Each year since 2014, I have run a debating competition for secondary schools in my constituency.
Debating helps develop confidence, presentation and critical thinking skills that are important for both the workplace and life in general, which is why I am so keen to create opportunities for local young people as much as I can.
On Friday, I kicked off the first stage of my 2023/24 competition with a workshop for some of the participants, led by Debate Mate. We had 24 pupils from Ely College, Bottisham Village College, Soham Village College, Witchford Village College and Linton Village College taking part, and I was so impressed with their attentiveness and enthusiasm.
I look forward to chairing the intra-school debates in the autumn, when two individuals will be sent to the grand final at the Palace of Westminster next Spring!
