Voice of the young is heard loud and clear.
The UKYP is a national body of democratically elected young people aged from 11 to 18.
The Members of the Youth Parliament - or MYP's - are from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and meet once a year to discuss issues they consider important.
The UKYP doesn't try to mimic Government; there are no political parties, no shadow cabinet or Prime Ministers in waiting.
English members belong to one of nine regions, while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own forums affiliated to the UKYP. They are elected by young people in each region once a year.
During the rest of the year, the MYP's meet in their regions when they like, to try to raise awareness of issues affecting young people. Some attend council meetings and surgeries with MPs.
The UKYP was formed three years ago by Andrew Rowe, then an MP, as he realised the importance of youth participation in decision making at all levels. It held its first national sitting last year.
Just like at Westminster, members belong to different select committees examining important issues. For example, there's a committee on Activities, Media and Fun, and another on Education and Opportunities. The MYPs on the committees recommend policies for the UKYP Manifesto.
Last year's manifesto prompted a 31 page response from the Government.
The deputy leader of the House, Ben Bradshaw MP, told the opening session of this year's UKYP in Leicester that the manifesto had made an impact across government departments.
This year the MYPs, as well contributing to a manifesto, will have their own Agenda for Action.
The UKYP is growing year by year. Last year there were more than 200 MYPs at the national sitting, this year there were more than 300, and it's still growing.
As one MYP, 16-year-old Yantra Scot from Essex, put it:"It's like a rolling ball and its constantly progressing. The more we do the more respect we'll get."
James Ray, 16, another MYP from the south east, said "It's going from strength to strength and growing in support".
Projects
Yantra and her colleague Natalie Chapman, 15, were members of a committee of the local education authorities in the south east. They were responsible for deciding how to distribute £20,000 to a range of projects for young people. They looked at youth forums, sex education programmes and other initiatives.
The UKYP became a registered charity last year and, like many charities, is short of money. Many of the trustees are former MYP's so as to guarantee that the views of young people are really listened to.
About the teamThis story was produced by Jonathan Hudson, 15, and Laura Smith, 14. It was published in the Daily Mirror as part of a special Children's Express pull-out on the UK Youth Parliament.
