Burt urges Solihull teenagers: "Tell Tony how you'd run Britain"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Oct 2005

Lorely Burt is urging Solihull's teenagers to make their voices heard in a Westminster competition.

The Parliamentary Press Gallery is holding its writing competition for the third year running to promote discussion and interest in democratic debate among Britain's young people.

Lorely Burt said:

"As a mother with teenagers I know that they have a lot to say about how the country is governed. This competition is a great opportunity for Solihull's young people to be heard. This is your opportunity to tell Tony how you'd run Britain. So put your thinking caps on and get writing!"

Regional winners will enjoy a day in London seeing leading Parliamentary journalists at work interviewing prominent politicians. The day will end with the announcement of the overall winners and the presentation of awards.

The 2006 Press Gallery Writing Competition - WriteNow - was initially launched to celebrate the Press Gallery's 200th anniversary and is now in its third year.

Pupils from two age categories are invited to write on the following themes:

Year 10 and 11

If you were Prime Minister, what would your three priorities be and what would you do to address them.

Year 12 and 13

Many people fail to differentiate between parliament and government. Write an article explaining the distinct role of each and what could be done to explain their separate entities to the electorate.

The deadline for entries is Friday 18th November 2005. For more information about the competition visit www.parliamentarypressgallery.org.uk