Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited the Pulborough area cub scouts on Friday to discuss his role as their MP and to explain how Parliament works as part of UK Parliament Week (12 – 18 November).

Group Scout Leader Lucinda Barton invited Nick to St Mary’s School in Pulborough, to speak to three of the area’s cub packs from Bury, Pulborough and West Chiltington. The children took part in a quiz, testing their knowledge about the Houses of Parliament, before meeting their MP and asking him questions about his work.

Mr Herbert talked to the cub scouts about his role as an MP and went on to explain how new laws are passed. The cubs enthusiastically debated the merits of a fictional ban on chocolate and fizzy drinks as an example of law-making. The children were also keen to hear about Nick’s work with homeless charities and have offered to support him at a future event to raise awareness of the issue.

The cub scouts’ engagement with their MP in UK Parliament Week has earned them a new woven badge to add to their uniforms.

UK Parliament Week promotes the engagement of young people with the work of Parliament and the values of living in a democratic society. Over 7,000 events took place in schools and clubs last week. This year marked 100 years since the 1918 Representation of People Act.

Lucinda Barton tweeted: “Thanks to @nickherbertmp – new politicians up and coming here at Pulborough Scouts!”

Mr Herbert said: “It was such a pleasure to meet the Pulborough area cub scouts and their leaders. I enjoyed talking to them and was delighted to answer their many questions. I am very pleased to have helped them to earn their new badges.”

ENDS

Notes

1. Photograph: Nick Herbert with the Pulborough Area cub scouts and pack leaders.

2. For further information about UK Parliament Week see www.ukparliamentweek.org.

MP helps cub scouts earn their UK Parliament Week badges