Newark MP Robert Jenrick launches UK Parliament Week at Newark College
Newark MP Robert Jenrick launched UK Parliament Week at Newark College.
During a visit to the facility, Mr Jenrick led a question-and-answer session about current affairs and gave students an overview of what it is like to be an MP.
Students from the public services and IASTI courses questioned him about matters they cared about both locally and nationally.
Key topics for discussion included transport issues in the local area — such as the A46 Newark bypass and boosting sustainable transport initiatives — plus how the government could improve health and well-being services and provisions.
Nathan Banyard, who is studying on the pilot pathway at IASTI Newark, said: “It was great to have a local MP at college and for us to have the opportunity to question him about politics.
“It was interesting finding out how you become a politician and what happens in parliament.”
Penny Taylor, lead for education and training at Newark College, said: “It’s wonderful to see young people taking an interest in politics and demonstrating such passion for their community.
“The students have enjoyed being able to share their voice and learning about the importance of democracy and it’s great to see how their confidence has developed throughout the week.”
The talk with Mr Jenrick was part of several activities planned by the college to engage students in politics during UK Parliament Week. The Public Services learners also held a Great Debate to discuss contentious issues currently in the public eye.
The week is described as a celebration of people power, helping young people to be informed about UK parliament, to take action, and make an impact on the issues they care about.