A sixth form student helped arranged a talk to her college from Bolton MP, equalities campaigner and former barrister Yasmin Qureshi.

A Level politics, history and mathematics student Anisha Mohammed arranged the talk, delivered to first and second year students at The Sixth Form Bolton, as part of her work with the Learner Voice.

The Learner Voice is a social action group of students who campaign for positive change in their community and found a receptive partner in Bolton South East MP and shadow women and equalities minister Yasmin Qureshi.

Ms Qureshi said: “I am always happy to visit The Sixth Form, as I am eager for young people to better understand the role of MPs, as well as generate interest in local issues.

The Bolton News: Yasmin Qureshi delivering her talkYasmin Qureshi delivering her talk (Image: Office of Yasmin Qureshi MP)

“These students are the next generation of future leaders and if I can give just a bit of my time to help them, then that is the least I can do.”

Ms Qureshi discussed her career in law, detailing her journey as a barrister, followed by her progression into politics. 

She also discussed campaigning for the rights of young people, the importance of voting, and how young people are often misrepresented in the media.

Ms Qureshi said: “My advice to the young people of Bolton is to register to vote as soon as possible.

“The more young people that vote, the more policies will be created that focus on the real issues that affect young people. 

“The youth of today are often unrepresented in politics, but they don’t vote.  If you want to see change, then vote.”

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In turn the students came prepared with a series of topical questions on strikes, Brexit, the NHS crisis, lowering the voting age, mental health in politics, the living wake and the Gender Reform Bill in Scotland.

A Level Law, Geography and English Language student Joseph Stone said: “I found the talk really interesting and I learned a lot about how local MPs work on a daily basis.”

He said: “It was especially great to hear about Yasmin Qureshi’s career in law, and the skills needed to become a solicitor or barrister. 

"I’m more determined than ever to pursue law as a career.”