yes, working on local campaigns and a local areas areas can be invaluable but there is no guarantee. we work with other people, your suggestions and ideas and then we watch. and for all their creativity, our solutions are not listen to. our voices must be heard. the stakes are high. compulsory life education is an outreach. that is but let's not fall at the final hurdle and not lose sight of what young people have repeatedly asked for and fight for what we all know is deserved, necessary and fair. ..

[applause]. >> thank you mr. speaker. i would like to take you back into the classroom. most of us have had to listen to the awkward decent-- lesson of supposedly skills. some would say i am lucky to have been taught psat, but contraceptive should only be the start of the story what about

consent, financial or political education? surely these should not be ignored. this is not a problem with the curriculum, but with the quality of its delivery. according to teachers, they lack the required expertise to require this information with some completely untrained. pleasures of an their shoes, mounting pressures on core subjects as well as the sensitive nature of this topic can explain why these vital areas are avoided. the diversity represented in this chamber today is extraordinary. i can see young people from all different backgrounds here to achieve one thing, change. i'm not speaking about diversity in race, nor gender or even religion, but instead education. chances are the person next to you today does not learn in the

same type of college. this does not only determine the curriculum, but the very fundamentals of what we are taught. ask yourself, at the time of which our current education system is more passive than ever before, is it conceivable or appropriate to demand when universal curriculum for life? we should not underestimate the responsibility of parents or more importantly our ability to think for ourselves. we have campaigned on this before. however, this cannot change the fact that it is simply not feasible to train every teacher. it's not achievable in one year alone to create a unified curriculum for life. each of you has the skills to successfully challenge your school to incorporate

higher-quality a psat lessons. even the solution of this campaign does not far enough. we need to approach individuals to achieve this brought a complex issue and to ensure that individual priorities are not watered down by geographical differences. of course, it's our duty to take into account the priority issue, but all of these issues are important. let us use our influence to promote an issue when the system is not working against us, but to bring about the very thing for which we are here for today, change. [applause]. >> thank you very much, indeed. do we have a would-be contributor from scotland? we do. yes, the gentleman there.

let's hear from you. >> thank you mr. speaker. i'm representing scotland. our curriculum, wise important? was it necessary? earlier this year many obtained scottish higher passes. last year, the number of young people going to further her education was a record high, 532,300. our education system as a nation is moving forward. or is it? the bitter twist is that when it comes to skills our generation is lacking. as a great man once said, education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. we still love very little.

yes, school provides us with the opportunity to learn numerous skills which can help us develop an advanced throughout our youth however, the current education it is flawed as the skills that will prepare us for our future life is inconsistently overlooked. when people leave education in today's day and age the majority of us don't know much about sexual education, politics, self-defense, defense ethnic and religious cultures. we don't know how to cook, pay taxes or survive without technology, how to obtain a good credit history and it is not only wrong, but unjust and we are supporting a curriculum for life. we can and will be able to help them get ready for the rest of their life. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> how about just having my friend a speaker from wales?

good heavens, someone who is holding a book in her hands, yes indeed. they all leapt up, but you leapt up the highest and quickest. >> thank you mr. speaker. i'm not sure where you all go to school, but in my school i was taught how to handle a bank account and it was taught about sex and relationships and i had the opportunity to sort of learn how to vote and the reason for that is that i did not go to school. i was homeschooled and it's disappointing to watch as my peers to knock at the same opportunities and they are not regarded in the same care. thank you. [applause]. >> that was wonderfully distinct. if i could persuade my colleagues to express themselves

with comparable brevity we would make much speedier progress in the house, but it's not always easy, i can assure you. let's see if we could have a contributor from york sure. yes, what about the chap here waving at me with the brown trousers. yes, your good self, indeed. >> a swiss army knife, the more tour of campaigns. it can set the foundation for future campaigns. political awareness can then go on to increase. also, different cultures and increases the effectiveness. by having this we can then increase the progress that youth power makes in the future. thank you. [applause].

