Local Assembly Member hosts
Islington young school councillors
at City Hall
40 young school councillors of the Maamulaha Network of Islington School Councils were invited to City Hall on Wednesday to question their local Assembly Member on key political issues. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also made a surprise visit to the event, where Jennette Arnold OBE AM was discussing her London Assembly work.
Ms Arnold was quizzed by the young school councillors on the efforts being undertaken at City Hall, such as the ULEZ and the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, to tackle the scourge of air pollution and how these measures fit alongside Islington Council’s ‘School Streets’ initiative.
There was also discussion of the free activities and initiatives available to young people across the capital during the school holidays, supported by City Hall and the Mayor’s Young Londoners Fund.
At the end of the session, the Mayor of London fielded questions from the primary school pupils on his strategy to tackle violent crime through a public health approach and ensure that the most vulnerable young Londoners are safeguarded from becoming caught up in gang activity and exploitation.
Local London Assembly Member, Jennette Arnold OBE AM, said:
"It was fantastic to host such a bright and enthusiastic group of young people, keen to improve their area.
“The young school councillors demonstrated an astute and detailed insight into the key issues facing London and presented some robust and direct questions to myself and the Mayor of London.
"I was delighted to be able to discuss the positive work being undertaken at City Hall on air pollution and boosting investment in the next generation of Londoners.
“It is very positive that the pupils are now considering producing a bulletin for all Islington schools to share information about the opportunities for young people in the borough to get involved in extra-curricular activities and initiatives."
Notes to editors
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM is the London Assembly Member for North East (covering Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest).