Something unique is taking place in the House of Commons today. 

In the last 300 years only MPs have been allowed into the chamber, to sit on the famous green benches and debate the issues of the day.  But I passionately believe that the House of Commons belongs to everybody in Britain and everybody should feel welcome inside.  This is why I’m delighted that Parliament is throwing open its doors to members of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) for the day.

Anyone aged between 11 and 18 is entitled to vote in the annual UKYP elections, which elect 600 members across the country, including six from Gloucestershire.  Every year all the members of the Youth Parliament come together for an annual sitting to debate important issues and produce a manifesto.  Its good news that this year the debate will be held in the House of Commons itself.  Despite a little bit of opposition from some of Parliament’s “old guard”, the vast majority of MPs appreciate the contribution young people make to our society and we decided there was no better way to demonstrate this than welcoming them into the House of Commons chamber.

The UK Youth Parliament in many ways represents the best of young people in our country.  We hear constant media stories which portray all young people in a very negative light, as lazy, unengaged, apathetic and ill-mannered.  This is not a picture I recognise of the young people I meet around Gloucester and I am delighted that the UKYP will be putting on display, in front of the whole country, young people who are enthusiastic about standing up for their area, and engaged in the issues of the day.

The issues they have chosen to discuss range from recycling and the environment to lowering the voting age to 16 and I’m sure each of these topics will spark a lively debate.

I was honoured to be invited to become a trustee on the national board of the UK Youth Parliament and help support the great work it does bringing young people together. I enjoy working with Gloucester’s MYPs and I hope they have a great today in the House of Commons today.

Parmjit Dhanda MP

Member of Parliament for Gloucester