New politics summer school planned for Cornwall teens
The one-day event, hosted by Jayne Kirkham, Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, will take place on August 28 at Tremough Campus and is open to 15 to 18-year-olds living in the Truro and Falmouth constituency.
The summer school will include panels and workshops designed to help young people understand how politics works at both local and national levels.
It will also offer practical advice on political careers and the chance to ask Ms Kirkham questions about her work in Westminster and Cornwall.
Ms Kirkham said: "I am encouraging all young people who are actively engaged in their communities, or who would benefit from the experience, to apply.
"I realise that political work experience is often limited to those with the right connections and means, and I want to change that.
"It is absolutely vital that a variety of young people's voices are heard in political decision-making, because they are the ones who will feel the long-term impact of the decisions we make today."
The day will feature a Parliamentary engagement session led by a Parliament outreach officer, a cross-party panel with councillors and a deputy mayor, and a workshop on speech writing, debating, and interviewing techniques.
A senior lecturer in journalism will lead the final session.
The programme is open to students who live in or attend school within the Truro and Falmouth constituency.
Ms Kirkham said: "I know that for many in Cornwall, Westminster can still feel a world away.
"The distance can make politics seem remote, even though decisions made in the House of Commons shape our everyday lives.
"That is why I am so passionate about making politics more accessible and showing young people that their voices do reach London, through our MPs, our votes, and the campaigns we care about."
To apply, students should email jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk with their full name, date of birth, a relevant address, and a short statement of up to 250 words.
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