A virtual Children's Parliament is being held at 5pm on Friday 29th October 2021 ahead of the COP26 United Nations Climate Change conference. 

650 Child MPs, from primary schools across Britain, made up of children between 7 and 11 years of age (next term), will be debating their views on a range of issues including climate change, the Covid-19 response and technology. 

Microsoft and online educational content curator Wakelet are delivering the platform for the children to use for this unique experience. 

South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, is encouraging children in South Shropshire to take part, and has written to local schools to encourage pupil participation. 

Mr Dunne said:

“As Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee, I have been working hard to encourage community engagement the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in November.

“As we know, young people are today very engaged with environmental concerns, and policymakers must act to protect their future. So I am pleased to be encouraging schools in South Shropshire to nominate pupils to take part and be a Child MP for the day, to discuss with other children the importance of sustainability and the environment.”

Children will be asked to join a live-streamed Microsoft Teams call with other children from around the UK to talk about sustainability and climate change. Children nominated therefore need to be comfortable appearing on camera, and a selected few children will also have the opportunity speak on behalf of their class and constituency in the live event.