- Nick Timothy MP fields questions from pupils at Samuel Ward Academy and explains what motivated him to stand for Parliament
Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, enjoyed the chance last week to respond to questions from Samuel Ward Academy Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils on topics such as the economy, immigration and healthcare.
Mr Timothy was joined on the visit to the school by Dr Philip Douglas, the chief executive of iVote, an organisation that encourages democratic participation by young people.
The students watched a video about the importance of voting and heard a talk on the need to get involved in public affairs by Dr Douglas.
Mr Timothy also explained that he had got into politics at a similar age to the students, and talked about the different aspects of working as an MP at Westminster.
He said he was drawn to politics back then because his grandmother had received poor healthcare and died from a superbug she contracted in hospital, and because he had experienced how attending a good school can change the whole direction of your life.
Mr Timothy added that he enjoys living with his family just outside Haverhill while working on behalf of local residents from his constituency office and in Parliament.
The pupils put Mr Timothy through the paces after his introductory remarks, asking questions about the impact of illegal immigration on British people who are struggling and why the Rwanda deal had been cancelled, about the best policies for the economy and tackling with inflation and about the parliamentary process surrounding the legalisation of assisted suicide.
After the event, Mr Timothy said: “I remember what it was like to be one of those seventeen-year-olds – interested in the world, wanting to have a say, and not yet sure what the future holds for you.
“I was so impressed by everybody I met at Samuel Ward. The school has diligent and energetic leadership, as well as dedicated teachers, and the students who took part in the session were extremely well-informed and intelligent.
“I really enjoyed answering the students’ questions, and the experience was a real testament not only to the talent we have locally but to the school for the education it has provided. You can’t help but feel optimistic about the future when you spend time with such bright young people.”
