The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) has come under criticism in the past for not attracting a mix of young people from diverse ethnic groups. As a young person from Iran, I was keen to attend one of their conferences at Newcastle upon Tyne’s Discovery Museum, where a group of young politicians were debating the need for a British constitution, to see for myself.
Bethany Herbert is a member for the youth parliament for Sunderland. ‘I think it doesn’t matter what your background is. Everyone is equal and everyone’s views should be shown,’ she says.
James Bartle, member of the UKYP representative for Newcastle agrees: ‘Statistically the youth parliament is more representative of the whole population in terms of different backgrounds than the actual parliament is. Nearly a quarter of our members come from minority ethnic backgrounds.’
There were about 30 young people present in the debate; only one appeared to be from a minority ethnic background – a little disappointing. However, I could see that she was very keen to make positive changes in the points that she raised in the debate.
The young people present pointed out that at the UKYP national sitting you see people of different ethnicities, religions and skin colour.
I realise that perhaps I could contribute to future debates and make some positive changes. However, I think one of the reasons that some people from different ethnic backgrounds don’t get involved to express their bright ideas is that they cannot debate in English, so language could be a barrier to communication. However, I believe a word or thought cannot be imprisoned for long.
I asked the members how well I’d be received if I joined in the debates and whether there would be a language barrier? Bethany Herbert thinks the youth parliament would adjust and use easier words.
Sarah Gordon says, ‘Some of the members here study law and politics and know more than me. I often have to look words up but it’s still worth getting involved in.’
Overall, all the young people were so friendly, articulate and were keen to see more of an ethnic mix in debates. I am personally interested to participate in future UKYP events, even as a member of the public, to represent young peoples’ concerns and help find solutions for them.
Joining in would not be easy for me but I’d like to share my ideas with other young people to represent my local area and my family’s experience.
