Tameside's Member of Youth Parliament, Izzy Collins, spoke in the House of Commons during the British Youth Council's annual debate.
Izzy was supported by Tameside Youth Service in travelling to London to represent the borough’s young people in the eleventh session of the UK Youth Parliament.
It was a very special and proud moment for Tameside’s MYP when she was chosen to make a speech in the Houses of Parliament and talk about the issues that matter the most to young people across the borough.
Izzy, a former All Saints Catholic College pupil who now studies at Ashton Sixth Form College, said: “It was an amazing experience and I was so excited to be able to stand up and speak on the motions.”
249 MYPs aged 11-18, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Lindsey Hoyle MP, debated five issues chosen by a ballot of young people from across the UK to decide which two should become the UK Youth Parliament’s priority campaigns for the year ahead.
Izzy outside the Houses of Parliament
The cost-of-living crisis and health was chosen as the priority campaign, alongside mental health and wellbeing. The other issues debated were the impact of discrimination on health, environment and health and education and health.
Tameside Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Bill Fairfoull, who has responsibility for Children and Families, said: “I’m delighted to see the UK Youth Parliament sitting in the House of Commons, giving young people a forum to discuss issues important to them and have their voices heard. It’s really important for young people to play an active part in our democracy.
“Well done to Izzy for making a speech in the House of Commons and for representing Tameside’s young people so well. It’s a wonderful experience that will stand her in good stead.”
MYPs are elected in youth elections throughout the UK and attend and organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues that matter to young people. They are elected every two years.
You can watch the morning session and afternoon session of the debates on UK Parliament’s YouTube channel.
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