PUPILS with a passion for politics were given inspiration when they met Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham at a school in Cleckheaton today.

The MP was one of eight guests at the Politics in Action event at Whitcliffe Mount School, alongside Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox.

They were joined by Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for West Yorkshire, Allan Doherty, Kirklees Council Labour candidate Ken Lowe, Councillor Andrew Marchington (Lib Dem, Golcar), Desiree Risebury and Rachel Harrison of the GMB union, and Jude Mckaig, of Cleckheaton Refugee Appeal.

Mr Burnham said: "Could the next MP for Batley and Spen be in this room?

"I hope from today you all feel that politics does matter and, even though it might not be cool, standing up and having your say in local and national decision-making can make a difference to your life and the lives of countless others in your community, the country and even across the world.

"Like many of you I'm just a normal lad from a normal working family. I didn’t come from a rich family or go to posh schools. I was the first of my family to ever go to university.

"I know that lots of you will be sat there thinking there's no way I could ever even get elected never mind become a minister – I felt exactly the same at your age but somehow I did it.

"You could do it too. Believe in yourselves and anything is possible."

Mr Burnham and Mrs Cox spoke about their role in parliament – representing constituents, debating and passing new laws, holding the Government to account, and raising issues relevant to their constituents. They were also quizzed by the students on issues such as austerity, migration, Syria, the EU referendum, the importance of sport, the dangers of concussion in contact rugby, the so-called snoopers charter and the education system.

The event, which was attended by pupils at Whitcliffe Mount and Upper Batley High schools, was organised by student Emily Warrillow, who recently led a successful campaign to get an eyesore building in Gomersal demolished.

The 14-year-old, who wants to be a politician one day, acted as interviewer and presenter at yesterday's event, quizzing the guests and inviting questions from the floor.

There was also a debate among the 60 pupils, aged 13 to 16, who attended about what they would choose: a £33 million-winning lottery ticket; or the chance to vote. The majority chose the cash.

On the event, Emily said: "I am really proud. I was nervous all day - nervous because it is to my own age group.

"But everyone has been really interested - they have asked some really good questions."

Students also listened to the other speakers talk about local politics, unions and refugees in France, before asking relevant questions.

Whitcliffe Mount head teacher Jenny Templar said: "We think student voices are really important. This gives our students the chance to have their voices heard on a local and national scale, and to learn more about politics and their local council and having some understanding of how it can affect their lives.

"It is saying that their voices can be heard. It is really interesting and all the children wanted to come."

She added: "What a tremendous opportunity we have had. We would not have had it without Emily, who has a real passion for politics."

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