Pupils at an Oxford school gave MPs a grilling today as part of a current affairs debate.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, faced questions from teenagers at Oxford Community School, in East Oxford.

Discussion topics ranged from the Iraq War, immigration and slavery, to the US presidential elections and international aid.

Mr Alexander told the Oxford Mail: "I faced a tough set of questions.

"It was a very constructive and useful conversation and I left Oxford very impressed by the calibre of questions and the calibre of students.

"The children were a huge credit to the school."

Mr Alexander, who also served in Tony Blair's cabinet, said the trickiest question was from one student who asked whether Mr Blair or Gordon Brown was a better PM.

He said: "I said they were both substantial political figures and very different, but that was as far as I would go with that question."

About 30 students took part in the debate.

Anna-Maria Ramezanzadeh, 18, said: "It would be great if such debates could happen more often."

Hassan Ali, 15, said it was a positive experience, but the MPs could have answered the questions more directly.

But Jonathan Tease, 13, added: "It was really fun. I felt as if I was given more truthful answers than when I watch them on TV."

The Labour MPs began the debate by telling the students a healthy interest in politics among the young was vital.

Asked whether Britain was right to invade Iraq, Mr Smith said: "I don't regret the rebuilding of Iraq and our troops are doing a great job. The right thing to do now is to work with the people of Iraq."

Headteacher Steve Lunt said because the community school had pupils from 41 different nationalities it was "an honour" to have a visit from the Secretary of State for International Development.

Earlier in the day, Mr Alexander met staff at Oxfam's headquarters in Cowley, including director Barbara Stocking and Graham Mackay, deputy humanitarian director.

Staff outlined projects the charity is undertaking in trouble spots around the world, including Sudan in Africa, which Mr Alexander visited last July, and cyclone-hit Bangladesh.

Mr Alexander said: "It was an opportunity to thank the staff because in recent months I have had the opportunity to see first hand the difference Oxfam has made in Darfur and Bangladesh."