AN MP has praised the work of pupils at a school in Bingley campaigning for better access to education across the world.
Shipley MP Philip Davies visited Bingley Grammar School and led an assembly before hearing of their work as part of the Send my Friend to School project, a global campaign which demands quality education for all.
Mr Davies was asked by the school to speak about democracy, British values and the role of an MP. After his talk, he opened up the session and discussed a range of topics with more than 200 of the pupils.
Mr Davies said: “It was a pleasure to be invited in to speak with the students. We discussed the current conflict in the Middle East, food poverty and its impact on education, as well as the impact the pandemic had on the mental health of young people before moving on to education across the globe.
“It was clear how much work the pupils had done in preparation and also how passionate they are about ensuring others across the world have access to quality education.”
The pupils also presented Mr Davies with a jigsaw and asked him to take it to Westminster. It set out action and promises the pupils wanted from government in regards to education across the globe.
Mr Davies added: “I will make sure Development and Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell gets the jigsaw. I will arrange a meeting with him to brief him on the excellent work happening at Bingley Grammar School and other schools across the constituency on this issue.”
This year’s campaign is Education in Emergencies and calls on government to support crisis-affected countries to build and invest in inclusive education systems to protect education for all children in times of emergencies.