Member News
The UK youth parliament will be back in Westminster later this month, and the quality of sex education will be on the agenda.
In July MPs voted to allow the youth parliament to meet in the Commons chamber annually for the life of this parliament after a successful trial run last year.
More than 300 young people from all over the country will take their seats on October 29 to debate five topics selected from a long list of 23.
* Job opportunities – Is enough being done to create jobs for young people? Should there be more work experience opportunities for young people in school and college?
* Sex Education – Is it good enough? What age should it be taught? Does sex education lead to the sexualisation of young people? Do young people learn about sex from TV?
* Transport – Is public transport too expensive for young people? At what age should you be charged an adult fare?
* University – Are fees too high? Is it even worth going to university? Are there enough places for those who want to go?
* War – Should UK troops be brought home from Afghanistan? Was the conflict in Iraq a costly mistake? Is war ever justified?
The debates are expected to last around half an hour - three lead speakers will address each topic followed by questions from delegates.
The debates will be chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.
Mr Speaker has been a vocal advocate of the youth parliament.
It was set up in 1999 and provides opportunities for teenagers to use their voice to bring about social and political change.
Any young person aged 11 to 18 can stand as a member or vote in youth parliament elections.
When they met in the Commons on October 30 last year to discuss jobs, youth crime and tuition fees it was the first time anyone except MPs had spoken in the chamber for centuries.
Speaker Bercow has welcomed the decision to allow them to sit in the Commons during this parliament.
"Last year’s event was a huge success for everyone concerned," he said.
"It showed young people that the House of Commons and the work that goes on here is relevant to their lives.
"I hope this year’s debate and further similar events in this parliament will go even further in helping to engage young people with politics."
Article Comments
It's going to be refreshing for Britain to see novel and passionate debates delivered with genuine energy and enthusiasm. If last year was anything to go by, UK Youth Parliament at the House of Commons 2010 will be fantastic.
Abiodun Olatokun, UK Youth Parliament
12th Oct 2010 at 9:11 am
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.