UK Launches Initiative to Teach Democracy to Toddlers in Memory of Sir David Amess

Published: 22 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A new educational initiative in the United Kingdom will introduce children as young as two to the principles of democracy, in a project established to honour the legacy of Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP tragically murdered in 2021. The programme, led by children’s entertainer Amanda Frolich—known professionally as Action Amanda—aims to instil values of fairness, participation, and responsibility from the earliest stages of childhood.

The pilot scheme will initially involve four schools, catering to children aged two to six, and will employ storytelling, play-based exercises, voting activities, and group decision-making as tools to convey democratic principles in an age-appropriate manner. Organisers envision the project eventually extending to opportunities for young children to visit Parliament and engage in debates, further embedding civic engagement into early education.

Ms Frolich, 55, who has previously organised events for high-profile families including Boris and Carrie Johnson, David and Victoria Beckham, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, emphasised the long-term impact of the programme. “If our democracy is to flourish, children must know from the start that their voices matter,” she said. “A three-year-old can understand fairness and belonging—and those seeds grow into responsible citizens for life.”

The initiative builds on the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament, which has already involved over 5,000 children aged seven to eleven in livestreamed debates with MPs. The younger programme, set to launch ahead of the fifth anniversary of Sir David’s death next year, will take place in two state schools and two independent schools: Chantler’s Primary School in Bury, Manchester; Edward Beetham CofE Primary School in Greenford, Surrey; Saint Pierre School in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex; and Heathcote Preparatory School and Nursery in Danbury, Essex.

Craig Jones, chairman of the School Aged Childcare Association and an advocate for the children’s parliament, highlighted the benefits of introducing democratic habits early. “By embedding democratic habits, we give children a framework to understand fairness, collaboration, and belonging, long before they face the more divisive conversations of adult politics. The legacy of Sir David Amess is about participation, kindness, and respect for institutions. That begins from an early age.”

The project has received support from Sir David’s eldest daughter, Katie Amess, and former Southend West MP Anna Firth, both of whom serve as patrons of the children’s parliament. Parallel to the school programme, plans are underway for seven- to eleven-year-olds to participate in a one-day event in the House of Commons chamber to debate topical issues. Parliament is expected to vote in the coming weeks on a £90,000 government grant to support the event, covering security and broadcasting costs.

Through this innovative approach, organisers hope to cultivate a generation of young citizens who are not only aware of democratic principles but also confident in their ability to contribute to the civic life of the nation. The initiative stands as a tribute to Sir David Amess’s enduring commitment to participatory democracy and the empowerment of young voices.