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MYP HoL results...

On Friday 2nd May, Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) made history by debating in the House of Lords chamber. 

MYPs used the opportunity to debate and vote for the UK Youth Parliament’s three national campaigns for the year ahead.

It was an absolutely amazing day – not just for the young people in attendance and for UK Youth Parliament, but for society in general, as the magnificent debates showed just how much young people care about their communities, and how much they want to help make a difference.

After two hours of debating, MYPs cast their vote for their top three campaigns....

The result

1. Your Future, Your Wold, Your Fight - recycling / environment campaign (490 votes)

2. National public transport concession card for young people under the age of 18 (425 votes)

3. Abolish university tuition fees (252 votes)

4. Fair and accurate representation of young people in the media (192 votes)

5. Lowering the voting age to 16 (127 votes)

6. One single age at which young people are deemed to become an adult (55 votes)

May 2008

Attends the House of Lords for MYP debate

Reece Fox attended the House of Lords for discussions of latest issues brought to attention from all MYP's. You will also be able to view highlights of the debate on the Parliament Channel on Saturday 10th May at 9.30pm.

On 2nd May, MYPs from across the UK arrived at the House of Lords Chamber to debate and vote on the UK Youth Parliament's national campaigns for 2008 and 2009. Latest MInutes sumerised from the House of Lords Event can be found at...

http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/liveblog

2nd May 2008 House of Lords MYP

10:19 Good morning, this is Bilal (former Member of Youth Parliament for Birmingham) and I'll be liveblogging the debate for you today.
10:19 Apologies for the delay in getting the liveblog running, we've had some technical issues.
10:20 Anyway - its a great day for a historic occasion. Only the second time in the historyof the House of Lords that the House of Lords chamber has been opened up to an external organisation.
10:22 We've just had an introduction from Baroness Helene Hayman. She entered the chamber as all were requested to rise, and began by saying: "Thats where the similarities between today and my normal day-to-day job end".
10:23 I'll just give you a quick overview of what the format of the day will be:
10:24 The debates will commence at approximately 10.20am and 20 minutes will be given to each campaign proposal. There will be three debates lasting in total one hour, a half hour break, followed by the remaining three debates, lasting another hour. At the end of the debates MYPs will be asked to vote in the Lords on the three debates they favour for UKYP's national campaigns (we hope to use an electronic voting system for the vote, although this has yet to be agreed).The debates will commence at approximately 10.20am and 20 minutes will be given to each campaign proposal. There will be three debates lasting in total one hour, a half hour break, followed by the remaining three debates, lasting another hour. At the end of the debates MYPs will be asked to vote in the Lords on the three debates they favour for UKYP's national campaigns.
10:25 The six topics which will be debated on are:
10:26 1. Abolishing university tuition fees.
2. National transport concession card for young people under the age of 18.
3. Single age at which young people are deemed to become an adult.
10:26 And:
4. Fair and accurate representation of young people in the media.
5. Lowering the voting age to 16.
6. Recycling and environment.
10:27 The debate on whether the UKYP will adopt abolishing University fees as a campaign is now underway.
10:27 We've had an introduction from James Greenhalgh who has been leading the campaign so far.
10:28 For more on what he has to say: http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/hol/films/tuitionfees.html10:29 Quote from a Member of Youth parliament who is supporting the campaign: "University fees are nothing more than a barrier preventing young people from going on to get an education".
10:30 Just give me a moment whilst I change laptops. I'll be back in 5 minutes.
10:30 [Be Right Back Countdown] 5 minutes
10:41 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
I second this motion, that University fees are stopping young people fulfilling their full potential
10:42 Sorry about the delay. I've now been temporarily moved to an office whilst they try and get internet running on the laptop in the press room.
10:42 So I'm currently following the debate on a live internal TV (currently with only sound and no video).
10:42 The debate on university fees has just concluded, apologies for lack of coverage on it.
10:43 A comment from a Member of Youth Parliament: "We need to be conscious that young people go to university for the right reasons, not just because its free".
10:44 [Comment From Lucy]
Is there any way we can listen aswell?
10:44 Sorry Lucy, we haven't got any audio. So you're stuck with my commentary.
10:45 We're now moving into a debate on "Fair and accurate representation of young people in the media."
10:45 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
Yes but many people have aspirations to go to university but are put off by the costs
10:45 Ben, thats been the precise argument of James who has just said a few words to conclude the debate.
10:47 "Young people have the right to be perceived in the correct manner. Many colleges in my area work with the press to ensure that there is a two way channel of communication between the press and young people". A comment from a young lady.
10:48 "The media is using us as slingshots to create dramatic stories that sell. We are the people of the future, we have a right to ensure that we get a fair and balanced representation of us".
10:48 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
As living in the South West, and voted for "Fair and accurate representation of young people in the media" as the issue for the South West to bring forward today, I feel very strongly about this and feel that it should be a high priority of the UKYP.
10:50 "As much as I agree with the campaign - but isn't it a vicious cycle? How can we know that when we're older and some of us are journalists we won't end up calling the young people of then 'yobs' and 'thugs'". Shouldn't we try to get stories about our campaigns and the good work that young people do rather than stop negative stories?".
10:51 "The media is an industry. We cannot tell them what to write."
10:51 [Comment From Lucy]
I feel it should be a priority, but we also need to think will the media change there ways? If it is the way they sell newspapers, why would they stop?
10:52 Lucy, I think what people are trying to suggest is that we try and find a middle path. We can't stop the press printing negative stories - because at the end of the day, that's news. However, we can try and get more positive stories about young people out there.
10:52 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
If we continue to do good work on our campaigns, then our positive work is going to be shadowed by the medias negative steriotype of young people.
10:54 Check out the the video for this campaign idea:

