Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy asked a series of thought-provoking questions during a visit from Catherine Atkinson MP.
Catherine, Labour MP for Derby North, spoke to Year 11 and 12 students about her own background before inviting them to ask questions.
Year 11 students focused on issues including lowering the voting age, derelict sites in Derby and plans for regeneration, priorities for young people, helping people in deprived areas and overcrowding in prisons.
Subjects that Year 12 students raised ranged from the change in voter habits, Catherine’s career change from barrister to MP, immigration, media criticism of Labour, how young people can have a voice in politics and Government involvement in on-stage comments made by Irish band Kneecap.
Headteacher Mrs Boyce said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for our learners and they really engaged with the experience – challenging Catherine and holding her to account! Catherine’s responses gave them food for thought, too and they certainly left the session pondering some new ideas.”
