Getting people involved in politics, and what happens in Parliament, is the theme for Damian's latest column in the Petersfield Post:
I was delighted recently to see that Callum King, Head Boy at The Petersfield School, has been elected as a member of the UK Youth Parliament, along with fellow student Jessica Minton as his deputy. Representing the area of Hart, Rushmoor and East Hampshire, they are two of just eight members from across Hampshire; so part of a very privileged group of students.
And I use the word ‘privileged’ with good reason, as having the opportunity to represent the interests of a local community in this way is indeed an honour, and I’m sure they will both serve their roles with distinction.
Members of the Youth Parliament take part in an annual debate in the House of Commons (the only other group apart from MPs that are allowed to do this in the chamber), chaired by the Speaker of the House John Bercow. They debate five issues chosen by a ballot of young people across the UK and then vote to decide which two issues should become their priority campaigns for the year ahead.
It’s a unique opportunity for them to experience the workings of our political system up close, joining others on the long green benches and possibly even raising a point from one of the despatch boxes. The chamber can sometimes seem over-charged, but the cut and thrust of debate, the posing of Urgent or Prime Ministers Questions, the public scrutiny of policy and papers are all a vital part of our parliamentary democracy.
Politics has sometimes seemed remote for many young people, so it was encouraging to see the high turnout at the last election (a 25 year high) boosted by an increase in younger voters. In fact, more than half of those aged 18-24 voted - a 16% increase on 2015. But it wasn’t just the voting record that was interesting; more young people took part in rallies, debates and door-to-door campaigning – a result that has to be a good thing for politics and political parties of all persuasions.
This ‘youthquake’ was clearly helped by social media, but there was also a more fundamental shift in engagement.
Later in October, I’m looking forward to hosting a ‘Taste of Parliament’ event for a group of sixth form students from local schools and colleges.
Over the two days, they will get an insight into how Parliament operates and how MPs represent the interests of constituents through the different chambers, committees and debates. Some may already be considering politics as a career, but even if they’re not, I hope the visit will spark an interest to follow politics and public policy issues more closely.
For anyone keen to find out more about Parliament, the Education Unit runs first-rate tours throughout the year, the House of Commons and House of Lords have public galleries that are open to all, and members of the public can come along and witness Select Committees or Westminster Hall Debates in action.
For others not able to visit the estate directly, there is an abundance of information available online, including access to impartial research done for MPs by the House of Commons Library, covering hundreds of different issues and topics. You can also view video tours, download podcasts on the history, take a look at the art collections displayed around Parliament, or even find out how to access the archives.
Head to the main www.parliament.uk website for all the links, and of course information on the daily business of the houses and links to live coverage of the chambers.
The more we can encourage people – of all ages – to get involved in politics, whether at a national or local level, the greater our democratic representation can be.
Article written by Damian Hinds MP and published in the Petersfield Post on 27th September 2017