A SOUTH East Cornwall sixth former spoke in the House of Commons in an event broadcast live on the BBC’s Parliament channel. Luke Marriott of Liskeard Sixth Form reports:

Liskeard student and Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) Luke Moynan, along with two other members of the Youth Parliament in Cornwall, travelled to London to discuss key issues affecting young people.

Four major issues were discussed, debated and voted on including student transport, the voting age, curriculum for life and work experience hubs.

The youth parliament had to vote on which two issues to campaign for from January next year, resulting in a campaign for lowering the voting age and imposing a ‘curriculum for life’.

Members from all over the UK gathered in the Chamber of the Commons in a session chaired by Speaker of the House John Bercow.

The event was also attended by the Education Secretary, Justine Greening, and Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom, both members of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party. The event was broadcast live on the BBC Parliament Channel, with Luke speaking to the house in the afternoon session.

To commemorate the half-centenary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, the law that decriminalised homosexuality in England, a select few MYPs, including Luke, were invited to present a speech to the house.

Luke used the opportunity to discuss how far society has changed since the act was introduced, but also how far we still have to go until everybody is fully integrated into society.

After the speeches, the MYPs were able to meet Lord Speaker Norman Fowler to further discuss the act and its impact.

Luke said: ‘The debates were very insightful and I look forward to starting the campaigns early next year.

‘It was an honour speaking at the despatch box in order to commemorate such a ground-breaking piece of legislation.’

You can find out more about the Youth Parliament by visiting their website www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk.