Fylde MP calls on children to enter parliamentary contest

12:10pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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The Rt Hon Michael Jack MP is hoping that Fylde schools will take up the challenge set by Britain’s leading political journalists and say how they think the country can be improved.

Their chance to do this comes in the form of a competition run by the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

The Press Gallery are asking young people in years 10-11 to propose to the Prime Minister the one thing they think would make Britain a better place, while those in years 12-13 are being invited to devise an effective media campaign to promote a more positive image of young people.

The winners of the 2008/2009 competition, launched this week, will meet the Speaker and many other Members of Parliament, including those who supported the competition by acting as judges.

In addition they will meet political journalists from a variety of national and regional newspapers, television and radio broadcasters, news agencies, news magazines, internet publishers and the specialist press represented in the Press Gallery.

Speaking today Mr Jack said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local pupils to demonstrate their writing ability and express their own thoughts on what would make the country a better to live for them.

"For the slightly older pupils, it’s a chance for them to counter the somewhat negative image of today’s youth that is commonly portrayed in the mainstream media.”

Mr Jack added: “I hope everyone who enters will also send me a copy of their essay and I will summarise their ideas and send them to Gordon Brown and David Cameron for their comments.”

Further information, including details of how to enter and the competition rules, can be found on the Press Gallery website www.parliamentarypressgallery.org.uk.

The closing date for entries will be 10 November and the judging process will be completed by January 2009.

The Press Gallery hope to welcome the winners on an all expenses paid visit to Westminster in late February or early March next year.