JACK Straw on Friday addressed students at St Mary’s College, Blackburn, in its Be Inspired programme.

This aims to improve students’ understanding of the modern world and to challenge them on key issues. Blackburn MP Mr Straw spoke to government and politics, sociology and law students.

Mubarak Patel, 16, from Blackburn, who is in the running to become Blackburn with Darwen’s Youth MP said, “It was a pleasure to meet Mr Straw. I really enjoyed the discussion.”

Oliver Woodall, 18, said, “I found it very helpful, especially on his role as an MP. It was also interesting to hear his views on US politics.”