MP and Shadow Brexit Minister Keir Starmer meets WestKing students

Labour MP and Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer visited Westminster Kingsway College’s King’s Cross Centre last Friday 23 November and spoke to A Level Politics students about Brexit as a deal becomes imminent.

Keir was greeted by CEO Roy O’Shaughnessy and Principal of Westminster Kingsway Kim Caplin. He was then met by A level Government and Politics lecturer, Regine Pilling, who chaired a 45 minute Q&A in the college’s theatre, in which students were free to ask Keir anything politics related.

When asked “What do you think about lowering the voting age to 16?” Keir threw his weight behind the idea, saying that as 16 year olds could pay tax, have a baby and do a host other things, they should be able to vote too.  You can hear more of his thoughts here:

Keir Stamer was elected in 2015 as the MP for Holborn and St. Pancras. In October 2016, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appointed him Shadow Brexit secretary in addition to his responsibilities as an MP. Meeting someone so influential in UK politics is a great opportunity for students to widen their knowledge and learn from one of the best in this field. The Q&A was perfectly timed just days after Theresa May revealed her deal with the EU. A Level Government and Politics lecturer Regine Pilling organised the visit. She said: “It’s vital that our students hear from those who are making the decisions that affect their lives. Holding a Q&A with Keir Starmer enabled them to ask questions and find out what is really going on with Brexit, trust in politicians, and the role of political parties in the UK. This enables them to make up their own minds and, hopefully, be more engaged with politics.”

The talk concluded with Keir promising to visit the college again, and proposing work experience opportunities for students and a trip to parliament which excited the students.

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