Brussels trip

Thwarted in my attempt to be elected as a Labour councilor for Headington last May, I sought solace by joining my Chevening colleagues on a trip to Brussels.  

Chevining is the name given to the scholarship programme supported in part by British Unions and by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Through such scholarships people from developing countries are given higher or further education and links are fostered between the United Kingdom and emerging nations. Four Chevening scholars currently study a course called “Labour Relations and Law” with me at Ruskin.

I asked and was allowed to accompany the Chevening Scholars on their trip to Brussels. I paid my own way for the trip, appreciating that only the overseas students received support towards the cost of this educational trip. Two other students on my course also decided to come. Together, we made up a party of seven students, organized, guided and chaperoned by Liz Mathews, the administrator for Law and ILTUS and Chevening and Webb Scholars.

The trip was magnificent. In addition to being welcomed by Stephen Hughes MEP, scores of top notch trade union, EU and NGO officials provided us with high quality lectures and a very generous amount of contact time to ensure that we benefited from our visit to the fullest extent.  

Stephen also ensured that we could watch a keynote debate in the EU Parliament as diplomatic guests of the European Union. The debate was about EU foreign policy, with contributions from Javier Solana, the spokesman for foreign affairs for the European Union.     

In addition to visiting the EU institutions, we were hosted by a number of trade union organizations. Kathleen Walker Shaw, the European Officer of the GMB, provided us with a detailed insight into how a UK trade union can be effective in defending the rights of British workers by engaging in a dialogue with EU politicians, officials, NGOs and other social groups at the European level.  

Education International hosted the group for an afternoon. The presentations provided the basis for a most engaging debate about how the worldwide network of teachers' unions is making a difference in the fight to end child labour. Education International are committed to working in the interest of public education and education personnel, representing almost 30 million teachers and education workers, and standing up for the rights of every student they educate.  

The fullest respect was shown to all of us Ruskin students by an elite of executives, directors and officials; policy makers who are often far too busy to meet with lay people, but who showed the fullest respect to us because of the reputation of Ruskin College within the Labour Movement. Many thanks go to each of them; far too many individuals to list in this short article, but we will hold their example in high regard and regard them with warm esteem. And as for Liz Mathews, her commitment was above and beyond the call… as ever.  

Van Coulter