Children from Barking and Dagenham were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Members of the Barking and Dageham Youth Forum were hosted by MP for Dagenham and Rainham, Jon Cruddas, and paid a visit by Barking’s MP, Margaret Hodge.
They were also given a tour of the house and learnt about the building’s history and monarchs.
They had a lesson on the importance of democracy and the difference between the House of Lords and Commons.
Cabinet member for education, councillor Evelyn Carpenter, said: “These trips are important for young people as they learn how politics works and how every decision affects all our daily lives.
“I am pleased that the BAD Youth Forum experience politics in practice at such a young age. Many congratulations to all of the young people for taking up this opportunity.”
The trip, which takes place every year, gives young people a chance to challenge their MPs. This year they raised the issues of homelessness, stop and search and a reduction in police numbers.
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