Every year I look forward to getting involved with UK Parliament Week – a celebration of people power. Last year almost one million people took part in every nation and region of the UK, learning about the importance of living in and being part of our country’s democracy.

This week I was delighted to visit with the children at Forton Primary School to talk about creating petitions and campaigning for change.

It turned out that lots of the children were really concerned about their safety when it came to crossing the roads near to the school. So, they’re launching their own campaign to get a Lollipop Person reinstalled to help the youngsters get to school safely.

Look out for posters and details about the campaign in the local newspaper. I’ll be supporting the youngsters all I can to get the highways department to listen to their worries and take action. Please do all you can to help promote their campaign – and make sure you sign their petition!

It matters that they’re successful. It will make them feel safer and looked after by the grown-ups in their community – but it will also demonstrate to them that they have a voice and they can be heard. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80 – in a democracy, everyone matters.