Why Speaker's visit was the order! order! of the day for school pupils

HUNDREDS of Stoke-on-Trent secondary school pupils took part in a council chamber debate hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

- Sentinel Reporter

The event, organised by the city council and MP Gareth Snell, enabled youngsters from across the city to experience democracy firsthand through formal debates, discussion and a Question Time-style political panel.

As part of the city's centenary programme, the Schools Debate challenged students to step into the shoes of MPs to debate issues.

Students debated major national issues including housing on the green belt and the use of fireworks. In the afternoon, they put their questions directly to politicians before the two top-scoring teams progressed to a final debate on the motion - should social media be banned for under-16s?

The Question Time panel featured Mr Snell, city council leader Jane Ashworth, city councillor Dave Evans and the Bishop of Stafford the Right Reverend Matthew Barker. Sir Lindsay chaired the final debate in the council chamber, to give students an experience of parliamentary debate.