Young politicians take over the Commons

30th October 2009

Members of the UK Youth Parliament are to hold a series of debates in the House of Commons today, despite a backbench challenge earlier this year.

It will be the first time anyone other than MPs has debated in the Commons chamber.

The proceedings will be overseen by Commons Speaker John Bercow, as members debate subjects including university fees, youth crime and public transport.

Earlier this year, a small group of Conservative MPs resisted having the chamber used in this way and suggested it would set a precedent for other groups.

However, their defeat allowed the "one-off" event to happen, following the Youth Parliament gathering in the House of Lords last year.

A vote to allow the move was back by a majority of 189, with just 16 MPs opposing it.

Conservative MP Christopher Chope said the move suggested there was a similarity between members of a "mock Parliament and real Parliament".

The Youth Parliament, whose elected members are aged between 11 and 18, works to allow opportunities for young people to bring about social and political change.

Commons leader Harriet Harman, due to welcome the MYPs, strongly supported the decision made by the House in March.

She said this week: "We need to do everything we can to increase the involvement of young people in politics."

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