Dylan Kennedy and Garrett Cole, two members of the youth parliament for North Yorkshire (MYPs), loved the experience of travelling to London to attend the 17th sitting of the annual UK Youth Parliament.
They enjoyed a full day of debate and speeches, tackling issues which were voted on in the national “Make your mark’’ ballot. The five top issues from the ballot were debated and MYPs voted for the two to be campaigned in the coming year – the winning issues were “Votes at 16’’ and “A curriculum for life’’.
Dylan, who is a pupil at George Pindar School in Scarborough, said: “I found the most enjoyable part being at the House of Commons and listening to the debates and it made me inspired to carry on with the work MYPs do.’’
Garrett, who attends Selby High School, said: “The UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons was a really great experience. It’s amazing to be on the green benches and having a genuine thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with young people like myself about how we can have a real, positive impact on our world.”
County Councillor Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Youth Services, said: “North Yorkshire’s youth parliamentarians play an important role in getting the concerns of young people in the county heard on the national stage.”
Young people such as Dylan and Garrett are being encouraged to participate in their school and community through their local youth voice groups. For more information, visit www.nyy.org.uk or emailKevin.Jeffrey@northyorks.gov.uk