Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to ensure that schools teach pupils the importance of participating within the democratic process.

Citizenship education helps young people to prepare to play a full part in society, informed by a sound understanding of what it means to be a responsible citizen. In citizenship, pupils learn about democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld. Teaching should equip pupils to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, to debate, and to make reasoned arguments.

To help support teachers engage pupils in learning about the democratic process, the Cabinet Office has produced the Rock Enrol! lesson framework, which is published online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rock-enrol-engaging-young-people-in-democracy

Since its creation, the Cabinet Office has worked to promote its use in schools, local authorities and by youth organisations.