Brian Paddick visited City of Westminster College yesterday and participated in a Q&A session about issues facing young Londoners held at the College’s Cockpit Theatre.
The visit took place after College Head of School Craig Hanlon-Smith contacted the Liberal Democrat candidate for London mayor to ask for his help answering challenging student questions posed during a tutorial about elections and voting. Instead of providing input via email, Brian Paddick offered to face a panel of student questioners.
Once the College knew that Brian Paddick offered to talk to students, the invitation was extended to both the Conservative and Labour candidates for mayor, however neither was able to attend.
Brian Paddick spent almost two hours at the College, taking a backstage tour of the Cockpit Theatre and then answering questions from some 70 City of Westminster College students. It was a lively debate, covering issues ranging from transport and affordable housing to crime and improving opportunities for young people. Students also asked what could be done to ensure politicians and government incorporate young people’s views into policy.
Brian Paddick told his student audience: “Some of the things you have said today have helped reinforce what I believe. It is essential that politicians get out and talk to people like you.”
Acting Head of School Sport, Performing Arts, Travel & Tourism Craig Hanlon-Smith said: “Today’s event came out of a tutorial where we were trying to encourage students to participate in democracy by voting. They impressed us all by devising serious and thought-provoking questions and now they are showing a strong interest in issues that shape society.”
Student Monica Beckles-Strachan said the session was worthwhile. “If politicians visited every college in the London area that would make young people want to vote.”
Student Kadija Mahmud added: “I’m eligible to vote in next month’s election and before today I hadn’t even thought about it. Now I am definitely going to get out there on polling day.”
Wednesday, April 23, 2008