One of the roles I find most rewarding as a Member of Parliament is inspiring the next generation of Erewash students to get involved in politics. This week I had the pleasure of welcoming schoolchildren from Ladywood Primary School, Kirk Hallam to Westminster.
The Ladywood schoolchildren had an action-packed day in London seeing and visiting some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks including the National History Museum, Parliament and the Christmas lights on Oxford Street. A smaller group of students even got the opportunity to stand outside Number 10 Downing Street – a memory I am sure they will never forget.
Later in the day, I met up with the Ladywood students at the UK Parliament Education Centre for a question-and-answer session. Luckily, I was early – meaning that I had the privilege to watch a group of students take part in a mock debate on the benefits of a three-day weekend. It was great to see the pupils engage so passionately with our democracy. The other group debated the merits of a smoking ban, which was agreed unanimously.
After the mock debates the schoolchildren quizzed me about my role as an MP and why I had wanted to get involved in politics.
I am sure everyone at Ladywood had a memorable day and that the trip will inspire some of the schoolchildren to get involved in politics.
