The work of Hermitage Academy pupils was praised in the House of Commons last week.
Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara along with politicians from across the political spectrum, supported a Private Members Bill which seeks to change UK laws on refugee family reunion.
And Mr O’Hara took the opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the contribution from Helensburgh’ s Hermitage Academy Rights Respecting Group on this issue.
Mr O’Hara is pictured meeting the group at the end of last year, when they sought his advice and support for their campaign to change the rules regarding reuniting refugee children with their families in the UK.
They managed to get the signatures of 1,100 Helensburgh schoolchildren for their petition which they plan to present to Parliament.
Mr O’Hara said: “I met with this remarkable group of young people who are rightly outraged at the plight of refugee children who, on fleeing their war-torn country are unable to be reunited with their loved ones because of this UK government’s laws.
“My advice to them was to speak to as many people as possible about it to inform and change peoples’ attitudes.
“I am absolutely delighted to hear they have over a thousand signatures from Helensburgh school children equally appalled at what is happening”.
He added: “We often hear of how young people are not engaged in politics and it is why I took the opportunity in parliament to pay tribute to them and asked my MP colleague Angus MacNeil who brought the Bill to parliament, to join me in welcoming them when they visit the House to present their petition.
“They are truly an inspiration to young people in Scotland who are making sure that their voices are heard loud and clear. I am very proud of each and every one of them.”
The school’s Rights Respecting Group haven’t stopped there and plan to do a bag pack at a local supermarket to raise money for them to travel to Parliament to present their petition and are having a Bake for Syria week next month to raise funds which will go towards improving the education for refugee children.
The Private Members’ Bill, after several hours of debate, was voted to proceed to the Committee stage of the process by an 87 majority.
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