MP meets tomorrow’s voters

Some of West Norfolk’s youngest constituents had the opportunity to question their MP when he paid a visit to their school.

James Wild, who has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for North West Norfolk since 2019, toured Walpole Cross Keys Primary School, visiting the children in their classes and meeting staff members.

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Pupils at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust (WNAT), also enjoyed a Q and A session with Mr Wild, where 21 children from Years 4, 5 and 6 put their questions to the MP.

Topics included the cost of living, the war in Ukraine, bus fares, playground equipment, and tips on becoming an MP.

Mr Wild has previously visited 30 other schools in North West Norfolk, including several other WNAT members, as part of his initiative to talk to young people in the area about his role as their MP, and to discuss their interests and concerns.

“Village schools face particular challenges, so I was pleased to visit Walpole Cross Keys Primary Academy as part of my commitment to improve educational outcomes locally,” he said.

“I was impressed by the passion to learn pupils displayed, and the nurturing environment created by the teachers and staff. The school strives to help children realise their potential, this includes widening pupils’ experiences, such as public speaking competitions and regular school trips.”

Bill Overton, Assistant Head Teacher at the school, added: “Mr Wild’s visit makes the ‘British Values’ that all schools promote seem real. We teach pupils about democracy and how we have elected representatives. Often this is quite an abstract concept for pupils, until they see and can speak to the person that actually represents their views and helps make decisions for our area.”

“We’re also taking part in Parliament Week in November, where we will hold debates and votes in our classes and make some decisions about school life – this will act as an excellent hook for this task,” he continued. 

“This is an important visit for us. We’re a small school and easily overlooked – it’s important that the children at Walpole know their views and ideas count just as much as anyone else’s.”