Young people from across the Vale of Clwyd have been given an insight into the world of politics, with local MP Dr James Davies having undertaken a whistlestop tour of schools and youth group organisations in the constituency as part of UK Parliament Week (UKPW).
UKPW is an annual event, which this year was held between November 6th and 12th. It spreads the word about what Parliament is, what it does, and how people can get involved.
Each year, schools and community groups that take part receive a free kit to help them get informed about the UK Parliament, take action and make an impact on the issues they care about.
James visited the following five schools at their request: Fairholme School, St Asaph; Ysgol Penmorfa, Prestatyn; St Brigid’s, Denbigh; Ysgol Emmanuel, Rhyl and Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph. He also visited the Rhyl 2nd Scouts, who meet at Christchurch School.
On each visit, James gave a talk about his role as an MP, before taking part in a ‘Question and Answer’ session with the young people.
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“It is always rewarding to talk to schoolchildren and young adults in the Vale of Clwyd and to hear their views on all manner of subject matters. My UK Parliament Week itinerary was busy, but all the schools and groups made it worthwhile with their friendly welcome, and fortunately they didn’t give me too much of a grilling!
“I spoke about my role as a Member of Parliament and how UK Parliament works. They showed a keen interest and asked a varied selection of impressive questions - we may well have some budding politicians in our midst.
“Many were keen to know how I got into politics, and I explained that I joined the Conservative Party at the age of 18 and was later a County Councillor for 11 years before first becoming MP for the Vale of Clwyd back in 2015.
"It is important to engage our young people in politics, as they are our future. I thank all the teaching staff at all the schools and the leaders at Rhyl 2nd Scouts for delivering an excellent programme of activities throughout UK Parliament Week.
“I hope each group enjoyed my visit and gained a lot more knowledge about the role of MPs and UK Parliament.
“I extended an invite for them to come and visit Parliament when they can, and I really hope at least some, if not all, take me up on my offer.”
In UK Parliament Week last year 1.1 million people took part in over 10,000 activities in every region and nation of the UK, and countries all over the world.
Cara Drumm, ALN and Inclusion Co-ordinator at Ysgol Esgob Morgan, said:
"The pupils at Esgob Morgan really enjoyed their Q&A session with Dr James Davies. They asked him many questions that were relevant and important to them. Having visited Parliament earlier in the year the pupils were very interested to hear about the work of an MP."
A spokesperson for St Brigid’s School, said:
"As part of UK Parliament Week the Schools Comms team have been learning about Parliament and democracy. On Friday 10th November we welcomed Dr James Davies MP for the Vale of Clwyd to answer questions about our local area. Everyone really enjoyed the session and meeting the Member of Parliament."
Tom Williams, Scout Leader 2nd Rhyl Scout Group, said:
"2nd Rhyl Scouts & Bobcats Explorer Scout Unit were pleased to welcome Dr James Davies and Cllr Justine Evans to our meeting night on 10th November, when we were taking part in UK Parliament Week activities.
"James talked about his role in Parliament and answered questions from the Scouts & Explorers. The young people were very grateful to be able to meet James and Justine and we would like to thank them for coming to see us."
