Chew Valley School News
Fred Cotterill MYP makes his maiden speech in the House of Commons
Fred Cotterill in Year 11 is the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for B&NES. On an historic day for young people in the UK, he was one of 300 MYPs who travelled to London to debate issues in the House of Commons. Fred says, “This was a step forward in getting under-18s represented and the problems they care about brought to prominence. Sadly, we don't yet have the right to vote, which often leads to politicians ignoring us for the sake of gathering support elsewhere.”
Fred squeezed onto the green benches directly behind Gordon Brown’s dispatch box. The speaker of the House, John Bercow, commented that the Youth Parliament was much more representative of modern Britain than Parliament, with an equal gender split and many ethnic groups and disabilities.
Fred eventually caught the Speaker’s eye in the afternoon session and spoke about "capitalism, the economy and jobs for young people". Other topics included tuition fees, youth crime, free transport, and lowering the voting age. Fred sums up, “UKYP might not be the most powerful institution in Britain, but with the enthusiasm, passion and eloquence shown by young people in the chamber today, I think we'll have no problem making our voices heard in the future!”
Fred's speech will be shown on BBC Parliament this coming weekend and on IPlayer during the following week.
