Four youngsters from London’s East End joined politicians and policy-makers to debate Britain’s future in Europe.
The boys aged 12 and 13 from the Society Links youth club in Tower Hill were invited to the event by British Influence campaign group where they met Winston Churchill’s grandson Sir Nicholas Soames, MP, best-selling author Frances Edmonds and former Bethnal Green & Bow MP Baroness Oona King.
“We learnt lots about our role in Europe,” 13-year-old Jack Martin said. “We can use this to hold an event for our project.”
Society Links is in partnership with Peabody housing trust to give opportunities for East End youngsters.
Peabody’s Isabel Chapman explained: “Decisions about whether the UK will stay in the EU will affect future generations — so it makes sense for youngsters to be part of the conversation.
“This will encourage them to have their own debates on political issues that matter to them.”
Three of the boys live on Peabody’s John Fisher Street estate in Whitechapel and are part of a project helping youngsters understand the EU political system and how to influence decision-makers on issues they feel are important to them.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here