UK Youth Parliament is in the house!
Published Wednesday 9th November 11 in Council - news and information releases news
A Westcliff student won a rare chance to take an official seat in the House of Commons.
UK Youth Parliament and Southend Youth Council member, Katharine Woodley, 17, from St. Bernard's High School, Westcliff, was chosen to represent Southend-on-Sea in special debates.
Through this big break, the Youth Parliament gave its young members an opportunity to be proud of.
These young, passionate politicians work all year round to represent and fight for the views of young people in their local area.
Katharine was one of a few selected members to take a seat on those famous green benches at the House of Commons to represent the opinions of teenagers across the UK.
More than 330 young people flocked to the chamber to revel in the opportunity to debate the issues that matter most to them.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Mark Flewitt, said: "It's crucially important that young people take an interest in politics and the issues that affect their everyday lives."
"Their passion for what they are doing is inspirational and refreshing. They truly want to make their local area a better place to live."
Over 60,000 young people across the UK took part in a poll to decide what issues would be debated at the event.
Topics being discussed included the provision of public transport for young people, a graduate tax as an alternative to tuition fees, and a zero tolerance policy towards bullying in schools.
Katharine said: "It was so exciting to actually get to visit the House of Commons, never mind hold our debate in a room where crucial decisions about the country are frequently made.
"I'm sure it made our debating skills even stronger. It was a huge honour and privilege, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was really good!
This event formed part of Parliament Week. The young selected members also had the chance to meet Members of the Parliament and other national influencers.
For more information about the UK Youth Parliament please visit http://www.ukyp.org.uk/
Details about Parliament Week can be found at http://www.parliamentweek.org/
For more details about Southend Youth Council, please contact Rob Pittaway in Partnership Support and Commissioning on 01702 215007 or email council@southend.gov.uk