MEP talks with Hartlepool students ahead of EU referendum

Young people at a Hartlepool college had the chance to talk with a Euro MP.
Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College and Jude Kirton-Darling MEP.Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College and Jude Kirton-Darling MEP.
Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College and Jude Kirton-Darling MEP.

MEP Jude Kirton-Darling MEP visited Hartlepool College of Further Education to speak to students about the upcoming EU referendum.

The event was also attended by students from Dyke House Sports and Technology College.

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Ms Kirton-Darling gave a speech about her role as a Member of the European Parliament and had a lively discussion with students on a variety of EU topics.

She said: “It was encouraging to meet so many young people who are engaged in and interested in politics, especially as the vote to remain or leave the European Union is likely to affect young people most of all.

“Many apprenticeships are part-supported by EU funding, and it is exactly institutions like this which will suffer if we leave the EU.

“We need more job creation and apprenticeship schemes in the region, not slower growth and fewer employment opportunities for young people.”

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Darren Hankey, Principal and Chief Executive of Hartlepool College, which currently supports 900 apprentices said: “It was great to show Jude the first class training facilities here at Hartlepool College’s Skills Academy and for students to meet her to chat about Europe.

“We encourage students to get involved in the issues that matter to them, in our college and from schools in our area, so it was really useful for them to have this opportunity.”

The referendum takes place on June 23 and people have until the June 7 to register to vote if they haven’t already done so.