At a Glance
- Four children from Leigh schools took part in the inaugural Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament debate in the House of Commons.
- The debate focused on how schools can better hear and respond to children with disabilities.
- The event included visits to Prime Minister’s Questions, No. 10 Downing Street, and media appearances.
- This landmark occasion was a tribute to Sir David Amess and highlighted the importance of children’s voices in democracy.
A Historic Debate in the House of Commons
Children from Fairways School in Belfairs and St Pierre School in Leigh made history on Thursday 15 October, taking part in a landmark debate in the House of Commons as part of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament.
Olivia White (9), Hugo Karczewski (10), and Daisy Davenport (9), from Fairways School, along with Omar Khan (10), from St Pierre School, participated in the inaugural Children’s Parliament debate on how schools can better hear and respond to the voices of children with disabilities.
The historic event brought together over 120 democratically elected child MPs aged 7–11 from across the country, including many pupils from Essex schools. This was the first-ever child-led parliamentary debate aimed at giving young people a genuine voice in democracy and decisions affecting their lives.
Inspired by Sir David Amess, the Leigh children delivered brilliant speeches emphasising the importance of listening to children with disabilities and ensuring every child has a voice.
A Remarkable Two Days in Westminster
The House of Commons debate was the culmination of two extraordinary days for the young participants.
On Wednesday 14 October, the children attended Prime Minister’s Questions, met the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, before visiting No. 10 Downing Street – all organised by Anna Firth, the former MP for Southend West and Patron and Speaker of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament.
All four children also made their debut appearances on national television and radio, including interviews on BBC Radio Essex and GB News’ Britain’s Newsroom.
The Debate and Its Impact
The following day, the child MPs took their places in Committee Room 14, where the Lord Speaker, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, addressed the children before the debate and was visibly moved by their participation.
The debate began with full parliamentary ceremony, including the Speaker’s procession, during which the children were accompanied by Patron Anna Firth who placed the Children’s Parliament mace in position.
Baroness Laing of Elderslie DBE delivered a message from the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch.
The debate reflected the commitment of the Children’s Parliament to ensure every child is listened to and given an equal opportunity to be heard.
After the debate, the children joined MPs in Westminster Hall before the Leigh and Basildon children were interviewed live on television at the GB News Westminster studio.
Creating a Living Legacy to Sir David Amess
Anna Firth, former MP for Southend West and Patron of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament, said: “This was a truly historic moment for our children and a deeply moving tribute to Sir David Amess.
“To see children from two Leigh schools opening and closing the debate was immensely special. They represented their school and their community with great poise and dignity. They are definitely leaders of the future!”
“They did Southend and Sir David proud, and I am sure he would have been looking down saying: ‘Go Southend children, go!'”
Lady Julia Amess added: “The Children’s Parliament is a truly wonderful legacy. Children are our future and it is so important to teach them about democracy and how to debate in a professional, friendly manner. I know David would be so proud to see his vision becoming a reality and we are truly grateful to Anna Firth for all her hard work in making this happen.”
David Stanley BEM, former UK Government Ambassador for Disability and Access and Founder of the Music Man Project, addressed the children: “As we close this historic debate, I want to leave you with one thought. Imagine what might happen if we truly listened to what children had to say. That is why today’s Children’s Parliament debate is so important.”
“The children who have spoken today are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are people whose voices matter today. Our responsibility is to make sure those voices continue to be heard long after we leave this magnificent building.”
By Anna Firth, Former MP for Southend West