Education questions - St Brigid’s and Cadbury College

There are fewer hustings events than there used to be. But on Wednesday, I was put on the spot by the School Parliament at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School.

Along with Gary Sambrook (Conservative MP for the 2019 - 2024 Parliament), the pupils asked us searching questions about homelessness, how official decisions are made, refugees, crime, and traffic on Frankley Beeches Road.

The School Parliament is a credit to St Brigid’s, and I hope to be in a position to visit again. You can read the school’s account of the event here.

Later that day, I spoke at a hustings for students and staff at Cadbury College, which was attended by the local Labour, Green and Reform candidates, and the Conservative candidate for Selly Oak and the Liberal Democrat candidate for Ladywood.

The questions covered a wide range of subjects, including job prospects for young people, the cost of living crisis, inclusion, the war in Gaza, and skills policy. The debate was at times robust - as it should be - but the tone was respectful throughout. I am grateful to Cadbury College for the invitation.