>> thank you very much, indeed. how about northwestern england the? much waiting. yes, what about the young woman here. yes, indeed. your good self. >> thank you mr. speaker. i will be real with everyone because we are real people and real lives in real situations and real decisions that need to be made in one of these is, do we need a curriculum for life. i say yes because i say i'm very uneducated and i have spent you work-- numerous years in school and i'm now in my second year of college and i still do not know many things about general life. how are we supposed to grow up and deal with big grown-up things and deal with the decisions when we are not taught we learn by ourselves. that's not really correct. like i don't understand how

people expect us to be these big things, but they won't help us gather and like these topics as well i think need to be factual, things like tackling racism. if people give their opinions and they don't teach it correctly, it's not really going to get rid of it. from what i have found out is that we need practicing contraception because people need to know how to think properly. [inaudible] >> which is unacceptable, in my opinion and i'm pretty sure most of you, may be all of you will agree on that one. mental health, no one really likes to talk about mental health. then, things-- people to realize they might have mental health, but if we are educated properly with curriculum for life people

can get the help they need and move forward and be happier with themselves and perhaps less suicide unless hurt. that's all i'm going to put out there. finally, a big one. i started driving recently. no idea what i'm doing. what's all that about? i pay insurance and unlike why-- that was never explained, so i think that is a big thing, things like that. an awful-- [inaudible] >> we can save lives and imagine if something happened in here no one was educated? that person could lose their life. what are we doing? we need these things learned and taught properly in our education system, politics, what we doing here.

before i got in i had no idea about politics and i still don't know a lot, but i'm learning. 's school has not taught me nothing about politics. that's not really fair to me or them, so i'm learning with you guys and i went to thank you for helping me learn. [applause]. >> another thing i went to point out is by quick show of hand, has a teacher said you need to do a cb because you need a job? if you tell me i need to do something to get something and i don't know why or how or what i'm doing i'm not really going to want to do it if you are not to explain it to eating-- to me it i'm not going to do it.

if i don't know something i'm not going to to do it. i'm not going to want to know and that's the truth for me and another thing is i think it's a bit unfair because people in london are different than people in scotland. it's like creating an unfair advantage for other people. people are more skilled in one set and other people are missing out on opportunities. this is why we need a set topic and curriculum, so everyone has the same chances. that's what we need. [applause]. >> we are all quite big on everything being equal and seeing everything equal. i will love you and leave you in a minutes. leave you with one question. does anyone else think we are being denied in quality and the education system?

because i downright to do. >> thank you very much indeed. now how about the contributor from the east of england. who do we have? what about the young fellow there with the gray shirt? gray or light green, anyway whatever it is. >> thank you mr. speaker. as a young person in this room i'm rather worried. people leave in school not knowing the core things in life, paying taxes, knowing different people, being successful and to be honest i don't even know those things. unemployment in the uk is a growing problem. lessons must be a core reason, so please make sure this is a subject captured by parliaments. thank you. >> thank you. excellent and very distinct, but we do need to have your name for the record and so i expect a little note will be on its way to you, literally winging its way to you as i speak.

thank you indeed. now, where have we not heard from? we have not heard from london! we must hear from london. this gentleman here with the striped tie in a state of unadulterated excitements. sir. >> thank you so much, mr. speaker. i represent the constituency the best region in the uk. learning about sex and relationship education is equivalent to a dc sp. [laughter] >> with that education system being reformed each year this motion is so imperative to us today. young people across my area are worried. they are worried they're not coming out with the relevant skills to equip themselves.

is becoming increasingly difficult to get a job and interview skills are overlooked as children become statistics. every single one of you are just a number. we are not looked at as individuals. we have the thoughts and opinions and we must not be deprived of what we have to say. when i look upon these education system i see different people with different abilities being put down. being put down on their strengths saying you're not good enough. that's not what i like to see. we are the next generation and we need to stand up and be counted. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> thank you very much, indeed. now, what about the northeast of england? food we have from the northeast? let's hear from you. >> thank you, mr. speaker.

i'm from darlington. having been in public education since the age of four it's in prominent that sex education was -- [inaudible] >> this is a safety issue. this is why national curriculum for life is vital to make sure everyone has the necessary understanding they need. so many issues that we at the youth parliament have come across have highlighted the need for a national curriculum for life. this is our main issue and we are allowing to make a difference. thank you. [applause]. >> northern ireland. could we have from northern ireland? >> thank you, mr. speaker. i represent the youth parliament and its correct that i represent

the best region. education, mr. speaker, is so overlooked. this is the means by which we can accomplish some he rules. tackling those, how can we ask this properly assuring people are educated enough to understand what policies they are looking at? when it comes to tackling religious discrimination and racial discrimination, and cultural awareness and community cohesion, especially in northern ireland this is a particularly important topic. we have a debate as community, a complex society and we are the first jenner-- we will be the first generation of young people to reach the voting age-- [inaudible]

>> we have the opportunity to work together across the community, across the religious divide and racial divide to come together to approve the education the system because there are people who have a lot of hatred and bitterness all over this country. and there are people who do horrible things, attack war memorials in different religious structures, but these people were not born wanting to do these things. no one is born with hatred. they aren't educated enough. and they don't have the cultural awareness. of it as had the understanding of different religions or communities. to work together and get along with them. i would say that we can work together to put forward a curriculum for life that will educate young people and leave-- leave them in a better position to work together with their peers. thank you.

