Regional Minister quizzed by students
The Cabinet was set up last year to help provide strong and effective leadership to the region, during the global downturn. Issues such as the recent Budget were discussed and its implications for the region.
More than 30 students aged 16-18 from the Academy, which specialises in teaching business and enterprise, fired questions at the panel; ranging from the credit crunch, jobs, interest rates, the recent Budget and whether we should join the Euro. Students from Moulton College of Further Education and Stanford FE College, Northamptonshire also took part in the Question Time session.
Phil Hope was joined on the question time panel by Council members Bryan Jackson, Chair of East Midlands Development Agency (emda); Tom Crompton, Regional Director of the LSC East Midlands:Jonathan Lindley, Regional Director, Government Office East Midlands and Karen Foulds, Customer Services Director, of Jobcentre Plus East Midlands. Chairing the panel was Jacquelene Tsiga, 17, head girl at Corby Business Academy.
Phil Hope said: "I am delighted to return to this Academy which I last visited with during the Prime Minister's official opening. I've faced many testing questions from the media throughout my political career, as well as those in the Houses of Parliament, but today's questions were among some of the toughest I've ever faced! They were insightful, well-crafted and created a real buzz.
"These young people take a real interest in economic and employment issues affecting them. This is very encouraging as they will help shape the future of our economy, so it is vital that they have a voice."
Students at the question time session