"What sort of message does this send to youth?": Andrew Rowe

Conservative Andrew Rowe wants the new body to sit in the House of Commons, during the Westminster recess, to draw up proposals for ministers to consider seriously.

The MP for Faversham and Mid Kent raised the matter by introducing a Ten-Minute Rule Bill.

The Bill provides for the parliament to be composed of local representatives, aged up to 19. Mr Rowe hoped youngsters from local authority care would be included.

Members would meet once a year at the Commons and ministers would be required to give proper responses.

The aim would be to provide a forum for relevant debates, draw up a youth manifesto, plan local manifestos and help develop the skills and self-esteem of youngsters, the MP said.

Charity support

His Bill has the backing of influential groups including the NSPCC, Save the Children Fund and the YMCA.

Given the chance, teenagers can be responsible and imaginative, Mr Rowe argued.

"I understand that some 40 pieces of legislation affecting young people are either passed or in the pipeline. I wonder how much consultation there has been with the beneficiaries.

"If we want to find out how to deal with truants or playground bullies or the spreading drug culture, we should talk to those who are in the thick of it.

"People of 17 can be responsible and can even make better teachers than adults," he said.

"Children and young people have no direct political power and play no part in the political process even when report after report shows the value of participation.

"The cost of this exclusion is high now. It will get worse."

He said it would provide an opportunity for young people to "break out of the disenchantment which will put our democracy at risk".