[cheers and applause] >> im seeking a contributor from the east midland. who are we going to have? the woman waving the scarf. i'm not sure what it denotes precisely, but we will hear from you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. it's hard to believe that curriculum for life is still not compulsory because of how much of support has received. it takes societies, five select committee chairs, the equality and human rights commission, public health england, the children's commissioner, two-- chief medical officer, association of police and crime commissioners, stonewall in the end of violence against women coalition, even the media are in favor of this.

that sends a powerful message. not to mention how many especially females were for yes when david cameron-- [inaudible] >> she has a massive list of priorities ahead of this at the moment, so we need to show parliament that this issue, is important to everyone and how urgent the subject is. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> thank you. i'm looking in the name-- about to call a young man from the southeast. who do we have from the southeast? squawking back there. are you london nor southeast? southeast. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i and the member of youth

parliament and i would like to ask you to vote for curriculum for life because this will allow the government and the people of britain to know that we young people value our education and the reason i tell you this is because there is a divide in britain. currently, west sussex gets 10% less than the national average of funding for students. we get 200 million pounds less than pupils in london. how is this fair? so, i tell you, if you vote for curriculum for life and we as members of youth parliament who are supposed to channel the people who cannot speak out will be about to channel all of the people who do not have the power

to speak out against this great injustice. they will have their voices heard and we will be able to tell the government and the people of the britain that education should be fair and everyone should be funded equally and it just because you live in one area, that is your education and it does not mean more than in other areas. after we campaigned last year the government's did-- [inaudible] >> you might think this is a good thing, but this comes out to be less than 10 pounds per child. this puts a child education in west sussex to be less than to return tickets, so that means we are worth less than two railway tickets and that is unfair, so i will say this again, i think we

need to vote for curriculum for life because education will trump hate. thank you very much. >> of the southwest. who do we have from the southwest? young woman here. yes. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i'm sure most of us will agree that the sex and relationship education we received was inadequate. i believe in the importance of a curriculum for life to focus on the respect and consent which is the basis of relationships. i would also like to see a more inclusive curriculum for life as i believe what we are receiving at the moment is not adequate. moreover, how can the stigma around feminism and gender equality tackled without education? curriculum for life includes this and further the number of people who don't understand how taxes and finance works simply

because they were not informed of it is shocking. the list goes on. as these reasons i'll demonstrate if we fail to act on this issue, young people will enter adulthood and prepare. this campaign is achievable and therefore, i urge you all to vote for it. thank you. >> west midlands. could we have the? >> i truly think we should not only listen to the people in this room today, but the people at home and the reason why this issue is a debated is because the people who are not here today voted for it. people want to develop their political knowledge, financial skills and more. if people from across the uk believe we can't offer them a broader curriculum we need to listen. in the west midlands 8828 people

voted for a creek of her life took this was the top issue for my local area, also. all i can say is i urge you and plead you to make this issue in 2017. [cheers and applause] >> thank you for that. it's always goes without saying, but let's me underline that i'm sorry that every year there is an intact demand if i can put it that way, people who wish to contribute and time is not available for me to call on them to do so. the chair tries to be fair. happens in the comments every day. so, i'm sorry if you were not called to speak, but thank you for coming and sharing your support and thank you for all you do in the course of the year as a member of the youth parliament. this debate with a succession of

speeches to follow is, however, to be concluded by speaker from london for whom i hope you will give afc's mastic welcome, namely victor falcone. [cheers and applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. thank you london commons. an educated man once said a child educated only in the school is an uneducated child. why is this? it is simply because our schools do not teach us sufficient life skills which will need and use every day in life. it is unfortunate, but it is fortunate that we as a youth pilot has recognized it. it's on the make your mark

ballot, the top issue this year with 1 million people voting on it and we had just discussed and debated the idea of a curriculum for life as our national campaign. in short, learning about matters that actually matter and not just exams, we know finance matter, taxes matter, knowing how to get a job matters, knowing sex education it matters and knowing what happens in here in this very box matters. the idea is to deal with the matter and challenge what i'm being taught in schools. in all things we have to ask the questions to see if this would be a successful campaign for us. we want to be taught these things in school about life, but i have found personally at life is such a good educator, such a good teacher and it's our experiences that nurture us in shape as into who we are today.

