of democracy, rules of law, mutual respect, individual liberty and tolerance with interactive sessions facilitated by a number of organisations including the Red Cross, Refugee Action and Merseyside Police. Teacher Mr Mark Golding who helped organise the event, said: “It has been a wonderful day and the students have really engaged with the British values theme. As well as asking the panel some fantastic questions, they have learnt a great deal too throughout the day”.

According to the Department for Education, “fundamental British values” include: an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process; an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law; and an understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination.