Youth Parliament launches consultation on young people's views

The Make Your Mark initiative gives young people from across the UK the chance to highlight important issues they think should be debated by members of the UKYP at its annual Commons' debate on 15 November.

Last year, 253,000 votes were cast by young people aged 11 to 18 across the UK, and this year organisers are aiming to double that figure.

Balloting for ideas takes place during September and October before parliament members decide upon a shortlist of 15 topics. From this shortlist, five topics will be taken forward for discussion at the debate, which is chaired by Commons' Speaker John Bercow MP.

A range of resources – including lesson plans for teachers – have been put together to help young people get involved in the Make Your Mark ballot.

The initiative also aims to tap into young people's campaigning skills by recognising and rewarding young people who encourage their peers to get involved. Every voter champion that gets more than 10 votes will get a certificate, while those enlisting 1,000 votes will receive a medal. Those who design the most innovative voting campaigns will be invited to attend the Commons' debate.

UKYP is working with Parliament Week and BBC 3's Free Speech programme to promote the topics to schools and the public.

Jacob Lea Brown, member of the Youth Parliament for Halton, said: "This is a chance for young people to put across their views on what they think needs to happen in this country."

The ballot closes on Friday 11 October.

Make Your Mark is backed by the Scottish Youth Parliament, the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, Funky Dragon and English regional youth work units.