Students at Bedford Sixth Form were able to question their local MP on a range of issues last week, as part of a visit during Colleges Week.
The Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), visited Bedford Sixth Form on Bromham Road and met with members of the student council to discuss his career, local issues, and national themes.
Students raised a number of issues, including East West Rail, Universal Studios and parking in Bedford. The discussions also reflected on the role and voices of women in Bedford, coinciding with International Women’s Day (8 March).
Read: Our coverage of Universal Studios UK
Amal Ahamed Mohamed Safrask, a student at The Bedford Sixth Form, said: “It was a privilege to have a discussion with Mr Yasin MP.
“We had an invaluable discussion sharing the concerns of Bedford’s young people and exploring potential policy solutions. Learning about his career and his five-year vision for our town left us feeling incredibly optimistic about the future.”
During the afternoon, Mr Yasin also took part in the sixth form’s ‘Hidden Book’ challenge to mark World Book Day, successfully finding the book and collecting his prize from the library.
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The visit concluded with a Q&A session with Year 12 Law and Politics students, during which they discussed working in government, the public service, political life, and the role of MPs in representing their communities.
Student President, Sherelle Weeks, said: “Listening to MP Mohammed Yasin’s personal journey had particularly inspired me.
“How he was able to work his way up from serving as a local councillor, to not only being an MP but retaining his position for three consecutive terms.
“His dedication in serving the local community and being attentive to the needs of the Bedford community was made clear in the new developments in Bedford that he has helped influence.
“It was also very insightful to learn about his views on the best way forward for this nation, how Labour seeks to take pragmatic steps to address issues ranging from challenges facing local councils to strengthening international relations with other countries.”
“Wonderful experience”
Head of The Bedford Sixth Form, Hayley Doyne-Ditmas, described the event as a “wonderful experience” for the college students.
“They asked thoughtful, pressing questions that showcased maturity, curiosity, and a genuine interest in how politics shapes their lives,” she said.
The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with their local MP, broaden their understanding of political life and explore how decisions made at both local and national levels can have a direct impact on their community.
Speaking about the visit, Mohammad Yasin MP said: “As part of Colleges Week, I was delighted to visit The Bedford Sixth Form and meet with Year 12 students studying law and politics.
“It was a pleasure to hear their thoughtful questions and discuss the role politics and public policy play in shaping their futures. Seeing young people so curious, passionate, and willing to engage with the issues affecting their communities is incredibly inspiring.
“During my visit, I toured the Sixth Form college and even joined a fun scavenger hunt to find hidden books around the campus, managing to win a prize along the way.
“Colleges Week is an important opportunity to celebrate the vital role further education colleges play in equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.”
