THE Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton hosted flagship BBC show Question Time last Thursday.

The arts centre welcomed host David Dimbleby and the panel of former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Baroness Kramer, Shadow Education Secretary and Labour MP Tristram Hunt, Conservative MP Owen Paterson and novelist and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz.

Topics included the decriminalisation of drugs and the focus on a health-based approach rather than criminalisation of users; whether returning UK Jihadists should be tried for treason; a discussion about whether Britain should pay £1.7billion to the EU by December 1; questions about the benefits system; and whether energy problems will cause blackouts this winter.

The event also highlighted key issues in Somerset, including the new EDF power station, Hinkley Point C, and its potential environmental impact.

And environmental and animal protesters voiced their objections to the badger cull outside the centre in response to the arrival of Conservative MP Owen Patterson.

Students from The Somerset Performing Arts Centre for Education and year 11 pupils from Heathfield Community School had the chance to tour the set and meet the production team.

The SPACE course director David Duthie said: “Students gained a great deal from the experience of touring the production departments of the show and taking part in a mock-panel Q&A with David Dimbleby himself.

“They were completely put at their ease and we are so grateful to the BBC for the opportunity.”

Beth Kingston-Lee, a year 12 student from The SPACE, said: “I have only had a moderate interest in politics until now but watching the politicians argue got me fired up and desperate to get involved.

“I definitely want to learn more about the different arguments after this experience and cannot wait to use my vote.”