The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough received groups of students for tours of the Palace last week. The buzzing group of youngsters learned about democracy, British Values and what their local MP does day-to-day.
Members of the Harrogate Grammar Student Leadership Team quizzed their Member of Parliament following the tour. Learners from the Harrogate Personalise Learning College discussed issues that affect them in Starbeck, in particular transport accessibility and impact of local roadworks.
Tom thanked Mr Ben Twitchin at Harrogate Grammar and Katie Ward at North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning for coordinating the trips.
Katie said:
Tom was great at listening to their concerns.
The learners are excited to show him around the college so he can better understand some of the challenges they face on a daily basis.
It is so important to teach our learners that their opinions matter and that they can affect change and experiences like this really help us to reinforce that message.
Tom Gordon said:
It’s a joy to welcome local students to Westminster.
We often joke that working in Westminster reminds us of a school or college with the division bell ringing throughout the halls.
Though I imagine teachers like Katie wouldn’t put up with the jeering you hear in the Chamber in her classroom.
I hope they feel inspired. One day we might even see them walking these halls in their own right.