should it be up to us to learn these things or should it be up to the state that expects us to know these things to teach us these things? we also have to ask the question who is teaching his life skills. if it's going to work we need teachers to be educated in how to educate us with these life skills. however, would extra training be a burden to the teacher? would it be a burden for us with having so much to deal with in terms of exams and other things? we also had to consider the time we have. noticed a lot of people don't think we can do things in a year , but i believe that whether you achieve your goal or you make the smallest impact i still believe you achieve something in the matter what we pick i believe this applies and i think things can be done in a year. the political climate of the uk and the usa change a tremendous

amounts in under a year, so i believe change is possible in a year. it's whether we believe that we can as she things a year. it's whether we take the opportunity of the campaign because all of the things we are talking about here are important all of these things are important. it's whether we should focus on one of these issues or focus on the education and that we have. it's up to us. it's up to you guys, but at the end of the day i know we can all look around and it's something is definitely wrong with our education assistant. the system puts things in the. education is supposed to bring things out of us and show us our worth. i am more that-- those grades

that i get on exam day, but our education dust didn't show us and that's for is a challenge, but we have to campaign if we want to do these banks. is that something we can do? should we recognize that all life's matter in this situation? in one year can we make meaningful steps to create a curriculum that will prepare all young people for life? thank you. [cheers and applause] >> this uk youth parliament debate continues now with students discussing democracy and how it can be better achieved in britain on around the world. several members expressed concern about the divisions among their citizens today and said the solution to a better democracy involves accepting change and diversity. of this is half an hour. >> the youth parliament will now

discuss it better kinder democracy. from the east midlands i called the representative. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. in my world, every one of us enters this unusual world desiring to make a change, but for one second shut your eyes and portray an image where heads are beheaded, bodies are whipped , just for a rice in a simple question or following a religion that does not meet the majority of the division and in this western state begins to embrace lgb t where everyone has the right to be who they want to be, but remember in parts of the world a gun is aimed at four heads.

these children born of in this and see-- born of innocence shall never hear a fairytale again. citizens of this state are slaves to one being who believes he can dictate. [inaudible] >> although this is hard to us imagine a way from the improvements, yes, yes, there still is a world that exists like this. democracy is learning from history's mistakes and not repeating. democracy is empowerment for all , not just a man, but those

of different skin, those who look the same and those perhaps born with a different way to live. thank you, mr. speaker. [applause]. >> thank you for what i think was an extremely effective in moving speech. now, i call from the east of england is real genius-- israel genius. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. today, i wish to speak on an issue having a catastrophic effect on politics the world over, the provo-- prevalence, not just on racial and religious lines, but just as dangerously and political lines that this means the decision made by the electorate are often made not based on who has the best ideas, on who has the loudest

supporters, we all must endeavor to understand the points of view of both sides of the argument and as such understand those on the other side often have good intentions. therefore, we need to stop with the insults and start respecting each other. i am no-- not applied we censor ourselves, sometimes it's necessary to attack and i do have a certain prophecy. however, we should never attack supporters of an idea. the media should focus on people , policy and if we continue as it we shall see the decline of the world's oldest parliament democracy. thank you for listening. [applause]. >> thank you. next, from london. [applause].

>> thank you, mr. speaker. anecdotes from my mother, we all have bills and she used to tell me a story and this is how goes. she mugs-- once many women in pakistan with the democratic ambition, but was prevented from voting. she was crying out for a voice. then, she became the first female of her country-- [inaudible] >> my vision for democracy is about creating opportunities for positive change. we need a kinder politics, not what the media shows. let's stabilize our democracy.

advocate a clear democracy and articulate our plans. we need to change the world with see fit. [inaudible] >> and subsequent times that parliament that represents us is when we need to know. a tolerant democracy. there is more that binds us together then tears as a part. we share the same passion and our hearts. you can create your own reflection. shape our democracy in your own chosen direction because democracy is for everyone, not just a privileged few regardless of your background, age or gender. it's been created for me and for you. thank you.

[applause]. >> thank you very much for that. that was a beautiful and very penetrating contribution. now please welcome from the northeast of england emily dormer. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. it's as easy for us to forget how lucky we are to live in a nation where we can decide who it is that makes the decisions that shape our lives. it's easy for us to forget that in other parts of the world voices go unheard and politicians are never held to account. we can show them the merits of a democracy. how innovation and economic

prosperity can come when we remove the red tape that stifles young people, how giving young people the chance to vote, gives them the greatest state in the success of our society. but, there is so much more that we can do. we need to give young people the tools so they can participate and eventually run our democracy. too often young people knowing or caring about politics is met with skepticism or surprise. too often our value is undermined because we are considered to be apathetic, which means that we have become the sacrificial lambs of the system. too often value is based on sex, gender, sexual orientation,

ethnicity or religion, but in this room we can see that every voice is valuable and what binds us together will build us stronger more united democracy. thank you very much. [cheers and applause] >> thank you, emily. thank you very much indeed for that. now, from the northwest of england i call sarah stern. [cheers and applause] >> in my vision of a kinder democracy i acknowledge it's impossible to legislate for kindness. no statutes can ever ensure that all politicians will act kindly yet as the next generation of

decision makers and influencers i believe this is our role to lead by example. we should demonstrate grace and kindness in all their actions and reaction. it is the quality of great and kindness which are democracy needs in order to deal with refugee crisis. protect our environment and dispel awaited racist attacks that grips our nation's past year. you cannot legislate kindness. this can only be achieved through the actions of ordinary people. my view of the better democracy is one that has a wider election , a significant sector of our society (represented in the recent referendum. youth, we have no say in the outcome. it's a significant-- we can begin a a national insurance

number. @16 we are old enough to consent sexually. at 16 we are old enough to be tested academically in a way which fundamentally influences our chances in life. if it we can be so painstakingly assessed on our academic abilities, surely we can be trusted with the way to political decisions, especially in light of that and present turn out that the scottish youth have demonstrated and so on our journey to a veteran kinder democracy in the same fruit that went 18 -year-olds vote in 1969 may we get 16 -year-olds to vote , but may we do so kindly. thank you. >> thank you, sarah. now, let us welcome from norther

-- northern ireland, france-- scott-- princess drum. >> thank you mr. speaker. the world around us is changing fast, not just our political landscape, but also on a social, geographical and cultural level. we all agree that the past month has been a month of the most chaotic and confusing that we as young people of witnessed. yet, we strive to raise our voices above the arguments and discord. we renounce the role of observers, overlooked in ireland , disregarded by the debate. the voices of our generation cry for recognition. we seek to be heard and above all we pursue honesty, seek integrity, values that we believe should be a corner store

and to any political arguments and yet have been overlooked among the fear mongering and height of recent times. today, as we consider the prospect of a kinder warfare democracy we have the crucial past of young people to communicate the values that are integral to our generation. hope, possibility and vision for a new world where boundaries between them and us be breached because a society that looks in and of itself grows smaller and weaker by each passing day and remember it is we engaged, enthusiastic, young people who are meeting that call for change right here right now in every corner of the uk in every corner of europe and all across the globe. this is particularly true for me

as young person from northern ireland, a member of the post- conflict generation. i am not cynical or disenfranchised are pessimistic about the future of democracy, quite the opposite. i'm inspired by the young people across our communities in northern ireland who actively seek a better kinder democracy and play their part in shaping divisions, engaging them with optimism and hope, coupled with opened minds and if each of motivates us to lead for a call for change and i add or nest the right to debate in this great chamber this afternoon. so, we are the generation of a piece that will exchange fear with hope, disregard with mutual respect and suspicion with a trust. thank you. [applause].

>> thank you. next, from scotland please welcome karen. [applause]. >> before i start i would like to thank my mom and dad who dressed me today. [laughter] >> my friend who helped me get this done on time. and i want to say quickly to you england fans-- [inaudible] >> the way things are is not the way it has to be. i can't recall who said it, but i assure you it wasn't me and i'm just repeating it, so the current situation and how we got here, this is useless.

we should look at the future with the media providing a negative outlook on the future, less jobs for find it-- and people the future looks bleak, but i tell you today the way things are as lovely as as to be. we need to be optimistic. we need-- [inaudible] >> we must support our future. this is the tip of the iceberg. regardless of our political beliefs we need to stand together. the way things are is not the way it has to be. we may not know where we are going, but we know we're we are going.

