PUPILS from five County Durham primary schools came together to take part in a hot political debate as part of parliamentary week.
Children from Ramshaw, Ingleton, St Joseph’s, at Newton Aycliffe, and St Joseph’s, at Coundon, joined pupils at St Chad’s primary school at Witton Park.
The children were formed into multi-school groups to discuss subjects including Brexit, education, health and the general election.
Although the pupils realised they were not old enough to vote, they had plenty of ideas they wanted debating in the Houses of Parliament including subsidised school meals, free college tuition, a little less homework and more money for doctors, nurses and firefighters.
It is the second time the debate has been organised and headteacher at St Chad’s and Ramshaw Dominic Brown said he was delighted the children were so well informed.
He added: “I don’t want to see the children getting to university and being unable to express themselves well. This kind of event helps them to communicate, challenge and question, something that is just as important as other subjects.”
Bishop Auckland Labour parliamentary candidate Helen Goodman chaired the debate. She applauded the children’s knowledge and said: “I find the questions children ask are very perceptive.”
She told the children electioneering can be a “nerve wracking experience” .
