US Ambassador Meets Wandsworth Students In Politics Debate
As the US Embassy prepares to move to its new home in Nine Elms
US Ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun (above) discussed racism, Brexit and America’s role in the Middle East with politics and history students from Wandsworth schools during a visit to the town hall.
The event was part of the US Embassy’s long running student outreach programme and included a talk by the Ambassador about the way the US engages with the world and its special relationship with the UK. The Ambassador has previously visited several borough schools as the US Embassy prepares to move to its new home in Nine Elms next year.
The interactive session at the Town Hall this week saw students vote on how involved the UK and US Governments should be in world affairs, followed by a question and answer session spanning US domestic policy and the recent election.
The ambassador, who leaves his post in January, told the students that they were the “future leaders of the UK” and encouraged them to speak freely about issues including the new US President, Isis and gun laws.
Ambassador Barzun said, “Our Embassy is moving to Wandsworth and it’s a real pleasure to hold this workshop here at the town hall. You are our new neighbours and I want to know what you really think about America and our role in the world. The only way we can improve is by listening and opening ourselves up to criticism.”
Maider Mirza, 17, who attends St John Bosco College, said, “I really appreciated the opportunity to listen to the Ambassador and hear him explain how we can resolve the differences between our two nations through dialogue.”
Ephraim Conteh, 17, from Chestnut Grove Academy, said he enjoyed the interactive nature of the event, “We weren’t talked at – I think it’s important that our voices could really be heard.”
The new US Embassy building is located at the centre of the Nine Elms regeneration area.
November 25, 2016