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Local democracy up for debate as young people visit Council Chamber

Students from two Cardiff secondary schools gathered in the County Hall Council Chamber today, Friday November 17, to meet local politicians as part of UK Parliament Week. 

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It was an opportunity for the young people from Cathays High School and St Teilo's Church in Wales High School to speak to MPs from Cardiff, learning about their role in the UK parliament and asking questions about local democracy. 

Speaking at the event, Cabinet Member with responsibility for democratic engagement, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: "Speaking at the event, Cabinet Member with responsibility for democratic engagement, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: "One of the council's priorities is ensuring that young people in Cardiff feel involved in the democratic process, both locally and nationally. 

"Events like this play an important part in helping us achieve that. It was great to hear the students from Cathays and St Teilo's asking some excellent questions. 

"Democracy is hugely important, and local politicians - Councillors, AM's, MP's and MEP's - reflect the views of the local communities which they represent. 

"We must encourage everyone to exercise their democratic right to vote, so that their voice can be heard at all levels of government. 

"Seeing the next generation taking such interest in today's meeting gives a strong indication that the future of democratic participation in Cardiff is in very good hands." 

The meeting was arranged by Cabinet Assistant for Youth Services, Cllr Ashley Lister, and Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry. 

Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North, and Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central, were invited to meet the children and young people. 

Also present at the event were, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Bob Derbyshire, who chaired the meeting, and Cabinet Assistant for Citizen Engagement, Cllr Dilwar Alli. 

Taking place between the 13th and 17th of November this year, UK Parliament Week is designed to engage people from across the UK with Parliament, exploring what it means to them and giving them an opportunity to get involved.