Julia Lopez, Member of Parliament for Hornchurch & Upminster, has hosted her latest debate competition in Parliament for pupils from three local secondary schools: Hall Mead, Campion and Emerson Park.
The event brought pupils to Westminster to take part in a series of formal debates, giving them the chance to develop public speaking skills, build confidence and experience Parliament first hand.
Mrs Lopez said she is committed to extending opportunities like this to local young people wherever possible, particularly because it was not an experience she had access to as a student.
After spirited debates on providing votes to 16-year-olds and ensuring access to essential services, Jude and Charlotte from Hall Mead, alongside Patrick and Emilis from Campion, were judged to be the winners.
Julia said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome pupils from Hall Mead, Campion and Emerson Park to Parliament for our most recent debate competition.
“Opportunities like this can be genuinely formative, helping young people build confidence, test their ideas and see how our democracy works in practice. Judging by today’s debates, that were both lively and good natured, there is much to hope for in future generations of politicians!"
Mrs Lopez thanked Francesca of Impart UK and school staff for supporting pupils to take part and congratulated everyone involved on the impressive standard of debate.
