Young people of Millom get insight into politics

Young people from Millom & District Youth Forum recently travelled to the Houses of Parliament in London to take part in the Youth in Parliament Day. The Day aims to help young people to develop an interest in politics and get young people actively involved in issues that are important to them. 

During the course of the day the youngsters met several Members of Parliament including Iain Duncan Smith, Charles Kennedy and Chair of the Labour Party John Reid. The group also met other young people from all across the Country in a debate about current political issues, including the war in Iraq, student loans and the possibility if lowering the voting age. During this debate the MP's were very impressed by the level of questioning and knowledge demonstrated by the young people. 

The youngsters were then able to meet their local MP Dr Jack Cunningham at Portcullis House. Here they continued their discussions and had their photograph taken. Dr Cunningham was said to be impressed with the level of their knowledge of current affairs and encouraged by the groups' active role in their community. 

County Councillor Ronnie Calvin, Chair of Copeland Local Committee says 

"I am delighted that this Committee, together with Connexions, were able to support this local initiative and encourage these young people to become actively involved in issues that effect themselves and their community. They will be tomorrow's community leaders and our future should be in safe hands if they continue to show such interest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tess Fitzwilliams and Sandra Cole, the 2 Youth Workers who organised the trip and also work extremely hard to make sure that the young people of the area continue to have 'a voice' and hope to see more young people across the County get the same opportunity."