10:54 "I agree that young people don't have a fair representation in the media, but I feel we can work on this better locally as opposed to a national campaign".
10:54 [Comment From Jenna]
It's going to be a tough campaign for this years myp's no doubt, but with a some work and some determination, some positive effect COULD surely occur??
10:55 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
I feel that we need to negotiate with the media as much as posible and work with them to achieve an outcome that suits everyones objectives.
10:55 [Comment From Lucy]
I undestand that, but I still believe they would choose the negative story over the postive. It is a shame, and its wrong, but that is how the media works
10:56 "We need to tackle the national press for maxmimum effect".
10:56 [Comment From Lucy]
I agree, we definately need to work with them, and we as youths. Not someone speaking for us.
10:57 "Negative stories sell newspapers. Our other campaigns will create a positive image for young people - we don't need to dedicate a campaign to it".
10:57 [Comment From Jenna]
yes, that's how the media works, but who's to say a new trend couldn't start....I have to agree with the local comment though, all myp's working at a local level would impact on the national press. it'll be slow progress no matter what...
10:58 Just had an update that my live audio feed might be put back to the recording made 1hr ago. Hopefully that won't happen so fingers crossed.
10:58 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
"We need to tackle the national press for maximum effect". - This statement sums up exactly what we need to do. I think we need to formulate a plan of action and for UKYP Central Team to target National Press and for MYPs to then focus on local press.
10:59 The debate is just concluding an there's now a summary from the campaign lead.
10:59 She quotes press cuttings with lines like 'feral youths', 'teen gangs', 'hoodies'.
11:00 "My friends have hoodies but they're reluctant to wear them sometimes because they know that young people will see them negatively".
11:00 Sorry, amendment: "...because they know that older people will see them negatively".
11:01 The next topic is 'lowering the voting age to 16'.
11:06 Alex introduced the debate by saying: "I'm currently 15 but at 16, without a doubt I'd like to have the vote and I will use it. I strongly feel that that this should be a campaign for the Youth Parliamen'ts next year."
11:06 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
This topic has high stipulation around it and I feel that although young people should have a right to change laws that effect them, I feel that young people are not educated enought to make informed decisions about politics.
11:07 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
Amendment: I feel that SOME young people are not educated enough to make informed decisions about politics.
11:10 "They say we're too young to vote and to know what we're doing. We can raise a family, get a job, pay tax, be part of the armed forces and yet we cannot decide the government we pay the tax too".
11:12 "They say we're too young to vote and to know what we're doing. We can raise a family, get a job, pay tax, be part of the armed forces and yet we cannot decide the government we pay the tax to".
11:12 [Comment From Jo]
I feel that some older people are not educated enough to make an informed decision about politics and if younger people are interested and worried about the future then they should be allowed to have their say.
11:12 [Comment From David]
Ben, why pressume that ALL older people are educated enough to make informed decisions? What education do you need?
11:12 [Comment From Jenna]
However, some do already take an active role in finding out about politics...take the (D)Members Youth Parliament for example, I think this would be interesting to find results, but when we look at the number of apathetic adults not voting at Local or General elections...Who's to say that 16year olds having the vote means that they will use it?
11:13 Apologies if your comment doesn't get published. I'm being lynched with some excellent comments here - if I published all of them, there'd be more comments than blog posts.

But keep them coming.
11:14 "We're paying into the treasury of a government who we have no right to vote for. If we go and take the right to vote off adults and then tax them - there would be outrage".
11:15 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
Well by Article 12 of the UN Convention of Rights of the Child: Children and Young People should have a right to have their views listened to and taken into account on any issue that effects them.
11:15 "We need to have more education before we can vote. Joining the army or starting the family is just a personal choice".
11:16 "What difference does two years make?"
11:16 [Comment From mike]
i believe Jenna is completely wrong because she obviously doesnt understand the importance to allow me to vote at the age of 16. i would use it.
11:16 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
Its not about qualifications but mature intelligence to make informed and sensible decisions when it comes to voting.
11:16 [Comment From David Giles]
But Ben, that doesn't mean that 16 year olds need to vote.
11:17 [Comment From David Giles]
Mike - a minority of 16 year olds would vote, but the majority won't. Not until we educate properly.
11:18 "Whilst votes at 16 is a good campaign. We need to educate our young people and citizenship lessons at the moment are not enough."
11:19 [Comment From Paul]
Are we presuming that the majority of 16 and 17 year olds would actually vote if given the chance?
11:19 [Comment From Jo]
Personal Choice...............so give 16 year olds the personal choice on whether they decide to do something about the future or not and let them vote.
11:19 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
16 year olds that have the mental capacity to make vote for reasons of a sensible nature, and know what impact their vote will have.
11:19 "A recent survey says that young people between 16-18 will vote if they get the opportunity to".
11:20 Excellent. I've now got a video link.
11:20 [Comment From chedda bob]
well those taht have an interest in the future of OUR country then they would vote. so your answer paul is YES
11:22 A sum up from Alex:
"If we get votes at 16, better political education will follow. There would be so much more of an argument for having good political education.

