MP Emily Thornberry grilled by Debate It pupils with eyes on seat

Published: 25th March, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

MP Emily Thornberry invited primary school pupils to consider a career as an MP when they visited the Houses of Parliament.

She was speaking to 60 children from Moreland, Clerkenwell, Hugh Myddelton and St Luke’s primary schools.

The pupils aged 10 and 11 are members of the Debate It after-school club, which aims to get children interested in politics.

Ms Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury, said: “The kids stumped me with some of their questions so those debating skills are really paying off. 

“People of Islington willing, I want to be MP here for the next 20 years, so I told them there would be a vacancy just in time for one of them to take over!”

Debate It is run by community group the St Luke’s Trust and law firm Hogam and Lovells.

The children watched debates in the chamber as well as meeting their MP.