11 March 2016
Hanley Castle high school pupil Rosie Arnold enjoyed a VIP tour of Downing Street and wandered the corridors of power as part of a trip to help celebrate International Women's Day in Westminster. The 16 year old student was given a tour of Downing Street, toured the House of Commons and had lunch her local MP Harriett Baldwin. The trip, which was organised as part of the international Women's Day to inspire young women to get interested in politics, ended with the 66 students watching a House of Commons debate marking International Women’s Day. Harriett said: “Each year I offer one local pupil the chance to come to Westminster and see the heart of the government at first hand. “I was delighted to be part of the front bench Government team helping to mark the day and I hope Rosie found the day inspiring. “Despite women making up 51 per cent of society as a whole, more progress needs to be made in electing women to Parliament, as well as in establishing equal pay and parity between men and women in positions of leadership. “Events like this are invaluable in helping to inspire a fresh generation of women to get involved in politics and spread the word when they return to their schools.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP with Hanley Castle High School’s Rosie Arnold (photo by Philippa Plevey).