Worcestershire MPs and MEPs of the future grill the politicians of today (East Staffordshire Liberal Democrats)

East Staffordshire Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Worcestershire MPs and MEPs of the future grill the politicians of today

October 23, 2009 6:25 PM
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP

School pupils and UK Youth Parliament members took the opportunity to grill Liz Lynne and other top Worcestershire politicians at County Hall to celebrate Local Democracy Week 2009.

LibDem Euro MP Liz Lynne joined Labour MP Mike Foster (Worcester), Tory Peter Luff MP (Mid Worcestershire), and independent Dr Richard Taylor MP (Wyre Forest) for a discussion and questions at County Hall's Council Chamber on Friday, October 16 .

More than 60 students from The Chase Technology College (Malvern), Droitwich High, King Charles I School (Kidderminster) and Bromsgrove High probed for answers on a variety of issues ranging from fox-hunting legislation, the help on offer for the region's car industry and how the panel members started their careers in politics.

Worcestershire's UK Youth Parliament members Alice Murphy (West Worcestershire) and Ario Bagheri (East Worcestershire) were also on the panel.

The conference was organised by Worcestershire County Council as part of the national Local Democracy Week 2009 campaign, which aims to give young people an insight into local politics and the importance of democracy in our society. The event also included real-time e-voting on ways to encourage people, especially younger people, to use their vote at elections.

Liz Lynne said: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak at this conference and was impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students attending. It is important that young people learn how the different political systems work at the local, national and European level, and that they understand how politics relates to them. Conferences like this show that young people do want to engage with the political issues that affect their daily lives."

Maggie Bryan, The County Council's Community Engagement Manager, said: "The event was a great success and the interest the young people showed on the big political issues was fantastic to see. They really did grill the politicians.

"Sessions like these help to connect politicians better with youngsters, as well as ensuring the voices of younger generations are heard. It's so important that more young people get involved in the democratic process and get the message across that they really can make a difference."

Young people keen to get involved in the democratic process can find out more about Local Democracy Week at http://localdemocracy.lga.gov.uk or by logging on to the County Council's website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk

Notes: Photo details (PR3939) - From left, MP Mike Foster (Worcester), MEP Liz Lynne (West Midlands), Dr Richard Taylor (Wyre Forest), MP Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) join Dr George Lord, Leader of Worcestershire County Council at the event.