Local MP welcomes students to Westminster

11.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Apr 2008

Mark talking to Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form Politics Students

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle this week welcomed a group of 40 students and their teachers from Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College to Westminster.

Mr Hunter had arranged for the group to take a tour of the House of Commons, to view the debates from the House of Commons gallery and to join them in a specially arranged question and answer session.

Speaking after meeting the students, Mr Hunter said: "I really enjoy welcoming all kinds of groups to Westminster. It's a great pleasure to encourage interest in politics, especially at a time when so many people don't bother to vote and feel disengaged with politics and politicians.

"It's also great to be able to show them the House of Commons, let them see debates in the Chamber, and to talk with them about things that really matter to them. We had a frank and open discussion about a lot of things from free bus travel for students to the smoking ban - and I was very interested to hear their views.

"I'm always happy to arrange tours around the House of Commons for any of my constituents in small or large groups. Just call my Westminster office on 020 7219 3889 and we will do our best to help."