Youth parliament makes history

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 22:10

HISTORY will be made next Friday when the UK Youth Parliament takes over the House of Commons chamber. It will be the first time in 300 years that anyone other than MPs has debated in the Commons and sat on the famous green benches.

A small group of Tory back-benchers led an attempt to keep the UKYP out of the chamber, but were defeated earlier this year – allowing the group of elected young people aged 11-18 "one-off" access.

Issues for debate include tackling youth crime, lowering the voting age to 16 and free access to university. Speaker John Bercow is expected to open the session, and Harriet Harman, MP, to welcome the UKYP.

Ms Harman said: "The House decided in March this year that the UK Youth Parliament could use the chamber.

"I strongly supported that decision, and I welcome the opportunity for UKYP members to take part in the session next Friday.

"We need to do everything we can to increase the involvement of young people in politics."

Solihull Youth Parliament member Charity Mhende, 16, said: "It is an outstanding example of how democracy among young people is alive and kicking."

She added: "Tackling debate topics such as tuition fees, transport, crime, the economy and lowering the voting age really shows that anyone who thinks young people aren't interested in politics is extremely misinformed."