A wide range of topics were covered when Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing joined Year 12 and Year 13 students at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, for a digital surgery on Friday. Her online debate with the students followed an earlier session with Loughton Residents Association councillor Judy Jennings.
The students have been involved with the digital project over the last month and on Friday the online Politics Project initiative saw students, who were in the school’s Sixth Form Centre, raise a number of local and national issues with Dame Eleanor.
Topics covered ranged from COP 26, gay marriage, the role of the Deputy Speaker, democratic engagement, the House of Lords and flooding and water supply issues in Loughton.
Dame Eleanor said: “It was fascinating to have a discussion with the sixth formers at Roding Valley.
“They are very knowledgeable about political ideas and principles and I was impressed by the quality of their questions and their understanding of the issues.
“I have always considered it very important to encourage young people to take an active interest in politics and public affairs so I am delighted at how well this engagement programme is working.”
Matt Cocker, Head of Humanities at Roding Valley High School, said: “I would like to thank Dame Eleanor Laing and councillor Judy Jennings for being so generous with their time and for giving such depth and clarity in their answers. “My thanks also go to the Politics Project for organising such brilliant speakers.
“I look forward to working with Dame Eleanor, councillor Jennings and the Politics Project again in the future.“