MYP Debates
Posted by Kuang on Tue, 08 Nov 2011.
Teenagers from Leicestershire have represented young people from across the county by taking part in a series of debates in the House of Commons.
Poppie Simmonds (16) from Narborough, Helana Scott (15) from Market Harborough, Karishma Shah (15) from Birstall and Omar Mohamed (16) from Oadby took part in the UK Youth Parliament event.
The four were elected as some of the county's MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) and DMYPs (Deputy Members of Youth Parliament) in local elections organised by the County Council last year.
At the event on Friday they took part in five debates that were chosen as a result of a national questionnaire to young people across the country. The winning debate, which was entitled "Make Public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all", will become the focus of the UKYP's national campaign for next year.
Poppie, who rounded off one of the debates, said: "I felt slightly nervous but we think it went really well.
"It is really good to have been offered this opportunity to speak in Parliament and represent the young people of Leicestershire."
Karishma said: "Being the only other group who have debated in the House of Commons is something which has made us feel privileged."
Ivan Ould, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "It is fantastic that some of our young people have seized this opportunity to take part in high level debates about issues that affect them and their peers.
"I would like to commend Poppie, Helana, Karishma and Omar for their work to support and represent young people in Leicestershire."
The four, who have been supported by county youth workers, attended the debates that were covered on Friday which included:
- Make Public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all
- No tuition fees, yes to graduate tax
- Zero tolerance towards bullying in schools
- End child poverty
- A greener future for Britain
For more on Leicestershire County Council's Youth Service visit: www.leics.gov.uk/youthservice
For more on the UK Youth Parliament visit: www.ukyp.org.uk