Priestley hosts Question Time

Local politicians and councillors converged on Priestley College for the afternoon in order to take part in a "Question Time" style debate on a range of local and national issues.

Deputy Mayor John Joyce played the role of David Dimbleby as he put forward questions from the students to the panel which included Ian Marks, Keith Bland and Terry O'Neill, MEP Brian Simpson and Priestley’s own representative Simon Perfect from the College Council.

Whilst national issues such as MP’s expenses were at the forefront of the debate, much of the discussions centred around local issues such as tuition fees, public transports costs, the voting age and town centre crime. The panel were open in their responses and also offered some keen students from both Priestley and Penketh High School the right to reply during a busy afternoon.

The event was held to champion local democracy and is just one of many planned that will see the local council engage with a younger audience across the town.

Commenting on day, newly elected Priestley College Student Council President, Sarah Camp, said, "The Question Time event was great and gave us all an insight into the difficulties and responsibilities that the panel have."

Adding, "It was a good opportunity to interact with our representatives and get their insight and opinions on a range of local and national issues. Hopefully events like this inspire the younger generation to take a keener interest in Politics."

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