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  The MiP files: Ban for TV ads aimed at kids?
Updated 15 April 2003, 15.38

Each week, we unlock some of the secrets of the most powerful place in Britain - Parliament.

Our Man in Parliament has all the latest info every Tuesday!

You can also ask him questions or get him to ID your MP. Go to the bottom of the page for how.


Do you eat too much junk food?

I've written before about politicians being worried about kids eating too much fatty food.

And one of them is so worried she wants to ban TV adverts for food, sweets and drinks during children's TV.


Debra Shipley is most concerned about very young kids watching pre-school television.

She reckons they nag their mums and dads into buying things like sweets and burgers - and eating too much stuff like that could cause health problems in the future.

What do you reckon?


"Those young people are asking why they can pay tax, get married and join the armed forces at 16, if they cannot vote."

- politician Vernon Coaker on the campaign to allow 16-year-olds to vote


Is the government picking on kids?

Some politicians think so - they are angry about new law being discussed at the moment to let the police send children out on the streets at night back home.

They reckon more needs to be done to give kids things to do to keep them out of trouble - like open new skate parks and sports areas.


Ten-year-olds in England are the third best readers in the world!

Top politicians revealed the finding from a survey which found that only Sweden and the Netherlands had more able young readers.


Each week our MiP will give you the chance to have your MP identified.

Just send us your name and postcode using the boxes at the bottom and he'll do the rest.

This week, Jordan, 10, from Glasgow gets their MP identified.

Name:
Ann McKechin
Age:
41
Where are you from?
Paisley, Scotland - I am one of three women MPs who come from the town. I now live in Glasgow.
Party:
Labour
School nickname:
Val (after Blue Peter's Valerie Singleton because I was often cutting out paper and sticking it into books).

Greatest achievement:
Being part of the Jubilee 2000 campaign which led to substantial cuts in Third World debt and put the problems of the world's poorest people on the top of the political agenda.
Inspiration:
Nelson Mandela - his incredible bravery, intelligence and honesty shows that politicians can make a real difference for good in the world.
Last movie I saw:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and I really enjoyed it!
Football team:
Partick Thistle, of course, who are based in my constituency.
MP I admire:
A Northern Ireland MP called John Hume - he has never held government office but has devoted his life in the cause of peace and achieved a huge amount for the people of Northern Ireland.
Were you interested in politics as a child?
Yes, my Dad was a local councillor throughout my childhood and his experience really showed me that politics can be exciting and important. I started delivering leaflets from the age of nine and got hooked!
Why does politics matter?
It changes the way we lead our lives and protects our freedoms - but we all have a part to play which is why voting is so important.
Job before becoming an MP?
I was a solicitor in Glasgow.
What one thing would you change tomorrow?
Cancel Third World debt and give the poorest countries the chance to provide free schools and medical services for everyone.
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Got a question for our Man in Parliament?

Want to know who your MP is?

Send stuff to him using this form!

Your first name

Your age

Your town

Your postcode

Any comments or questions for our MiP

Send us your details if you'd like us to hunt out your MP! We'll put a new one up each week.
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More InfoBORDER=0
PicturesPhotos of the top MPs
Find OutHow does Parliament work?

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Past StoriesBORDER=0
The MiP files: The man in charge of the money
The MiP files: Bend it like Becks - at school!
The MiP files: How many PCs in your school?
The MiP files: How much should teens be paid?
The MiP files: Play the Speaker game!
The MiP files: Time to get angry?!
The MiP files: Praise for hip hop and rap!

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Web Links
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UK Parliament site for kids
Note: You will leave CBBC. We are not responsible for other websites.

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Full UK Section
Also in The MiP files now:
MiP Files: The prime minister's crucial week
MiP file: Tory leader faces off with PM
MiP files: A new leader for the Tories?
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