CENTRAL DEVON MP, Mel Stride, visited Queen Elizabeth School Sixth Form in Crediton last week to speak to students about politics, democracy, and how young people can get involved in shaping the future of the country.
During the visit, Mr Stride spoke to Year 12 and 13 students about their role as future voters and potential leaders, offering insight into life as a Member of Parliament and the importance of political engagement. The talk was followed by a lively Q&A session, with students raising questions on everything from climate change and the cost of living, to how MPs make decisions and represent their constituents.
Speaking after the visit, Mel Stride said: “It was a real pleasure to meet such thoughtful and engaged students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form. Their questions were sharp, passionate, and well-informed – exactly what we need from the next generation of voters.
“I strongly believe that political education and open conversations like this are key to strengthening our democracy.”
The visit to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form is part of Mr Stride’s ongoing commitment to engaging with young people across the constituency and encouraging political awareness and active citizenship from an early age.
Mr Stride has previously voiced concerns about growing political apathy amongst younger voters and has advocated for policies aimed at winning back votes from 18–24-year-olds. During the recent Conservative Party leadership contest, where Stride stood as a candidate, he outlined his idea for a scheme whereby the first £5,000 of National Insurance that a person pays to HMRC is put into a government ISA which can be used towards a deposit on a first home.
Stride’s visit to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form was organised as part of the school’s mission to empower students to think critically and engage confidently with the world around them and comes after a recent school trip to the European Parliament.
