Children enjoyed learning about local politics in an array of activities during Merton Council’s Local Democracy week last week.
Children enjoyed learning about local politics in an array of activities during Merton Council’s Local Democracy Week last week.
This celebrates the fifth year that MP for Mitcham and Morden, Siobhain McDonagh, has hosted the popular tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Over 100 children are expected to participate on these tours from eight schools in the area.
“I am fortunate in having a constituency so close to Westminster and wanted to give everyone living in Mitcham and Morden the opportunity to visit their parliament. To see how law are made and how politics work,” said Ms McDonagh.
“I hope that they can encourage people to vote and take part whatever party they support.”
The democracy week began with a speed networking event where key councillors answered questions from Merton’s Youth Parliament about issues affecting young people.
“Their voices are important to us as they are the future of this borough,” said Maxi Martin, Cabinet member for children’s services.
“It is great to engage with our young people at this early stage about local democracy, listening and answering their questions.”
Councillors made visits to schools in the area to tell children about democracy. A talk on how democracy works in Merton was given to the Merton Children’s Council at its Annual General Meeting.
The week aimed to encourage people to get involved with democracy at a local level and to inspire young people to get involved in politics.
The tour of the Civic Centre offered gave people a chance to tour the building, including taking a look at the Council Chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour, where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor spoke to the children about being the ceremonial and civic head of Merton.
Primary schools in Wimbledon were also offered the opportunity to tour the Houses of Parliament by their MP Stephen Hammond.
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