The NYA is pleased to take over the running of UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) for 2024-5, to ensure that the issues which matter to young people can continue to be voiced to local and national government.
The UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 and is made up of more than 300 young people aged 11-18 years, elected as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPS) to represent the views of their peers.
It has given thousands of young people opportunities to have a voice in Parliament through meaningful representation and campaigning on vital issues, ranging from climate change to mental health. Members meet regularly, including through an annual debate in the House of Commons.
Elected members lobby the UK Parliament to take action on the subjects that matter most to those they represent. In 2023, the UK YP launched its campaign for Universal Free School Meals. The campaign was then used as the basis for the UKYP House of Commons sitting in 2023, where young people debated five key topics under the topic of Free School Meals.
The NYA will work with existing delivery partners, the Regional Youth Work Units in England, the Scottish Youth Parliament, Children in Wales, and consultants in Northern Ireland, to run the UK Youth Parliament.
Government has funded the British Youth Council (BYC) to deliver the UK Youth Parliament since 2011. Following the closure of BYC in March 2024, the Government worked rapidly to secure the future of UK YP, ensuring young people can continue to participate in the programme.
Leigh Middleton, Chief Executive, National Youth Agency, said:
“Ensuring that young people have a voice on the issues that matter to them and being able to influence decision makers is a fundamental principle of youth work. We have moved swiftly to ensure that the necessary platforms are in place so that the Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPS) can meet throughout the year, alongside the support provided by the devolved country partners, local authorities and regional youth work units.
“Through the Make Your Mark survey and other activities undertaken regionally, the MYPs will continue to make a valuable contribution towards political debate on youth matters, whilst developing their skills and confidence in the process.”
Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Stuart Andrew, said:
“The Youth Parliament is a vitally important way for young people to become politically engaged and have their say on the issues that matter to them. It has also proven to have a positive impact in developing their confidence and leadership skills.
“By securing the future of the Youth Parliament for the coming year, we are underlining how the Government is absolutely committed to creating opportunities for young people’s voices to be heard as voters and politicians of the future.”
NYA’s role will involve managing the government’s grant for the UK Youth Parliament. It will convene the annual conference of the MYPs at which they will consider their Manifesto for government and also coordinate the sitting at Parliament where MYPs have the opportunity to debate issues identified in their Manifesto within the Houses of Parliament.
”“The National Youth Agency’s appointment secures youth voice across the UK, at a time in which its need is great. As MYPs, our work can continue with the knowledge of national recognition and the opportunity to unite as committed young people. Youth Parliament has proven that it is vital to allow our generation to speak of the issues that motivate us, empowering others and gaining the attention of changemakers.”
Ellie Bealing MYPMember of Youth Parliament for Somerset 2022 - Present
Jamie Burrell, UK Youth Parliament Steering Group, said:
“Since BYC announced their closure, the Steering Group, the programme’s young leaders, have been working to ensure that Members of Youth Parliament will be able to take up their roles and make a difference in their communities and beyond. I’m delighted that the National Youth Agency will deliver that this year and I’m committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable long-term future for the UK Youth Parliament.”
The NYA is in close dialogue with DCMS and other partners about the support it will provide to the Members of Youth Parliament over the coming year.
