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06.02.2008

300 young people are set to invade the House of Lords chamber on the 2nd May as part of a historic move to listen to the voices of children and young people. The Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) will use the event to debate and vote on their national campaigns for 2008 and 2009. This will be the first time the UK Youth Parliament will sit in the Houses of Parliament.

Announcing the event today, Natalie North, Member of the UK Youth Parliament (17 years-old) commented,

“Sitting in the House of Lords is an incredible opportunity for those of us representing other young people. As the profile of the UK Youth Parliament increases it is the perfect chance for the Government and local councils to listen, take seriously and act upon the voice we carry forward. No-one knows better what young people want than young people!”

The Lord Speaker Baroness Hayman said,

“Engagement with young people is vital to any effective legislature since it is young people who will live in the world which is being shaped by Parliament today. We need to understand the views and experiences of young people in order to pass laws which are fit for the future. 

“I am delighted to announce that in May Members of the UK Youth Parliament will sit in the House of Lords chamber to debate the issues to be adopted as their three national campaigns for 2008. I hope that this will help to strengthen further the relationship between Parliament and the UK Youth Parliament.”

Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament said,

“For decades young people have been saying that the Houses of Parliament have very little to do with them, and that will all change on May 2nd when Members of Youth Parliament from across the UK storm the Lords to have their say. They can’t wait, and I know they will show absolutely everybody watching that young people are interested in making a difference.

“It promises to be a fascinating session, but this isn’t just about the event itself. We’ll also be looking to show every young person how they too can get involved in local democratic structures and that whatever talent they have, it can be used to better society.”

Journalists can register interest in attending the debate by contacting Fiona McKinstrie (fiona@ukyp.org.uk).

ENDS

House of Lords and UK Youth Parliament Facts;

Year of birth of oldest Member of House of Lords – 1912
Year of birth of oldest Member of UK Youth Parliament – 1990

Age of youngest Member of House of Lords – 36 years old
Age of youngest Member of UK Youth Parliament – 11 years old

Average age of Member of House of Lords – 68 years
Average age of Member of UK Youth Parliament – 15 years

Notes to Editors:

1. For interviews, photographs, comments contact Fiona McKinstrie, Press Officer, on 020 7843 6348/07507 603378 or email fiona.mckinstrie@ukyouthparliament.org.uk

2. The UK Youth Parliament gives young people a voice on issues that matter to them.

3. 400,000 young people take part in the UK Youth Parliament elections each year.

4. Over 500 young people are elected as Members of the UK Youth Parliament. They work to ensure that the voices of young people are heard at a national, regional and local level.

5. For further details please refer to www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/ 

6. This is a pilot event and is only the second time either Chamber of Parliament has been open to the public for non-Parliamentary use.

7. For more information about the work of the House of Lords, please visit www.parliament.uk/lords