In recent years, numerous studies have shown that Parliament is unrepresentative that the creation of a host of unpaid internship positions are making politics only accessible to the wealthy or those based in London.
The Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements scheme that has been launched this week is a cross-party project which aims to address these issues by offering 12 people the opportunity and support to complete a paid internship in Parliament.
The scheme hopes to attract people from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, in a bid to make Parliament more inclusive and open.
Chi said:
“I am pleased to see the launch of the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements scheme. It is a programme that will open up internships in Parliament to people from ordinary backgrounds, and I hope that people in Newcastle who are passionate about politics will consider applying.”
Applications can be made on the Social Mobility Foundation’s website: www.socialmobility.org.uk.