Angus MacNeil, a member of the United Kingdom's Parliament who was involved in uncovering a Labour Party scandal earlier this year, visited the University this week to discuss politics and language. MacNeil represents the Western Isles of Scotland in the House of Commons of the British Parliament. He is a member of the Scottish Nationalist Party.
According to College alumna Jennifer Erikson, who currently works for the SNP, about five University students have interned for the party.
"U.Va. itself is beginning to spread its global reach through determined individuals ... like Erikson," English Prof. Michael Levenson said.
MacNeil is also involved in uncovering the "money for honors" scandal that resulted in the arrest of several of Prime Minister Tony Blair's top aides.
Recently, MacNeil called for a police investigation involving donations made to the Labour Party in exchange for titles of nobility and seats in the House of Lords. This investigation resulted in the arrests of three Blair aides.
He said the SNP has been "a thorn in the side of Tony Blair's administration."
Pursuant to a 1925 act of Parliament, the exchange of money for honors is punishable by up to two years in prison.
MacNeil spoke with students who attended the U.Va. in London summer program Wednesday night. Levenson, who is affiliated with the program, said MacNeil discussed politics and language, scandals that have rocked the Blair administration and Scottish nationalism.
"I look to the United States, with 230 years of independence and counting, and hopefully, Scotland will start to catch up," MacNeil said.
Levenson said the students who attended MacNeil's lecture were "accepting of the role of language in national identity and the understanding of politics and his own struggle for independence in Scotland."
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