Our views on UKYP debate in the House of Commons

There were five debates; cheaper, more accessible public transport; no to tuition fees, yes to graduate tax; end child poverty; zero tolerance to bullying; and a greener future for Britain.

These issues had been voted for by over 65,000 young people from across the country in the weeks prior to the event. The aim of the debate was to decide which issue would be UKYP’s National Campaign for 2012.

I attended the event as Media Rep for the South West, so my role involved blogging and tweeting, about the debates, as well as helping with interviews of MPs and MYPs.

Nathan was involved in the debate as MYP so had the chance to vote on which issue which would be the National campaign for the upcoming year. I spoke with Nathan on the way back from London, so here were our thoughts:

Vicky: I thought it was an amazing day overall, I was very busy, but I thought the debates were extremely thought provoking, with some great speakers.

Nathan: It was a very insightful and interesting day, and great to see young people participating in the process of National politics.

Vicky: I found it really interesting to see what young people thought about public transport, as I know it's a big issue for young people in Poole. There were many passionate speeches from young people who experience unreliable, expensive transport and who are dedicated to making this situation better and it was surprising to hear some of the personal stories people told.

Which was your favourite debate?

Nathan: My favourite debate was the tuition fees debate because it's been such a long-pressing issue that has once again been discussed in the House of Commons.

After the debate, all the MYPs had the opportunity to vote on which issue they felt should be the National Campaign. Public transport was selected as the campaign, with 107 votes.

What did you think of the outcome of the debate?

Nathan: I was happy transport was selected as our National campaign as the majority of young people who voted in Poole for the most important issue to them chose this one and I believe it is the issue that affects most young people in the UK.

Vicky: I totally agree as I believe it is an issue which UKYP can really work on and make a real difference to. And being such a big issue in Poole, it's great to have support nationally for this project.

What was your favourite part of the day?

Nathan: Despite my best efforts to be selected to speak I was not selected to speak which was disappointing. But nevertheless, taking part in a National democratic process was the absolute highlight. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, a chance to debate in the House of Commons where only us and the elected MPs sit.

Vicky: My favourite part of the day was having the opportunity to interview Sir George Young MP. It was great to meet him and hear his advice about how to initiate change. I also had the chance to meet the Rt Hon John Bercow MP which was a fantastic opportunity as he is so supportive of the work of UKYP. The speakers in the debate were inspirational and the whole event has really motivated me to work even harder to make a difference for young people in Poole in the last two months of our term.

To see the blogs I wrote during the day visit ukyouthparliament.wordpress.com or for more information check out Poole UKYP on Facebook.

You can also watch the debates on BBC iPlayer, so take a look.

Until next time,

Vicky Olive (DMYP for Poole)