SCHOOLS and youth groups in Midsomer Norton took part in UK Parliament Week.

As part of this, Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine was invited to engage students in discussions about democracy and the political process.

In the last week of November, Ms Sabine spent a full day touring primary schools across the constituency. Her first stop was Norton Hill Primary in Midsomer Norton, where pupils held their own school-wide referendum.

With Ms Sabine’s support, teachers pitched their subjects as candidates for the school’s End of Year Subject Day before students headed to polling booths they had built themselves to cast their votes.

In Holcombe, local Brownies and Girl Guides quizzed Ms Sabine on topics ranging from how she decides which way to vote to the biggest decisions she has faced in Parliament.

At Shoscombe Primary School, pupils showcased their project on pollution in the Wellow Brook. They questioned Anna on how the brook can be better protected and how to ensure Wessex Water follows through on its commitment to reduce phosphate levels.

Ms Sabine said: “I love speaking to young people about the issues that matter to them. I am their MP too, and their thoughts and concerns are every bit as important as those of the adults I represent.

“It’s inspiring to see children so engaged — whether they’re learning about the democratic process or tackling big issues like environmental protection. The decisions we make today will shape their future, and their voices deserve to be heard.”

Trinity Church School in Radstock were next to welcome Ms Sabine, where pupils who had spent the week learning about the House of Commons and House of Lords took part in a Q&A session covering everything from her typical day to what she hopes to achieve during her time in Parliament.

The day concluded at St Mary’s in Writhlington, where students staged a lively mock Parliament. Split into parties and assigned roles including Speaker and Ministers, the pupils debated - complete with spirited heckling - whether parents should be banned from driving their children to school. The motion was ultimately defeated, ensuring parents can continue the school run without fear of prohibition.

Ms Sabine added: “Parliament Week is a fantastic opportunity to get children excited about democracy and their place within it, We all have a role to play and a voice that deserves to be heard. Instilling that confidence in young people from an early age is hugely important.”

UK Parliament Week is an annual nationwide initiative in the United Kingdom designed to engage people, particularly young people, with democracy, politics, and how Parliament works, as well as their role as active citizens. It aims to raise awareness of the political process, encourage discussion about civic issues, and help people understand their role in shaping government decisions.

During the week, schools, youth groups, community organisations, and local MPs often run activities such as debates, mock votes, educational workshops, and question and answer sessions to give participants a practical, first-hand experience of how Parliament functions.