Subhan Abbas is the MYP for Rushcliffe and will attend today.
Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies are due to return to the House of Commons Chamber today as part of the UK Youth Parliament annual sitting.
More than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament), are given the opportunity to represent the views of their peers on a range of topics, such as the legal voting age, free public transport for young people, or a national minimum wage for workers under 22.
The UK Youth Parliament has elected Debate Leads, who will sit on the front benches and speak from the despatch box.
The five debated motions include:
- 16- and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in all elections and referendums, accompanied by more political education throughout school.
- The National Minimum Wage for every worker under 22 should be raised to match the National Living Wage for those over 22.
- All public transport should be free for young people.
- All young people in the UK must have access to a standardised level of political literacy and democratic education to improve engagement in politics on a local, national, and international level and to develop critical thinking skills.
- To establish period dignity, there should be free, accessible, good-quality period products available in public spaces for everyone.
The debate areas are part of the UK Youth Parliament Manifesto for 2024–2026, Shaping Our Future, Today Not Tomorrow, which was created by the MYPs at their Annual Conference in October 2024, drawing on the views and issues raised by young people from across the UK.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, said that he was “very proud that this sitting of the UK Youth Parliament will be the most inclusive and exciting yet.
“I cannot wait to hear the thoughts and views of young people from across the UK, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown Dependencies on the issues that matter to them,” he added.
Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency, said:
“Youth voice is a central tenet of youth work, and the UK Youth Parliament provides young people with a valuable opportunity to debate the issues they have identified as being important while gaining first-hand experience of the political process.
“The Annual Sitting really is the highlight of the UK Youth Parliament calendar, when we get to see the young Members of Youth Parliament shine in the prestigious setting as they deliver their impassioned speeches and arguments for reform.”
The UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 to provide opportunities for young people, including those from marginalised communities, to influence public policy. The National Youth Agency was selected to run the UK Youth Parliament in May 2024. It is funded through a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and brings young people into the policymaking and parliamentary process, with direct access to decision-makers.
Parliament to make history with BSL Chamber interpretation
Parliament Live provides British Sign Language interpretation for all Questions and Statements in the House of Commons, as well as for major ceremonial events, including the State Opening of Parliament. However, for the first time ever, a young member for Dundee West will make history as the first to use British Sign Language to deliver his speech. A BSL interpreter will communicate this via a microphone in the Commons Chamber.
