Alex Cann

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Eurythmics

It's Alright

Listen Live Podcasts

Ripon politics students quiz local MP

Monday, 20 October 2025 05:45

Ripon Grammar pupils quizzing local MP Sir Julian Smith.

Ripon politics pupils got the chance to quiz their local MP - Sir Julian Smith - during his recent visit to their school.

Ripon Grammar students questioned Sir Julian about what lessons can be learned from the Northern Ireland following the recent Middle East deal.

He also responded to questions about Reform and his hopes that the Conservative party can remain a credible party based on their divergence from Reform on economic and budgetary issues.

There was also some discussion about the impact of social media on politics and the increasing focus on personal character, which he thought detracted from a more meaningful policy-based political discourse.

Sir Julian elaborated on the need to find common ground quickly in contentious situations before lines become entrenched, based on his experience as chief whip seeking agreement on Brexit.

He talked about his journey to becoming an MP and his time as the government’s chief whip, emphasising the importance of interpersonal and leadership skills alongside academic studies.

After the event, Sir Julian said:

“It was fantastic to meet students who are so engaged with politics and public life. Ripon Grammar School is doing an outstanding job in preparing young people for the future.”

Sir Julian also had a tour of the school and discussed current challenges in education both locally and across North Yorkshire with headmaster Jonathan Webb.

He said:

“I was grateful to hear directly from Mr Webb about the pressures facing local education."

More from Local News

Plans submitted for 120 homes in Killinghall

Outline plans have been submitted for a proposed development of around 120 homes in Killinghall.
Mastering Christmas cooking with tips from top chef in Boroughbridge

Boroughbridge welcomed a festive celebration on 4 December 2025 as The Kitchen Room marked the Christmas season with an event focused on the joy of cooking and gathering at home.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre prepares for opening tomorrow

Harrogate town centre is preparing to welcome back its seasonal celebrations as the Harrogate Christmas Fayre opens to the public tomorrow at 10am.
Rudding Park restaurant wins fine dining award

Rudding Park’s immersive dining restaurant FIFTY TWO has been named Best Fine Dining Restaurant at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards.
Enchantica's launches Christmas community entertainment program

Enchantica's has launched a Christmas Community Entertainment Program for this year's Harrogate Christmas Fayre, aiming to celebrate local talent and bring festive cheer to the town centre.
Harrogate Tesco opening date delayed again

The opening of Harrogate's new Tesco store on Skipton Road has been delayed until next week.
Ripon cricketer selected to play for Yorkshire for third consecutive year

A gifted Ripon cricketer is 'honoured' to have been selected to play for Yorkshire for the third year running.
Tickets available for Knaresborough duck race on New Year's Day

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Knaresborough Duck Race, which will once again take place on New Year's Day.
Knaresborough residents praise 'light-hearted feel-good' Christmas film featuring local area

Knaresborough residents have praised Tinsel Town as a 'light-hearted, feel-good' Christmas film after an exclusive early screening last night.
Campaign group urges authorities not to release funding for Harrogate Station Gateway scheme

Leaders of two combined authorities have been urged not to release funding to allow work to start on the £14.3m Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.
Otley Road set for six weeks of roadworks in New Year

Otley Road is set to face fresh disruption in the New Year as a major programme of utility works gets underway across Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Harrogate furniture poverty charity celebrates 30th anniversary

Local charity Essential Needs celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special event in Harrogate.
Santa's sleigh returns to Knaresborough streets as part of annual campaign

Knaresborough Lions' annual Santa sleigh campaign has continued its tour across the town, bringing Father Christmas to doorsteps throughout December.
Opening date revealed for new pizzeria in Knaresborough

A new pizzeria is set to open on York Place in Knaresborough this week, taking over the unit previously occupied by Fish-a-Rama.
Black Sheep Brewery addresses administration rumours

Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery has moved to reassure customers after the business confirmed that its parent company intends to appoint administrators.
Ripon woman wanted on recall to prison

Police have launched a campaign to locate a Ripon woman wanted on recall to prison.
Mental elf fun run raises £6,500 for Mind in Harrogate

This year’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run has raised more than £6,500 for Mind in Harrogate District.
Councillor still hopeful Nidderdale Greenway route can be extended

A North Yorkshire councillor says he has not given up hope of an extension to a popular multi-user route in Nidderdale despite doubts over how the project would be funded.
Pateley teen wins engineering award after creating unique gritter attachment

A Nidderdale High School student has received national recognition for an innovative engineering project designed to tackle a real problem on his family's farm.
Knaresborough unveils first wave of public toilet upgrades

Visitors and residents in Knaresborough will benefit from improved public conveniences thanks to a joint initiative by North Yorkshire Council and local councillors.