It's grand and green but what does it all mean!

12.43.59pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Dec 2006

Ed Davey MP being questioned by Southborough School pupils

Local MP Edward Davey was delighted to be able to explain the intricate workings of the House of Commons, and the work of a Member of Parliament, to two year 7 classes from Southborough High School that visited Parliament this month.

Southborough High School took part in two educational visits to Parliament in December. Both groups of year 7 students enjoyed a video presentation, activities and either a tour of the building or a visit to the House of Commons Public gallery. The visit to Parliament culminated in Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, Edward Davey giving an in depth account of his life as a Member of Parliament.

The students where enthralled by Edward's accounts of speaking in the House of Commons, yet all were concerned that Edward worked at weekends.

Edward Davey MP said,

"I've always believed that the only way to change the image of politics is for more young people to become engaged in the political system, and what better way to spark an interest in politics than a visit to the heart of British democracy, the House of Commons.

"Over the years, I've been lucky enough to speak to many groups of young people and I always gingerly await the questions, which often not even Jeremy Paxman would ask.

"Southborough High School students had lots of questions, but I rather disappointed many of the boys with the model of car I drive, a Ford Focus, yet the fact it is environmentally friendly redeemed this choice!

"I hope the day at Parliament has sparked an interest in politics, so that when the boys return to Southborough High and have a politics lesson they see beyond the text book to real House of Commons."