Speaker meets Kidsgrove Youth Parliament on Midlands visit
14 February 2012 (updated on 14 February 2012)
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, met with young people from the Kidsgrove Youth Parliament on an outreach visit to the Midlands, where he also addressed students from Birmingham University.
At a special session of Kidsgrove Youth Parliament, the audience of Youth Parliamentarians, pupils, and local residents quizzed Mr Speaker about how to become an MP and the task of keeping order in the Chamber.
Addressing the Youth Parliament, Mr Speaker spoke of his commitment to supporting young people in learning about, and practicing, democracy in their communities.
Mr Speaker said:
"I am delighted to have met the members of the Kidsgrove Youth Parliament.
I believe very strongly in young people having the chance to express themselves and fight for what they believe in."
Kidsgrove Youth Parliament was established in 2011 by local Councillor David Stringer and comprises pupils from Clough Hall Technology School and Maryhill High School Media Arts College.
The Speaker was thanked by the Mayor of Kidsgrove, Councillor Kyle Robinson, who, at 22, is among the youngest Mayors in the UK.
Joan Walley, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, who helped launch the youth parliament's first meeting and invited Mr Speaker to address the Youth Parliament, closed the event by congratulating the young people for their passion for their community.