Hosted at Cornelius Vermuyden School, the event also included representatives from local schools and featured discussions with the current Castle Point Conservative MP, and parliamentary candidates from Reform UK and the Labour Party.

The session began with each candidate presenting their viewpoints on critical political issues. Students listened as the speakers addressed topics such as immigration, the NHS, the skills and labour market, tuition fees and the environment. This was followed by a lively Q&A session where students posed insightful questions, demonstrating their engagement and understanding of the issues at hand including british values.

The highlight of the event was a mock election, where students casted their votes, simulating the electoral process.

The focus of this visit was to enable students to understand the importance of having their voice heard and having the experience of taking part in our democratic political system.