[applause]. >> thank you. now, from the southeast. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. 15 million young people live in the uk, nearly one quarter of the entire population. despite this we still have barely any influence over the decisions that affect their futures. young people are faced with summary problems, poverty, discrimination and the list goes on, but the plus place to address these issues and we are not given the chance to.

we carried deeply about social causes and when given the opportunity young people can do great things. he's only 19 years old, but just look what he managed to achieve. we all have potential for greatness, but currently it's a feeling of impotence and disillusionment and that's not okay. we need to engage our young people. politicians need to reach out to us and give us a chance to be part of the decision-making. political education should be introduced across all schools so we can reduce increase and improve our democracy because ultimately that's what democracy means. that's the power of the people by the people. it's inclusive, not divisive.

its encompasses young, old, males, females, able, disabled and all of the diversity in between. so we can move forward into a veteran kinder democracy. thank you. [applause]. >> thank you. now, we will hear from the southwest from jack payne. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. good day, all. my debt-- name is jack bayne. today, i am personally trying to make a better, kinder democracy. i am trying to campaign for

disability rights, in particular i have a current campaign to try to make politics more inclusive for young people who are disabled. there are few with disabilities and this inequality in our democracy forces me to campaign for disabled people to have a voice in parliament. i believe that everyone in matter what religion, the matter what race or ability should be much to make their own mark in politics without prejudice. earlier this year in motion was passed in my name and to others to raise awareness of disability rights and to encourage disability in politics. finally, the referendum was highly divided and i want the youth of today to show we can work together to make our society more inclusive and as a

wholly better kinder democracy. thank you. [applause]. >> thank you, jack, for your speech and the work you are doing and just described to us. we shall now hear from wales from ellen bowles. >> thank you, mr. speaker. this year in politics we seem to have lost focus. we have forgotten there are more people than votes. democracy should be used as a tool to give that people power over their lives and help them make a difference in their communities. so, why have so few political debates this year focused on

that? instead of the cyst is placed on fear and hatred. these arguments cause debate-- division in our community and cost people to be suspicious of their neighbors and hate the person sitting next to them on the bus. we are encouraged to divide ourselves a based on race and ethnic origin and religion. this is at a time when we most need to stand in united to solve the challenges we are facing. example close to my heart is the refugee crisis. instead of offering help people are being encouraged to hate and fear the most vulnerable people on the planet. we are using human beings as ways to scare people. fear cannot be used as a way to gather votes, dividing our communities is not the way to get the vote. democracy isn't about division,

hatred and fear. it's about people working together to build a better future. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> allen, thank you for the contribution. now from the west midlands i call cheyenne. [applause]. >> thank you, mr. speaker. thank you to my deputy and workers who made this possible and the people rooting for me. something i believe strongly in is racially quality and cultural diversity. the campaign showed me anyone can take a stand in combating

the racism or any other subject they felt strongly about. stereotypes are labels that when attached to different communities through hate and integrates, but it's time we rip those labels off. let us go into the schools. after all, there are 11 to make 18 year olds are the ones that elected us to do this job. they need us. social media will make a massive difference. we live on our phones. we need to report these things that stop them from happening because this is the 21st century, 2016. how can these things carry on? instead of showing change we should accept with open arms and celebrate our differences. martin luther king once said i have a dream that my four children will live in a nation where they will not be judged on the color of their skin, but on the content of their character.

which we should do, we should not see someone as a color or religion or tradition or country or race, for that matter. we should see them as we see ourselves so we can leave a legacy behind for the youth of the future. thank you. [applause]. >> thank you, cheyenne. next, from yorkshire. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i am deeply honored and humbled to be speaking in this timber today. it was in this house where william from yorkshire argued

time after time for the abolition of slavery and to change the course of history forever. we must never underestimate the words spoken in this house at the heart of the british democracy. in today's changing and challenging word there-- while there has never been a more need for kinder democracy, a democracy where change does not only happen in westminster, but from our communities across the country. a democracy where people are not disengage or misinformed, but taking an active part in a national conversation. represented by a gender balance parliament with members from all backgrounds and walks of life, truly reflecting the british society. it's about building a people powered democracy and surely this is not the vision for the future, is the vision for today and the right way forward. let us turn the vision into reality.

let us be the voice of hope in the silence of fear. thank you. [applause]. [cheers and applause] >> another distinct, but very powerful speech, which has captured the mood of the parliament. the last speaker representing the army welfare service for whom i hope you will give a rapturous welcome is liam west. [applause]. >> democracy. [inaudible] >> democracy across the world

and the uk as a theory is great. everyone over the age of 18 can vote. however, as a young person i feel decisions are made for which i have no influence. furthermore, a problem with democracy if i need to register to vote, which for some young people might be too much of a waste of time. so, a solution would be to automatically register as soon as you turn 18 or possibly 16 or 17. finally, brexit. the vote could be explained as a poor indicator that the campaign would win and so young people decided they did not need to turn out to win. thank you.

