AN EAGER sixth form student from Rugby will have his policy suggestion championed in Parliament after he won a competition run by the town’s MP.
At a policy pitching event for young people, Theo Speed won over John Slinger MP with his idea about extending voting rights to people with settled status.
At the event, hosted by the Hill Street Centre, young people from local schools, clubs and organisations shared their ideas directly to Mr Slinger and an audience.
Winner Theo Speed is applauded for his policy idea.
Participants each had one minute to pitch their idea, followed by a two-minute Q&A where the audience asked questions about their proposal. Once all pitches had been delivered, the audience voted for their favourite idea.
Participants pitched policies on political education, armed forces recruitment, support for carers, better information on nutrition, facilities for the constituency and more support for basketball.
Mr Slinger will now take Theo’s winning policy to the House of Commons.
Lawrence Sheriff student Theo said: “I am delighted that others shared my passion to have a policy pitched by John Slinger in Parliament. This was an incredible opportunity for young people to get involved in politics.
“I put my heart into every moment, and it was wonderful to see that passion resonate with the audience. I’m honoured to have been part of such a fantastic event.”
Mr Slinger, who has hosted work experience students and championed creative arts education in schools, said he wanted to see young people given as many opportunities as possible to engage in the political system.
He said: “It was great to hear so many interesting and different ideas from young people in the constituency. Their ideas and the confidence with which they presented them show that young people here in Rugby care about their community and country. They also have the skills, ideas and confidence to be the leaders of the future.
“One of my key priorities as an MP is to give young people a voice. For too long, their ideas and concerns have gone unheard and older and powerful demographics have dominated the debate.
“The needs and ideas of young people need to be heard loud and clear in the corridors of power and acted upon.
“I am looking forward to championing and exploring Theo’s idea about voting rights and I will make sure that ministers hear the idea.”
