Should university education be free? MYP Fumni opens the debate
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Should the voting age be lowered to 16? If public transport is free for the over 60s, why not for young people? How do we tackle youth crime? These are three of the five issues which were debated by over 300 young people on Friday 30 October when they took up seats in the Houses of Parliament normally occupied by MPs. Not only did the 11-18 year-old elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) publically air the concerns of young people around the UK, they made history as it's the first time anyone other than MPs have been allowed to use the House of Commons debating chamber in this way. A
team of 15 reporters
, aged 12 to 19, were at the scene. Their observations are captured in the "as it happened report" below. Four of the young journalists worked with the Today in Parliament team to produce two reports which will be broadcast at 2330 GMT on Radio 4. 10:40 Anticipating history in the making
As we walked through Central Lobby, the smile on my face simply wouldn't escape me. We kept walking to the home of politics - the House of Commons chamber itself, and the green benches were in sight. It was truly unreal. To think we, the young people of the United Kingdom, were about to sit on the green benches only ever sat on by MPs was absolutely unbelievable. What would entail from this day would be historic. It would change the politics and young people forever.
By Rizwaan, 14. 11:11 The opening of Youth Parliament
It was the quietest I have ever heard 300 young people in my life. John Bercow entered the chamber and with utmost respect, the Members of the Youth Parliament stood in complete silence and listened to the welcoming speeches of two of the most senior politicians. Harriet Harman greeted us with her 'warmest welcome' which was very reassuring to the 300 young people expecting to be treated like naughty school children. Harman proceeded with humour and light-heartedness as she told the Chamber how she sat on the opposition's benches for 18 years and went round pointing where the party leaders would have sat on the green leather benches. I stared around the room looking at the Commons unique historic features and I realised how amazing and outstanding this event really was. An overwhelming sense of pride took over not only me, but nearly every young person in the room as we realised this truly was the historic event that would be a milestone in British politics.
By Alex, 17. 11:12 Representing the nation
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DEBATE TOPICS
Lowering the voting age to 16
Youth crime and how to tackle it
Job opportunities for young people
Free transport for over 60s, but not for young people
University education being free
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When the Right Honourable John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, entered the room everyone fell silent and rose to their feet. Mr Bercow took a glance around the room and began his opening speech. He complimented the UK Youth Parliament for being more representative than Parliament itself.
By Tom, 18. 11:31 Who should pay for education? The first debate began: Should university education across the United Kingdom be made free, as it is in Scotland? Daniel, 12, and Hannah, 12 report on the discussion in the Today in Parliament programme at 2330 on Radio 4 which is also available as a
podcast.
12:05 Prisons or community service? The second debate began. As more and more people are drawn into youth crime, what can be done to tackle the hot-spots where this occurs and what should be the punishment for those found guilty? Katie, 13, and Ruairidh, 12, report on the discussion on
Today in Parliament.
12:23 The old go free. What about me?
Tia, 12, and Shabana, 17, put the finishing touches to their report
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The third debate began and reporters By Tia, 12, and Shabana, 17, were in the Press Gallery to capture the heated discussion about whether public transport should be free for young people.
Read their report
. 13:45 A worldwide audience
Walking in to the small but cosy radio studio, I felt a stream of excitement pour over me. I knew that I was about to go live on the BBC's
World Service Newshour
programme and that thousands of listeners all over the world would be hearing the broadcast. Before I knew it I was 20 seconds from going live on air, and nerves were beginning to kick in… 5..4..3..2..1 and I was speaking to people in the furthest reaches of the world. Africa? China? Who knows who was listening. It suddenly struck me that I was sitting in the tiniest room in a BBC studio without quite understanding how big this interview was. And it was then, at that very moment, the reporter asked me about what I had said in Parliament. Now I knew the answer straight away, after all I was the one who said it, but words failed me on the spot and I struggled to describe what my mind was thinking. Taking a deep breath I restarted and finally got what I wanted to say out: "I thought the debate on youth crime was a real disappointment as we were in the House of Commons to help create a positive image of young people, not a negative one, which the media has portrayed for the last few years." After recovering the rest of the interview went very smoothly. Making a mistake was perhaps a good thing as it made me feel more human and a good representative of young people - we know we don't always get it right!
By Alex, 18
John Bercow addresses young parliamentarians at the start of the day
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15:20 Speaker attacks BNP
At the end of the day, as we eagerly awaited the result of our vote on the campaign issue for the next year, Speaker of the House of commons, John Bercow, summed up the day, asking the members of the UK Youth Parliament three questions: Had we enjoyed the day? Did we want to come back next year? and Did we want him to let his colleagues of the House of Commons know? All three of which were replied with a roaring "yes" from all, so I think is fair to say the day was a success. He went on to talk about his requirements to be impartial from a political point of view but then said he does not wish to remain impartial when it comes to "democracy" and "evil" and then went on to talk about the BNP (British National Party) saying that the BNP were fed and powered by hate.
By Ricardo, 19. 15:50 The votes are in
The final decision was taken to support a well-established UKYP campaign for Votes at 16. This means that this campaign will be getting serious national attention from the Government and Parliament.
By Mark, 16. 16:00 Leaving a legacy
quote hereSpeaking to people in Westminster Hall at the end of the day, it was obvious that the event will leave a legacy. Oscar Clarke from Newcastle said it was "an amazing event that people will remember forever." Claire Coals, from Barnsley, said: "It was brilliant and actually made history." Nick Pringle, from South Tyneside said:"The voice of young people has been heard loud and clear as we're stronger together.
