Welcome to Easthampshire.org

Youth MPs head to Westminster

Thursday 26th of November 2009

Comments Have your say

The power brokers of the future met at the House of Commons recently to debate the issues of the day. 

Jack Sheeran, of Sheet, Member of the Youth Parliament for East Hampshire and Havant,  joined 300 other MYPs from around the country in the seat of British democracy to create a little piece of history.

The 14-year-old said: "We met in the House of Commons, where the MPs usually debate, this was the first time in 300 years that any one, other than MPs, have been allowed into the room.

You may also be interested in...

• EHDC secures third fly-tipping conviction in three months
• Petersfield Christmas Festival December 4-5
• Consultation held on Shipwrights Way

The topics of debate included 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 tuition fees. 

"I had the great privilege of sitting, on what I was told, was David Cameron's seat. I felt the awe of that place and those that have sat there previously throughout history, realising that I too was making history.

"This opportunity was one which would, I hope, improve the image of young people and show the public that young people were not just ‘yobs' who wore hoods and carried knives around. It would show the public that young people were intelligent and had a very mature view of today's world, in their own right."

The youngsters' big moment was also show on the BBC's Parliament channel showcasing the quality of debate among the MYPs. 

The Youth Parliament was launched in 1999. Anyone from 11 to 18 is allowed to vote or stand as MYP for their local area. Once elected MYPs organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues which matter most to young people. 

Jack has been an MYP since February 1 2009 and will end his term on February 1 2010.