Some people may argue that this may never happen in a million years. But the Electoral Reform Society believes that if the UKYP takes this as a campaign we will have a good chance of getting it within a year."
11:22 "No taxation without representation".
11:22 [Comment From David Giles]
But Bob, we need to educate so that young people make informed choices not based on the candidate's name or whatever, which would be worse than them not voting at all (the majority would not vote)
11:23 [Comment From David Giles]
We need the "properpolitical education" first for it to be effective
11:23 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
However, many young people dont have the education to be able to make informed decisions.
11:23 Right. Its time for a 20 minute break now, so I'm off to get some well deserved food. I'll be back in a while so stick around.
11:23 [Be Right Back Countdown] 20 minutes
11:44 This is Bilal. Back on time [amazingly].
11:45 The orange juice here is particularly brilliant.
11:45 [Comment From Jo]
The proper polictial education doesn't come as soon as you turn 18 and are legally able to vote - it comes when you are interested in it, you take time to find out what is happeing in the world and you know that voting will make a difference to your future. There is probably quite a good percentage of 16-18 year olds that no alot more about what is going on in polictics than the people who are allowed to vote.
11:46 Right then. Silence in the chamber and the Baroness is now entering to chair the second part of the debate.
11:46 "You are such good time keepers..."
11:46 [Comment From Ben Salisbury]
Just to double check, when is this going to be shown on BBC Parliament
11:47 Ben, I'll find out in a second and let you know.
11:47 [Comment From Tom Follett]
so do thses comments go into teh chamber>?
11:47 Tom, no unfortunatley we haven't got time to feed comments back to the debate.
11:48 The first campaign idea to be debated in this session will be 'a national concession card for young people under 18'.
11:49 "In the past the government has said that this is a local matter, however concession cannot happen without central funding and this is what local authorities come back with".
11:49 [Comment From Tom Follett]
we have it for old people its ridiculous we don't have it for young people
11:49 Tom, great timing with that comment - its just what the guy introducing the debate has said.
11:50 "Think about the time and effort that past and present Members of the Youth Parliament have put into this campaign and the progress that has been made. It makes sense to continue with the campaign now!".
11:52 "If you're travelling to university you should have more than £2.60 (roughly the standard fare for 16+) - same when you're going shopping. £2.60 is nothing - we shouldn't take this campaign".
11:52 And the young chap who raised the point sat down to much uproar from the rest of the house.
11:53 "Its far too expensive for me to travel to amenities in Belfast and it takes ages for the bus to arrive too".
11:53 [Comment From David Giles]
£2.60?? it costs me £5.50 to go 5 miles on a bus!
11:54 "The guy who said that £2.60 doesn't matter - for those who have to travel to college every day...that equates to around £800 per year. That is a lot of money".
11:55 "Young people do not have the same means and money as adults for travel. Why should we pay adult fares at 16?"
11:56 And he sits down to a "hear, hear". Sounds almost like Parliamentary debates this - except with a lot less aggression"
11:56 [Comment From Tom Follett]
i dont think 2 60 is standard for many people its over 5 pound
11:58 "If the government can recognise that disabled people and older people struggle to pay for transport then what is the justification for not giving cheaper transport to young people?".
12:00 "The introduction of the Oyster card has benefited thousands of young people in my constituency and it also proves that such a system is feasible".
12:01 "How can we be more environmentally if we have to pay such a huge amount to use public transport? Parents taking children to school will probably take a car".
12:02 "We can walk a mile or two or ride a bike."
12:03 The Baroness: "You've got to be very careful on what you say about pensioners in this place!". Haha.
12:04 [Comment From David Giles]
I have to cycle 5 miles (and back) because of the cost of the bus. I enjoy it but I can't see less mobile people doing the same
12:05 There is amusing confusion when the speaker selects who will be speaking. She doesn't know names so she has to point and say: "The one in black top and tie and in the back left corner on the third row".
12:06 [Comment From David Giles]
Sounds quite fun. Wish I were there
12:06 If only they had postcards with photographs of the chamber saying: "Wish you were here".
12:07 "Poor transport services and expensive fares are limiting young people in huge ways. Its now or never with this campaign looking at the amount of work that has been done it before".
12:07 And that sums up the debate.
12:08 [Comment From David Giles]
Hear hear.
12:10 An introduction to the next campaign: 'Single age where everyone is deemed an adult".

"What exactly is this campaign about? Its about fairness and transparency for young people in the country. We need a clear and understandable system.

We weren't asked or consulted about the current age systems. Its important to consider that as young people we face penalties if we're on certain sides of the age boundary. Transport and voting are clear examples."
12:10 "We're not entitled to full minimum wage at 16..."
12:11 You can watch the campaign video here: http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/hol/films/adulthood.html

