n appeal MP Barry Sheerman
FIRST it was ID cards. Then it was smoking in public places.
Now, Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman has launched his third online poll.
The topic this time is on whether the school-leaving age should be raised.
Mr Sheerman said it was shocking that Britain was 25th out of a league table of 29 industrialised countries for the percentage of 17-year-olds in full-time education or training.
Figures also show that the number of youngsters leaving school without a single GCSE pass is growing.
Mr Sheerman, chairman of the Commons Education and Skills Committee, said: "If we are serious as a society about progress, we must take action to stop the numbers who are leaving school or training at 16."
His Huddersfield constituents are being urged to spell out their views on Mr Sheerman's own website.
The MP plans to put the comments into a report for a working group looking at the reform of secondary education.
Mr Sheerman said: "The internet is an increasingly popular method of communication.
"I want to harness its full possibilities by being in regular contact and discussion with people."
Go to his website at www.barrysheerman.labour.co.uk
