​Matt Rodda MP visits Leighton Park School for UK Parliament Week

Politics students at Leighton Park School had the opportunity to put questions to Matt Rodda MP last Friday as part of UK Parliament Week.

The parliamentarian for Reading East gave an illuminiating account of how parliament works and a description of his day-to-day work, including some insights into initiatives that he is currently on at the moment - including efforts to improve air quality in Reading through better infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Matt gave full and interesting answers to some well-thought out questions from students. Questions ranged from funding for education to youth crime, voting age limit and electoral systems. Chunya asked a very insightful question about funding cuts to local schools, while Kiera asked Matt at what age he became interested in politics.

UK Parliament Week is an annual festival that engages people from across the UK with Parliament. Leighton Park arranged the visit as part of its ‘Sixth Special’ programme that welcomes speakers from different sectors and encouraging lively discussions.

Matt said: “The link between parliament and schools is one of the most important. It is vital that young people have a say. I am looking forward to welcoming a group from Leighton Park to parliament and introducing students to colleagues. The students I met here were very informed and asked probing questions.”

Leighton Park has many political figures among its alumni. Including Michael Foot, Former Labour leader; Helen Cadbury, Author and Campaigner; Tony Baldry MP, Conservative politician; Sir John Birch, former ambassador; Baron Davies of Stamford, former MP, Minister and Life Peer and Lord Gavron, publisher and Life Peer.

Read more Leighton Park School news and articles on www.schoolsearch.co.uk