Over the weekend more than 200 Members of Youth Parliament from across the country met in Hull for their Annual Conference. During the event, members debated new policies and campaigns for the year ahead. The three-day national conference, which is organised by the British Youth Council, forms part of the charity’s efforts to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.
UK Youth Parliament’s Annual Conference took place in person for the first time since 2019 at the University of Hull. The event provided young people with a space to debate with no political parties or adversarial opposition, but an independent vote and an emphasis on persuasion, consensus and researched arguments. During the event, young people heard from Lindsey Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society, the Bank of England Youth Forum and Regional Youth Climate Assembly.
Logan Richard, age 13, Member of Youth Parliament for Hull said “It really was fantastic to have hundreds of young people come to the heart of my home city Hull to discuss all of the most important issues facing young people across the UK.
“UK Youth Parliament’s Annual Conference was a fantastic opportunity to listen to others, learn and gain new ideas! This was my first national event, and like many others who attended, I am excited about the renewed opportunity to elevate young people’s voices following the event. We are the future of politics and I hope we can try our very hardest to benefit the UK”
During the weekend issues such as support for reforming the curiculum, mental health services, the climate emergency and lowering the voting to 16 all gained momentum following debates on new policy for the manifesto.
Safa Shreef, who is part of the steering group that led the event said: “This was a unique opportunity to convene young people who are passionate about seeing change across society and in their local communities. During the conference, Members of Youth Parliament have been discussing some of the biggest issues facing our country including reforms to the curriculum, mental health, transport and the climate emergency.
“Following on from the event, Members of Youth Parliament are now armed with the knowledge and skills to carry on pursuing their roles back in their local areas. Members will now make every effort to continue making sure that young people are represented effectively both locally and nationally.”
UK Youth Parliament will launch its new manifesto in the Autumn of 2022, reminding decision makers of the issues troubling young people and solutions to their concerns.
Find out more about the UK Youth Parliament’s Annual Conferences