12:12 "There is confusion with past policy and the current system with the age of adulthood".
12:12 "We're being told one thing in one policy and something else in another."
12:13 And we're now opening to comments from the floor on this issue.
12:13 "Perhaps we need to go for a campaign which more viable".
12:15 "Its going to be a far too complicated process to take this forward, we have far too many age boundaries."
12:15 "But its precisely what we're campaigning for: to remove all the confusing age boundaries".
12:16 "I don't understand why I can't buy drinks in a pub at 17 but I can be a legal parent".
12:17 [Comment From Guest]
although this is a highly important issue that needs sorting once and for all, is it a S.M.A.R.T target for UKYP, but lets raise it now beofre parliament!!
12:20 [Comment From Emma]
single age for adulthood means everything - including going into adult jails at a younger age (currently 18, could be 16 with a change!)
12:22 "This campaign could easily backfire. If the age is decided at 21 then we will contradict our campaigns on voting and transport".
12:22 "The issue still seems very vague to me. Do we really need an age at which become an adult? Can we not live without being categorised as an adult or child?"
12:24 [Comment From hanna]
here here, whats to say we wont be told what the one age will be, also it could mean more problems then solutions if the age isn't the best one - whatever that is?
12:24 Update on when this will be broadcast:
12:24 The BBC be broadcasting a one hour, edited version of the debate on Saturday 10 May 2008 at 2130 on BBC Parliament.
12:26 However, the debate is being streamed “live” with a one hour time delay directly to the newsrooms of the BBC, Sky, etc – so that other broadcasters may use the footage if they want for news clips.
12:26 However, the debate is being streamed “live” with a one hour time delay directly to the newsrooms of the BBC, Sky, etc – so that other broadcasters may use the footage if they want for news clips.
12:27 "I think this is preposterous idea. Why do we want to create another barrier between adults and young people? At the age of 8 you can swim at a pool on your own - so are we going to campaign to standardise this too?"
12:28 And she takes her seat to a "hear, hear" and a round of applause from the house.
12:29 We're now hearing a summary of the debate and why it should be taken forward.
12:30 We're now moving onto our final debate before the vote: Your Future, Your World, Your Fight - recycling / environment campaign.
12:32 [Comment From Elise, Beds Youth Cabinet]
I definately think the age of "adulthood" so to speak is different for different things. We do not need ONE age for "adulthood" for everything, but we need to take into account the age finance for young people becomes an issue. For example, the age for legal sex will not be the same as paying adult bus fares - a majority of people do not have a full time job at this age (16) and thats when we are expected to pay adult prices e/g on transport.
12:33 The campaign lead for the environment campaign is introducing.
12:33 "I came here with another speech prepared but I changed my mind when I saw this letter from an 11 year old girl that I will quote to you:
12:33 "I am 11 years old. Two years ago, Mother Nature destroyed my family. I have issues with my health. Mother Nature came in a rage because we did not respect or take care of her. America has just experienced the wrath of a hurricane. If science can prove that in 20 years the sea levels will rise dangerously then what are we waiting for?

The future is in your hands.

PS: You never know what can happen tomorrow?"
12:35 "This is an issue that a lot of people are running away from. The big question is: are you in or out?"

I am IN.
12:36 And he takes his seat to, probably the longest standing ovation of the day.
12:36 You can watch the campaign video for this here: http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/hol/films/environment.html

12:37 "Originally I was going to argue against this and say that global warming is an issue for other people. But I have changed my mind after listening to that introduction and I say that we, as Members of the Youth are in an excellent position to champion this campaign".
12:38 "We are destroying our future if we do not act now!".
12:38 [Comment From hanna]
I in!!! so are West Cornwall!! scientists say we will be completely cut of by the sea, why wont the gopvernment help NOW!!
12:38 [Comment From Felix]
Hey Bilal, good job! Could you tell us what the general atmosphere is like in the chamber? Is everyone attentive, gripped, bored, rowdy?
12:39 "This shouldn't be a job of the youth parliament. It should be one of the prime minister" [Cue applause from many people].
12:40 Felix, thanks for the comments. Its attentive, gripped and even more. The quality of the debate has been brilliant with some excellent points from a huge range of young people. The atmosphere has been excellent from the very start.
12:40 [Comment From Elise, Beds Youth Cabinet]
We have to protect not just our furture, but the future of generations to come. We have proved it can be done, the technology is HERE TODAY. It needs to be enforced by people in power, it needs to be enforced across the country, and eventually, the world.
12:40 [Comment From David Giles]
We do need to tackle environmental problems, but the 'solutions' cannot be allowed to damage other areas in the long term, such as the bio fuels - inefficient means of fuel but has had a greater emphasis placed on it than food crops.
12:41 "It will affect our generation and we will be suffering."
12:41 [Comment From Felix]
I agree... UKYP is about improving life NOW for young people, not *sustaining* it!
12:42 The Baroness (Speaker) is trying very hard to find people who haven't spoken before. The same people keep standing up. She's doing a good job of tracking the right people though.
12:42 [Comment From Emma]
this has been wkd to read what is happening! thanks Bilal!
12:42 Emma - thanks, its been great reading all the comments and debate that has been sent to me.
12:45 "If we as young people can lead the way in recycling and being environmentally friendly we will be setting an excellent example to adults of today".
12:45 "Walk a couple of miles instead of taking the bus".
12:45 [Comment From hanna]
thanks, will you still be online to leet us know how the voting goes?
12:46 Hanna - yes, I'm around 'till the end of the debate. I'll bring you the results of the vote as soon as they are announced.
12:47 Another bout of confusion on who the Baroness has selected to speak.
12:47 Followed by a round of applause as the right person rises.
12:48 "People who are really eager to recycle and be environmentally friendly sometimes get sidetracked because they have to pay for recycling etc".
12:49 The Baroness calls for comments against the idea:
12:50 "The government and local authorities are already being environmentally friendly and recycling. They'll just tell us to shut up when we tell them to help with recycling etc."
12:50 [Comment From Mike]
Bilal do you have a rough idea how old is the youngest speaker at the debate?
12:51 Mike - great time for the comment. A young guy has just got up to summarise the debate:

