Excited pupils from Hitchin schools are getting ready to visit Westminster tomorrow as a guest of MP Peter Lilley for the annual Hitchin and Harpenden Schools Debating Competition.

A record number of entrants will be debating various issues in front of Mr Lilley and a number of judges including Canon Michael Roden from St Mary’s Church and Hitchin Labour Councillor Elizabeth Dennis.

Among the items for debate will be whether voting should be made compulsory, if free speech means the right to offend, will we need to build homes on the Green Belt, should ‘safe spaces’ in universities should be abolished, should prisoners be allowed the right to vote, and whether the invitation to President Trump for a state visit should be withdrawn.

Mr Lilley said: “I am delighted all the state schools in my constituency have entered teams in this year’s competition.

“I look forward to seeing how the students tackle this year’s motions.”

See the Comet online for a full report on the popular event later this week.