Question Time

Earlier this week I took part on a "Question Time style" debate with other politicians at Ashlawn School where arounf 100 students from three of Rugby's secondary schools put the questions. Quite reasonably several questions were about issues that affect the students themselves - EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) and the unfairness of some 16-18 year olds getting financial support while others don't; the unfairness of tuition fees being charged to University students in England but not in Scotland; the implications of raising the school leaving age to 18 by 2013; the difficulties faced by students by the late payments of grants this year. We also covered more general issues suuch as whether MPs understand the seriousness of the expenses scandal (they do!) & why people are motivated to persue a career in Parliament and how to deal with the current economic situation. The questions were well prepared with each questioner giving their point of view as well as comments from the floor. It was interesting to take part and I enjoyed being put through my paces. Thanks & congratulations to Keith Bradbury, Head of Sixth Form for organbising it and getting in first. I already have three more such events in my diary as we approach the election date!