Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently participated in Gateway FM’s ‘Junior Question Time’ radio show and asked the young panellists for their thoughts on the growth of Artificial Intelligence.
On 23 February, Basildon’s Gateway FM held a Junior Question Time where young panellists from Basildon Youth Council, Billericay Youth Council, and Gateway 97.8 Radio Club fielded questions from an audience live on air. The two-hour show covered a range of topics including local government, climate change, space discovery, electric cars and mental health.
Stephen contributed to the discussion on climate change and stressed the importance of the UK’s leadership on the global stage in bringing about positive change. For example, the UK recently achieved international successes at the United Nations and COP26 in Glasgow – securing the 30 by 30 conservation initiative and securing the Net Zero by 2050 target for 90% of the world’s economy.
Stephen then asked the panellists for their thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and whether they felt fearful or hopeful about its proliferation. As co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI, Stephen is leading conversations on AI within Parliament between Members of Parliament, scientists and researchers.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “Many thanks to Gateway FM for hosting a very engaging Junior Question Time. I think the BBC has some competition!
It was encouraging to hear such healthy debate on current affairs. Credit also goes to the Speaker’s Office in the House of Commons who, through the Speaker’s Fund, has funded the ‘Democracy For All’ Small Grants Scheme.
The scheme is working to increase understanding of Parliamentary democracy across the country.”
