Name: Umaru Saidu

Position: MYP

Constituency: Richmond upon Thames

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Which political issues are you most passionate about?

MPs expenses is the reason why so many people are disillusioned with politics and politicians. However I have found the public's outraged response to MPs' expenses very interesting, but I believe it was justified. It demonstrates that corruption in politics is worldwide and it needs to be cleaned up quickly, especially before we highlight other countries' flaws in their democratic systems. I believe that young people should have had their own opinion on this subject voiced through the media. Almost every developed country has nuclear warheads, the tests in North Korea have been worrying especially for the Western world, Barack Obama’s policy of negotiating through his speech in Egypt I found very inspiring, and I hope to see it backed up with action.

What do you feel is the biggest issue for young people in your constituency?

The biggest issue for young people in my constituency is an invisible segregation, through us as young people and a lack of understanding as a whole community that has resulted in the community not reaching its full potential, because the young and the old are not working together. Knowing how to come together as a community and making a lasting impact which would benefit everyone and the future young generations is vital. A massive issue in the Borough of Richmond is acceptance from the older community who see young people as a threat to their well being and their safety, who cause constant havoc in their streets; however, hopefully as youth members of parliament -we can demonstrate the good young people do contribute to society, and show we do not just cause trouble to the local residents.

Secondly, growing up too quickly before we have actually been a child is something that is a worldwide issue – in a society that aspires for success; it affects the young middle class in Richmond and the working class alike who go to the schools and colleges in the Borough – who aspire to success and neglect their youth and their childhood, however could consequently reduce their happiness in the longer term.

What do you hope to achieve during your term of office?

My aim for Youth Parliament when I chose to lead was to - achieve change for young people, achieving the smallest things which make the biggest impact on young people. What is important is: not how the media view us, but how we view ourselves, our self-esteem and our belief in our abilities; to tear the boundaries down which divide young people socially and ask why we have these boundaries in the first place. From ethnicity, to gender, to popularity – how do I set about doing this- I hear you ask? We will and have been asking our peers what are the small things which hinder them from achieving their full potential – the cost of transport and the fear of crime dominate young peoples' minds, whilst homelessness amongst young people was the issue that was found to be of most concern in a young people and children’s consultation.

What is your future career ambition?

Law has been a childhood passion, becoming a barrister and defending peoples' rights has always been a deep passion of mine- Becoming a politican? Well I pray Jesus will answer that question for me.

Which public figure do you most admire and why?

Barack Obama is an inspirational leader and a man. I admire him because of his strength of character; he did not allow his background to get in the way of his destiny of becoming President. I also admire Gordon Brown's character of grit and determination in times of controversy within the cabinet and country, as a consequence he has stabilised the country. I agree with Emma of Sutton words that you should be the best that you can possibly be and not to focus on others at all. Your best is your best and it needs to be...your best!

If there was one message you could send to the government, what would it be?

There are young people who are willing to lead, young people with voices, young people who are not what they are portrayed to be in the media, but are hidden from themselves and from society and need to be given a chance to achieve their potential. I tell them to invest in young people not only financially, but spiritually with confidence and strength through their ability.

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