Year 12 students from Macclesfield's Fallibroome Academy visited Parliament recently, and met with local MP, David Rutley, for a question-and-answer session.
During the session in Parliament's purpose-built Education Centre, the students had the opportunity to ask David about important national issues and current affairs, including the UK's withdrawal from the EU, as well as about life as a Member of Parliament. David emphasised to the students the importance of everyone on our country, whatever their age, engaging with the UK's democratic traditions and being active citizens.
David also explained to the 17-strong group of politics students more about his work as an MP representing Macclesfield in Parliament and his work on local campaigns, on issues such as keeping vital mental health beds in north-east Cheshire, and the ongoing plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre. He also discussed his role as a Minister at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including his work taking forward the Ivory Bill, plastic waste reduction, and the ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales.
Ahead of the Q&A with David, the students enjoyed a guided tour of the historic Palace of Westminster, seeing Parliament at work on a busy day. On their trip to London, the group also visited the Supreme Court, to learn more about its important constitutional role in our democracy.
Any local schools interested in visiting Parliament can contact the Parliament Education Centre, which will be pleased to assist in organising the visit, via the contact details at: www.parliament.uk/education/visit-parliament-with-your-school
Speaking after his meeting, David said, "It was great to welcome Fallibroome Academy students to Parliament and to have the opportunity to respond to their well-put and thoughtful questions. The students demonstrated a clear interest in politics and our democratic traditions, for which they are to be commended. I look forward to meeting more students from Macclesfield and our local communities in Parliament in the year ahead."