CHILDREN at a Birmingham primary school subjected a local MP to a Question Time-style grilling when he paid them a special visit.
Hall Green MP Steve McCabe faced the music when he was invited to visit Raddlebarn Primary in Gristhorpe Road, Selly Oak, to answer questions from a group of Year 6 pupils.
Mr McCabe, who is standing as the Labour candidate for the new Selly Oak constituency at the next election, was quizzed on local and national issues by the youngsters.
During the debate, which was chaired by pupil Dan Western, the MP was asked a variety of questions ranging from how much he was paid and the parliamentary expenses scandal to what he would do for young people in the area.
Pupils Faize Tahir and Niamh Cullen-Dunphy were part of the year group who helped to set the questions.
Niamh said: “Mr McCabe’s views were interesting. He understood the issues that we had identified in the local area. Overall, he answered the questions quite well.”
Both pupils added that they were keen to take Mr McCabe up on his offer to visit the House of Commons in London to see what being an MP involves.
Head teacher Fiona Chamberlain said: “The pupils have got a lot out of this session.
“They really enjoyed the opportunity to ‘grill’ Mr McCabe and talk about local, national and global issues, including those they have found out about through press and internet coverage.
“This is one of the many ways that we support the development of Raddlebarn pupils as citizens who can make a difference to the world.” Mrs Chamberlain said they aimed to make school as exciting and interesting as possible, with lots of opportunities both inside and outside the curriculum.
As well as the debate with the MP, they also held a foundation stage nativity and a beginners’ brass music lesson.
Raddlebarn has about 410 pupils and the event reflected the work it does in preparing its pupils for life outside the classroom.
Mr McCabe said the children had come up with some thoughtful and interesting questions.
He added: “It was a tough grilling but that’s what we politicians need sometimes.
“I hope they found it interesting and learned a bit more about what the work of an MP involves.”
* A video of the debate is due to appear on the school’s website, www.raddlebarn.co.uk