TWO students from Chipping Norton School took part in this year's EU Mock Council, a simulation exercise in EU decision-making jointly organised in London by the British Council and the European Commission Representation in the UK.

Launched in 2010, the event gives 16-18 year-olds the opportunity to learn more about EU policies in specific areas and then play the roles of national leaders, EU officials or the media.

Twins Holly and Louisa Oliver-Hall were selected to represent Luxembourg, a pro-EU country with a population of around 500,000.

The students were required to carry out detailed research in to Luxembourg’s standpoint on the two issues and to liaise closely with the students representing Belgium and the Netherlands, two countries with similar views to Luxembourg, in order to strengthen and gain support for their argument.

They said: “Overall, the event was a great experience that allowed us to develop skills in research and public speaking as well as finding out a bit more about the EU, Brexit and the bigger picture surrounding June’s controversial referendum result.”