On January 17th, a group of 17 children from Coningsby St Michael’s and Chestnut Street Ruskington made the journey to London for a tour of the House of Commons. Afterwards, they were invited to a Question and Answer session with their Member of Parliament, Victoria Atkins.
The children asked Victoria about her working life as MP and minister for the Home Office and Women. She chaired a lively discussion about the importance of democracy, how parliament and associated procedures work, and encouraged them to think about the role of politics in their lives, both now and in the future.
Reflecting on the visit, Victoria said, ''I have always considered welcoming children from our constituency to Parliament one of the highlights of my job. I had a wonderful discussion with the children from Coningsby St Michael’s, taking in everything from my day-to-day working life as an MP, my role in the Home Office and the policy ideas they would like to see introduced.''
''I have to say that some of the policies the children would like to see implemented, such as no homework and fast food lunches, did have to be hotly debated! I am not sure I managed to persuade them of the negatives, but it was so great to see so many young people, especially young girls, interested in policy and public life.''
''As Minister for Women, I am proud that so many girls in Louth and Horncastle have aspirations to become MPs themselves in the future, and I am keen to nurture this potential through my role as their representative in the years ahead.''
''I was so impressed by the maturity the children showed in recognising the importance of teaching politics and democracy in our schools. They had lots of questions about how the chamber works, how laws are passed and what it takes to be an MP, and it was an absolute pleasure to host them.''
''Thank you to all the pupils and staff for such a rewarding visit.''
If you are a school in Louth and Horncastle and would like to arrange a tour of parliament and a Q and A session with Victoria, please contact her office on 01507 527017.''