On Wednesday 22nd November, at The Law Society in London, students from 32 schools across the UK took part in a mock summit of EU leaders.  Loreto was privileged to represent the UK, focusing particularly on the rights of EU citizens in the UK once it has left the European Union, and the rights of UK citizens in the EU.

During the day, Sumaira Chaudhary and Pelumi Fatayo took part in a series of bilateral meetings with different countries, and tackled the very difficult job of devising and negotiating an agreement that would satisfy enough of the EU27 to pass a vote.  They were mentored during these negotiations by Head of the EU Council Northern Ireland Office, Colette FitzGerald.  Sumaira and Pelumi had to get to grips with a very wide range of issues, including the Irish border, the future needs of the UK workforce after Brexit, and the role of the European Court of Justice

After a full day’s negotiating, an agreement was reached and passed to the delight of all taking part.

Ms. Tiina Intelmann, the Estonian ambassador to the UK, closed the event.

Ms Tattersall writes

‘It was the first time we have taken part in this prestigious event, and it was an honour to be given such a key role.  Watching students from around the country working together to tackle these extremely complex issues was a joy – they negotiated hard for their country’s position, while learning to listen to each other’s concerns and devise solutions together.  In contrast to other debating activities where the aim is to win, here the focus was on the difficult work of compromise.  I am very proud of our students and also grateful to the many staff from the European Commission who worked alongside the students to give them a profound insight into the complexities of real-life negotiation.’