Charlotte Cane MP convenes first Student Question Time

 To mark UK Parliament Week, pupils from across the constituency gathered at Soham Village College on Thursday for a Q&A session with Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, to learn about the work of an MP and discuss a range of current issues. 

Alongside pupils from Soham Village College, Charlotte was joined on Thursday by secondary schools from across the constituency, including Cottenham Village College, Bottisham Village College, Vista Academy Littleport, and Witchford Village College. 

Charlotte first answered questions on a variety of subjects including local transportation, energy and sustainability, health, and education. Students were invited to answer additional questions by ‘bobbing’- a parliamentary tradition whereby MPs stand up to indicate they would like to contribute. 

Charlotte was impressed by the depth of the students’ questions, each of whom was keen to engage in thoughtful discussion on the issues they felt most passionately about. One questioner asked Charlotte what more could be done to support palliative care, while others quizzed her on the fair payment of farmers by supermarkets and systematic problems in women’s healthcare. 

Speaking after the event, Charlotte said: 

“What a fantastic evening! It’s always so encouraging to come to these schools and hear from young people so deeply engaged in the issues most important to them. Students spoke to me on an impressive array of issues, and it was incredibly valuable to hear their perspectives and priorities, to ensure I am always working for each and every constituent.” 

Jon Hampson, Headteacher of Soham Village College, commented: 

“We were delighted to be invited to host Charlotte Cane’s Question and Answer event as part of UK Parliament Week. Soham Village College students enjoyed participating with students from across the constituency and developing their understanding of an MP’s wide-ranging work.”