Monmouth School played host to a hot political debate as flagship BBC Radio current affairs show Any Questions? came to town.

The long-running programme, presented by Jonathan Dimbleby, was recorded in front of a live audience at the School’s Blake Theatre on Friday, March 6.

Pupils, staff and members of the public made up the full-to-capacity audience for the event, which was organised as part of Monmouth School’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

The President of the Liberal Democrats Sal Brinton, Labour’s Shadow Culture Minister Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Disabled People Mark Harper MP and the leader of the Plaid Cymru group at Westminster Elfyn Llwyd MP, made up the opinionated panel on the night.

Immigration and campaign debates were among the topics discussed during the programme, which has more than one million listeners.

After the show, pupils from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and Monmouth School had the opportunity to chat with the panel members at a drinks reception.

Jamie, deputy head boy at Monmouth School, said: “I thought that being able to see a live broadcast was a really special experience.

“It was fantastic to be able to see how such a historic and well-known show actually operates, and to be able to see the enigmatic Jonathan Dimbleby live in action!

“For us, it was brilliant because it really brought politics right to our door, and it was an important opportunity for us to be able to engage with politicians when many of us will be able to cast our first votes in the upcoming elections.

“As a history student, I also thought it was great to see Monmouth regain some of its political energy, because it has historically been a place of great political engagement, what with the Chartists campaigns and the Civil War.”

Click here to listen to the entire broadcast (external link)