UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)

Introduction

The idea for a UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) originated from young people themselves. The NSPCC sponsored the development of the proposal and a Steering Committee, led by Andrew Rowe – the then Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid-Kent, and chaired by James Moody – a young person, operated between October 1998 and December 2000, to oversee the establishment of the organisation and the first sitting.

The Aims

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aims to give the young people of the UK between the ages of 11 and 18 a voice, which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. It is an independent, national charity, that has a rolling programme of activities across the year. This includes an Annual Sitting, Regional Meetings, regular dialogue with Ministers, including the Prime Minister and Opposition Spokespeople and inputs to policy and programme development.

Objectives

  1. The UKYP is composed of representatives aged between 11 and 18 years old (inclusive) from across the UK. The UKYP particularly encourages the involvement of young people who are socially excluded, but also representation from established groups such as local youth councils and individuals.
  2. The UKYP ensures that the young people of the UK are given a voice on any issue that affects them and as laid out in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights Of The Child.
  3. The UKYP gives the young people of the UK an opportunity to be involved in a democratic process at a national level.
  4. The UKYP empowers young people to take positive action within their local communities based upon their issues of concern. The UKYP encourages community action for social change.
  5. The UKYP is a non-party political organisation, and as such, seeks to represent no party political view. The UKYP is solely issue based.

What is the UK Youth Parliament?

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aims to give the young people of the UK between the ages of 11 and 18 a voice, which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. It is an independent, national charity, that has a rolling programme of activities across the year. This includes an Annual Sitting, Regional Meetings, regular dialogue with Ministers, including the Prime Minister and Opposition Spokespeople and inputs to policy and programme development.

Who does it aim to represent?

Every young person resident in the UK up to the age of 18 years old (inclusive). Those aged between 11 and 18, can stand for election to the UKYP, and have the right to vote for the Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP).

What does the UKYP do?

The UKYP supports MYPs in making the Government, charities, companies and other organisations take the views of young people seriously. We produce a document called "The Manifesto" which is created by the MYPs at the UKYP's Annual Sitting and gives a broad description of what action young people would like to be taken by the Government and other agencies, and what young people think about a variety of issues.

In addition to this, MYPs work locally to represent the views of their peer group to their adult councils and regional assembly, leading campaigns to improve recreation and leisure facilities, transport services, the supply of fairtrade products in schools, etc.

How does the UKYP ensure that it isn't taken over by political parties and/or pressure groups?

The UKYP has a clear Code of Conduct for young people becoming MYPs which emphasises the UKYP's independence from political parties and pressure groups, whilst stressing that it is the responsibility of the MYP to represent the views of all their constituents.

How can I get involved if I don't want to be an MYP?

If you are aged between 11 and 18 you have the right to vote for your MYP. Find out who the candidates are and vote for the person you think will best represent your views. Each additional vote we get makes the Government take young peoples opinions more seriously and recognise that young people have a great part to play in the democratic process.

You don't have to be an MYP to take part in UKYP campaigns and activities. Many MYPs organise local events for young people to take part in, or hold joint surgeries with their MP. Check local noticeboards in your youth club and schools to find out what your MYP is doing, or have a look at the UKYP's website to see whether there are any national events taking place that you can take part in. However, please always remember to make sure that your parents/guardians are aware of what you are doing and where you are going.

In a democracy everyone’s views are important. It's not just about having a vote, but what happens AFTER the vote that really matters. Tell your elected MYP what you think should be done in your area and find out how you can help.