Lambeth Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) Andrew Short made history today as – along with MYPs from all over the country – he became one of the first people in over 300 years, besides MPs, to hold a debate in the House of Commons.
The event was organised by the UK Youth Parliament and House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow. MYPs spent the day debating issues such as lowering the voting age to 16, scrapping University tuition fees, job opportunities for young people, and the cost of public transport.
The takeover received widespread media coverage (you can see press cuttings and footage of the young people in action on the UK Youth Parliament website) and was attended by many adult MPs, including Lambeth’s own Kate Hoey.
After spending the day on the famous green benches, Andrew said: ““It was a great event and experience where I learnt that young people are truly passionate about politics and helping others.
I very much enjoyed the 5 debates, which were 100% to do with young people's lives and the way we live today. I am very glad that the issue of reducing the voting age will now be something that Parliament will be discussing in due course.
It was also very good to hear other young people’s opinions from right across the UK, and I hope that people can now recognize that young people can do more than just use knives and be anti-social!””.