Cornwall's first Politics Summer School will take place on Thursday, August 28 at Falmouth University’s Tremough Campus.

Hosted by Jayne Kirkham, Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, the summer school will be a one-day event open to local 15- to18-year-olds across the Truro & Falmouth constituency, providing valuable experience, skills, and insight into a career in politics.

The day will involve a series of panels and workshops, giving young people the opportunity to learn how politics works, both locally and nationally; to gain practical advice about starting a career in politics; and to ask questions directly to Jayne about her work in Westminster and Cornwall.

“I am encouraging all young people who are actively engaged in their communities, or who would benefit from the experience, to apply,” said Ms Kirkham.

“I realise political work experience is often limited to those with the right connections and means, and I want to change that. It is absolutely vital a variety of young people’s voices are heard in political decision-making, because they are the ones who will feel the long-term impact of the decisions we make today.”

Events will include:

* A parliamentary engagement session explaining how elections work, how Government is formed, how laws are made, and an understanding of parliamentary debates, held by a Parliament Outreach Officer;

*A cross-party Local Government Panel featuring insight from Conservative councillors, a member of the Liberal Democrats, a deputy mayor and Jayne Kirkham MP;

* A workshop hosted by a senior lecturer of journalism focused on speech writing, debating and interviewing techniques.

“Over the last year I have welcomed many schools from my constituency to Westminster, giving students the chance to see Parliament in action and ask their brilliant, and sometimes tough questions,” Ms Kirkham continued. “I encourage every local school to take part in these visits wherever possible. And I have also had several young people join our team here for work experience."

"But I know that for many in Cornwall, Westminster can still feel a world away. The distance can make politics seem remote, even though decisions made in the House of Commons shape our everyday lives. That is why I am so passionate about making politics more accessible and showing young people that their voices do reach London, through our MPs, our votes, and the campaigns we care about.

“To help bring that to life, I’m launching my very first Politics Summer School as an opportunity to go behind the scenes, explore how politics works locally and nationally, and discover how you can get involved in Cornwall.”

Due to demand and venue capacity, places on the summer school will be allocated based on a few eligibility criteria. Applicants must be aged 15 to 18 and live in or attend school within the Truro and Falmouth constituency. To apply, students should send an email to [email protected] including the following details: full name, date of birth, home or school address (whichever is within the constituency), and a brief statement (up to 250 words) sharing why this opportunity is meaningful or exciting to them.