STUNELL BACKS LOCAL SCHOOL IN YOUTH PARLIAMENT COMPETITION

10.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Mar 2009

Pupils at Stockport School received extra tuition from local MP Andrew Stunell this week, when he visited the school to help them prepare their entry for the Citizenship Foundation's National Youth Parliament Competition.

In the competition, teams of 11-18 year olds are asked to set up their own House of Commons in their classrooms, school halls or council chambers. Taking on the roles of government, opposition, and backbench MPs, they make a twenty-minute video of their debate on a mock Parliamentary Bill. These videos are then judged by MPs, with awards given to national and heat winners.

National winners are invited to a reception at Westminster and in past years have also had tea at 10 Downing Street.

Commenting, Andrew said:

"This competition is a great idea, and it was fantastic to meet the team from Stockport School who will be the town's first entry into the competition.

"Taking part in this competition is helping these young people gain a greater understanding of how the democratic process works

"Today's schoolchildren are tomorrow's decision-makers, and it is vital that we try to get youngsters more involved with politics"

ENDS

For more information ring Jamie Saddler on 020 7219 5136