"UK MPs to Learn Blockchain Basics: Polkadot Academy's Pioneering Course"

Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) is set to launch a pioneering educational course, Blockchain Basics for Policymakers, tailored specifically for lawmakers. The three-day course, scheduled from April 6 to April 8, 2025, in Zug, Switzerland, aims to equip policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology and Web3.

The inaugural course will welcome a delegation of UK members of parliament (MPs) from major political parties, led by Lisa Cameron, the founder of the UKUS Crypto Alliance and an MP from 2015 to 2024. The course comes at a critical juncture for the UK crypto sector, as Cameron notes, "Given the prominent role that blockchain technology is poised to play in the UK’s tech sector, it is essential that policymakers are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions."

Polkadot Blockchain Academy's initiative aligns with the UK Treasury's recent efforts to clarify and regulate the crypto sector. On January 10, the UK Treasury amended a financial law to clarify that crypto staking is not a collective investment scheme, marking a significant step towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

Chrissy Hill, the chief legal officer and interim chief operating officer at Parity Technologies, emphasizes the crucial role policymakers play in shaping the future of blockchain. Hill, who will also attend the course, states, "Policymakers play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain, yet have empirically lacked access to structured education on its technical and regulatory foundations." Hill adds, "Polkadot Blockchain Academy is committed to bridging this gap, ensuring that decision-makers have the resources they need to craft practical policies that foster innovation while maintaining safeguards."

This marks the first educational course in Polkadot's global initiative, which is planned to take place in other key jurisdictions. The course is designed to provide policymakers with a solid foundation in blockchain technology, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the growth of the crypto industry.