Member News
By Tony Grew - 29th October 2010
Young people from across the United Kingdom are taking part in a series of short debates in the House of Commons chamber today.
It is the second time the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) has been allowed to meet in the chamber – they were welcomed by deputy Commons leader David Heath and Speaker John Bercow.
The Parliament is made up of elected representatives from across the country.
Heath told them that last year they proved to be better behaved than MPs and talked about the "buzz" adult members get when they come into the chamber.
Speaker Bercow offered "the warmest and most generous welcome possible" and expressed his respect for the Parliament's role as the "legitimate forum" for young people to discuss their views.
He also noted that 50 per cent of its members are female, 20 per cent are from an ethnic minority and 10 per cent have some form of disability.
Speaker Bercow added that the real Commons could learn from the UKYP.
The first debate focused on sex education in schools and whether it should be extended to primary pupils.
Joe Vinson from South West England opened the debate.
He said the UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe.
In England and Wales, school governors decide on whether or not schools teach sex and relationships education.
He claimed there is an "SRE postcode lottery" that damages society. Sex education should focus on helping young people be more confident about themselves and it should "start early".
Maria Finnerty from Sutton, arguing against the motion, said hers is "a generation like no other".
They are growing up in a world where sexual images dominate yet 76 per cent of teens feel they need better SRE.
However, teaching primary school children about sex could exacerbate the problem. She argued that to understand relationships children need experience of life.
She spoke against the "tragic loss of childhood" that is represented by young children owning pencil cases decorated with the Playboy logo.
It would be "too much, too young" to extend SRE to primary schools.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.