News story

24th March 2005

Northavon MP Meets South Gloucestershire's First "youth MPs"

Steve Webb MP with the two UKYP members and
their deputies - from left to right: Alex Bennett, Lizzie Seery, Namritha
Ramanujam, Kestra French

Northavon MP Steve Webb has got together with the newly elected members of the UK youth parliament from South Gloucestershire to discuss how they can best work together on issues of concern to local young people. The MP invited the two newly elected youth MPs - Lizzie Seery & Namritha Ramanujam, and their two deputies, Alex Bennett & Kestra French, to his office at Yate to explain more about what a Westminster MP does. He also had the opportunity to hear more about the work of the UK youth parliament.

One of the main issues that came up in conversation was the value to young people of having a "proof of age" card. This would enable young people to prove that they had reached a certain age - for example, to be able to see "15" certificate films - but would also allow retailers and others to ask for proof of age before selling products such as alcohol. The young people will be working with Steve Webb to explore the practicalities of such a scheme. Other issues that they will be taking up include bullying and personal safety.

The youth MPs are also going to find out what young people think about the publicity young people get and whether there is any support for a special newsletter aimed at young people or dedicated pages in the existing local papers.

Commenting after the meeting, Steve Webb said:

"It was good to meet a group of young people who are keen to get involved and try to change things for the better. I hope that other young people will get in touch with them and that we can work together to improve things in our area".

The South Glos. reps on the UK youth parliament can be contacted via the Council website: http://www.southglos.gov.uk/YouthForum/index.htm.