More than 80 students, who hold Leadership Positions at Colfox, were invited to take part in the debate on Friday (22/11) with Mr Morello MP, they also asked him many searching questions about issues facing young people in Dorset during a question-and-answer session.

Head Students Oliver and George (pictured above) organised the debate, with Oliver proposing the notion ‘the United Kingdom should make their own laws and not be subjected to matters of international law’. Opposing the notion, George successfully argued that international frameworks help defend rights and freedoms internationally. A show of hands showed many students agreed with George’s opposition.

Students involved in one of the many leadership opportunities in the school, such as House Council, Sports Captains, Anti-Bullying and Rights-Respecting Ambassadors – were invited to attend. During the question-and-answer session, Year 11 Student and House Captain Spencer (pictured below) asked an excellent question about the need for more affordable local housing, for which Mr Morello gave an impassioned reply.

Head Student Oliver, age 16, who is in Year 12, said: “It was interesting to hear how Mr Morello got involved in politics, became an MP, his view on issues facing our community and how he plans to tackle vital issues like housing that affect local people. It was great to see students being invigorated and inspired by a charismatic political speaker, he really got across how important it is that more young people vote."

Edward Morello MP said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet with so many Colfox students. The debate was extremely well informed, and their questions were tough and well-considered. It was clear they had given considerable thought to the issues that affect them and their wider community. UK Parliament Week is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with the political process and I’m grateful to the Sir John Colfox Academy for participating.”

Adam Teasdale, Head of Sixth Form and Personal Development, said: “As always, the students of Colfox were brilliant. They thought carefully about the debate and asked some excellent questions, including personal questions that were brave and eloquently delivered. Mr Morello gave some excellent advice to students who want to make a difference in our local community.

“Student Voice and empowering students to be leaders with the power to change things is valued at Colfox. We were proud to be the first secondary school in the southwest to achieve UNICEF’s ‘Gold’ Rights Respecting Schools Award – meaning students’ rights are valued and their voices are heard. I think Mr Morello was quite pleased to hear that Colfox students also chose to elect him in the summer, when we ran a Colfox general election to mirror the UK general election.”

UK Parliament Week aims to inspire interest in parliament, politics and democracy and encourage young people and the public to engage with the UK's democratic system and institutions.