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Feature: Young Britons get taste of being MP for a week

Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Thousands of young Britons have been given the chance Tuesday to work as a Member of Parliament (MP), facing real life situations.

Westminster has launched an online site, creating a virtual Parliament to enable children aged 11 and over to try their hands at serving in the House of Commons for a week.

"MP for a week" gives young people the chance to get a virtual taste of life as an MP, as they navigate the daily challenges of life as a backbencher in the House of Commons."

Last year, the game, run by the British parliament's education service, was played by 26,000 young people. The re-launched version of the game can be played on mobile devices.

Emma-Jane Watchorn, head of education at Houses of Parliament, said: "The re-launched game will allow a whole new cohort of players to experience the ups and downs of life as an MP. By learning through play, we hope that students will come to find the political process more meaningful and relevant to them."

Players are scored according to the judgments they make and the likely effect on their political party, reputation and the parliamentary constituency they represent.

The game is targeted at young people aged 11 to 14, with a special resources pack produced for teachers. The Parliament's Education Service has produced special resources for teachers.

Wannabe MPs face numerous ordeals during their week in Parliament, from tough questions from members of the public to handling interviews with the media, as well as lively debates in the Houses of Parliament.

A Parliament spokesman said: "As the game progresses, players can select which parts of speeches to use in debates in the main chamber of the House of Commons, and how to attempt to get the attention of the Speaker in the packed Commons Chamber."

Players also have to manage requests from constituents and face a press conference with hostile journalists. Their success or failure at these tasks determines their media profile, voter support and reputation within their own party. Endit