Local MP hosts mock Parliament with Ickleford Scouts

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 24^th SEPTEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, hosted a mock Parliament with Ickleford Scouts bringing the workings of Westminster to life.

With Strathern in the Speaker’s chair, members of the Ickleford Scout troop took on the roles of MPs and ministers, debating whether homework should be banned. The event gave them hands-on experience of how democracy works, and how decisions are made.

The Ickleford Scout Parliament voted, rather unsurprisingly, to ban homework.

After the debate the floor was opened up for questions to Strathern, himself a former scout. Topics were raised from what drew him into becoming a MP, how we can protect the local environment, and what the best and worst parts are about life in politics. 

After seeing their passion for the debate and such a great range of questions, Mr Strathern is inviting the scouts down to Parliament later this year to see first-hand what life as an MP can be like. 

This mock Parliament with the Scouts is part of Alistair’s broader commitment to nurturing civic engagement and giving young people a voice. He has visited schools across the constituency, given workshops on our democracy and taken part in Hertfordshire’s Youth Democracy Day.

Alistair Strathern said:

“It was a real pleasure to visit the Ickleford Scouts and bring a taste of Parliament to their group.

“Seeing them engage so enthusiastically with the process, ask tough questions, and develop strong arguments was fantastic to see. Events like this help demystify politics and remind us that democracy doesn’t just belong in the Commons, it belongs in every community.

“The future of politics lies with our young people. By engaging with democracy early these Scouts are not just learning how Parliament works, they’re getting a sense of empowerment and how we can all play our part in changing things for the better. I hope they’ll take that experience forward.

Notes for Editors

You can see attached an image of Strathern with the scouts.

You can see a post from Strathern about the event, here.