Over 300 young people from across the country will meet to debate in the House of Commons chamber on Friday 29th October. Members of Youth Parliament, aged 11-18, will debate issues including the cost of university, sex education in schools and war. The issues were voted by 2,500 young people aged 11-18.
The event follows on from a UK Youth Parliament debate in the House of Commons last year. It was the first time anyone other than MPs had used the chamber itself. Earlier this year, MPs voted by a majority of 499 to 21 to allow Members of Youth Parliament to debate in the House of Commons chamber every year for the life of the Parliament.
Steve said: “I am delighted to offer my support to Members of Youth Parliament as they prepare to debate in the House of Commons chamber.
“It is great to see young people debating passionately about issues they care about and it is a fantastic way to encourage more young people to get involved in politics.”
The five issues being debated are:
Should sex and relationships education be compulsory from primary school onwards?
Should university tuition fees rise?
Should the school leaving age be raised to 18 immediately in order to lower youth unemployment?
Should we withdraw all British troops from Afghanistan by 2012?
Should reduced transport fares for young people be protected from spending cuts?
More information...
For further information about the event and the debate topics please see here or www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk