More Adventures in the UK

Well, I didn't see this coming, but for the second time in a year I am preparing to leave for the UK. This time, rather than studying abroad, I will be conducting research on the Coalition Government and the Electoral Reform Referendum. For this research I will be interviewing Members of Parliament from each of the three major parties-the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats (the Tories and Lib Dems are the members of the Coalition).

This particular adventure began at the end of last semester when one of my best friends, Sam, and I were discussing possible ways to use our Marshall Grants at F&M. She helped me come up with this idea to use the up to $3000 to travel to London and interview members of the British Parliament (MPs). Eventually, I settled on this project that investigates the Electoral Reform Referendum (taking place tomorrow, May 5) and its affect on the Coalition Government. The information I learn will be used in a presentation at the Fall Research Fair at F&M and as a part of my independent research next year.

I have spent the last few months arranging interviews by email. I currently have seven interviews scheduled (six with MPs from each party and one with a committee clerk). In addition, I will be attending a meeting of the Committee for Political and Constitutional Reform which will involve testimony from Nick Clegg (the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lib Dems). (On a side note, when Sam and I came up with this idea, we set the goal of me meeting Clegg before I graduate. I am hopeful that this committee meeting is my chance to reach that goal!) I leave this Saturday May 7 and will return to Lancaster May 14.

I plan to use this blog while I am in London. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy following my trip!