Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for Foyer Voice. Why would you say that politics is important?

Politics controls people’s lives. Whatever you do, politics has an impact on it, so its importance is massive.

Secondly, there has to be some form of government, some form or rule, and the one that we have in the UK is the best form that we’ve found! UK has the oldest parliament in the world, and it is the least corruptible form of government in the world. People take that for granted, but it is very important and we should realise how lucky we are.

Can you give examples of the difference that politics would make to someone like me who lives in a Foyer?

Forget the word politics, but just think of some of the issues like education, jobs, housing – everyone should be passionate about these things as it affects your whole life! When I was a teenager and in my 20s, I didn’t like politics, but I was passionate about the issues. I would urge people to get involved and have say what they think about these issues. If you don’t get involved and engaged, what’s going to happen in the future? MPs are very keen to meet young people – honestly we are! – so please come and speak with us, write to us, and let us know what you think.

What do you think are the most pressing issues for young people in the UK today?

1) Tuition fees and educational chances in general; 2) Jobs and opportunities, 3) Housing. But I want young people to tell me what’s the most important issues for them – so if there’s anything else that I’ve missed you need to let me know!

As an MP, what have you done personally for young people?

I am very supportive of the Bridgwater YMCA Foyer – and I’m not just saying that for this interview! I’ve visited there and I learned more in that afternoon than I have for a long time! It’s so good when people open up and tell you what they care about and telling me what I should do on their behalf.

Politicians often come across as just criticising each other all the time in petty ways, and they seem uninterested in the real world. With this in mind, how would you persuade a young person to vote?

The image the politicians have is a problem – and I do see why politicians have that image. But it is something that I try to change, and I do try to engage with young people as much as possible, but I agree that MPs do need to try harder to engage young people.

What are the things you enjoy/things that frustrate you about your job as an MP?

I love the constituency that I represent – Bridgwater and the surrounding area. I get a lot of satisfaction from serving the people in that area, and that is when I am happiest in my job. When people contact me and I am able to help bring about changes that really impact on people’s lives, it really is a great feeling.

The most frustrating thing about my job is in Westminster as it’s so difficult to change things. But overall I’m really fortunate to be in my job.

What are your current priorities as a politician in your constituency?

I’m not saying that I get everything right, not by a long way, but if I can retire and say that I’ve made a difference, made life better for people, then I’ll be happy. I’m lucky to be in a job that I really can make a difference.

I'm looking for 5 a-side teams for inter foyer games from all over the country. We have a hard court in Bridgwater YMCA. Looking for a good challenge! Contact Wayne at 01278 422511