Letter from Parliament: Jim McMahon MP

Jim McMahon MP at Oldham Hulme Grammar School for Parliament Week Event

Supporting Parliament Week 2017

My first visit as part of Parliament week was attending the fantastic Oldham Hulme Grammar School. I was impressed with the week-long activities the school held such as Mock referendums, promoting Local Council and Youth Council Elections and discussing how democracy works in the UK.

It is always unnerving to speak to students as in my experience some of the most challenging and interesting questions come from our Youth. I discussed what my role as a Member of Parliament entails, my work in Parliament and the importance of Participation in democracy, followed by a great Q & A session from the students.

Gallery Oldham’s Parliament Education Project with some of Oldham’s finest

My second visit to support Parliament week was an enjoyable morning with young pupils from St Agnes and Mayfield Primary School.

The exceptionally bright year 5 & 6 pupils took part in Gallery Oldham’s Parliament Project organised in conjunction with Parliament’s Education Service. They event gave them an insight into democracy and the role of Parliament. The students had prepared questions during the week at school – it was a really fun session with lots of innocent and well-informed questions put to me.

Roundtable discussion on Votes at 16 with the Manchester Metropolitan University and students from The Loreto College

My final visit in support of Parliament week was attending a Roundtable discussion on my Private Members Votes at 16 Bill hosted by The Manchester Metropolitan University. Students from The Loreto College were also in attendance, I was impressed but by no means surprised by the critical thinking, campaigning suggestions and the contributions that were made. The Votes at 16 Bill is not dead in the water as the current Government may think, I will continue to fight for the right for our young people to be able to play a full part in our democracy and fly the flag for Votes at 16.

An Inspirational show of appreciation for The Blessed John Henry Newman RC College Year of 2017

After a long week in Parliament it was a pleasure to have been invited to The Blessed John Henry Newman RC College Presentation evening celebrating the fantastic achievements of the Year 11 students. The atmosphere in the school, the vibe in the hall where excited students, the proud staff and parents had congregated waiting for the event to start was moving. The sense of unity and community was felt throughout the school hall.

It was an honour to have been invited as the Chief Guest and to have been able to have been a part of a special evening. A big well done to all the dedicated staff and my sincere best wishes to all the students for a bright and successful future.