MP Lilley takes to the air

James King of YOR Radio interviews local MP Peter Lilley

Peter Lilley MP took to the airwaves with the young people of Hitchin when he visited youth radio station YOR Radio.

The former Conservative Minister was interviewed by the young people working there, toured the studio and saw how the radio equipment works.

Groundwork, in partnership with Youth Connexions, established the youth-led community radio station at the Bancroft Centre in Hitchin.

The YOR internet radio station now broadcasts four nights a week from Monday to Thursday with a monthly live music event and weekend broadcasts. Young people take a lead role in all aspects of the radio including DJing, planning, organising the events and promotion.

Mr Lilley, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to the radio station and was very impressed by the broadcasting skills of my young hosts and the studio and its equipment. They asked me a number of questions, such as what advice I would give to a candidate for the youth parliament. I advised him to keep on trying – it took me 40 applications before I was selected for a seat – and to make sure he has another career to rely on, not just politics.

“Asked about my musical tastes; I grew up in the era of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and the Kinks are one of my favourite bands so I was very pleased when the DJs played one of their best records for me.  When asked which one piece of music everyone should listen to at least once in their life, I proposed Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis to give them a foretaste of Heaven.”

Asked for a recollection about his experiences during his time in Parliament, Mr Lilley replied: “I used to have a little office between the Chancellor and Prime Minister’s offices, and when Margaret Thatcher forgot her keys to her office she came into mine and announced she would be sharing my desk. So I had to sit looking diligent while she prepared for Prime Minister’s Questions – not so much funny as terrifying!”

The Groundwork Hertfordshire team said: “We were thrilled that Mr Lilley could visit the radio station for what was a lovely afternoon. It was hugely beneficial for the young people; they were really pleased to have their local MP as a guest.”