Mark Spencer visits NTU to educate on election to journalists of the future

Mark Spencer met students this week at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and was posed some challenging questions as the clock ticks to voting day.

The man, who has been Hucknall’s MP for the past five years, is campaigning hard to try and secure his seat in next week’s General Election but took time out to meet students from the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism (CBJ).

Mr Spencer talked to the group of future journalists about his role as an MP, the election campaigning, policies and opened the floor to questions.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming to NTU today and it proves that the next generation are very politically aware and quite engaged,” he said. “It’s important that politicians do more of these types of visits.”

In the hour long visit, Mr Spencer spoke of his experiences in Parliament and stressed the importance of the media in helping him communicate with his constituents.

“It’s vital to forge contacts with local newspapers, radio and TV to make the community aware of what is happening and what the issues are locally,” he said.

“Without the local press it would be impossible to get our message out and you can not underestimate the value of this as a politician.”

CBJ students were engaged by the special guest and also filmed the event as part of their course.

“We were delighted to welcome Mr Spencer to NTU,” said journalism lecturer Jackie Derbyshire. “The students were very interested in what he had to say.”