THE first Parliamentary sitting in Oxford for more than 300 years will take place on Thursday.

The House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee is due to meet at the Divinity School, next to the Bodleian Library, off Broad Street.

Its chairman is Oxford West MP Nicola Blackwood, who took over the role during the summer and is currently leading inquiries into the national science budget, 'big data', science in emergencies and the Investigatory Powers Bill. 

Miss Blackwood said: "I’m pleased to be in my home city of Oxford to chair this special session of the committee as part of Parliament Week.

"This Committee has never met outside London before and it is inspiring to be in the Divinity School which has an historic link with Parliament."

More than 80 pupils from county schools and young people taking part in Oxfordshire County Council's 'find your voice' project are also expected to attend.