Students from Lift Kingsley were among a small group invited to 10 Downing Street this week for a youth press conference focused on climate change and policy.
They met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband.
The purpose of the event was to give young people a platform to speak directly with government leaders regarding the future of UK climate policy, ahead of the COP30 climate summit scheduled to take place in Brazil next week.
Furthermore, this opportunity supported Lift Schools’ work on prioritising oracy this year as part of the trust’s Lift Talks campaign and providing a real-world platform for amplifying student voice.
The session brought together Sixth Form students from around the country to discuss the role of the next generation in advancing the clean energy transition. Key topics of conversation included:
The meeting comes in the same week that a review of the national curriculum recommended that primary school students be taught about climate change and sustainability.
Principal at Lift Kingsley Bob Tinsley said: “An incredible day at 10 Downing Street with our Lift Kingsley students, speaking directly with the Prime Minister and Ed Miliband about the future of UK climate policy, ahead of COP30 in Brazil next week.
"Our students asked sharp, thoughtful questions and shared ideas that reflected their ambition and sense of purpose. They were superb, confident, curious, and courageous throughout.
"At Lift Kingsley, we’re determined to give our students everything they deserve and more. Opportunities that connect them with the world and show just how much their voices matter. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it."
COP30, the annual UN climate summit, is especially critical this year as it marks the halfway point toward the 2030 deadline for nations to meet their emissions reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement.
