STUDENTS at a Hampshire school got a special visit from their local MP to discuss issues facing our country.

Brookfield Community School in Fareham were paid a visit by Fareham MP Suella Fernandes who participated in a Year 11 GCSE Citizenship Class.

During the visit the class of 15 and 16 year-old students discussed issues ranging from housing development on greenfield sites, and the lack of police on the streets to provision of care and health services, measures to reduce loneliness and depression, and involving young people more proactively in finding solutions to societal problems.

Fernandes also gave an account of her work as an MP, and encouraged students to consider getting involved in politics. Commenting on her visit afterwards, she said:

“I would like to thank Brookfield Community School for inviting me to visit. I understand their concerns about funding, and believe that the proposed formula is a fairer way of allocating budgets based on the actual needs of each school.

I enjoyed my informed and lively discussion with Year 11 pupils. I was very impressed with their knowledge of local and national issues, from policing to mental health. Thank you to all the fantastic staff and pupils for their excellent work and passion for our community.”