school councils of north eden

 COUNCIL LEADERS OPEN NORTH EDEN SCHOOL COUNCILS DEBATE

Rory opened the School Councils of North Eden (SCoNE) debate at the Town Hall in Penrith on Friday 8 October, meeting students and teachers of schools from Calthwaite, Greystoke, Langwathby, Lazonby, High Hesket, Kirkoswald, Patterdale, Penruddock, Plumpton, Skelton and Stainton and joining Chairman of Eden District Council Joan Raine and Leader of Eden District Council Gordon Nicolson in an event held in Eden District Council’s chamber.

Rory talked to students about his life as an MP and British politics, encouraging questions from the children before introducing the debate “Are wind farms the best thing since sliced bread, or the worst thing since sprouts?”

Rory commented:   “I was delighted to interact with the engaged and interested youth of North Eden at the Town Hall today. We must allow them to use their energy and potential. An early interest in politics can build a strong social foundation for our communities. It doesn’t matter whether they support any particular party – or no party at all – young citizens should take an interest and become involved in politics. The majority of young people I meet at the moment in Eden are impassioned by local issues – from school meals, and village shops to the building of a new supermarket in Penrith (to which many are opposed!). School councils such as those attending the Town Hall visit today exemplified this passion, and I was really delighted to see it in action.”

Gordon Nicolson, Eden District Council’s Leader said: “We are delighted to host the visit and debate of SCoNE with Rory Stewart MP and it has been really enjoyable to listen to the young people debate on such important issues as wind farms. This topic always provokes a raft of different views in an area such as this, where maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and finding sustainable resources to provide energy are both of equal importance.”