The selected representatives were all aged 12-17 and attended the event on 1st April on behalf of Downlands School, Oathall Community College, Oakmeeds School, Sackville School and Worth School.
A trained tour guide led the group through all the houses, explaining the history and how the democratic society we live in today has developed over the years. The group also had the chance to view a debate in the House of Commons from the public gallery, observing MPs using all the different protocols they had learned about during the tour.
As part of the trip, the teenagers were invited to a private meeting with Nicholas Soames MP to talk about issues that relate to young people growing up in Mid Sussex. Their feedback and ideas were warmly welcomed by Mr Soames, who praised the group for taking an interest in their local community and looking to make positive changes.
“It was a pleasure to meet a group of bright and engaged students from Mid Sussex schools who travelled to London to visit Parliament and develop a deeper understanding of democracy,” said Nicholas Soames MP.
“People often get into politics because they have a passion for getting things done and want to change something for the better. I see that same passion in many of the young people I met here today, who are not afraid to work hard to make Mid Sussex an even better place to live.
“I am grateful to Mid Sussex District Council for arranging the trip and I hope it was a rewarding experience for all involved.”