[applause]. .. call of you who have spoken, proud if you've heard the speech, proud if you had a new course as a result of what you've heard. it's been a very special experience.

members of the parliament,the parliament will debate on which of the five subjects debated today to select as a national campaign issue . in the lobby, my friends, you will be given to ballot papers. one for the two reserved. that is, uk wide subjects and one for the three for today's purposes, england only subjects. you should place the cross in the box next to the subject for which you would like to debate on each ballot paper and hand the completed ballot papers to the door person in the lobbies. afterwards, members of the youth parliament, please return to your place in the chamber. those of you on my right should leave the chamber by the door behind me and turn left into the eye lobby behind you. those on my left if you would

leave by the doors at the far end and turn left into the no lobby behind you.members of the house of commons staff will be on hand to assist you. the division lobbies are now open, thank you. [applause] [inaudible conversation]

>> more than 300 members of the uk youth parliament ages 11 to 18 gathered in the british house of commons for their annual debate. at the conclusion of the day long debate, students voted on cuts to the uk's national health services, affordable and accessible public transportation and combating racism and religious discrimination. the keeper of the house john john bercow closed the session and announced the result of the vote, this is an hour. [inaudible conversation] members of the youth parliament, just before we proceed and where about to hear from the assembled rob wilson who i know you'll give a warm welcome to, i ask all of you to addressand i could just say this about my parliamentary colleagues . sometimes though they are loath to admit, they can be a tad sensitive and if they're not noticed, they're most upset. now i'm about to refer to one that is a distinguished colleague but before i referred to him, i just asked whether there are any other parliament colleagues here present who i have not

identified in the course of the day? i didn't think so. i referred to a number of parliamentary colleagues here. let me take this opportunity very warmly to welcome my parliamentary colleague and friend, alastair byrd, sitting there on the front edge area until very recently, alastair served the government. he's had his distinguished track record in government and when he left government a few months ago he sidled up to the chair and said would i mind if he answered the last question with him, he just said a few words of thanks to colleagues from across the house for their engagement with him and for him over the years and of course alastair you should do that and indeed, a mark of the esteem in which alastair is held and the exception that felt towards him was he got an absolutely terrific sendoff fromcolleagues on both sides of the house .

on both sides of the house, both the labour party and people on the opposition benches and that is because alastair seeks to lift his faith day by day, adhere to his values and to be a conscientious, articulate and highly effective, compassionate upholder, that's what alastair has always been about and that's why he's hugely popular across the house. he's always been interested in young people and the importance of their role in participation, so alastair, it's a privilege for you to be here today,let's give alastair a round of applause . [applause] >> i've never had that before in the house, not on friday night. some of you can tell the grandchildren about it.

thank you. now please give a warm welcome to the minister for civil society, rob wilson. [applause] >> thank you mister speaker and it's great to beer with so many members of the uk youth parliament and congratulations to you on getting here and to this fine performances by the speakers throughout the day. i don't think it's unfair or uncommon to say the average collective age of this room has dropped by a few centuries since i was here on monday afternoon and i must say this place looks and feels all the better for it. in my opinion, lots of events , and he's been minister for civil society but the uk youth parliament is always a highlight of my year personally. year after year, the speeches reach new heights and when i

see the skill, your passion and your real determination to bring about positive change, then i know the future of this country is in safe hands. and it could be sooner than you actually think. i know there's an exception of parliament is full of middle-aged men and i don't count myself in that but it doesn't have to be true. william the younger was an empty by the age of 22 . and prime minister by the age of 24. a remarkable achievement by anybody's standards. although he did go on to drink quite a lot of port and is believed to have died of gout at age 40. thinking about it, it might not have been the best example of a role model for you guys. so how about our current state of the house? that's a pendant patronizing

term but over the years it seems to have stuck. my rough black was just 20 when she was elected last year. only a few years older than those here today. her maiden speech has had nearly 1 million views on youtube alone and that's more than my entire career put together, i can guarantee you that so if you are over 18, let nobody tell you you are too young. you are not. and sometimes young people get quite a bad rap, particularly from the media. it says that you're not interested in politics, you go out and vote for the x factor that in general elections. it's not really that you are much mutually exclusive because i like my vote where they are today. although i was very sorry i couldn't save gilly. this year's ballot proves the

critics,those critics of young people absolutely and totally wrong . as the speaker asserted, there were 978,000 216 votes, so close to that 1 million mark so next year, i'm expecting a breakthrough. i've set a challenge, now it's over to you to deliver it. my own personal involvement really began at the age of 22 when i learned to be president of my student union at the university and i remembervery clearly , partly because one of the other three candidates was a pot blonde. you may snigger but it was a very cultured and vivacious pop tart if my memory serves me right.try to think of roots from marvels gardens of the galaxy but with much more vocabulary and less movement. and there are members of course of all families who talk the class so don't underestimate a pot plant.

