'This week I attended events which were packed full of inquisitive minds and questions'

MP for Wrexham

Ever year at the start of November is UK Parliament Week. A great initiative where people can learn more about the role of Parliament within our democracy. I was pleased to be able to open up the world of politics and speak to schools and organisations in Wrexham about my role as an MP. I was keen to explain how Parliament works and what we do, specifically relating that to Wrexham and the work I do in the constituency.

This week I attended events which were packed full of inquisitive minds and questions. I am so pleased that there was so much enthusiasm for the work of I do for Wrexham and within Parliament.

I was particularly pleased to welcome to Westminster the young women on WeMindtheGap’s ‘We Grow’ programme. Myself and my team spent a wonderful morning with them, hearing about their time on work placements in Wrexham and their future career plans. With over a year of restrictions in Parliament it was wonderful to finally be able to take guests into the House of Commons. There really is no substitute for learning about Parliament and democracy, other than seeing it for yourself. So, I was thrilled to be able to show them round and take questions over tea on the Terrace.

I would love to have more groups and constituents visit Parliament, so please get in touch with my office if you would like to visit.

Back in Wrexham, I was invited by 6th Division Wrexham Scouts to attend their meeting, where I explained about the role of a MP before we launched into a game of indoor cricket.

It was also brilliant to be invited to speak to Years 5 and 6 at Ysgol Plas Coch, before they prepared to hold their own parliamentary debate. After, I was able to present awards to winners of my Christmas Card design competition. It was great to have so many entries and I look forward to sharing the winning design soon!

I also took part in a virtual Q&A session hosted by AVOW, alongside Clwyd South’s MP Simon Baynes.

Parliament week is a great initiative, which enabled me to talk about democracy and the inner workings of Westminster. My main messages to all the groups I spoke to were firstly, in politics, you can disagree without being disagreeable and secondly, that life can offer many opportunities if you are prepared to take them. I was a soldier, nurse, social worker and a brewer before becoming an MP – so if I can do it, so can you…

This week has served as a great opportunity to encourage young people into public life and politics, and I hope to continue to do that during my time as the MP for Wrexham.

As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local of national issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01978 291742