Speaker hails student debaters for future-proofing democracy

Sir Lindsay Hoyle joined pupils at St Mary’s School in his Chorley constituency as they joined a ‘Pupil Parliament’ session to discuss whether there should be mental health sessions during the day.

Mr Speaker was then quizzed by secondary school students at the Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley, on issues ranging from the cost of bus fares to housing, and whether he had always wanted to be a politician.

The events were arranged to promote UK Parliament Week, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, to inform and encourage young people from across the country to learn about democracy.

At St Mary’s, the pupils, aged 10 and 11 years old, tackled the challenge by taking on the roles of MPs, clerks, Speaker and Ministers – with their desks arranged to resemble the layout of the Commons Chamber.

Sir Lindsay said he was ‘so impressed’ by the children’s behaviour, but also ‘their debating skills, the way they talk to each other to get their point across, and how quickly they get through votes.

‘Whether they end up pursuing a career in politics or not – these are skills that are transferable into the workplace.

‘Their enthusiasm, respect for each other and interest, reassures me that democracy is in safe hands.

‘I need to take a bit of that magic back with me to the House of Commons,’ he added.

Patrick Smyth, headteacher of St Mary’s, said: ‘By mirroring the UK Parliament in our own Pupil Parliament, our pupils learned that what happens in Westminster has a real impact on their lives in school.

‘Even more importantly, they learned that their voices matter – and that anyone can make a difference.’

At the Youth Zone, students from three local secondary schools took part in a question-and-answer session with Sir Lindsay.

The Speaker said the experience ‘heartened’ him. ‘People say young people are turned off politics, yet the depth of the questions, the level of detail they wanted to get into about what is happening, not just at a national level, but at a local level as well, proves otherwise.

‘In the end, we are only as good as the next generation that’s coming through – and today’s experience has heartened me.’

Inspire’s chief operating officer Ryan Powell said UK Parliament Week and the Speaker’s visit had ‘helped raise the aspirations of young people, especially if they want to have a career in politics.

‘It allows young people to ask questions of their politicians about topics and issues that are important to them.’

More than two million young people from every nation and region of the UK are expected to take part in UK Parliament Week.

Chorley is among the top three constituencies in the UK with the most signed-up schools and organisations.