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A national charity
is giving a chance for 11- 18 year olds to represent their local area, on a Youth
Parliament.
The youth parliament is a fairly new idea brought forward
by the government; it aims to give young people their say about political matters.
Will
this new idea encourage more young voters, or will leave them indifferent? The
work of the UKYP
In
July 1999 the House of Commons launched the chance for young people
to get their ideas heard; this meant they set up a youth parliament.
This gives the chance for a group of teens, selected by their local area, to put
their ideas forward on how Britain should be run.
After the UKYP members
are chosen in their local areas (see local MPs) the parliament
meet once a year nationally, for a three-day conference, to discuss topics and
issues.
At the moment they are supporting many issues; these include
the vote to be lowered to 16 and they have just received a grant to help get more
transport to rural areas throughout Britain. Does
it work?
I remember when Youth Parliament was brought into my school a few years ago…
While
I was at school it started to be publicised. At first it was new and exciting
proposal that seemed like a great idea.
However I had always had reservations
about how much the youth parliament would be heard.
I
think that the Youth Parliament may have quite a substantial effect on their local
areas, but I am unsure of the impact they will have on a national scale.
This is because the Youth Parliament is not supported by the government financially;
instead the UKYP is a charity that is funded through fund raisers and donations.
But,
many local government councillors are very optimistic about the effects the youth
parliament, so it's interesting to hear what these (older!) people have to say...
| "..It
will help young people put their opinions across at local, regional and national
level.
I am thrilled so many young people stood for election and delighted
for the successful candidates.
I look forward to working with them over the
next 12 months and wish them well with the experience."
Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Terry Dix |
MPs
UKYP members in our area are:
• Newcastle and the Staffordshire
Moorlands 14 year old Chris Barker from Cheadle
• Stafford/Stone
and South Staffordshire 15 year old Laura McQuillan from Stafford
•
East Staffordshire and Tamworth 15 year old Sarah Williams from Tamworth
• Chase/Lichfield 15 year old Sarah James from Cannock
•
Cheshire Becki Tomkins from Neston; Hugo McCorkell from Knutsford;
and Liam Wyatt from Congleton Final
Thought
The Youth Parliament, although it has only been established for
3 years, has supported any projects.
I hope that it continues to be this
way and that the young people are able to get their views across. If
you would like to make a donation to the Youth Parliament contact them via e-mail
at support@democracyforyoungpeople.co.uk or visit their website where you can
make a donation on-line.
Kirsty Shaw
If
you want to contact your local candidate e-mail them mail@ukyouthparliament.org.uk
or write to them
at UKYP Central Office, 7 Anstice Square, Madeley, Telford,
Shropshire TF7 5BD
Add the name of your "MP" at the top. |
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