Kenilworth and Southam MP Sir Jeremy Wright writes from Westminster…

I WAS delighted to welcome five young people from Warwickshire Youth Council and the Children in Care Forum to Parliament. The group enjoyed a tour of Parliament, watched a live debate in the Commons and met my Westminster team to learn more about how Parliament works, as well as their time with me.

It was inspiring to see their confidence as they asked questions and shared their views on how decisions made here affect their lives. One discussion that I found particularly interesting was around the use of smartphones in schools, and how children’s differing experiences, especially those in care, should shape the way we as legislators approach such policies. Their perspective was a powerful reminder of how vital it is for Parliament to listen directly to those most affected by its decisions.

I have long believed we have a duty not only to protect young people but to equip them to thrive, both online and offline. Having served as Minister responsible for the Online Safety Bill, and as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Digital Responsibility, I know how much more there is to do.

That same commitment to helping young people flourish can be seen in programmes like the Youth Council and Children in Care forums, which empower young people to engage with their communities and build skills for the future. I look forward to meeting more young people through these forums in the months ahead.

It is also important that we recognise the need for wider opportunities for care-experienced young people across the country. There are support schemes such as the Care Leaver Covenant, which helps with education, training, employment and independent living. For care givers too, there are initiatives providing practical and emotional support, recognising the vital role they play in young people’s lives, but what is often missing for these young people are the networks and contacts others have access to, which can give them experiences like days at Westminster designed to give them insight into how our democracy really works. That is why I was keen to give these young people that opportunity