SIXTH-form students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton have taken part in a digital question-and-answer session with the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

The youngsters asked Lord Newby a wide range of questions, with topics including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the government's plans to introduce inheritance tax on farms and the Liberal Democrats’ proposals to increase numbers of GPs.

Richard Newby has been a life peer in the House of Lords since 1997. He formerly served as Chief Whip and was also Charles Kennedy's Chief of Staff during his period as leader. He received an OBE in 1990 for his service to politics.

The session was held as part of UK Parliament Week, which ran from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24.

“I am very grateful to Lord Newby for taking the time to come and speak to some of our sixth-formers this Parliament Week,” Queen Elizabeth’s School Headteacher Paula Smith said.

“I am also proud of the knowledge and enthusiasm our students showed in the session, with Lord Newby commenting that he was highly impressed by their knowledge and engagement.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, of which Queen Elizabeth’s School is part, added: “It’s brilliant that QE sixth-formers were able to spend some time speaking with Lord Newby this Parliament Week.

“It’s so important that young people understand not only the value of our democratic system, but also how they can play a key role in it and it sounds like this session addressed both of these themes perfectly.”

UK Parliament Week encourages schools across the country to explore the value of democracy and how young people can participate in the democratic process.

The Ted Wragg Trust was established in 2013 and operates across Exeter, Plymouth, Crediton and East Devon.