Schoolchildren would vote to stay in the EU

Ten Bedford schoolchildren travelled to Westminster last week to take part in an EU referendum debate at Speaker's House.
Castle Newnham pupils Chloe and Louise Bezer, Mia-Rae Daniel, Alastair Porteous and Samuel TebbuttCastle Newnham pupils Chloe and Louise Bezer, Mia-Rae Daniel, Alastair Porteous and Samuel Tebbutt
Castle Newnham pupils Chloe and Louise Bezer, Mia-Rae Daniel, Alastair Porteous and Samuel Tebbutt

The pupils from Castle Newnham and Lincroft middle schools were among over 100 students from across the country taking part.

The debate over whether the UK should stay in or leave the European Union was organised by First News, the UK newspaper for young people.

Proceedings started with specially recorded videos from Boris Johnson MP and Yvette Cooper MP, representing each side. Two teams of eight to 13-year-olds, representing ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’, then made their cases in a debate chaired by House of Commons Speaker John Bercow.

Lincroft School students Theo Bredell, Cameron Campbell, Matthew Richards, Jake Sizer and Raffi Wakeling at WestminsterLincroft School students Theo Bredell, Cameron Campbell, Matthew Richards, Jake Sizer and Raffi Wakeling at Westminster
Lincroft School students Theo Bredell, Cameron Campbell, Matthew Richards, Jake Sizer and Raffi Wakeling at Westminster

The debate was opened up to the floor and children put their questions to Lucy Thomas, for Stronger In Europe, and MEP David Campbell Bannerman, for Vote Leave.

At the end of the debate, they were asked which way they would vote if they had the chance, and the majority opted to remain in the EU.