21.07.2010
MPs have overwhelmingly voted to allow Members of Youth Parliament to debate in the House of Commons chamber this year.
Following the success of the UK Youth Parliament debate in the chamber last year, MPs voted by a majority of 499 to 21, to allow the event to happen annually for the life of this Parliament.
Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament, commented,
“There has never been a more important time to engage young people in politics. By allowing Members of Youth Parliament to debate inside the House of Commons chamber it sends out an inspiring message to hundreds of thousands of young people, letting them know that they are valued and that society does want to hear what they have to say.
“The support from MPs has been overwhelming, with many staying late into the night to ensure this becomes a reality. By enabling the UK Youth Parliament to debate in the House of Commons chamber, we will be sending out a powerful message about the role young people can and do play in society.”
Elizabeth Jessop, 16 years-old, Member of Youth Parliament, said,
"If the country wants to progress politically it must embrace the young. Most MPs were forward thinking and realised that these debates give young people a window into politics. Our politics system is filled with distrust and the only way to gain the public’s trust is to allow the younger generation a chance. The MPs can learn as much from the MYPs as the MYPS can from them! I would like to thank Parliament for a good debate."
Danny Lee, 18 years-old, Member of Youth Parliament, commented,
“Today's decision sets a precedent for the young people of the future. Young people of today can make their mark, have their voices heard and set the agenda on issues that affect them. I think the whole of UK Youth Parliament and their constituents would like to thank the MPs for their generosity.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- For the full text of the motion and debate see here
- For interviews, photographs, comments contact Fiona McKinstrie, Press Officer, on 020 7553 9894/07507 603378 or email fiona.mckinstrie@ukyouthparliament.org.uk
- The UK Youth Parliament gives young people a voice on issues that matter to them.
- 600,000 young people take part in the UK Youth Parliament elections each year.
- Over 600 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.
- For further details on the UK Youth Parliament please refer to http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/
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