Kids and teenagers are getting passionate about politics to mark this year’s Local Democracy Week.

Events to help young people to find their voice on the issues that matter are running across Merton, to mark the national event.

On Thursday 16 members of Merton’s youth parliament are due to grill the council cabinet on its policies at a special “speed dating” event at the Civic Centre.

Elsewhere pupils from Mitcham’s Stanford and William Morris primary schools will take a tour of the Houses of Parliament with their local MP, Siobhain McDonagh, and Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond will talk to his young constituents at Ursuline School.

And next Wednesday teenagers from Bishopsford School in Morden will visit the Civic Centre to see local government - and council leader David Williams - in action.

The council’s cabinet member for community safety and engagement, Councillor Henry Nelless, said the activities could inspire councillors and politicians of the future.

He said: “It is vital we keep our young people interested and involved in politics and local decision making so that in turn they feel able to share their thoughts and their ideas with us.”

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