Youth Parliament prepares for Commons debate

In March, MPs voted to allow UKYP to hold its annual meeting in the chamber after a lengthy debate, during which some MPs expressed concerns about the potential inappropriate behaviour of young people.

Currently no one is allowed to sit on the benches in the chamber apart from elected members of Parliament. But the overwhelming majority of MPs supported the unprecedented move with only 19 votes opposing it.

Elected 12- to 18-year-olds from across the country will debate five topics:

• Youth crime and how to tackle it
• Public transport for young people
• Jobs for young people and the economy
• Lowering the voting age to 16
• University fees

Steph Wills, a 17-year-old member of UKYP, said: "Having Members of Youth Parliament in the House of Commons is going to make a huge difference to the lives of young people all over the country because it proves to both adults and young people that we are being taken seriously and that a huge change is going to happen."

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, added: "I am delighted to welcome the Youth Parliament delegates to the House. This is an historic moment and one which I hope will show young people that the House of Commons, and the work that goes on here, is relevant to their lives."

Follow the progress of the debate through a live blog