TEENAGERS from Hampshire County Youth Council, are part of a 300-strong group of young politicians from across the country who are representing the views of young people at the House of Lords today (May 2).
This is the first time the UKYP has been given a chance to sit at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to debate and vote on their forthcoming national campaigns.
MPs and members of the House of Lords have been invited to the debate giving the UKYP members a special opportunity to air their views on issues which concern and affect them in front of some of the country's leading decision makers.
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Hampshire is represented at the debate by Chloe Harrison MYP for Winchester and Eastleigh.
Chloe, 14, from the Westgate School is among delegates from the South East presenting the campaign for the South East region which wants to see a standardised age for adulthood.
This would remove some of the anomalies that currently exist including having to pay taxes at 16 but not being allowed to vote until the age of 18.
Another of the campaigns which the South-East MYPs have adopted is the Youth Provision Campaign which aims to promote better access to youth provision and leisure facilities.
It was proposed by Chloe's fellow Hampshire MYP James Binns who represents the New Forest and Test Valley South.
And it is aimed at helping prevent anti-social behaviour as well as helping the local economy by maximising the use of local leisure facilities.
Chloe said: "I think this is a brilliant opportunity for young people across the country to present and raise awareness to issues that matter to young people and I am very excited to be part of this significant occasion.
"I hope this event will highlight the voices of young people and show that we are determined, through constructive action, to help change our society for the benefit of the whole community."
Councillor David Kirk, Hampshire County Council's Executive Lead member for Children's Services said: "It is very encouraging to see Hampshire's young people taking part in this important debate.
"Hampshire County Council supports Hampshire's own Youth Council and is determined to engage more young people in the democratic process.
"We want to hear what young people think about issues which concern them.
"We want young people to have their say to help us shape services for the future. I would encourage more of them to get involved as Chloe and James have, first on a local level with HCYC and on a national level with the UK Youth Parliament.
"I wish Chloe the very best of luck for the House of Lords debate and I hope she enjoys every minute of it."
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