Youths grill politicians in 'Question Time' debate

Earlier this year, a group of teenagers in Wolverhampton joined the city council's leader and deputy mayor in a replica of a full council meeting

Politicians in Wolverhampton are to be grilled by young people who live in the city as part of Parliament Week.

Members of Wolverhampton Youth Voice will discuss issues in a BBC Question Time format with a panel of two MPs, the council leader, a cabinet member and opposition leader on Friday.

Civic Centre audience members will be able to ask panel members about their interest in politics and how young people could begin a political career.

Council Stephen Simkins said: "This Question Time event is a fantastic opportunity for us to listen, learn and respond to the concerns of the next generation, while encouraging them to see how their voices can shape the future of our city and our country."

Parliament Week is an annual event highlighting what Parliament is, what it does and how young people can get involved.

Simkins will be joined on the panel by Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss, Wolverhampton North East MP Sureena Brackenridge, cabinet member for children, young people and education councillor Jacqui Coogan, and leader of the Conservative group councillor Simon Bennett.

Issues that will be discussed include crime and safety, education and support for care leavers.

Wolverhampton Youth Voice advocate for the city's children and young people and help shape local services, the council said.

It is made up of members of the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council, special educational needs and disabilities forum HY5!, Family on Board – an initiative to support children and young people who access family services – the Children in Care Council, and the Care Leavers Independent Collective.

"It's really important that young people have the chance to challenge decision makers directly and share their views on the issues that matter most to them," Simkins added.