See Emily Kay – in Parliament

Issues vital to young people in Bury have been raised in the House of Commons by the borough’s Youth MP.

Emily Kay sat on the historic green benches to debate five topics voted for by nearly half a million young people across the country.

Emily (aged 16), a student at Bury Church of England High School, is not just the Youth Member of Parliament for Bury but also a member of Bury Council’s youth cabinet.

She said: “This was an amazing event, and a great opportunity to be able to join other young people and debate the issues which matter most to young people in Bury.”

The UK Youth Parliament is the only organisation apart from Parliament itself which is permitted to hold discussions in the chamber, with their debates being presided over by the Speaker, John Bercow. The event was broadcast live on the BBC Parliament channel.

After a vote, members decided on their two national campaigns for next year:  “Votes for 16 and 17 year olds in all public elections” and ”A curriculum to prepare us for life”. The Northern Youth Parliament group, Youthforia, has already met to start planning the local response to support these campaigns.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “Today’s young people are the big decision makers of tomorrow, so it’s vital that we encourage them to get involved in the democratic process. We’re proud that Emily is flying the Bury flag high and raising the issues that matter to young people both locally and nationally.”

For more details about Bury's Youth Cabinet or Youth Parliament, call Lisa Harvey-Nebil on 0161 253 6763 or email l.harveynebil@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 December 2013.

Picture attached: Emily Kay outside Parliament.