Subscribe
SUs
SUs

Wonkhe SUs · The 2026 webinar box set

Parliamentary advocacy

Why and how SUs can influence parliamentarians to win for students.

Checking your subscription…

One moment while we confirm your access to this recording.

We get to grips with how Parliament and the executive work, what the current government's agenda means for students, and how bills actually become law – and change along the way. Using the Renters' Rights Act as a worked example of "ping-pong", we show where SU voices can shift the wording, how to meet your MP, find a Lord, and use APPGs and calls for evidence to get students heard.

What we cover

  • Separation of powers – the Commons, the Lords, the executive and the devolved layer.
  • The current government – the education players, the King's Speech, and what has and hasn't happened for HE.
  • How a bill actually changes – "ping-pong" between the Commons and Lords, illustrated by the Renters' Rights Act.
  • Meeting your MP – researching them first, leading with stories not just stats, and making it easy to say yes.
  • Bridget Phillipson's priorities – access, growth, civic role, teaching standards and efficiency.
  • Find a Lord – using governing bodies, alumni, the Register of Interests and Hansard to get students in the room.
  • All-Party Parliamentary Groups – the APPGs for students and international students, and how to feed them evidence.
  • Calls for evidence – the committee-stage opening where an SU submission can be noted and shift language.
  • Students sit across everything – every department affects students, but no Secretary of State systematically meets them.
  • The frame that costs nothing – not "more money for students" but "remember students when you design this".

Things to read

← The 2026 webinar box set