"I know I'm the youngest in this chamber today - and its not about today, tomorrow or the day after - its about when I am an adult.

I'm in".
12:52 [Comment From Felix]
Not everyone is able to "walk a couple of miles".
12:53 [Comment From Nick]
Hey! In my school we have a very succesful student run recycling system - we do all the collection and it benefit's the school. Good work Bilal! what's looking like the most popular campaign?
12:53 And thats the finish of the debate. The Baroness:

"Its great that we've finished with the youngest person. Apologies to those who haven't had a chance to speak - the quality of the debate today has been fantastic".
12:54 Nick - its anybody's guess as to which campaign will be taken forward. The debate for most campaigns has been very strong so we'll have to wait and see.
12:55 And there's Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament giving instructions to everone on how to vote.
12:55 [Comment From Felix]
How is the voting going to take place?
12:56 Each MYP has been provided with a ballot sheet and will have three votes. They will mark a 3 by your first preference, a 2 by the second preference and a 1 by the third preference.
12:56 This way we can make sure that there isn't a tie.
12:57 The Members of Youth Parliament have now completed voting and are taking their seats now.
12:57 [Comment From Edward]
Dmyp- Eastliegh and winchester here, this is amazing, am reding in school now... on edge of seat to findo out voting
12:58 We're all anticipating the results.
12:58 Andy Hamflett:

"As the UKYP Staff number crunch those ballot papers. I'll give a few thanks".
1:00 "I'd like toi thank the House of Lords and the Baroness Speaker for allowing us to come here today and have this debate.

Thanks also to the Ministry of Justice for funding the event. Thanks to the Local Authorities, the youth workers and our partners.

And of course, the UKYP staff team who have worked tirelessly to make this all hapen".
1:00 "I could talk for hours about the UKYP. But If I was to sum it up in one word, its: CHANGE".
1:00 [Comment From hanna]
how long is this going to take!!! its unbearable
1:00 [Comment From Felix]
How long do you think it will be until they are counted?
1:00 No idea. I'm in an office two floors above the chamber. I'd guess it will take about 5-10 minutes.
1:01 [Comment From David Giles]
This is nail biting
1:02 Andy Hamflett is summing up the work of the UK Youth Parliament.

"Many people say young people don't care, I'd invite anyone who says that to watch the broadcast of this debate and be proved wrong."
1:02 And a huge standing ovation for that comment.
1:02 [Comment From hanna]
good news is i look so anxious and am distrupting my entire class so my whole lecture group now know about it - good publicity, mind you you've gotten them started debating the issues now!!
1:03 Good stuff Hanna. I'm sure I've disrupted many classes today.
1:03 [Comment From Edward]
You really have started us debating
1:03 [Comment From Felix]
Which issues do people reading this liveblog support?
1:03 Andy Hamflett reminding everyone that the BT Seen & Heard awards are currently taking nominations.
1:04 More details here:
1:04 [Comment From Edward]
Standard age for adulthood
1:05 [Poll popup] Which campaign do you support? View Results
1:05 [Comment From Felix]
It's got to be the free transport myself, though I feel bad for not supporting a better image in the

