Students at Solihull Sixth Form College joined learners from other schools and colleges at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s chambers for a Question Time event, as part of Local Democracy Week.
Humza Akhtar, Charlie Brooks, Jack Henderson, Zimal Jahan, Shannon Rostam, Harbir Sagoo and McKenzie Townson represented the College at the event, which was chaired by the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE. Along with the Mayor, the panel also included councillors from three local political parties. In attendance were Councillor Ken Hawkins, (Conservative Party), Councillor Bernie Donnelly (Green Party), Councillor Richard Long (Liberal Democrats) and Mr Lee Jamieson, Vice Principal at Solihull College and University Centre.
Over 30 students took part and the students addressed their questions to the panel, with topics including democratic engagement in young people, the green agenda and HS2.
Charlie Brooks, a Politics student at the College, posed a question to the panel about the Council’s policy on climate change. She commented:
“The event was really helpful to develop a greater understanding of the role and powers of councils. I enjoyed the event as they provided a good range of councillors who were able to offer different perspectives on the questions that were asked, it was also interesting to see the setup of the council.”
Fellow College student McKenzie Townson added:
“The event as a whole was great, as it gave an amazing view into what goes on in local level politics and what they are doing about the climate and congestion at the local level, including the introduction of more Electric Buses and more green areas to protect local wildlife.”
25 October 2023