Somerset’s Young Journalist Takes Westminster by Storm
By Jill Dando News
Teen Journalist Grills Mr. Speaker and Secures Westminster Work Experience
Ben, a 14-year-old student from Worle School in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, is proving that young voices can truly make a difference.
As part of the Jill Dando News project, Ben joined a team of 10 young reporters and the Good News Post on a trip to London to interview the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
During the interview, Ben asked a powerful and timely question:
“What do you believe Parliament can do to re-engage with younger voters who may feel politicians don’t represent them?”
Sir Lindsay responded with a heartfelt call to action:
“You are the future. If we don’t invest in young people and get them engaged, where do we go from here?
“When you complain about something, get involved. Make the changes. You can do that.”
He continued: “And that’s why I want to invest in the future. I’m not the future. You’re the future. Are you going to be the next Prime Minister? Who knows who’s the next politician? But we’ve got to get young people switched on, understanding.”
Inspired by his visit to Parliament, Ben has since secured a summer work placement with his local MP, Dan Aldridge. Aldridge, a patron of Jill Dando News alongside Sir Lindsay and others, praised Ben’s ambition and determination:
“Jill Dando News gives young people the confidence to step up and make their voices heard. Ben is a fantastic example and role model of what happens when young people seize opportunities and shape the future.”
The Jill Dando News project, inspired by the late journalist Jill Dando, continues to create life-changing opportunities for young people across the region, encouraging them to explore careers in journalism, politics, and beyond.
Worle School Principal Mark Tidman said: “We are so proud of Ben and all the young reporters. This project empowers students to dream bigger, work harder, and realise their potential. There really are no limits to what students can achieve.”
In 2019, the project made headlines when young reporters interviewed Boris Johnson at Downing Street.
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Backed by two Prime Ministers, Sir Richard Branson, Jill’s brother Nigel Dando, and Fiona Bruce, the initiative is transforming the lives of aspiring journalists and changemakers alike.
