Local MP David Mundell is encouraging young people in his Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale constituency to get involved in the political process and take part in Parliament Week.
Parliament Week, which runs from November 15-21, is a UK-wide programme of events and activities that inspire, engage and connect people with parliamentary democracy.
Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords take an active part in Parliament Week, with the programme including events and activities across the country that are open to everyone.
Mr Mundell said: “Parliament Week is a great way to engage young people with Parliament and democracy and I hope that schools within my constituency will be able to take part.
“It offers an opportunity to highlight the work and history of the Houses of Parliament to students, to discuss Parliament’s relevance and to encourage them to become active citizens. There are many ways in which schools can take part in Parliament Week, from holding a debate to school-wide assemblies and online activities,” he added.
The local MP went on: “When visiting schools in my constituency I am always extremely impressed by the knowledge and interest the pupils have in politics and today’s important debates. It should remind us all that these young people are the voters, and maybe even the politicians, of tomorrow and so should be encouraged to take an interest in the running of their country.
“Helping people understand what an MP does is one of the most important things I do and I am always keen to take time out of my busy schedule to talk to young people about democracy.”