By Nick, 15.
In preparation for their on-location reporting, the young reporters gave an "as it happens" account of their training day on Thursday 29 October. 11:48 Clock ticks down to deadline
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THE UK YOUTH PARLIAMENT
MYPs are elected in annual youth elections across the UK.
Anyone aged 11 to 18 is entitled to stand or vote.
In the past two years, 1m young people have voted in elections.
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The countdown to the Commons had begun. The final preparations are underway as the media team, from the UK Youth Parliament and The Piggott School, are working hard, overlooking the palace of Westminster - the venue for tomorrow's big event. The reporters scribble down preliminary articles and prepare for the media storm that will surely hit tomorrow. Ricci, 19, from Essex said: "We are overwhelmed by the experience and I'm really looking forward to tackling these challenges. It will be incredible.
By Riz, 14, and Rupert, 17. 11:48 Buzzing with anticipation
The excitement is rising as 15 young reporters, six from The Piggott School and nine from the UK Youth Parliament are writing away. The buzzing computers are a backdrop to the interaction and anticipation of the groups "jotting down" for the countdown.
By Katie, 13 and Hannah, 12. 11:48 Pursuit of excellence
When you look around, there is a stunning view of the Parliament building and the buzz of the metropolis shows a place of work. You can feel the anticipation and excitement of the day ahead with young reporters all hard at work for the big event, relentless for the pursuit of a good report. One such reporter, Hannah, 12, said: "This isn't something you would do every day."
By Ricci, 19, and Ruairidh, 12. 11:56 Training room with no Common view
The open-plan, spacious room in which we are training has big windows which allows a lot of light to penetrate the room. The comfortable sofas give a "living room" feel, which is complimented by the balcony. The young reporters are writing in a very appropriate place, as the nearby House of Commons towers above the other surrounding buildings. A fellow reporter said: "It feels very important to be here and I'm very excited about reporting on the event. It looks like tomorrow will be a very interesting day."
By Alex, 17. 11:56 Proud to report history
With a stunning view of Parliament behind them, School Reporters and media representatives from the UK Youth Parliament gather in a fresh, white room at the Millbank offices. They are discussing and training as BBC reporters so they can cover the historic event of the UK Youth Parliament becoming the first group, other than MPs, to sit and debate in the House of Commons. Daniel, Year 8, from The Piggott School, said: "I am so proud to have this unique opportunity. Not everyone gets this."
By Tom, 18. 11:56 Responsibility of representing
Sitting in a comfy green chair, looking out at the top of Parliament, the brightness of the room disguises the humidity inside. School Reporters, Youth Parliament members and other staff are writing about the historic occasion happening tomorrow in the House of Commons. Alex, 17, a Member of Youth Parliament, said: "I'm thinking how I'm going to represent the young people of the UK."
By Tia, 12. 11.58 Anticipation of tomorrow's event
"I am looking forward to taking part in the House of Commons debate," said Tom, 18, who is a Member of Youth Parliament, when I interviewed him in the spacious room at the Millbank building.
By Daniel, Year 8. 11:58 Westminster out the window
In a cream-coloured room with a calm atmosphere, the inspirational proximity to the Houses of Parliament is releasing the urge among the UK Youth Parliament members and School Reporters to discuss the issue of university fees.
By Shabana, 17.
Meet the reporters During a training day, the young reporters interviewed one another to produce these introductions: Daniel, Year 8, School Reporter from The Piggott School, Berkshire. He enjoys computer games and builds models depicting Word War 2. Ruairidh, 12, School Reporter from The Piggott School, Berkshire. With an interest in the media and issues which affect young people, he hopes to pursue a career in teaching. Hannah, 12, School Reporter from The Piggott School, Berkshire. She enjoys the performing arts, especially drama and singing. Katie, 13, School Reporter from The Piggott School, Berkshire. She enjoys debating and wants to be a journalist or chef when she is older. Tia, 12, School Reporter from The Piggott School, Berkshire. A keen sportsperson, she also likes to be involved in reporting and her ambition is to become a journalist. Shabana, 17, School Report mentor from The Piggott School, Berkshire. A former Deputy Member of the UK Youth Parliament and aspiring journalist, she has campaigned on local issues including transport and lowering the voting age. She believes the House of Commons event is a good opportunity for young people to get their voices heard. Rizwaan, 14, Member of Youth Parliament in Brent, London. Known as Riz, his favourite subject at school is Maths. Tom, 18, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament in Northamptonshire. Interested in politics and business, he has several jobs and he reads a lot. Rupert, 17, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament in Gloucestershire. Elected in January, he is interested in issues that affect people and hopes to work in Parliament. Alex, 18, Member of Youth Parliament in Hampshire. A media representative for the UK Youth Parliament, his interests are politics and the Xbox 360. He regrets not running to become a Member of the Youth Parliament earlier. Ricardo, 19, Member of Youth Parliament in Essex. Known as Ricci, the media representative for the UK Youth Parliament likes acting and taking part in political activities which involve young people. Nick, 15, Member of Youth Parliament in Darlington Jack, 14, Member of Youth Parliament in Newcastle upon Tyne Mark, 16, Member of Youth Parliament in Calderdale Charity, 16, Member of Youth Parliament in Solihull
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Voting at 16 on the Isle of Man
Writing jokes for the PM
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