A Lanarkshire MP has shared the story of his journey to Westminster with New College Lanarkshire (NCL) students.
Steven Bonnar, the elected member for Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill, spoke with more than 50 HNC and NC social sciences students from the college’s Coatbridge and Motherwell campuses online.
A SNP politician at Westminster since 2019, Mr Bonnar discussed the path that led him to a career in politics, while students also had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session.
Mr Bonnar told Lanarkshire Live : “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the social sciences students at NCL; I hope they enjoyed our discussions as much as I did and there was some value to them in relation to their studies.
“It was clear from the thinking behind some of the questions that there is a keen interest in democracy and how government works as a collective, both from Westminster and Holyrood.
"I wish to commend the students for their questions and their willingness to engage. It was clear they were also well-informed of the structures of our democracy, which was very impressive.
“I put enormous value on the benefit of such events to myself and in assisting me in my role as representative for the people of my constituency.
"It’s always great to engage in this manner with my constituents, regardless of age group, but I must say I was very impressed with the level of knowledge and insight.”
The MP added: “I also know that people often wonder how you ‘get into’ politics. I often wondered that myself as I treaded the shop floors in my previous career in the retail sector.
"So it’s always nice to share the story of my journey from the Viewpark scheme to Westminster too.
“I look very much forward to my next visit to NCL and hope next time we can do it in person.”
The discussion was organised by Kirsten Larson, the college's acting curriculum and quality leader for humanities, who has plans to invite MSPs to speak with students about their roles at the Scottish Parliament over the coming months.
Kirsten said: “I was delighted that Steven took the time to visit our students.
"It has been a difficult year for our learners and having guest speakers makes a real difference.
"Many students said they found Steven to be highly engaging and passionate about politics.
"Our current topic is UK politics and the constitution, and it was hugely beneficial to hear from someone with direct experience of serving in Westminster.”
To find out more about NCL's courses in social sciences, ranging from evening classes to HND level, visit here or call 0300 555 8080.
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