LLOYD HATTON, Student union president and Dorset MYP writes:

THE Thomas Hardye School Sixth Form has hosted its first European Election Hustings.

The five largest parties attended, with MEP candidates Melissa Maynard (Conservative), Emily McIvor (Green Party), Kay Barnard (Liberal Democrat), Gawain Towler (UKIP) and county council group leader Mike Byatt (Labour) on the panel.

The event provided lively debate about international trade, migration, agriculture, the international role of the UK and trusting our politicians.

The audience also played an active role, providing insightful comments and constructive criticisms.

Student Luke Scott summed up the debate by saying: “To meet representatives and hear first-hand what they had to say has proved invaluable.”

An audience held afterwards established that 31 per cent ‘supported or would vote for’ the Green Party, 19 per cent favoured Conservative, 17 per cent supported UKIP, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats received a 9 per cent backing each. Fifteen percent remained undecided.

After the debate many older students took the opportunity to speak with candidates to understand more about casting their first ever vote for in next month’s Euro Election.

Overall the debate proved a huge success as students gained vital information and candidates became more engaged with the concerns of young people in Dorset.

This event marks the beginning of our mock European Election period as students begin to campaign throughout the school before voting day.