Two members of Hull’s Youth Parliament (MYPs) made the trip up to Westminster on Friday 28 February, where they met for a debate with the rest of the UK Youth Parliament.
Members of the UK Youth Parliament met for their annual debate in the House of Commons in Westminster to discuss the top five issues for young people at the moment.
They discussed votes for 16–17-year-olds, raising the minimum wage for people under 22, free public transport for young people, young people’s access to political literacy and democratic education and period poverty (access to free, quality period products and period education).
The young people then voted for their top issues, which were period poverty and extending the voting age.
It was announced during the event by homelessness and democracy minister, the Rt Hon Rushanara Ali MP, that the government will be going ahead with plans to reduce the eligible voting age from 18 to 16.
The national UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 to provide opportunities for young people, including those from marginalised communities, to influence the parliamentary process and bring about meaningful change. It’s made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as MYPs to represent the views of their peers.
Hull’s local Young People’s Parliament is funded by Hull City Council. Their ‘pop-up parliaments’ are held frequently in the community where children and young people are, such as community venues and schools. They also have an annual meeting at the Guildhall to come together and look at the priorities for children and young people.
Their views and experiences are shared with the council so they can act to improve things for Hull’s children and young people. It helps Hull City Council reach its commitment to building a child-friendly city, where children can have the best possible experience in their communities and at home.
Emperor-David Ikechukwu, 17, is one of Hull’s MYPs who attended and spoke at the debate: “The day in London at the House of Commons was very educative, it was very inspiring to see a lot of young people come together to talk about issues that are very important to them. The main motive behind our role is to represent the interest of young people and I believe we did a very good job carrying that out. This is the beginning of our voices being heard.”
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, said: “I’m glad our local MYPs enjoyed their experience taking part in a lively debate in Westminster. I’m proud to see our local young people represented.
“The Youth Parliament provides a great opportunity for young people to get themselves heard. They’re key in influencing decision makers across the country, including here at Hull City Council. Their work helps us learn how we can better support young people here in Hull.”
Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency, said: “Youth voice is a central tenet of youth work and the UK Youth Parliament provides young people with a valuable opportunity to debate the issues which they have identified as being important whilst gaining first-hand experience of the political process. The Annual sitting really is the highlight of the UK Youth Parliament calendar when we get to see the young Members of Youth Parliament shine in the prestigious setting as they deliver their impassioned speeches and arguments for reform.”
