Politicians to be questioned by North Wales students for Local Democracy Week
16 October 2009
Over 100 Politics students from years 11 and 12 at Ysgol Bryn Elian in North Wales will take part in a ‘Question Time’ event with a panel of politicians this Friday (16th) as part of Local Democracy Week.
The event, organised by the National Assembly for Wales’ Education Outreach Service, will highlight the importance of democratic participation and give the teenagers the opportunity to question decision-makers on issues affecting their lives.
Assembly Member Eleanor Burnham will be 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 have been tabled in advance, on subjects of their choice, and this year’s themes include education, crime and the financial crisis.
Two pupils will chair the event and ensure that the panel adhere to the ‘1 minute’ timescale for answering questions - which panellists will not have seen the beforehand.
“This is 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.
“Last year the standard of questions was extremely high and the young people involved showed great awareness of the topical issues of today. I have no doubt that this year we will see the same level of knowledge and understanding amongst the audience, and I hope
that the pupils and panellists find the experience enjoyable and fulfilling”.