Epping Forest's MP joined youth councillors for a virtual discussion

A range of issues were raised when Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing joined Epping Forest Youth Councillors for an online discussion.

Dame Eleanor said: "They are a great bunch of young people representing all the senior schools in the Epping Forest constituency.

"We discussed everything from vaccinations to campaigning for equality to quantitative easing.

"I was particularly interested to hear how they are coping with studying online.

"They were brilliantly upbeat about the challenges they face and told me that their schools have been very understanding about how to structure lessons online, building in breaks and other activities to try to balance their work and plan their days."

Dame Eleanor added: "This generation of young people are having a much more difficult time than any other in recent years but I have every confidence that they will make the best of the challenges they face and will flourish."

Youth councillor Bianca Nedelcu, who represents Roding Valley High School, said: "Dame Eleanor was glad to hear that our schools are very supportive in these unprecedented times and how they give us necessary breaks.

"It was a pleasure to speak to her about our achievements within the Youth Council. Her answers were very informative and she seems like a wonderful person."

Youth councillor Martin Prinsloo, who represents Davenant Foundation School, said: "Dame Eleanor Laing reached out and connected with us, she was interested and listened. I am proud to call her our MP as she has a lot of experience and works very hard.

"It was great to talk to our MP about our work at the Youth Council."