On the 12 and 13 December, the newly elected representatives for the Youth Parliament joined Director of Children’s Services for Westmorland and Furness, Milorad Vasic, on a visit to the Houses of Parliament in London.
The two-day trip incorporated a visit to the Houses of Parliament where the young members were given a guided tour, lunch and had the opportunity to meet Michelle Scrogham MP for Barrow and Furness and Markus Campbell-Savours MP for Penrith and Solway to discuss their roles and the issues affecting young people.
On Friday the representatives visited the Churchill War Rooms before getting the train back to Cumbria.
The UK Youth Parliament is a non-party political body where 11–18-year-olds represent the views of the area’s young people at a regional and national level. Honey Barker was elected as the Westmorland and Furness Member of Youth Parliament along with six deputies earlier this year; Aamna Mannan, Brandan Slater, Charlie English, Dillan Ashton, Erin McCanny and Thomas Colquhoun.
Honey Barker said: “It was an amazing experience to go to the Houses of Parliament and meet our MPs to discuss the changes our young people want to see, as well as experience the architecture and powerful history of Parliament. I’m really grateful that my deputies and I have been offered this opportunity and I’m super proud of everyone!”
Milorad Vasic, Director of Children’s Services at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “It was such a pleasure to accompany our inspirational members of Youth Parliament on this trip. They are passionate and confident speakers. I believe this will show them the benefit of participating in politics and be inspired to continue to participate in democracy”.
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said, “I’m sure that our young people will find this as inspirational a visit as I did as a teenager. The Houses of Parliament show the history and splendour of our democracy, its openness and all the hard work that goes into making the country run. I look forward to hearing about what they’ve learned and hope that we can explain to them how the Council fits into provide local government”.