Question time with David Cameron

organised political interviews at the BBC, he met Mr Cameron many times. At a social event before Christmas, the lecturer asked the former prime minister if he would join the long list of politicians who have come to City and spoken to its journalism students.

Professor Jones said: “I was a bit surprised when he readily agreed. And even more surprised when his offce swiftly fxed a date!”

Students took the opportunity to question him on major points of presentday politics and Mr Cameron’s time in offce. Students also asked considered questions about his economic record and the decisions made during his premiership, covering topics such as climate change, Putin, the UK’s relationship with China, and of course, Brexit.

Mr Cameron answered every tricky question that came his way, providing students with a great opportunity to practice their interview techniques against a high-profle politician.

Before he left City’s campus, he said: “I enjoyed speaking to the journalism students. They’re a bright group - really engaged and quite challenging in their questions.”

According to House of Commons records, Boris Johnson was paid £250,000 for speaking to bankers last November and Theresa May was paid £100,000 for speaking to fnanciers in Switzerland. While Mr Cameron is likely capable of commanding similar sums, his only request during his visit to City was a bottle of still water.

The former Prime Minister is currently fulflling a role at New York University Abu Dhabi, teaching a course entitled Practicing Politics and Government in the Age of Disruption.

Amy McArdle