AROUND 150 young people from across Stroud district joined David Drew MP on Friday to discuss Brexit and share their views with him, after he invited them to attend a special Brexit sixth form seminar.

Mr Drew, Labour MP for Stroud, called on them to ‘stay politically engaged’ before answering questions from young people from schools and colleges across the area at the event held at Marling and Stroud High Schools’ sixth form lecture theatre.

Students, many of whom are studying politics A-level, quizzed Mr Drew on a range of issues, such as the need for another referendum, the border in Northern Ireland and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.

“We had a packed audience and lots of interesting questions from a very engaged group. Once again it was evidence of the value of extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds," he said.

“I am always keen to support wider political education and citizenship education which is so important for us as a democracy and the functioning of our political system.”

Archway student Helen March, 16 said: "I was really interested to hear David Drew's perspective, because he's involved within the debates in the House of Commons.

"I felt he tried to answer the questions as best he could, but obviously it's a really complicated issue."

Archway student Laurie Inder, 17, said he found the debate very 'refreshing'.

He added: "I think Brexit has shifted politics towards hate and blame and it's become more about who you don't like than who you like."

Marling student Charlie Tuffin, 18, pictured here, sported a Maggie Thatcher tie to the event.

Charlie said: "I came along because I wanted to hear from our MP.

"I think he presented himself really well.

"He explained both sides of the argument really well, without showing too much subjective bias."

Claire Gee, 17, who attends Archway, said: "Brexit is quite worrying because we're still not sure where it's leading. Once we know where it's leading, it will be less worrying."