REDNOCK students quizzed local politicians at a Question Time-style debate at their Dursley school.

Around 150 sixth formers watched representatives from three political parties, plus a representative from the police, as they tackled some tricky questions from the crowd.

Sixth former Josh Priestly, 17, chaired the debate, directing pupils’ questions to the panel which featured David Drew MP, George Butcher and Siobhan Baillie the prospective parliamentary candidates for Lib Dems and Conservatives respectively, plus Chris Brierley, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

Assistant head of sixth form, Ann Hobdell said: “We asked all the students to come along, whether it’s their field of interest or not, as they may hear something that gets them thinking.

“I think it’s good for the students to hear different views and to be able to debate a variety of issues.

“We invited all the students to suggest questions for the debate and then we selected five which represented recurring themes of interest.”

Hayley Cooper asked the panel about how best to deal with funding cuts to Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Ben Frost brought up the subject of Brexit, asking: “Nearly three years on, should the UK have voted to leave?”

Lottie Edwin tackled the issue of education funding, and Ollie Wake asked the panel if they thought the Home Office should allow Shamima Begum back into the UK and what should happen to her.

Ben Manning posed the final question, ‘People’s vote, yes or no?’

Josh Priestly, who chaired the debate, is in charge of political engagement at Rednock and helped to organise the event.

He said he has been interested in politics ever since the referendum.

He said: “I started thinking, ‘how does it work?’ and ‘why has that been done?'"

“I’d like to go into politics and wouldn’t mind being an MP one day, but I think it’s a bit too turbulent at the moment.”

He added: “Interest in politics at the school is quite mixed.

“Some people are really engaged, and others hate politics with a passion.

“I hope this event will encourage people to become more engaged.”

Reflecting on the event, MP David Drew said: “I always enjoy engaging with young people and discussing how politics impacts their lives.

"So I was pleased to join the panel at Rednock School’s Question Time event on Friday, ably chaired by student Josh Priestley.

"We covered a full range of issues with thoughtful questions from the students on education funding, policing and particularly knife crime and, of course, Brexit. Thank you Rednock School for hosting us."

Siobhan Baillie, Conservative candidate for Stroud District, said: “I always enjoy working with young people and I was impressed with the Rednock students’ questions.

“The panel provided a good mix of views, ideas and approaches too, so I hope the event was thought-provoking.”