Burnley students praised by Leader of the Labour Party

Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy with students at Burnley College. Pic: Richard Tymon

Submitted by Peter McLean

Local students have been described as "inspirational" by the Leader of the Labour Party.

Pupils at Burnley College, were praised by Sir Keir Starmer for their ambition.

Sir Keir visited Burnley, Lancashire with Lisa Nandy, Shadow Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.

During their visit, they met students, apprentices, business-leaders and party members.

Sir Keir said: "My dad was a toolmaker and worked in manufacturing all his life.

"That’s very important to me because I saw how hard that work is, and the pride and dignity that it brought.

"One of the great things we saw looking at the manufacturers and the businesses here, was seeing toolmakers – some of whom were here at Burnley College starting their own apprenticeships – doing the modern version of what my dad used to do.

"It was a real trip through memory lane, and a fantastic example of what this college is able to produce to continue that tradition of skilled manufacturing."

As the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Keir also spent half an hour in discussion with Law students about his career.

He said: "It’s been fantastic to be with the students here today.

"Some have come in even though it’s half-term to have discussions with me.

"We just had a half an hour session with some of the students doing law.

"There was a whole variety of questions that were really probing and intelligent. It was brilliant and inspirational to see.

"I met students who are in here doing their studies and out there in businesses around Burnley.

"I’ve seen almost the whole journey."

Sir Keir also praised the college for its facilities and support of industry.

He said: "The facilities here are fantastic.

"I think that sends a very powerful message to students which is ‘We are investing in you.’

"You are the future and therefore we have facilities which match your ambition as students.

"Across Burnley you get a sense of that ambition. You don’t have to look far for it."

Karen Buchanan, principal of Burnley College, said: "At Burnley College we pride ourselves on our links to industry and our drive to ensure every student is given the opportunity to excel and pursue their career ambitions.

"To be able to show the people of Westminster our passion and our commitment to the highest levels of education, to unrivalled connections to industry and our exceptional facilities is fantastic.

"It’s been an amazing day and I’d like to thank everyone involved, from Sir Keir through to the students who gave up their half terms to join him today."

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