Schoolchildren in Worcestershire are encouraged to learn more about a historic debate amongst their peers on animal welfare issues.

Youngsters will be debating the topic for the first in the Houses of Parliament as part of the RSPCA’s Great Debate event.

This is the first debate event for young people focusing on animal welfare to be held in England and at Westminster itself.

Pupils from four schools across the South East have been preparing to go head to head over the issues of live exports, tougher sentencing for animal cruelty offenders, keeping primates as pets and using wild animals in circuses.

The event, which will take place on Tuesday, July 3 in London, follows the success of the Great Debate in Wales which has been running for the last four years.

School pupils in Worcestershire are encouraged to find out more about the debate to inspire them to become involved in animal protection.

David Allen, head of education at the RSPCA, said: “The Great Debate is an opportunity to encourage young people, and adults in Westminster, to talk about some of the pressing animal welfare issues.

“It’s vital that we open up the debate on animal welfare to the younger generation and it will be very interesting to see the attitudes and opinions of students.”

Mr Allen added: “At the RSPCA our aim is to develop informed, responsible and compassionate citizens of the future, and this event gives young people the opportunity to explore some of the pressing welfare issues facing animals today and in the future.”

For more information visit https://education.rspca.org.uk/education/home