Home > UKYP at the House of Commons
 On Friday 30th October, over 300 young people from around the country took over the House of Commons chamber.
It was the first time anyone other than MPs have debated in the Commons and sat on the green benches.
The historic move saw elected 11-18 year-old Members of Youth Parliament debate issues of concern to young people across the UK.
The five issues debated were:
- Lowering the voting age to 16
- Youth crime and how to tackle it
- Public transport for young people
- Jobs for young people and the economy
- University fees
Charity Mhende, Member of Youth Parliament Solihull, 16 years-old, said:
"It is an outstanding example of how democracy among young people is alive and kicking. Tackling debate topics such as tuition fees, transport, crime, the economy AND lowering the voting age really shows that anyone who thinks young people aren't interested in politics is extremely misinformed."
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon. John Bercow MP said:
"I am delighted to welcome the Youth Parliament delegates to the House. This is an historic moment and one which I hope will show young people that the House of Commons, and the work that goes on here, is relevant to their lives."
Click here to read a transcript of the debate
Watch the debate
 Part One
Debates include:
- University fees
- Youth crime and how to tackle
- Public transport for young people
 Part Two
Debates include:
- Jobs for young people and the economy
- Lowering the voting age to 16
The material is Copyright of UK Parliament
A DVD of the entire debate is now available to purchase. The cost for this is £23.00 (£20+VAT) and can be obtained by telephoning the Parliamentary Recording Unit on 020 7219 5511 / email pru@parliament.uk.
It can also be obtained by sending a cheque made payable to the House of Commons to: Parliamentary Recording Unit, Westminster House, 7 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA
Behind the scenes
 Watch interviews with MYPs before, during and after the debate. This film was produced by Felix Renicks with help from roving reporter Abi Barber.
Click here to watch
Podcast
In this recording we hear from MYPs, the Chief Executive of UK Youth Parliament Andy Hamflett, MPs and the Speaker, John Bercow about the events on the day and what they mean to young people and Parliament.
Click here to listen to the podcast
Media Coverage
The event received lots of media coverage on TV, radio, the internet and in the national press. Here are some of the highlights:
 |  |  | | BBC News | ITV Lunchtime News | Channel Four News |
 |  |  | | BBC Newsround | BBC Switch | ITV Border News |
Click here to see some more TV clips from the event
 |  |  |  | | The Today Programme | Five Live News Update | Asian Network Reports | World Service Politics UK |
The Times: The kids are all right in a chamber with attitude - Read
The Scotsman: Teenagers show they have Commons touch - Read
BBC News Online: Teen MPs put grown-ups to shame - Read
The Guardian: Teenagers invade parliament - Read
The Independent: The kids were all right - Read
The Herald Scotland: Youth take over Parliament - Read
Live Blog
You can also read what happened in the debate in our fantastic live blog www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/liveblog
Bloggers
In the run up to the event, five MYPs blogged their thoughts about taking part in this histroic event. To read the blogs, go to http://ukyp.blogspot.com/
Photographs
(c) Parliamentary copyright. Photography by Terry Moore.
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Messages of support
Gordon Brown, Prime Minister:
 "Tomorrow is the first time in 300 years that anyone other than MPs have debated in the House of Commons chamber. And it is entirely fitting that this historic moment has been brought about by young people from across our country, who are taking over the House to debate issues that really matter to them.
"These 300 young people have, in the great tradition of our democracy, been elected by their peers, with the privilege and responsibility of representing the interests of their constituents, and with the duty to try and make a difference. The UK Youth Parliament will debate topics such as how best to ensure all young people can access the jobs of the future and how to tackle youth crime, how to ensure access to public transport, and whether lowering the voting age would be good for our democracy. They will come together as representatives of the passion, creativity and dedication of all our young people, to remind all of us just what Parliament is really for.
"At a time when we are having to rebuild trust in politicians and sweep away many of the practices and systems of the past, this very special session of the Youth Parliament will be a symbol of the politics we should all strive for – politics that bring people together to work for what is best for us all."
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Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for England:
"This unique opportunity for members of the UK Youth Parliament to hold a debate in the House of Commons chamber will be an experience from which they will learn a great deal. It is so important for our children and young people to really understand the workings of our parliamentary democracy because they will be its custodians in the future, and many of them will become MPs and key decision makers themselves.
"I hope that our current parliamentarians will take the time to digest the issues raised by the young people during the debate. Children and young people are important citizens of today and their views should be included in shaping policy to improve their communities and our nation."
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Jim Knight, Regional Minister for the South West:
"It's great to have our young politicians in London discussing the important issues for young people right at the heart of government. It will be a historic day for both the Youth Parliament and the House of Commons.
"Having spent a day this week with the YMP for Cornwall, I'm particularly keen to hear the UKYP's views on what we can do to prevent youth crime, improve public transport and manage the state of our economy, especially in the South West."
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Jonathan Shaw, South East Regional Minister:
"I attended the Annual Sitting of the UK Youth Parliament in Kent during the summer and was impressed by the passion and maturity of the young people.
"There are some 2,029,300 children and young people in the South East, making up nearly a quarter of the total regional population.
"It is important their voice is heard - at a local, regional and national level. And it is good to see these young people actively debating issues of real importance both to young people and communities generally."
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Phil Woolas, North West Regional Minister:
"What is discussed in Parliament affects all of our lives and I am delighted that so many members fo the Youth Parliament are taking part on this historic occasion. The issues they are debating are not only ones that are important to young people, they are also important to us all - as individuals and but also as Government.
" It is vital that we engage young people in politics, both for their future and for the future of the UK. I hope they are inspired by their experience and look forward to seeing the politicians of the future in action on their blog."
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Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive, the UK Youth Parliament
“The UKYP House of Commons chamber event was everything we hoped it would be and more. It was brilliant to witness the excitement in Westminster Hall, the sense of anticipation as the MYPs filed into the chamber, and the perfect mix of sincerity and fun during the debates themselves. All in all, the event sent out some very positive messages – that young people do want to play a part in society, and that Parliament does want to reach out and listen to them and support them in their endeavours.
“The House of Commons officials were simply superb all day long, and the Speaker handled the debates with charm, good humour and an appropriate sense of occasion. Thanks so much to them, the many MPs who attended and also all of our Local Authority partners in England and Wales, and the brilliant Scottish Youth Parliament and the amazing Northern Ireland Youth Forum. Their support not just on the day – but also for the past several years – has been instrumental in making it all happen.
“Finally, many congratulations to every Member of Youth Parliament who took part. You did yourselves and young people everywhere proud.”
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