Students at Lakes College welcomed Workington MP Sue Hayman to the college to join them in a study session helping to provide inspiration for their ongoing project surrounding democracy, politics and a government project.
Sue explained to the students who she is and what her role is, also touching upon many different political issues and topics. The session was very interactive and conversational with Sue giving an explanation on a range of subjects including the difference between local and national governments and councils, the role of the opposition and shadow cabinets.
Students were given the opportunity to voice their opinion of different political issues including voting rights for 16 year olds, and given the chance to quiz Sue and find out more about what being an MP is really like.
Lakes College student Mayze Mitchell from Whitehaven said: “It was great being able to talk to Sue, we were all really confused on how Parliament works but Sue explained first hand all about the different departments like the Department for Education and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and how they all fit into the government. She also explained how the shadow cabinet works and how they are made up of the opposition party to challenge and balance decisions.”
Sue was full of praise for the students; “It was fantastic how interested the students were in learning more about democracy. There were lots of pertinent questions to help them build understanding of how parliaments and councils work.
“We discussed their opinions on lowering the voting age to allow 16 year olds to have their say, the group was split with some in favour, and others against. It was interesting to hear that the majority of those who didn’t want to lower the voting age said it was because they didn’t understand politics enough, which really emphasises our need to educate young people with projects like this.”
