During their visit, pupils enjoyed a tour of the Palace of Westminster and took part in a question and answer session with Carla, where they put forward thoughtful questions on politics, Parliament and public life.

Carla Lockhart MP said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome pupils from Ballydown Primary School and Clounagh Junior High School to Parliament this week and to spend time with such bright, engaged and enthusiastic young people.

“They were a real credit to their schools, their families and their communities, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking questions from them. I have to say, some of their questions were every bit as challenging as anything faced in the Chamber this week. They certainly kept me on my toes.

“Visits like this are so important in helping young people understand how Parliament works, how laws are made and how they can play a role in shaping society. Encouraging that interest in democracy from a young age matters enormously.

“A special word of tribute must go to Mr Trevor Russell from Ballydown, who is in his 33rd and final year of bringing pupils to Westminster. That is an incredible legacy of educational commitment and one that has given generations of young people an unforgettable experience. He deserves enormous credit.

“It was also quite a week for the pupils to be in Parliament, with all the drama and intensity of political life on full display. They certainly experienced Westminster in full flow.

“I commend both schools for making these educational visits possible and I was delighted to welcome them to Westminster. I have no doubt there were future leaders among them.”