In order to give the youth of the United Kingdom more of a say in how their country is run, the leaders of the three main political parties have set up a Youth Parliament, similar to the actual Parliament. The elected members will be participating in a rolling programme of activities throughout the year.

On 1st February, students, 11-18, from all over the UK voted for the candidate they wished to represent them in UKYP. The main aim of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament is to make sure young people's opinions are taken seriously. A Manifesto will be produced to outline the action the MYPs would like to take with their time in the Youth Parliament.

During their one year term, the newly elected MYPs will work with their local authorities to voice the views of their peers to their local councillors, lead campaigns to improve leisure facilities, local transport and other areas of the local area they feel needed changing. We queried year 10 student Michael Rathbone on his views on the United Kingdom Youth Parliament:

Before the elections, had you heard of the UKYP and where?
''Yes, it had been circulating around the school through teachers and friends.''

Would you have liked to become a member of the UKYP and if so what would be on your agenda to change?
''Yes, i would like to shorten school hours and start to prevent anti-social behaviour and violence''

Did you enjoy voting for your representative this year?
''Yes, it finally gave me the chance to voice my opinion on important political issues.''

The results of the election have come in and are as follows,

1. Rory Turnbull - Elected Leader
2. Terri Maginess - Elected Deputy Leader
3. Katherine Hughes
4. Thomas Middleton
5. Kaylee Looker
6. Phillipa Drake
7. Owen Ashworth
8. Russell Jones
9. Stacey Clarke
10. Connor Stephenson

As you can see from the list above, you voted Rory Turnbull our United Kingdom Youth Parliament representative. He was closely followed, for the vote by Terri Maginess. He will now be in the Youth Parliament for 1 year.

by Joe Sheerin
article published 14th February 2006