In the second half of January, young people aged 11–18 across the city will have the chance to vote for their representatives on the Bristol City Youth Council. BGS is in the Bristol North constituency, where six young people, including two from BGS, are hoping to be elected to the council, with pupils having the opportunity to cast their vote today (Friday 19 January).
The council aims to give a voice to young people, enabling them to express their views on the decisions that are important to them and ensure that their opinions are heard. We will be sharing campaign information from all the candidates with our pupils, who will be able to vote at school for the candidates they feel will represent them and their concerns.
Those elected to the Youth Council can also stand to become Bristol’s Youth Mayor or a Youth MP – posts which are voted for by the other Youth Council members. Youth MPs attend regional meetings across the year, as well as a National Annual conference with other young UKYP reps from across the UK and take part in the annual House of Commons debate.
BGS Lower Sixth student Theo is one of Bristol’s two current Youth MPs. As he comes to the end of his time in post, he told us more about what he and his fellow Youth MPs have achieved and what he has gained from the experience.
“The main aim of the Youth Parliament is to get a bill through parliament – as a group the Youth MPs decide on an issue, define the terms and identify what they think needs to be done. From this a bill is formed which is proposed to actual parliament.
“During my 18 months as a Youth MP, the Youth Parliament has been focussed on a bill called ‘Food for Thought‘ – it’s aim is to increase the provision of free school meals which, we believe, will in turn improve educational outcomes.
“With the cost-of-living crisis and rising food costs impacting more and more families, this was an issue we felt strongly could make a real difference to the lives of young people across the UK.”
While Theo has enjoyed his time as a Youth MP, he isn’t sure he sees his future in politics. He said:
“Currently I’m planning to study History, and then maybe to go into Law, but even if politics isn’t my future, I’ve got a lot out of the experience. I’ve gained research and speech writing skills, and a much better understanding of how policy is developed and the processes of government.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience – particularly the opportunities to meet with other Youth Parliament members, both from across the southwest and nationally, and discuss issues with them. In November I spent the day at the House of Commons, and it was a privilege to be able to take part in a debate in the actual Commons chamber.”
Well done to Theo for taking on this important role and best of luck to BGS pupils Mary and Jasmine, and their fellow candidates, looking to follow in his footsteps by being elected to the Bristol Youth Council.