THE House of Commons resounded to the sound of the nation’s youth when four local teenagers went in London to represent the area at the UK Youth Parliament.

Joe Armer, from York, Rosie Corrigan, 17, from Selby, Matthew Windle, 18, from Harrogate and Ben Lacey, 16, from Richmond, joined in debates on matters most concerning young people at the present time – job opportunities; the cost and availability of public transport; university fees; the war in Afghanistan and sex education.

This year’s get-together on Friday marked only the second occasion that the UK Youth Parliament has debated in the House of Commons. Last year’s event marked the first time anyone other than MPs had used the chamber itself. Earlier this year MPs voted by a majority of 499 to 21 to allow Members of the Youth Parliament to debate in the Commons chamber annually.

Joe, 16, of South Bank, York, said it had been a great experience.

He said: “I was there and I sat on the green benches. I didn’t get to speak, unfortunately, although I did try repeatedly. The experience was fantastic. To be allowed to sit in Parliament was an honour in its own right.”

County councillor Caroline Patmore, North Yorkshire’s executive member for youth, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for young people to show that they can engage seriously in matters which concern our country and our county. This parliamentary debate gave young people the chance to show that they can help to create a better society as informed and responsible citizens of the future. The county’s youth councillors are a credit to North Yorkshire.”

The UK Youth Parliament is now calling for young people across the country to submit views on the debate topics, via the UK Youth Parliament website at ukyouthparliament.org.uk

To find our more about Youth Councils in North Yorkshire phone North Yorkshire County Council’s 4Youth Service’s Youth Council Coordinator James Parkes on 01609 533932 or email james.parkes@northyorks.gov.uk