Portsmouth pupils impress MPs during a tour of the Commons

PUPILS in Portsmouth had the chance to walk down the corridors of power this week.

Youngsters from three of the city’s schools were given an exclusive tour of the House of Commons this week by Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond.

Floss Willcocks and Joe Allen from Portsmouth Grammar School, Blessing Aina from Portsmouth College and Rachel Kellagher and Frankie McBride from Portsmouth High School had the chance to watch a debate on artificial intelligence.

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The trip was organised by Rod Edwards, chief executive of the Young Engineers charity, who accompanied the teens.

It was part of a scheme to inspire the nation’s future budding engineers.

Rod said he was ‘massively encouraged’ by the Portsmouth pupils, who asked ‘two of the best and most thought-provoking questions’ of the night.

‘The opportunity for these young people to hear from such eminent engineers is highly motivational for them,’ he added.

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As well as their tour and watching the debate, the girls also had the opportunity to speak to Portsmouth North and armed forces minister, Penny Mordaunt.

Mrs Drummond said it was a pleasure hosting the pupils.

‘It was a valuable opportunity for me to hear about their studies and career ambitions,’ she said.

‘It is really important that young people from Portsmouth get the opportunity to visit Parliament to learn about how Government works.’