Hampstead and Kilburn MP Glenda Jackson visited Hampstead School to speak to pupils about the importance of film in a democracy.

The double Oscar-winning former actress talked to 30 students from the school’s film club about the power of political film, women in parliament and why film is important for young people.

“Films, whatever the story, encourage us to ask the question how do you create a society in which so many different attitudes, different views, can actually function and work together?” said the 77-year-old, who is to step down as a Labour MP at the general election next year.

“Film is a powerful medium which shows us that the world we inhabit is very small and we have to be able to get along in it, which is something all young people should think about.” The visit was hosted by education charity Into Film, which promotes the teaching of film and helps set up clubs at schools across the UK, free for all state schools.

To find out how to start a film club, visit www.filmclub.org, email info@intofilm.org or call 0207 288 4520.