A group of education students at the University of Chester was able to question one of Labour’s shadow ministers ahead of the General Election during a debate.
Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South and Shadow Minister for Children and Families, took part in a question and answer session enabling students and staff to hear Labour’s policies. Subjects explored included: tuition fees; arts subjects; teacher training; and opportunities for pupils from lower income families.
Alison said: “I was very pleased to be back at University of Chester talking policy and politics with students and staff.”
She also praised the work the students had carried out to encourage voting. She added: “Chester Students have been doing great work on voter registration.”
Dr Paul Skillen, programme leader, education studies, in the faculty of education and children’s services, organised the event.
He said: “The Q&A went very well and produced some lively debate over topical issues in education.
“The shadow minister welcomed feedback from students and staff on the topics covered and said that she would be discussing some of the issues raised during the debate with shadow secretary of state Tristram Hunt and Labour’s education team.”
Genevieve Koutsoumanis, 19, a student who attended the debate, said: ‘’The debate was very interesting and it was great to hear important issues in education being outlined and discussed as well as giving me a chance to engage in the politics surrounding education with a current Labour MP.’’
