Young people from the East of England will be among those taking part in the UK Youth Parliament’s annual sitting in the House of Commons Chamber this Thursday [6th November 2025]. Representing the voices of their peers from across the East of England, MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) will join more than 300 elected representatives from every corner of the UK, the Crown Dependencies and the Overseas Territories.
More than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years are given the opportunity to represent the views of their peers on a range of topics such as housing, health, employment, crime, and sustainability. This year, students are also set to make speeches marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
In addition to debates marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, topics will include:
Housing – Everyone in the UK should have access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing, with local councils held accountable and measures taken to expand supply, improve quality, and support vulnerable communities.
Health – Young people should have free, accessible, and integrated mental and physical health services, with better support for addiction, early intervention, and increased funding for community-based youth services.
Employment – Work experience and career opportunities must be fair and accessible, with support for travel and accommodation, personalised placements, and a National Minimum Wage for under-22s equal to the Living Wage.
Crime – Tackling crime requires a combination of stricter penalties for gender-based violence and knife crime, early intervention, education on respect and consent, and investment in community programmes to keep young people safe.
Sustainability – Urgent action is needed to combat climate change through renewable energy, reduced fossil fuel reliance, plastic reduction, biodiversity protection, and promoting sustainable lifestyles for all.
The UK Youth Parliament has elected Debate Leads who will sit on the front benches and speak from the despatch box. Among them is Kaz Chu-Foon from Essex who will speak during the debate on sustainability and share perspectives from East of England communities.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “Hearing young people give their views on 80 years since the end of the Second World War, as well as their concerns on housing, health, employment, crime and sustainability is a great privilege for me.
“After all, in a healthy democracy we need the next generation to share their opinions on the future.
“I hope Members of the UK Youth Parliament also enjoy the platform this gives them to learn about the political system, talk to decision makers and meet other like-minded people – I am certainly looking forward to the sitting.”
Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency, Leigh Middleton OBE, said: “Members of Youth Parliament from across the UK are debating what they have agreed are the most pressing issues facing their generation. They bring a level of insight, urgency, and authenticity to which everyone, including the political establishment, should listen, reflect, and respond.
“Their presence in the House of Commons is a powerful reminder that democracy thrives when it includes all voices, especially those of young people. The National Youth Agency is proud to support this vital institution, which not only amplifies youth voice but also cultivates the next generation of civic leaders.”
The UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 to give young people, including those from underrepresented communities, a platform to influence public policy and national decision-making.
Since May 2024, the National Youth Agency (NYA) has been responsible for delivering and overseeing the UK Youth Parliament. Funded through a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the NYA supports elected young representatives from across the UK to campaign on national issues and engage directly with government and the parliamentary process.
