Schoolchildren are being encouraged to get involved with the running of Monmouthshire Youth Parliament following its latest event.

Established by Beth, a sixth former at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, and Jack from Monmouth School, the group aims to give under 18s the chance to voice their opinion on political issues.

Its last public meeting, held at HMSG on Friday, January 27, was a Question Time event featuring a diverse panel of influential people who help make life-changing decisions for the community.

Nick Ramsay, Welsh Assembly Member for Monmouth, Steffan Lewis, Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for the South East, HMSG Old Girl Natalie Sandercock, barrister and deputy district judge, and Andrew Tuggey, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Parliament and High Sheriff of Gwent all answered questions from the audience.

Beth said: “The panellists were informed and balanced.

“It was invaluable to have such a constructive political discussion, illustrating how important it is for young people to seize opportunities like this.

“We received a diverse array of questions, concerning everything from whether an MP should vote on Article 50 with their conscience or following their party, whether Britain should build a relationship with Trump’s America, how we can reach a gender balance in politics and the importance of opposition, to the importance of active protest in politics.

“We are now looking for younger students to get involved in the running of Monmouthshire Youth Parliament.”

If you are under 18 and would like to find out more about joining MYP, email Beth at monmouthshireyouthparliament@gmail.com