Local MP visits Queen and Micromania

The Queen of Micromania and her subjects received a visit from Kingston and Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, last Friday, when he explained how politics operates in a democracy.

Year Five at Burlington Junior School have created a "MicroSociety" over the last 10 weeks in their very own classroom. In Micromania, the pupils have created their own currency - Micros - chosen to be ruled by a Queen and set up businesses and begun trading. Their society elder - class teacher John Rickwood - has advised on the introduction of import taxes - though recently their tax collector had to resign for not collecting enough taxes!

Edward Davey was told about Micromania by the pupils, and he explained how politics works in Britain - and what the people of Micromania may want to copy, and may want to ignore.

After his visit, Edward Davey commented:

"Seeing the children make decisions on laws and business was impressive. There were fewer laws and taxes in Micromania which might attract many people - though Micromania has only been in existence for 10 weeks!

"The entrepreneurial spirit was better advanced in my view than their political system of an absolute monarchy.

However, the Queen of Micromania was popular, so democratic politicians perhaps could learn a lot!

"I'm delighted to see young people learning about society, government and business in such an imaginative way. Their enthusiasm and creativity is fantastic!"