On 23 November 2012, I went along to the House of Commons to take part in the UK Youth Parliament’s Annual Debate. I was joined by over 300 other MYPs and we all had an amazing time.

It was an immense privilege to be involved in such a fantastic opportunity and it is something I will always remember.

It was an especially exciting experience for me because I knew I was going to speak (I had been previously selected as the South West’s Debate Lead). Knowing this didn’t make it any less nerve-wracking though!

In the end, my three minute speech went by in a flash. I spoke on why I thought that ‘Marriage for All’ should not be the Youth Parliament’s new national campaign for the year ahead – I suggested there were other issues more relevant to young people that we should focus on. I think my speech went down quite well, so I was pleased.

The other topics being debated were: ‘Make Public Transport Cheaper, Better and Accessible for All’, ‘Getting Ready for Work’, ‘An equal National Minimum Wage for All’, and ‘A Curriculum to Prepare us for Life’.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the debates, which were conducted in a respectful manner and there were lots of great points made by everyone who spoke. At the end of the day, the MYPs went to the Division Lobbies to vote on the issue they wanted.

The Debate topic that was chosen as the new national campaign for the year ahead (‘A Curriculum to Prepare us for Life’) was the one I voted for, so I was really pleased.

I’d had a brilliant day – the Debate Leads and I had chatted with The Speaker (John Bercow MP) in his private offices before the proceedings had begun, I’d spoken at the famous dispatch box and I’d been interviewed on radio and TV afterwards. The Debate was televised by BBC Parliament, and parts of my speech were even replayed on BBC Radio 4.

Well done to all the MYPs who took part, including those who couldn't make it to The Commons because of the bad weather but still managed to vote by text! We got our voice heard and represented the youth of the UK with great credit.