Top politician visits RGS Worcester

09 Sep 2013

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett MP, brought a taste of parliament to History and Politics students at RGS Worcester, to compliment their studies and inspire some to get involved in local politics.

The Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP, accompanied by his guide dog Cosby, gave an insightful and amusing talk, sharing with students his own school experiences, his difficult background growing up and his determination that his blindness would not affect him in his planned career as a politician.

Mr Blunkett shared stories about meeting world leaders including Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Nicolas Sarkozy. He reminded pupils that, no matter where you are in life to always keep your feet on the ground, be prepared and have a back-up plan. His talk was full of thought-provoking statements, including: “We have to learn from history otherwise we will just repeat it. If Hitler had learnt from Napoleon we may not have won World War II.”
Recalling a time when he was the country’s youngest councillor for Sheffield at the age of 22, Mr Blunkett said: “I learnt a vital lesson when I was younger that you have to keep your cool and always know which direction you are going in. I was once in a council meeting and I was getting fed up with some of my colleagues so I just stormed out. I missed the exit door and ended up in a broom cupboard. I then had to decide whether I would stay there until the meeting had finished or admit defeat and come back out, which I did.”

After an engaging talk, sixth formers had the opportunity to quiz Mr Blunkett on a wide range of topical subjects, such as the latest issues with Syria, his thoughts on the Iraq war and matters such as the Venables case. Mr Blunkett commended BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme as one of the best ways to keep informed on topical issues.

Following the visit, Andy Rattue, Headmaster at RGS Worcester said: “We are delighted that Mr Blunkett visited us today to inspire our pupils. His immense political career shows how far you can go in life with determination and passion.”

Caption (laughing Mr Blunkett): Sarah Ives, Kirstie Weston, Jack Tromans (all Upper Sixth), Lucy Kent (Politics Teacher).