MP drops in for Parliament Week
POLITICAL pupils have been learning about the workings of government during Parliament Week.
At Tytherington School Cheshire East Councillors were invited in for a grilling from students in an event in the style of BBC One’s Question Time.
The panel included Labour Councillor Neil Puttick, Coun Hilda Gaddum for the Conservatives, independent Craig Browne and headteacher Emmanuel Botwe chaired the event.
Among the topics raised by youngsters were lowering the voting age, homelessness in Macclesfield and the influence of the media on the electorate.
But the most contentious debate followed questions about Brexit.
Mr Botwe said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the councillors who took part. They were great sports.
“The standard of questioning in the debate from our students was tremendous. We look forward to doing this again soon.”
Also as part of Parliament week pupils at Vernon Primary, in Poynton, hosted a visit by Macclesfield MP David Rutley.
He spoke to the children about his work in Parliament and the importance of the United Kingdom’s democratic institutions.
Mr Rutley was also quizzed by the youngsters about national and local issues as well as what he does to represent Poynton’s interests.
Speaking after his visit, he said: “It was great to once again visit Vernon Primary School to speak with pupils about our democracy ahead of Parliament Week.
“I was very impressed by the interesting and thoughtful questions I was asked, and congratulate staff at the school for getting involved with Parliament Week.
“I encourage other local schools to participate in this positive initiative going forward.”
Now in its eighth year, UK Parliament Week is an annual event organised by the UK Parliament Education and Engagement Team aimed primarily at youngsters.