Welcome to Parliament for sixth-formers

Local MP, David Rutley recently welcomed sixth form students from Macclesfield to Parliament for the annual Parliamentary Induction Day.

The day gives students an opportunity to experience how Westminster works and learn more about our democratic processes.

During their visit, the students had a comprehensive tour of Parliament and discovered its history, giving them an appreciation of how its processes have evolved over hundreds of years.

Following the tour, the students attended the House of Commons public gallery where they watched Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) oral questions – where MPs asked questions to Ministers, including David, who is the Minister for the Americas and Caribbean.

The students then sat in on a debate in the House of Lords and a House of Commons committee meeting and saw first-hand how legislation and policies are scrutinized at different stages in the legislative process.

The sixth formers also had an exclusive tour of the FCDO building, on King Charles Street, to better understand the historical significance of the UK’s foreign affairs ministerial department. They also learned about its functions today and how it works with our international partners to protect our national interests and those of British citizens.

At a private meeting with David, the students were able to discuss important local and national issues, including his work as Macclesfield’s MP. During the conversation, David highlighted the progress of a number of important local priorities over recent months, including the opening of Poynton Relief Road and the reopening of Macclesfield Maternity Unit. He also spoke about further work needed in the constituency, including revitalising Macclesfield town centre and protecting Danes Moss from unwanted development. 

Following the Parliamentary Induction Day, David said, “It was good to be able to welcome local students to Westminster once again. I enjoyed the discussions we had on key issues as well as the important questions they asked, both of which help me better understand the concerns of young people in our area. I hope that the students enjoyed finding out more about how Westminster works and that the