Engaging Your MP: A Guide to Thought-Provoking Questions
When an MP visits your school, it is an incredible opportunity to engage with them on a range of topics. Whether you are concerned about policy-making, local issues, or personal insights, having prepared questions can make the interaction more meaningful. Here, we provide a list of questions to help you get started, along with a unique approach to challenge your MP.
Preparing Your Questions
General Questions
Understanding the background and motivations of your local MP can provide valuable insights into their approach to governance. Here are some questions you can ask to gain a deeper understanding:
What inspired you to become an MP? What are your main responsibilities as a Member of Parliament? How do you stay connected with your constituents?Local Issues
During a school visit, you may have specific local issues that you would like to address. Consider asking:
What are the biggest challenges facing our community right now? How do you plan to address issues like housing, education, or transportation in our area? Can you share any recent initiatives aimed at improving our local community?Education
Education is a crucial issue, especially for students. Here are some questions to prompt discussion on this topic:
What is your stance on funding for education in our region? How do you think the government can better support schools and students? What changes do you think are necessary to improve the education system in our country?Youth Engagement
Encouraging youth engagement in politics is vital. Some questions to stimulate this conversation might include:
What advice do you have for young people who want to get involved in politics? How can youth voices be better represented in government decisions? Are there any programs or initiatives aimed at empowering young people in our community?Policy and Governance
Debate and discussion are integral to governance. Here are some questions to probe into their perspectives:
What are your thoughts on the current government policies regarding climate change? How do you approach controversial issues within Parliament? What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our country today?Personal Insights
Understanding the personal side of your MP can help build a more comprehensive picture of their motivations and challenges. Here are some questions to consider:
What has been the most rewarding part of your job? Can you share a challenging experience you’ve faced as an MP and how you overcame it? What do you enjoy doing outside of your political work?A Thought-Provoking Question
For a more engaging and challenging approach, you can ask a question that prompts your MP to describe their actions and decision-making. Here are two examples:
You can ask if they have genuinely done anything to help the people of the UK, if they have ever voted against the party line on a matter of conscience, and if they believe their leader is the best person to lead the country in the future or if there is someone better. Although these are tough questions, you might not get a proper answer. Another option might be inspired by a story from Paul Merton. You can ask Jeffrey Archer, an MP, if he faces similar challenges as the old man in Paul Merton’s story: "Why don’t you just fuck off."While these questions may be provocative, they can also encourage your MP to reveal more about their character and decision-making processes. Choose your questions wisely, considering the context and the tone of your meeting.
Conclusion
By preparing a thoughtfully selected list of questions, you can make the most of your MP’s visit to your school. Tailor these questions to your interests and concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask challenging questions to encourage deeper engagement and discussion.