Young voters quiz Henley constituency candidates

SIXTH Form students at Lord Willams’s School had the rare opportunity of listening to four political candidates for the Henley constituency giving their hustings speeches: Laura Coyle (Lib Dem), John Howell (Conservative), Zaid Marham (Labour) and Jo Robb (Green).

Over 450 students from Years 12 and 13 had the opportunity to compare and contrast party manifestos and individual approaches to key issues. The candidates were challenged to justify their positions in rigorous questioning from students studying A Level Government and Politics. Rebecca Lay, head of Government and Politics had arranged the event to coincide with the hustings event taking place later that day in Thame.

“What an excellent opportunity for students to engage with politics and their democratic rights. We were really pleased that all four candidates attended and appreciated the way they responded to our student questions. The students provided thoughtful and insightful questions and should be proud of their contributions.”

Laura Coyle for the Liberal Democrats tweeted: “The Sixth Formers gave all the candidates a good grilling and were very engaged.” Zaid Marham also tweeted “Thanks…to the…young connoisseurs of politics who made it such a great event.”

Afterwards, Jo Robb, the Green Party candidate, said: ““A great first meeting with the sixth form students at Lord Williams’s School in Thame. What an extraordinary bunch: engaged and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure meeting them.”