This week is UK Parliament Week; a time for us to bring politics to our young people. It’s a programme of events and activities that connects people with Parliament and democracy in the UK. 

Making our political system more accessible to young people is an issue that’s particularly close to my heart. When I was at school, we weren’t aware of how it worked and I definitely didn’t know of, let alone ever met, my MP. That’s why UK Parliament Week is so important, and I hope that all of this Parliamentary cohort, regardless of their party colours, make an effort to bring that visibility into their local communities. 

I’m proud to have been elected under the most representative post-war Cabinet in terms of educational background, though inclusive participation doesn’t stop there. Even after becoming involved in local politics, the first time I visited Parliament was in this role as your MP.  

For many residents in Crewe & Nantwich, I’m sure those doors feel equally far away. I’ve heard some really inspiring stories from young people in our constituency, breaking down the social barriers that may have otherwise impacted their future.  

I’ve also spoken to some who feel that ambition has been taken away from them. Who feel that a particular career, university, or other space, is not for them.  

This Labour government is working round the clock to change that, with investment in apprenticeships, reforms to SEND provisions, new V levels and post-16 qualifications & much more. 

Beyond the bigger picture stuff, it’s programmes like UK Parliament Week which help to open up the worlds of our students, particularly those in areas which have historically been overlooked. 

This week, I’ve been to Gainsborough Primary, St Michael’s School, Mablins Lane Primary, Millfields Scouts, Pebble Brook, and South Cheshire College. It’s a credit to the teachers and community leaders at each of these organisations that I’ve been able to visit so many. 

At many of the schools, I met their student councillors; advocates for their classmates both in and outside of school hours.

At Gainsborough Primary, there was a scary amount of research done on my professional history and personal interests. I expect to see some of them at a tabloid newspaper one day. 

At St Michael’s, there was a passion to help children living in poverty in Crewe & Nantwich, as well as a suspicious conspiracy theory about government-controlled butterflies, which I’m told is from a film. 

Mablins Lane is home to some of our budding artists, and the winner and runner-up of my Christmas Card Competition this year. I was also impressed by one student’s thoughtful questions on the cost of NHS prescriptions and how the government is delivering wage increases for his dad.  

Millfields Scouts focused on cleaning up the River Weaver, and we had a great discussion about what I’m doing as an MP to make sure the polluters are held to account. 

Today, Pebble Brook Primary had written down reams of questions to choose from and South Cheshire College had a fascinating debate on whether the House of Lords should be abolished. 

I hope some of the conversations we’ve had this week have opened up doors, or sparked some new ideas, for children in Crewe & Nantwich. It’s our responsibility to show them what democracy is, and how it’s kept alive.