Anthony Mangnall MP visits TGGS

On the 1^st April, the Sixth Form welcomed Anthony Mangnall, Conservative MP for Totnes and South Devon since 2019, and a member of international trade committee, who is particularly focused on foreign affairs. Mangnall’s past in politics involved being special advisor to then Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, and previously being a researcher for then Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Politics Speakers Secretary Alice Stephens introduced Mr Mangnall with a speech about his current role and his involvement in the Commons recently. Mangnall started with a short talk about his work as an MP, including his Urgent Question the previous day surrounding the use of rape as a weapon of war in the Ukraine/Russia conflict, and his vote of no confidence letter towards Boris Johnson’s involvement in ‘partygate’.

Students then asked Mangnall a range of questions about themes such as Covid policy, a conversion therapy ban, and the current Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Mangnall responded respectfully towards a question posed about the PCS Bill’s restrictions on the right to protest and explained his views on the bill, in that parliament should work to find a balance between pressure groups and the government. When asked about his views on the Free School Meals controversy, Mangnall responded honestly, explaining his views and being willing to discuss the issue further when challenged by several in the audience.

We are extremely grateful for Mr Mangnall’s visit, and thoroughly enjoyed talking with him.

Kerensa Woodward, Politics Ambassador