Student from Oasis Academy Shirley Park puts questions to Health Secretary, the Rt Hon Andy Burnham

Last Wednesday evening (17th March) saw a student from Oasis Academy Shirley Park meet the Secretary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Andy Burnham. Henal Ganatara a Year 11 student, spent some time putting questions to the Secretary and discussing the current health care system in Britain.

The opportunity for Henal to meet with Andy came at an event organised by the Charities Parliament in London. The evening, in association with FaithAction and Age Concern was an opportunity for interested parties to hear the Health Secretary outline the options open to the country to address the situation faced by the NHS, as well as a chance for questions from the floor.

Henal said, “Last night was a great experience for me, as I had never seen a politician speak live at an event. It made me think of my future horizons and how to better my speeches as I hope to become a politician one day. I asked him a few questions on Britain’s NHS and the its future and also expressed my ideas and opinions. He was very grateful for them and took them on board; it is nice to know that I have shown him a new perspective towards Britain’s health care service. I would like to thank Steve Chalke for giving me this opportunity.  Remember the world is at your feet.”

Steve Chalke, Founder and CEO of Oasis Community Learning, said, “Tonight was a fantastic opportunity for us all to see true democracy unfolding – a group of concerned citizens listening to, and questioning a Cabinet Minister, who was taking our comments and questions on board. I’m sure this evening will be formative for Henal’s future involvement in politics, and I’m sure Andy will have appreciated his interest and desire to engage.”