MONMOUTHSHIRE Youth Parliament has organised a public question time aimed at inspiring the under 18s to engage in politics.

An introduction to the debate at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls will be given by Andrew Tuggey, chief executive of the Commonwealth Parliament, who is also the current High Sheriff of Gwent.

The event on Friday, January 27 features a panel of local politicians and business leaders; Nick Ramsay, Welsh Assembly Member for Monmouth, Steffan Lewis, Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for the South East, Natalie Sandercock, barrister and deputy district judge, Phil Rees, managing director of Tri-Wall Europe and Nicola Bradbear, director at Bees for Development.

“The event will provide an invaluable opportunity for our young community’s voices to be heard,” said Bethany Handley, 17, chairman of Monmouthshire Youth Parliament.

The question time debate runs from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Girls’ school theatre and admission is free.