UK Youth Parliament holds Commons debate

The UK Youth Parliament is to hold its annual debate in the chamber of the House of Commons today for the first time.

Debating scenes in the House will depart from the customary as 300 Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) take to the green benches to discuss:

• 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

Holding the debate in the Commons this year is intended to give young people a greater understanding of how Parliament works; learning the legislature’s role in debating and passing law and holding the Government to account.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, who will chair today’s event, 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.”

The debate will be screened on BBC Parliament at 4.30pm. You can also follow the proceedings via the UK Youth Parliament liveblog.