Laura goes back to school

7.38.02am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Apr 2005

Laura, "Crime in Tunbridge Wells is an issue for the students."

Parliamentary Candidate, Laura Murphy, went back to school this week. At their request, she spent a morning with politics students at Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School. With a General Election on the horizon, it was no surprise that they wanted to quiz Laura on the Liberal Democrat manifesto that had been launched only a couple of days previously.

"We must have covered every policy in the manifesto," said Laura. "The students were very well informed and keen to challenge, both me and each other."

Issues they raised ranged from ID cards to economic policies; from media coverage to party funding. "There was some excellent debate with a mixed range of views from the students about a number of issues. Most of the topics covered were from the national perspective but they did raise the issue of crime in Tunbridge Wells itself. I was able to speak with some experience about the role of the police, having been out with the patrol on a very busy shift."

By the end of the session the questions were coming thick and fast and it was only brought to a halt when others required the room. "It was a good session and hopefully the students will have a far better understanding of Liberal Democracy and the complexities of politics," said Laura.