Three days before the start of the COP26 United Nations Climate Change conference in Glasgow, up to 650 British children, matched to Adult MPs in the British Parliament, were part of the world’s first virtual children’s parliament for 7 – 11 year olds.
Tankersley St Peters was selected as one of the schools to be involved in the live event represented by Kiarna in Year 5.
The late Sir David Amess, who was so tragically killed in the last month, was due to be MP Champion for the event. The Children’s Parliament mirrors closely Sir David’s enthusiasm for both children and parliamentary process and will continue as a tribute to him. Sir David Amess said “I started out in politics at school at the age of 11 in Mock elections at St. Bonaventure’s in Forest Gate, which took place in 1964 and 1966. In my opinion, the earlier young people get involved in politics the better.”
David Davis MP (former shadow Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union) answered questions live on the debate and Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave an introduction. The 90-minute Microsoft Teams virtual ‘parliamentary’ session was held in a British House of Commons-style virtual ‘chamber’, with half of the children aged from 7 to 11 years of age representing Her Majesty’s Opposition and half Her Majesty’s Government.
The key topics of debate was on Climate Change, but also touch on other issues such as our Covid-19 response. Pivotal questions pertaining to the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference being put to a vote.
