2018 is an important year for our democracy, with the hundredth anniversary of some women being given the right to vote. It seems incredible to think that the democratic rights that we too often take for granted in the UK were denied to so many people in this country for so long.

Visitors to the Palace of Westminster can see the legacy of the suffragettes’ struggle even today: on the way in to Central Lobby stands the still-broken statue to which Margery Humes chained herself in 1909 to call for votes for women, and a cupboard next to the crypt chapel is the site of Emily Davison’s hiding place on the night of the 1911 census, showing that a woman’s place is in Parliament.

I have been incredibly fortunate since 2010 to serve in Parliament and I am daily reminded of the incredible history that surrounds all of us who work here. It is one of the highlights of my job to be able to welcome constituents, especially schoolchildren, to see our Parliament for themselves, and over the last eight years I have hosted thousands of pupils for a tour and a Q&A session with me on local and national issues. The parliamentary tour guides are fantastic and I know what a rewarding and valuable experience a visit is for children of all ages.

That’s why I have written to all my local schools, encouraging them to arrange tours of Parliament (my office is happy to help).

We are in the midst of one of the most interesting periods in recent political history – there has never been a better time for young people to get engaged in politics. I hope as many schools as possible agree to sign up.