Following the visit of local Conservative MP Robert Courts earlier in the academic year, we were very pleased to welcome two prospective parliamentary candidates for the next general election to the Hill.
Sean Woodcock, Labour candidate for the Banbury constituency, along with Charlie Maynard, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Witney constituency, joined us for a lively half an hour of political debate and conversation.
Our pupils raised questions relating to a range of current issues in both local and national politics including the state of the economy and the tax system, the method of voting employed in the UK and the importance of using your vote, the state of the NHS, the issue of VAT on school fees and education, and, of course, the prospect of the upcoming general election.
Each candidate was also asked why they believe what they believe and, importantly, why they think that other people should share their views. It was very interesting for our pupils to hear their responses as the two politicians talked about what they believe is in the best interests of the country moving forward.
We were extremely grateful to both candidates for giving up their time to come and speak with us. We are especially pleased that we have now been able to welcome representatives from 3 of the main political parties – giving our pupils a rounded view of many of the issues that will be debated in the months ahead as we move towards the expected general election.
