Politics matters because it can change things, David Miliband has told two students taking the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award.

Ella Boorman and Xanthe Mitten, students at Manor Church of England Academy, had the opportunity to meet and interview the MP for South Shields.

They asked him about leadership and what inspires him most in his role as a Member of Parliament.

When asked why politics matters and why young people should get involved, he said:
“Politics matters because you really can change things. Life is not about fate. People can make a difference.

"Change doesn’t happen all at once. You make small steps, but they are significant and it’s really important to be part of that.”

The award invites leaders from all areas of society to share their experiences with students taking the Key Stage 4 course.

The aim of the two year programme is to raise the students into leaders of the future.

Ella was especially keen to interview Mr Miliband. It was his leadership within Labour that inspired her to enter the National Youth Parliament.

Thousands of students are taking part in the Young Leaders Award, which is run by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust in schools across the north of England.

Dan Finn, Young Leaders Award Coordinator, said: "It’s great to see how well this new programme is developing and the exciting opportunities that are arising for young people.

"No matter what background you are from or what political views you may hold, we all have a responsibility to contribute positively to our communities and that is exactly what this award is enabling young people to do.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for Ella and Xanthe to meet Mr Miliband today – but we want to see these young people going out into communities inspiring others. Young people are not the leaders of tomorrow. They are the leaders of today."