Chadderton duo make Commons history
Reporter: by OUR LOBBY CORRESPONDENT
Date published: 30 October 2009
TWO Chadderton teenagers will make history today by debating in the House of Commons.
It will be the first time in 300 years anyone other than MPs have debated in the chamber.
The historic move will see elected members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 12 to 18, take their place on the famous green benches.
Oldham MYPs Chantel Birtwistle (18) and Charlotte Kilroy (17) will air their views on lowering the voting age to 16, university fees, jobs for young people, transport and youth crime.
Chantel, who attends Our Lady’s Sixth Form in Royton, said: “It is going to be a great experience, I have been in London for a few days and it is really exciting.
“It is a great chance, one we may not have again and it will be inspirational to have this debate. I am against lowering the voting age as I do not think it is appropriate or needed so I hope to get my chance to share my views.”
Earlier this year, a handful of old-school politicians fought tooth and nail to stop members of the UK Youth Parliament from taking over for the one-day event.
They feared letting in teenagers would damage the reputation of the “mother of all Parliaments” and open the floodgates to requests from a range of other groups.
A similar event in the House of Lords went off without a hitch last year.
The majority of MPs saw no problem with the students debating in the chamber and the vote was passed.
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “This is a great initiative, it banishes the cynics and if young people do not speak up for themselves the MPs will not listen to them.”
Commons Speaker John Bercow said: “I am delighted to welcome the Youth Parliament delegates to the House.
“This is an historic moment and one which I hope will show young people that the House of Commons, and the work that goes on here, is relevant to their lives.”
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