Youth Select Committee calls for evidence on racism and religious discrimination

The British Youth Council’s Youth Select Committee today announces a call for evidence on racism and religious discrimination. The Committee will explore issues around awareness, prevention, education and services for young people (under 25) and is calling for evidence from a wide range of witnesses including individuals and organisations, service providers, researchers and campaigners. Evidence from young people is particularly welcome.

Now in its fifth year, the Youth Select Committee is a British Youth Council initiative, supported by the House of Commons, which takes evidence in public and has its proceedings televised and recorded in Hansard. The eleven committee members are aged 13-18 and include Members of UK Youth Parliament, Youth Councillors, a Young Mayor, reserved seats and representatives from each of the devolved nations. Previous inquiries have reported on Transport, Education, Votes at 16, and Mental Health.

Find out how to submit and download the full terms of reference.

Bronagh Hughes, 17, Chair of the Youth Select Committee said: “Racism and religious discrimination is an extremely important issue. Last year’s passionate UK Youth Parliament debate highlights that young people feel more must be done to tackle it. It’s important that young people engage with politics and as a Committee we are keen to hear what people have to say about this issue”.

The Committee’s call for written evidence closes at 12 noon on 7th June 2015 and the Youth Select Committee will hold oral evidence sessions in the House of Commons in June and July 2015. Written evidence should be submitted via email tobycyouthselect@parliament.uk or via post to the Clerk of the Youth Select Committee, c/o The Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster Programme, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Please contact the inquiry team on bycyouthselect@parliament.uk