Stoneraise School’s ambitious plan to create its own Parliament!

Markus Campbell-Savours MP has heard how one primary school in his constituency is planning to scrap its school council in favour of a pupil parliament.

Children at Stoneraise School, in Durdar, near Carlisle, have been working hard with their teachers to design their new democratic process.

During a visit to the school, the MP was grilled about everything from why he wanted to be a politician, to how to make a difference even when you are small.

And he told them about how the two houses work – the Commons and the Lords – and why they might want to use bobbing in their parliament to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.  

Markus Campbell-Savours MP said: “After a busy week in the House of Commons, I love getting back into the constituency and visiting schools. There’s something refreshing about the innocence and directness of their questions. I am grateful that they gave me a petition to hand in on their behalf.”

Markus presented the petition to the House of Commons, naming the Year 6 children:

Deputy Headteacher Mr James Webb, who took his class to visit Westminster last month (June), said: “We were delighted to welcome Markus to Stoneraise School. He spent an afternoon talking to the pupils in Year 6 who shared a petition with him linked to enabling more school-aged children across the UK to be able to visit Westminster. The children were absolutely thrilled that Markus shared the petition in the House of Commons and even said each of their names! It has been brilliant to partner with Markus to demonstrate how Parliament really does work from them, that their voices can be heard, and they really can make a difference.”

Here’s what some of the children named in Parliament had to say:

“I felt powerful and important that our petition was read out in Parliament. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel like we need more people to go on residential to London and get the feeling that we got when we went.” George

“I feel pretty happy that MPs help with schools and children. It was pretty exciting having my name read out in Parliament. Everyone should go to Parliament because many people don’t get chance in their life to go with schools.” Ethan

“It made feel excited because if people look back in 100 years, they will see our names in Hansard. The petition is important because it means people who can’t go to Parliament could maybe be able to experience it.” Isla

“I think it’s a good opportunity because if I go there again, I’ll be able to point out that my name was read out. It was very cool to meet Markus because he says a lot of things for his constituents in Parliament. We have seen him talk about local farmers.” Maymi

“It made me feel very good that my name was read out because not many children would get their names read out.” Louisiana

Markus also left the children with some advice for their new pupil parliament: “Always try to be the most reasonable person in the room; be brave, a good listener and stand up and say when something is wrong.”

Stoneraise school has 180 children, but this is expected to grow to 420 when the new southern by-pass is built around Carlisle.