Speaker announces date for UK Youth Parliament debate
26 July 2010
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has announced that the UK Youth Parliament will hold its annual debate in the House of Commons chamber on 29 October.
The announcement follows the decision by the House on 21 July 2010 to allow the UK Youth Parliament to meet once a year in the chamber for the duration of this Parliament.
UK Youth Parliament
This will be the second time that the UK Youth Parliament has held a debate in the House of Commons chamber after the House agreed they could meet for the first time in 2009.
Commenting on the decision Speaker John Bercow said:
"I am delighted that we will be able to welcome the Youth Parliament delegates to the House for a second time. Last year’s event was a huge success for everyone concerned. It showed young people that the House of Commons and the work that goes on here is relevant to their lives. I hope this year’s debate and further similar events in this Parliament will go even further in helping to engage young people with politics."
Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament, commented:
"By allowing Members of the Youth Parliament to debate inside the House of Commons chamber it sends out an inspiring message to hundreds of thousands of young people, letting them know that they are valued and that society does want to hear what they have to say.
"The support from MPs has been overwhelming, with many staying late into the night to ensure this becomes a reality. By enabling the UK Youth Parliament to debate in the House of Commons chamber, we will be sending out a powerful message about the role young people can and do play in society."