Teenagers take their seats in Parliament

A Leicestershire teenager has described voicing her views in a lively House of Commons debate as “one of the highlights of my life”.

Seventeen-year-old Nishat Tamanna was one of three young people from the county who took part in the UK Youth Parliament debate in London last Friday (11th November), supported by Leicestershire County Council.

Almost 300 elected members of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) discussed the top five issues chosen by the annual ‘Make Your Mark ballot. These included ‘a curriculum for life’, tackling racism and religious discrimination, public transport, lowering the voting age to 16 and cuts to the NHS.

A curriculum to “prepare us for life and votes at 16” has been decided as the main focus for 2017.

Nishat was given the opportunity to address the subject of public transport.

 

Representing Leicestershire at the House of Commons is one of the highlights of my life and definitely preparing me for the future. It was such an insight into the political world and amazing to see where change and legislation is made.

 

Nishat was joined by Simran Sangherra, 17 and Cameron Stewart, 16. All three have encouraged teenagers to have their say on the issues affecting them in today’s society and contributed to a record breaking result 42.74% of the vote for the East Midlands.

 

The House of Commons debates were absolutely incredible. It was great to see so much passion in the speeches made by young people representing areas across the UK. I am empowered to further campaign for key issues affecting my constituents, and being in the House of Commons was the ultimate reward.

 

Leicestershire County Council encourages young people to take part in this national vote and supports local Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs).

 

I am very proud to see the passion and concern of all the members of the UK Youth Parliament but particularly proud to see three members of our local community taking their seats in the House of Commons.

To see a curriculum to prepare us for life come out as a main concern shows us how important it is to educate teenagers on life skills.  The dedication and compassion these teenagers have shown is a real inspiration, not just for other people their age but also for adults.

Young people are elected every two years, with every school and youth organisation in Leicestershire in is invited to put forward candidates to represent the county.

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