Today more than 300 elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18 will descend on Westminster to debate issues affecting young people, an event sure to draw mixed reactions.
Critics believe the youth parliament is a waste of time because it has no legal power and should not be allowed to sit in the House of Commons where elected MPs have earned the right to sit.
But proponents argue the youth parliament is vital for engaging young people in politics and the airing of issues affecting young people should be done via the taxpayer funded parliament.
What’s sure to raise eyebrows is the list of motions set to be debated which many will not see in the national interest or particularly pressing.
The debated motions will include:
- 16- and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in all elections and referendums, accompanied with more political education throughout school.
- That the National Minimum Wage for every worker under 22 be raised, to match the National Living Wage for those over 22.
- All public transport should be free for young people.
- All young people in the UK must have access to a standardised level of political literacy and democratic education to improve engagement in politics on a local, national and international level to develop critical thinking skills.
- To establish period dignity, there should be free, accessible, good quality period products available in public spaces for everyone.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has said that he is “very proud that this sitting of the UK Youth Parliament will be the most inclusive and exciting yet.”
“I cannot wait to hear the thoughts and views of young people from across the UK, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown Dependencies, on the issues that matter to them,” he added.
Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO, National Youth Agency: “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.”