Three Haberdashers’ Monmouth students travelled to Westminster to present their deforestation‑free food campaign to UK climate leaders, showcasing the powerful role young people are playing in shaping national climate action and presenting their work directly to Climate Minister Katie White MP during a special visit to Westminster.

Students from four Welsh schools, including Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, Monmouth Comprehensive School, and schools in Bridgend and Conwy, travelled to Westminster on Wednesday last week to present their climate leadership work to Katie White MP, Minister for Climate, and senior government representatives.

The group of pupils, all active in campaigns promoting deforestation‑free school meals and sustainable food systems, were invited to Parliament following their involvement in international climate discussions at COP30. Together, they have been championing the links between food choices, tropical forest protection and global climate action.

During their visit, the Monmouth students met their local MP, Catherine Fookes, at the House of Commons, sharing how their collaborative campaigns have encouraged schools and local authorities across Wales to rethink how food is sourced and how everyday choices can impact global forests.

In a dedicated session with Climate Minister Katie White MP, the students outlined their journey as “deforestation‑free champions” and demonstrated the power of youth‑led, cross‑school action. The Minister praised the pupils for offering thoughtful, practical solutions to complex environmental challenges and encouraged them to continue using their “incredibly powerful voices.”

Representatives from the UK’s International Forests Unit attended the presentation, reflecting growing interest in how young people across Wales are contributing to climate and biodiversity goals.

The visit also included a trip to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where the students met Maggie Charnley, Head of the International Forests Unit. After an inspiring tour, they explored how international forest and climate policy is shaped, discussing the global significance of protecting forests while transforming food systems. Charnley encouraged the group, saying: “I have no doubt in my mind that you will be leading decisions in the future – I’m sure that every single one of you will do something extraordinary.”

For Alex, a Haberdashers' Monmouth student, the experience was a powerful one: “I’m proud and pleased that someone my age is able to go to Westminster to put my points across.”

Organisers of the trip, Size of Wales, described the day as “a powerful recognition of the leadership young people across Wales are showing in tackling climate change and promoting food systems that benefit both people and the planet.”

For the students involved, the visit offered more than a behind‑the‑scenes look at Parliament—it provided a real platform to demonstrate how young people, working together across schools and regions, are helping shape conversations at the highest levels of government.

The Westminster visit forms part of a wider programme empowering students to understand global environmental issues and take meaningful local action.

Student‑led environmental leadership: Pupils across the school engage in projects focused on sustainable food systems, biodiversity, energy reduction and climate advocacy.