Sir Nicholas Soames, MP for Mid Sussex, visited Burgess Hill School for Girls to speak to my year group (Year 10) as part of our Life Skills programme on 27 February 2015.
It was a thought-provoking and interesting experience meeting our local MP where we were able to freely ask him a wide variety of probing questions.
As a Drama student, I know just how nerve-racking sitting in the hot seat can be! We posed questions covering topics such as ‘whether MPs should have second jobs’ and his personal opinion on the death penalty.
He answered all questions articulately, and also asked questions of the audience – inviting them to share their opinions including those of Mrs Bell, our Headmistress, on aspects of the UK education system.
Ella Filskow said, “He was an honest politician – which was very refreshing.”
Louisa Johnson added, “He gave you a straightforward answer to all the questions we asked.”
Overall the session helped us to widen our knowledge about the UK parliament system, and we acquired an insight into his personal views on life as an MP and the laws in this country. I am glad I got the opportunity to meet Sir Nicholas Soames to ask him questions and voice my own opinions.
Report written by Isabel McQuillan, Year 10