Youth MP for Wokingham Borough Holly Mackinnon joined other members of the Youth Parliament from across the UK last month at the annual debate in the House of Commons chamber.
Chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons Rt Hon Lindsey Hoyle MP and Dame Rosie Winterton, Holly and her fellow members debated health related issues chosen by a ballot of young people from across the UK.
The event, broadcast on Parliament TV, included debates on the impact of discrimination on health, education and health, environment and health, cost of living and health and mental health services.
Youth Parliament’s priority campaigns
Members of Parliaments including Paul Scully MP, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Leader of the House of the Commons and John Nicolson MP, SNP Spokesperson for the DCMS were present to witness hearty debates take place throughout the day as future MPs put their points forward about which topics should be the UK Youth Parliament’s priority campaigns for the year ahead.
A letter from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasising his commitment to cost of living crisis and climate change was warmly received, with the cost of living and health being chosen as the younger generation’s priority.
Youth MP for Wokingham Borough
Holly Mackinnon said, “Over the next year, the Youth Parliament will be establishing a new priority campaign to tackle the cost of living crisis and the devastating impact it has on young people’s physical and mental wellbeing with a focus in debates on free school meals and insulating fuel poor homes.
“Alongside this campaign, I’ll continue to work on issues such as mental health and the environment, which are top concerns for young people in Wokingham.
“New members are always welcome so if you’re a young person interested in getting involved with this campaign, meeting MPs and working on local projects, speak to your school council lead about getting involved in Wokingham Youth Council.”
Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services said, “It is great to see the future generation of Wokingham getting involved in local issues and looking to make a positive change in their community. I look forward to seeing what Holly and the youth council members do next”.
How to get involved
The next youth council meeting will take place on 13 December, 5pm-630pm. For further information about the Wokingham Youth Council email youthvoice@wokingham.gov.uk.
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