SOLIHULL College & University Centre welcomed the Education Secretary and local MP as they toured the campus and met with students.
Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education, and Solihull MP Julian Knight visited the campus prior to last week’s EU referendum to meet students form different areas of the college and host a question and answer session on the topic of ‘Brexit’.
The students were able to listen to the politicians’ pro-Remain views on the EU referendum and how the decision could impact upon education with the UK.
The College then hosted its own question time, allowing students to direct their questions and queries on a range of subjects – from immigration and education, to social housing, the NHS and trade – to both Mrs Morgan and Mr Knight.
The debate concluded with a show of hands from the students on who plans to vote to remain and who plans to vote to leave the EU.
The decision from the students was very mixed and the results fairly equal, however the ‘In’ campaign slightly edged the ‘Out’ campaign with the final vote amongst the students – a change from the final EU referendum result.
Commenting on the visit, Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, said: “It was a pleasure visiting Solihull College with Julian Knight MP this morning and hearing about all of the broad range of high-quality programmes they offer young people from Solihull, Birmingham and beyond.
“It is clear that the college plays a vital role in ensuring its students are set up for the best start in life, whether through an apprenticeship or a further education course, as well as making sure local employers have access to young people with skills they need.”
Julian Knight added: “Education is one of the most important responsibilities of the Government – few things are more important when it comes to making sure that our children have the best start in life and a fair and equal chance to succeed.
“Solihull is very lucky to have so many excellent schools, and I was proud to show the Education Secretary around one. I hope that this Government’s reform agenda can give more towns a school system as good as ours.”
Principal of Solihull College & University Centre, John Callaghan said: “This provided a great opportunity for our students to be involved in a lively debate and have the opportunity to have their questions about the EU referendum answered.
“It is extremely important that young people feel they are listened to and have an opinion on such matters, and I was thrilled to see that so many of our students were thoroughly engaged with the debate.”
Visit www.solihull.ac.uk or call 0121 678 7000 for more information on the courses at Solihull College & University Centre.
