STUDENTS met with MPs to ensure the interests of the world's poorest people will be kept in mind in the general election.

On April 24, 60 supporters of the aid agency CAFOD travelled from across the country to meet at Speaker's House in Parliament.

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development is an international development charity and the official aid agency of the Catholic Church.

Salim Houbby and Oscar Ward, both 17, travelled from Reading to Westminster to speak with MPs from several different political parties.

Salim said: “I got to speak to the MPs about their election pledges: if they are committed to the 0.7% aid budget, what they plan to do about climate change, and if they plan to keep the commitments that were made at the Paris climate talks in 2015.

“I want to tell other teenagers that can't vote in the upcoming general election that there are other opportunities to voice their concerns like participating in the CAFOD Youth Leadership Scheme and campaigning about what you are passionate about.”

Although Salim and Oscar are not yet able to vote, they were able to speak to politicians about supporting those living in poverty through UK aid.

Oscar added: “I want to tell all my peers that if you speak loud enough, your voices will be heard. Being here tonight and meeting all the MPs has been such an eye-opening and really amazing experience.

“Speaking to the Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow and Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, shows that MPs really do listen to young people.”

CAFOD is encouraging Catholics to ask election candidates to support UK commitments on tackling poverty overseas and climate change.