College picked to help Lords environment committee

Students from a college picked to work with a House of Lords committee say it is important for young people to have their say about the environment.

Darlington College students will meet Environment and Climate Change committee members to discuss its current inquiry into drought preparedness.

Minha Butt, a science student, said she was excited to take part as "environmental issues aren't talked about as much as they should be".

The students were nominated for the project by Stephen Ashfield, physics and applied science lecturer at Darlington College in County Durham, who said the class would look at flooding, leaks, pollution and water demand to feed back to the committee.

Mr Ashfield said the committee was trying to find out if England would have enough clean water for people, business and nature in 30 years' time.

"I'm really proud of my students, they're proper scientists - they ask awkward questions, they look at the data, and they care what happens to their future," he said.

"Our students are going to look at flooding, droughts, leaks, pollution and demand, and then take what they've found straight to members of the House of Lords."

The college is one of six to be chosen for the Lords' youth engagement programme, along with Boston Grammar School, Bullers Wood School for Boys, Northfield School and Sports College, Chesham Grammar School and Stamford College.

Miss Butt said the younger generation understood how to spread messages about the environment on social media in ways which were not possible before.

Fellow student Olivia Richardson said the project was a brilliant opportunity for young people, especially those under 18 who did not usually have a say.

"We can't vote yet, but we still have opinions, and it means a lot to be able to share our views directly with the people who make decisions that affect our lives," she said.

"We're the generation that will grow up in this world, and we're the ones who will deal with the consequences if environmental issues like drought aren't taken seriously."

Committee chair Baroness Sheehan said: "I was very impressed with the high standard of application I received from Darlington College.

"I look forward to meeting and working with the students over the duration of the programme."

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