UNIVERSITY students have founded a new forum to debate the big political issues of the day.

It is hoped the Durham Democracy Forum (DDF) will bridge the gap between politicians and people and empower the public on local and national issues.

The DDF is the brainchild of a group of Durham University students, who also hope to create a lasting role for students in facilitating debate in the city.

It will meet every six to eight weeks and its conclusions will become motions on Digital Democracy, an e-democracy website.

A spokesman said: “Our aspiration at the DDF is to make the people’s voice heard and, most importantly, acted upon.”

The first debate will focus on energy prices.

It will be held in Durham Town Hall on Monday, February 17, at 7.15pm.

Speakers will include Dr Benny Peiser, director of the Global Warming Policy Institute; Jenny Saunders, chief executive of National Energy Action; and Professor Tooraj Jamasb, co-director of the Durham Energy Institute.