media - south west pride!
1:05 [Comment From Sarah Stevens]
I'm the ukyp youth worker in Somerset (2 of our MYP's are there)... I've got the office distrupted reading this....excellent work!!!
1:05 [Comment From David Giles]
Fair representation of young people in the media is my preference, but its close between some of them
1:06 Vote on the poll to have your say.
1:06 Andy Hamflett goes off by saying that its been a great day and we will try and get another one next year.
1:06 [Comment From Tom]
i feel very strongly about the standard age for adulthood. because we have to pay adult fees @ 16 on trains and at cinema's, yet we cannot vote, or drive, or drink (not that we need alcohol... it's just a point)
1:06 [Comment From hanna]
fair and accurate media, environment, transport!!!!!
1:07 And the Baroness back on now, just saying some words until we get the results from the UKYP Staff.
1:08 "We don't hear the sounds of clapping in this Chamber often. What really impressed me was the courage of people who stood up and took a position which was not the view of the majority - and the respect that you all showed to everyone's viewpoints."
1:09 There is blanket silence in the Chamber as the Baroness speaks. We are all waiting for those results.
1:10 "Not everyone in the House of Lords was 100% certain that this was the right thing to do. But you will no doubt prove many of those people wrong".
1:10 [Comment From hanna]
what are they???
1:11 Hanna, we're still waiting.
1:11 Thats it - they're coming through now...
1:11 The Baroness is about to read them out:
1:11 At #3 with 252 votes, the abolition of university tuition fees.
1:12 At #2 with 400 (or so, I didn't catch the exact number) votes its transport concession cards for young people under 18.
1:12 And at #1 with the most votes...its....
1:13 You're all IN. Its: Your Future, Your World, Your Fight - recycling / environment campaign.
1:14 The reaction has been pretty supportive.
1:14 There was a huge applause for the environment one.
1:14 [Comment From David Giles]
Good campaigns, if run properly (sure they will be) they could go far, although not sure about tuition fees and the environmental one though
1:15 [Comment From Felix]
Oh god no, every group ever to do with everything is focused on the environment. Let's make UKYP stand out and be noticed... by doing THE SAME =[
1:15 So, remember to tune in to the video highlights of this on BBC Parliament on Saturday 10 May 2008 at 2130.
1:15 [Comment From hanna]
your right felix if we're going to do environment - which im glad we are - we're gonna have to do it properly!!
1:16 What a fantastic day its been. We've had some quality debate and without a doubt, we are set to make change.
1:16 [Comment From Felix]
Well, the excitement's over! Thanks for keeping us updated Bilal, I really appreciate it and I'm sure everyone else does too =] laters! x
1:16 [Comment From David Giles]
Will be watching definately, this blog has been great. Thanks Bilal
1:16 Thanks guys.
1:16 Thats all from me today.
1:17 Its been great to hear your views.
1:17 [Comment From hanna]
thanks!!!
1:17 [Comment From Felix]
Now go and get a good lunch, you deserve it =D
1:17 Yep - I'm ravenous. Just need somebody to get me out of this office and navigate me through the huge maze of corridors and out.
1:17 [Comment From David Giles]
hear hea Felix
1:17 [Comment From dan olaiya]
thanks!!!:D
1:17 [Comment From Mike]
thanks
1:18 I'm off to the Tate Modern Gallery afterwards and the weather is great too. So its going to be an enjoyable time in London.
1:19 Thank you all - have a great day!
1:19 This is Bilal. Signing off. Adios.

April 2008

Decided to join the Conservative Party

Reece Fox, the Youth Member of Parliament for North and West Oxfordshire, after a few years of looking at different political parties, searching and discussing with friends and family, of different policies; has now decided to join the Conservative Party as a Member.

Reece has been thinking about joining the Conservatives ever since he met David Cameron - the Conservative Party Leader - on the 9th of November 2007. Additionally Reece Fox has been a modest right wing supporter ever since he has been 12 years old. Reece has made known his support for Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, but also much respect for left wing influence such as Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, and Barrack Obama. Reece has said additionally that his Conservative Party membership will not affect his decisions as Member of the Youth Parliament for North and West Oxford.

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Jan 2008

UK YOUTH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS (OXFORDSHIRE NORTH & WEST) - RESULTS