Members of Parliament have voted to continue their support for the UK Youth Parliament’s use of the House of Commons chamber. The motion, which was tabled by Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP, Leader of the House of Commons, was passed with unanimous support from across the political spectrum. As a result of the vote, Members of Youth Parliament will sit in the Commons for the eighth time in history later this year.
Each year since 2009, UK Youth Parliament has been the only group other than Members of Parliament allowed to debate on the green benches of the Commons chamber. In order for the debates to take place, since 2010 Members of Parliament have voted to allow Members of Youth Parliament to hold this debate in the Chamber for the lifetime of that Parliament.
Chloe Lintern, a member of the Procedures Group, which supports the coordination of the UK Youth Parliament said: “Every year MYPs are elected up and down the country to be the voice of the young people in their area. After an incredible Make Your Mark campaign MYPs are mandated by over 900,000 young people to choose our next campaign and is one of many opportunities for Parliament to listen to the voices of young people.”
The House of Commons Sitting is an incredible opportunity represent, debate and plan for the next year ahead to carry on making some positive changes in our local communities and on a national scale”
Anna Barker, Chair, British Youth Council said: “I’m delighted that MPs have chosen to continue their support for UK Youth Parliament! It is absolutely paramount that young people are given the opportunity to highlight the issues that are important to them and I look forward to seeing the UK Youth Parliament debating on the green benches once again.”
Last year, over 250 Members of Youth Parliament debated education, racism and religious discrimination, public transport, votes at 16 and the health service, following a nationwide ballot of 978,216 young people.