Lesley Griffiths AM was delighted to meet with Wrexham Welsh Baccalaureate students and talk about the workings of the Welsh Assembly at the Senedd, Cardiff, this week .
The group, from St Christopher’s School, were given a tour of the award winning buildings, watched First Minister’s Questions and took part in a mock debate in the Ty Hywel building.
Lesley discussed the work of the Assembly, and talked to students about the differences between her two roles as Assembly Member for Wrexham and Minister for Health and Social Services for Wales.
However, students first took the chance to hold a debate of their own, on the pros and cons of banning smoking in cars when children or young people are aboard. Following a lively debate, the pupils eventually passed a ‘motion’ that smoking in cars carrying minors should be banned, with just one vote against.
The group then went on to watch the to-and-fro of real-life debate in the Senedd, watching a session of First Ministers Questions taking place from the gallery above.
Commenting, AM Griffiths said:
“It is important children and young people are encouraged to learn about and engage in democracy, and it is always a pleasure to welcome young faces to the seat of Government in Wales.
“I could see the students while I was sitting in the chamber – and they were clearly paying close attention to proceedings. I hear the pupils also got really involved in debate of their own, hopefully not too inspired by the raucousness of First Ministers Questions. “
“I would like to thank Kerry Ellis for organising the trip and ensuring order was maintained in the debate. It was a pleasure and I wish all pupils I met the best in achieving their Welsh Baccalaureate qualifications.”
