Earlier this week, at the invitation of Sutton Coldfield’s MP, students from Sutton’s secondary schools who took part in this year’s Inter-Schools Debating competition travelled to the Houses of Parliament as part of a celebration of the annual event organised by Andrew Mitchell MP. Last Monday fourteen students from six of Sutton Coldfield’s secondary schools and Birmingham Metropolitan College visited Westminster for a tour of the Houses of Parliament and enjoyed a lunch and QandA session with Andrew Mitchell MP. The students heard from Mr Mitchell about Parliamentary democracy and the principle role of a Member of Parliament; to represent his or her constituents. This was followed by a series of questions which covered a variety of topics including a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, the case for English devolution and recent electoral gains by UKIP. To complete their experience the students were able to watch from the Public Gallery of the House of Commons while MPs debated matters relating to Communities and Local Government. This was followed by statements by the Home Secretary on the deportation of Abu Qatada and the Education Secretary on changes to the National Curriculum. Andrew Mitchell MP, said “It is always a pleasure to be able to give the Sutton Coldfield Debaters the opportunity to visit Parliament to learn about the history of Parliament and watch a live Parliamentary debate. “Huge thanks must go to Birmingham Metropolitan College without whose continued sponsorship these visits would not be possible as well as Arthur Terry School who hosted the 2013 Competition. Next year’s hosts will be Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls who won the 2013 competition. Photo: Andrew Mitchell MP with the Sutton Coldfield Debaters and accompanying staff from Arthur Terry School and Birmingham Metropolitan College',