Harry Clarke from Edwalton is running to become the next member of the UK Youth Parliament, representing Rushcliffe.
If elected, he’ll join over 300 other Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) representing the young people of their areas. MYPs take part in events and campaigns, helping to engage young people with the democratic process. Their role is growing in importance as the government moves ahead with plans to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote before the next general election.
Harry, 15, attends South Wolds School in Keyworth. He’s been involved with Youth Parliament for the last two years in various roles, and last year he was appointed interim MYP after his predecessor stepped down. He hopes to continue in the role by being elected this year. As interim MYP, he had the opportunity to speak in the Commons as part of UK Youth Parliament’s annual sitting in November. Harry said:
“It was an incredible opportunity to take part in a debate in Parliament, representing young people like me and pushing for increased support for the mental health of young people. Mental health is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline. Every young person should have access to free, accessible and compassionate care – no matter where they live or how much money they have.
“If I’m elected again, I plan to continue the push for the government to improve support for child and young people’s mental health. The government must restore proper funding to mental health services, rebuild community support, and make early intervention a national priority.”
The UK Youth Parliament elections run until 15th February. If successful, Harry will sit for two years as the Member of Youth Parliament for Rushcliffe.
The UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 to provide opportunities for young people to influence the parliamentary process. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. Young people vote for their MYPs in elections every two years, which are held in over 70% of constituencies and often in schools. Funded through a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the UK Youth Parliament brings young people into the policy-making and parliamentary process, with direct access to decision-makers. The MYPs elected are not affiliated with any political party.
