SKIPTON MP Julian Smith welcomed student leaders from Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, in Westminster as part of their trip to London.

The students took part in tours of the Houses of Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Following a tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Mr Smith sat down with the students to talk about his role as their local MP and to answer some questions.

Questions ranged from what an MP does day-to-day, the MP's views on recent Prime Ministers, to local issues and what his priorities are in Skipton and Ripon. It was also an opportunity for Mr Smith to meet the new headteacher at Upper Wharfedale, Ian Chapman, who took over at the start of the academic year.

Mr Smith said: “I always enjoy meeting students in Parliament and speaking a little bit about what my role here consists of. They kept me on my toes with some searching questions and I hope they came away with a better understanding of how our Parliament and our democracy work."

“It was also great to meet Ian and I look forward to working with him going forwards.”