MP ENCOURAGES BUDDING YOUNG POLITICIANS TO ENTER NATIONAL COMPETITION

5.12.22pm GMT Thu 22nd Nov 2007

Local MP Willie Rennie is encouraging budding young politicians in Dunfermline and West Fife to consider entering the National Youth Parliament Competition, a high-profile competition organised by the Citizenship Foundation and sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.

The competition, which is in its seventeenth year, aims to get young people more interested in politics by offering them the opportunity to be part of a team for a mock parliamentary debate. It brings to life the process of parliament, government and politics and gives young people the chance to debate current issues and reflect on how laws are made.

The competition is open to 11 to 18 year olds and is usually organised within schools or youth groups. Students take on the roles of Government, Opposition and backbench MPs to recreate the parliamentary chamber and make a twenty-minute video of a debate on a mock bill. Each team must have a minimum of 20 people.

Mr Rennie is confident that local pupils can achieve success in the competition. He said:

"This competition is a great way of getting young people more interested and involved in politics and I very much hope that students in Dunfermline and West Fife will talk to their teachers about entering the competition.

"I have learned from the questions that I am asked during my regular visits to local schools that the area is full of articulate and informed young people, and I am confident that they will do very well in this competition. I look forward to working with the teams of young people that enter from Dunfermline and West Fife to help them prepare for their debate."

The closing date for entries is 14 December 2007 and video entries must be returned by 21 Match 2008. Further information on the competition can be found from: www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/nypc or by telephoning 020 7566 4156.