About the UK Youth Parliament

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) enables young people to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better. Run by young people for young people, UKYP provides opportunities for 11-18-year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

UKYP was launched at the House of Commons in July 1999, and held its first Sitting in February 2001 in London.  There are currently over 500 elected MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) and Deputy MYPs who represent both young men and women, including young people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and with physical and learning disabilities.

UKYP elections take place each year, in every part of the UK. Any young person aged 11- 18 can stand or vote in UKYP elections. In the past three years over one million young people have voted in UKYP elections. Once elected MYPs work with their MPs, councillors, school and youth councils and peer group members on the issues of greatest concern to their constituents.  

UKYP regularly brings together its MYPs at a regional level, to organise campaigns, projects and events and identify common issues of concern. UKYP then, where possible, links to the regional Government Offices, Assemblies and Development Agencies to ensure young people’s views are being heard and acted upon.

The future is bright for UKYP, as more young people hear about us, more decision makers meet and are inspired by our MYPs, and more challenging projects exhibit the real value of involving young people in decision making. 

For more information about the UK Youth Parliament and its work go to www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk