Politicians questioned by North Wales students for Local Democracy Week
21 October 2009
Over 100 Politics students from years 11 and 12 at Ysgol Bryn Elian in North Wales took part in a ‘Question Time’ event with a panel of politicians last Friday (16th) as part of Local Democracy Week.
The event, organised by the National Assembly for Wales’ Education Outreach Service, highlighted the importance of democratic participation and gave the teenagers the opportunity to question decision-makers on issues affecting their lives.
Assembly Member Eleanor Burnham was among the Panellists, alongside Janet Finch-Saunders, Leader of the Conservative group on Conwy County Council and prospective parliamentary candidates Llyr Huws Gruffydd and Donna Hutton.
Questions from pupils were tabled in advance, on subjects of their choice, and this year’s themes included education, crime and the financial crisis.
Two pupils chaired the event, ensuring that the panel adhered to the ‘1 minute’ timescale for answering questions - which panellists had not seen beforehand.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about the democratic process in Wales and challenge politicians on what they can do to improve our communities and make changes to young people’s lives,” said the Assembly’s Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.
“The standard of questions was extremely high and the young people involved showed great awareness of the topical issues of today”.