'YOUNGEST MP' MEETS STUDENTS IN SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

12.30.38pm GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

Britain's youngest MP, Jo Swinson , was in South Gloucestershire on Friday meeting students at the University of West England at the invitation of Filton & Bradley Stoke Lib Dem candidate Emma Bone Jo Swinson & Emma Bone were joined at the meeting with students by Northavon MP Steve Webb.

Jo started the meeting off by explaining to students how she had become involved in politics at University, and the steps involved in becoming a Parliamentarian. The students then had an opportunity to question Jo and Emma with questions ranged from the impact of student debt on careers, to the representation of young people in Parliament.

Jo said "It's great to see so many students who have a passion for Politics. These young people care deeply about the political process and how they are represented within parliament. We can only hope that the great weight of student debt doesn't prevent these young people from pursuing the career of their choice in the future.

Commenting on Jo Swinson's talk, Emma Bone said: "It is shocking that there are only 2 MPs under the age of 30 in the House of Commons, when there are literally millions of voters in that age range, including a high proportion of young voters in constituencies such as this one. We need to make Parliament more aware of the impact that their decisions have on young people."

Emma added: "I know that many young people at UWE care very much about politics and about how they can make a difference. Young people are Often concerned about global issues such as climate change and third world debt, and they respond very positively to the Liberal Democrat commitment to a fairer world. They also recognise the unfairness of university tuition fees, and with the Lib Dems now being the only major party pledging to repeal them, I am confident of a strong student vote for the Lib Dems in Filton & Bradley Stoke at the next General Election".