North Walsham students engage cabinet minister in lively debate

Students at North Walsham High School had the opportunity to quiz a Government minister when Care Minister and North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb visited the school.

Issues such as the importance of academic qualifications, and how to ensure personal safety in the aftermath of the Paris attacks were raised in the question and answer session, which took place after a talk by Mr Lamb to the school’s Year 8 students.

Mr Lamb told the students about the path which had led to him becoming and MP, including choices about his higher education which he could have made in a more considered way.  He underlined the importance of academic qualifications in achieving success in any walk of life.

NWHS head teacher Caroline Brooker said, “We are really grateful to Norman for taking the time out of a very busy ministerial schedule to come and talk to our Year 8 students.

“The question and answer session was particularly lively, with many incisive questions asked – it is clear that Norman is someone who is easy to engage with, and he is not afraid to get into a debate on the issues of the day.

“It is really important that young people engage both with politics and the wider world of current affairs, and a visit like this brings those things to life.  Hearing first-hand about what goes on around the Cabinet table was fascinating, and the debate which followed showed that Norman had really captured the imagination of the students.”

Norman Lamb was elected as Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk in 2001, and was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Health in September 2012.  His current portfolio includes older people, dementia, adult social care, end of life care, mental health services and health matters relating to prison services.