MP meets pupils to discuss refugee crisis

Youngsters at Kepier School wrote to Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson to talk about the issue.

The idea came after pupils marked Holocaust Memorial Day and decided to take a look at current issues.

Ms Phillipson said: “Kepier School recently commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day and, as well as remembering what went on in the past, they wanted to look at the world today.

“Many of the pupils subsequently wrote to me to express their concerns about the need to protect Syrian refugees.

“I raised their concerns with ministers and contacted the school to arrange to meet with some of the pupils.”

The MP praised the pupils for showing an interest.

She added: “It’s always positive to meet young people who are taking an interest in the community and world affairs.

“I was very impressed with the work they and the school have been doing and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing their views and answering their questions on my role as a Member of Parliament.

“I hope my visit has given them an insight into the life of an MP and also encouraged them to take an active role in society.”

Head of year Steven Forsythe said: “I was really pleased Bridget took the time out of her busy schedule to visit the learners and discuss their concerns over Syria with them.

“They asked some really pertinent questions about Syria, but also about Parliament, the EU and the American primaries.”