From 25-27 July, 169 Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), 99 support workers, and eight Programme Committee members gathered at the University of Sussex in Falmer, Brighton for the UK Parliament Annual Conference 2025. Taking place just one week after the landmark passing of the Votes at 16 motion, the atmosphere was charged with pride, urgency and purpose.
MYPs were welcomed by Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex, and inspired by a keynote from Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency. Mims Davies MP, Peter Lamb MP, and Dr Lauren Sullivan MP joined in person for Q&A sessions and committee discussions, alongside a message of support from Stephanie Peacock MP.
The focus of the weekend was preparing for the House of Commons Sitting in November 2025. MYPs worked in five committees aligned with the UKYP Manifesto, covering topics including mental health, transport, youth work, housing and justice. They researched key issues, debated evidence, shared local case studies and began drafting reports to shape future debate.
Throughout the weekend, the MYPs built stronger networks and left with a renewed purpose. With fresh ideas and a shared commitment to amplifying youth voice, they returned home ready to tackle issues in their local constituencies and UK wide.
