Rishi Sunak spoke about the importance of Parliament and democracy during a visit to a North Yorkshire primary school.

In an illustrated presentation to Appleton Wiske Community Primary School, the Richmond MP and Prime Minister described how the country's system of government had its roots in the Magna Carta of 1215 and evolved into the parliamentary democracy of today with MPs elected to Westminster where the nation’s laws are made.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Rishi Sunak with the pupils of Appleton Wiske Community Primary School

During his visit, Mr Sunak also visited the 74-pupil school’s three classes to join sessions in maths, reading and comprehension.

The school’s headteacher Neil Clark said: “Fundamental British values is an important part of the curriculum and having the Prime Minister explain so clearly and entertainingly to our pupils how our system of government works was fantastic.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Rishi Sunak joins pupils in the classroom

“He was also refreshingly candid when answering pupils’ questions about being an MP and Prime Minister. We are very grateful he found the time in his busy schedule to visit our small school.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Rishi Sunak talks to the school about Parliament and democracy

Mr Sunak said: “I saw some great work going on in all three classes and the children had some great questions for me when the whole school came together. Mr Clark and his team have created a very supportive learning environment for all the pupils.”

Appleton Wiske Community Primary School was rated "good" at its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022.