Lizzie Callinan, one of North Yorkshire’s youth councillors, kicked off the annual debate of the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons, in a speech supporting cheaper and more accessible public transport for young people.
Lizzie, from Harrogate, was joined by two of her fellow youth councillors, Emily Nicholas, from Richmond, and Liam Cutler, from Northallerton, in the annual debate to choose the UK Youth Parliament’s annual campaign issue for 2013. The top issues were cheaper public transport; getting ready for work; marriage for all; an equal national minimum wage; and a curriculum to prepare us for life.
Lizzie said: “It was a massive honour to speak in the debate, especially first, and on the issue which had been most voted for, not only by our constituents but nationally. It was a humbling and inspiring experience.”
County Councillor Arthur Barker, executive member for youth services, said: “The UK Youth Parliament is an excellent way of young people being heard and it’s marvellous that they can experience the cut and thrust of their debates in such a celebrated setting.”
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