THE third Queen's College Model United Nations Conference, which takes place tomorrow (March 15), is to be opened by Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne.

Mr Browne is also the guest speaker for the event and will talk to pupils from across the region about his work with the Foreign Office to inspire them in their debates.

Thirteen schools from across the Westcountry are taking part, including Richard Huish College, Taunton School and Court Fields in Wellington.

More than 200 students in Years 9-12 will be involved in the debates, which are a simulation of the actual United Nations in terms of the structure, organisation and issues discussed and is an international initiative for students.

It is designed to improve debating and negotiation skills and understanding of global issues.

Queen’s College Headmaster Chris Alcock said: “Queen’s College is a real centre of excellence for Model United Nations and the event on Saturday will be tremendous to watch.

"It is organised by our Sixth Formers and Queen’s will be hive of activity all over the campus.

"To see young people develop debating and analytical skills and to learn to construct and present a reasoned argument are skills that they will use throughout their lives."