James Wild MP celebrates Parliament Week with pupils at Smithdon School
Parliament Week UK highlights what Parliament does and how students are able to get involved. Last year, over 1 million people took part in Parliament Week.
This year, James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk, met Smithdon High School’s School Council for a discussion about Parliament and life as an MP.
Discussing his role, James spoke to the 15 strong student council about his work as MP for North West Norfolk helping constituents with housing, tax, welfare or other issues; campaigning on local issues in Westminster; scrutinising legislation; and holding the government to account.
He spoke about his successful campaigning over three and a half years with strong local support to get QEH added to the New Hospitals Programme, as well as securing investment in road, rail, and bus services and infrastructure, new health facilities, and the £25 million Lynn Town Deal.
James also spoke about the many career options available in Parliament from research, assisting MPs and administration to engineering, IT and digital services as well as the roles available in the civil service.
The School Council asked James a number of questions about his role as MP, Parliament Week and life in Westminster. Questions included James’ involvement with the School Rebuilding Programme, the £25 million Lynn Town Deal and increasing transport links from Hunstanton to other parts of the constituency. James also spoke to the School Council about what they would like to improve for their local area, such as more accessible transport, new communal areas and better sports facilities.
Whilst at Smithdon School, James reviewed progress with Headteacher, Ms Gibbins on the School Rebuilding Programme. James supported Smithdon’s successful bid to be selected as one of the schools and colleges to be part of the 10-year school rebuilding programme.
James spoke to Ms Gibbins about the hopes for a modern educational environment which will provide the landscape for students to strive for excellence.
Commenting on the visit James said:
“It was a pleasure to return to Smithdon to mark UK Parliament Week which is an opportunity for young people to find out more about democracy, the role of Parliament, and how they can get involved.
This government is investing in new school buildings and it was helpful to review progress on Smithdon’s own project with the Headteacher and I look forward to this project progressing.”
