Two talented pupils from Sir John Laws School in Harpenden won a prestigious schools debating competition hosted by Bim Afolami MP at the Houses of Parliament this week – as a pair from Hitchin Boys’ School also picked up an honour.

A large number of extremely talented teens from various schools across our area passionately discussed a wide range of topics in the stunning splendour of the Palace of Westminster.

Six schools across Mr Afolami’s Hitchin and Harpenden constituency competed for the honour with the tournament split into two age categories, with one for GCSE students and one for sixth formers, with a judging panel of the chair Adrian Hawkins, head of Herts Local Enterprise Partnership, Rev Mary Fane de Salis, the well-known former Mayor of St Albans and now portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage at the city and district council, Annie Brewster, and this correspondent.

On the junior panel the judges were chair Alison Voyce, Terry Tyler and Teresa Heritage.

Teams were entered in each category with the panel judging a number of lively and informed public discussions.

Mr Afolmai said: “I was really impressed by the standard of debate on Thursday.

“All the students showed great skill and confidence, and I’m glad it wasn’t down to me to decide on winners! I hope they all enjoyed the experience, and I’ll be looking out for them in the future - I’m sure they’ll go far!”

Among the hotly-contested topics of discussion were arguments for an against the abolition of the monarchy to replace it with a head of state ‘This House would introduce an opt-out system for organ donation’ and ‘This House would replace the House of Lords with a fully-elected Upper Chamber.

The overall winners from Harpenden Millie Rice and Emma Shardlow, both 16, won after debating: ‘This House would force Facebook/Whats App to hand over all private messages to government upon request’.

The delighted pair spoke after picking up their awards.

Millie said: “It’s surreal because we both came thinking it would be a really good day out and good fun as both of us quite enjoy a debate – but we never expected to win so both of us are really thrilled.

“I was so happy and really proud to win the overall competition. I like to argue with people so it was really good fun.

“We’ve both worked so hard on this and we’ve had a couple of late nights, yes.

“Before it started we were both sitting outside thinking: ‘What have we decided to do!’”

The hard-working pair took their information from a wide range of resources and impressed with the clarity of their arguments.

Despite a grilling from the judges the duo emerged triumphant in front of Mr Afolami and the large audience in attendance at Westminster.

Emma said: “I’ve had such a good time. I’ve really enjoyed it.

“We didn’t expect to win. There were some amazing arguments and debates. We were in shock to win.”

Bim has been lovely. He’s been such a good host. It’s really inspiring to see someone like him who is so passionate about what he does – especially for people like Millie who hopes to become an MP one day.

Millie agreed, adding: “We really do think Bim is an excellent MP. It was great to meet him.

“It’s our first time in Parliament and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s been such a good opportunity and experience and we’d like to thank Bim for hosting everyone.”

We may well be seeing more of Millie in the future as she is interested in politics and would like to become a Member of Parliament in the future.

She added: “I would like to return here as an MP. But I’m also interested in international law and international relations.”

In a robust debate on ‘This House believes in all-female shortlists’ Callum Craig and Ravi Odedra from Hitchin Boys School beat equally passionate speakers from St George’s School Harpenden in a close contest which engaged the audience as much as the speakers and the judges.

Councillor Brewster was impressed by everyone throughout the event, saying: “I was overwhelmed by the debating ability displayed by all the school teams. “Not only had they researched and considered their topics at a very great depth, they were all able to resiliently withstand probing wider questioning. “It was a privilege to witness this young talent in such an historic setting.”