John Healey MP Q&A at Dearne Valley CollegeJohn Healey visited Dearne Valley College to take part in a Q&A session.

The students, all studying public services, asked questions touching on unemployment and disability benefits, education fees, the cost of car insurance and other issues faced by young people.

The event followed a recent trip organised by John which saw students travel to London with their tutors and visit the House of Parliament to discover what takes place ‘behind the scenes’ of politics, including the processes and its history.

John said: “The college’s public services course offers a good education route that prepares students for their future careers.

“I really enjoyed seeing them again after their visit to Westminster before Christmas. They really put me on the spot with their sharp questions and very lively interest in everything from student fees to elderly care and council tax rises to immigration.”

College lecturer Paul Meares said: “The follow-up Q&A session gave the students the opportunity to put their questions to their local MP and also find our more about John and his role as a Member of Parliament.

“The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to not only visit Parliament, but they were able to put what they are currently learning about politics and government policies in class, into context.”