My annual inter-school debating competition is returning for a sixth year, and will be held on Friday, February 23 in the House of Commons.

All local secondary schools have been invited to take part and compete against each other for the title of Watford Debating Champions. The winners will also take home a trophy, vouchers and an invitation to tea with the House of Commons Speaker.

Last year, Watford Boys Grammar triumphed against runners up Queens’ School.

This year, teams of students from year 10 to 13 will take part from eight schools. There will be four knock-out rounds and they are set to debate a range of topics, including climate change, online censorship, Donald Trump and university fees.

The debates will be judged by an illustrious panel which is made up of journalists (including the editor of the Watford Observer!), county councillors and members of the House of Lords.

We are lucky to have such fantastic schools in Watford and I am always so impressed at the quality of these debates and the effort the students put into it. I’m sure this year will be no exception.

I think it’s so important to engage young people with politics and a debating competition is a great way to boost confidence and gain public speaking experience

I also think it’s important that young people get the chance to visit the home of our democracy, and that’s why I invite all local primary and secondary schools to Parliament for a tour and Q&A with me. I also organise evening tours of Parliament for all local residents, with the next ones scheduled for March and May. If you haven’t been before, do get in touch.