you've all shown today if you want to get involved in politics, then there is a place for you here, just step up and claim it but of course get the port and if your opponent is a pop tart and make makes it easier as well, they can mark the uk parliament and have indisputable success and is for that reason back in january i announced continued financial support for the youth parliament and all its associated activities. [applause] and that support is going to last until the end of this governments turning 2020, i'm happy to confirm that commitment again today. numbers of the east parliament as well as the hundreds of thousands of young people who voted in

advance of this sitting today are the real stars of the show. but so far, not even con a west can get on the road without the help of a top team so i expect he might think differently. my daughter told me that kanye is considering running for president of the usa in 2020. now, who would vote for kanye? interesting. well, just think if donald trump can make it to president of the united states, why not kanye west? [cheering] but if he does run, he's going to need a top team whether he wants one or not and in your case, that support comes from the british youth council and i would like to make special mention of james r, he's worked for many years as the council chief executive for his departure earlier this year and i noted today sitting over there today.

[applause] well, thank you james on behalf of all of us today, you've received the rapturous applause you got for all this people you supported here today and in the years gone by, you made an outstanding contribution to the future of this country, thank you. and i around the thanks yous would be complete without a mention of mister speaker, the speaker of this house. he's overseeing today's proceedings with his usual skill and judgment. since becoming speaker seven

years ago, i think it was? he's been hugely committed supporter and champion of the youth parliament and i know how extremely popular he is to you all here today. two years ago, one of the nypd bar brought an owl into the common chamber, not a real one obviously. whatever he wanted to get mister speaker's attention, he held up the owl and waved it at him frantically. it hasn't caught on yet, i wonder why? so mister speaker remembers well, remember that occasion very well. it was quite a suit as a deterrent. i apologize for that joke, i'm sacking my speechwriter tomorrow morning. consideration to anybody who tried but failed to catch the speaker's attention, don't worry. even us full-time mps know how that can feel as the speaker said earlier. maybe i should invest in an owl after all. but right now it's common on a few of the standouts speeches and speakers but if

you don't hear your name, please don't feel unappreciated anyway, sometimes i couldn't catch the name. some people didn't say who they were when they started the speeches so there's a reason why you're not mentioned. your after year, i'm consistently impressed with the quality of speaking at these settings, this year's contributions were no exception so if i could start with the nhs touch debate from earlier this morning, anna rooney from northern ireland gave an impressive speech and some of the names, if i pronounce or say the wrong thing, forgive me, i'll have to run these down in my strongly hand writing. there's william clinton made a strong case but it wasn't fit for a nonpartisan campaign area the youth parliament and it was nice to see the east of england getting a speech on hard times and making sure they got to be heard and it's a good job they were because epping forest and matthew

cantor gave a stunning and confidently delivered speech remembering the brilliant staff of the nhs and the great work that they do and florence archer gave a balanced summary of the debate. then we moved on to the voting age debate which i have to watch on tv unfortunately so apologize to matthew ruin noted by absence at the time. which is, yes, it happens in real life to but he was, what he asked me to consider young people and bringing them into our democracy and i would say i the presence of all in this chamber today shows that young people are engaged in contributing to our democracy, clearly that is not the principal factor in engaging young people's interest and engagement in politics. sergeant hampton, if you can catch the speaker's attention, that really brought the house down.

almost brought the house down with a humorous and thundering display truly befitting an aspiring actor or or later. [applause] chang kai shea took the floor with a conflicting position, very courageously i must say, arguing or lowering the boat and emphasizing how young people can and over are already making their mark. all of you are obviously a testimony to that, thomas merton left out of his speech, from the rapturous delivereda call, assured speech drawing on his own personal experience. debra o'reilly from northern ireland . [applause] you certainly could not hold his passion or

sincerity, all important attributes in this house. i urge caution when making public pledges to your. patty, it's on second place to advise on that particular one and then we moved on to public transport and special mention to the import right who had the unenviable task of following dara, however they rose brilliantly to the occasion and megan day suffered for environmental, friendly policy and utilizing cutting-edge technologies to reduce pollution. then we moved on to tackling racism which i thought was some really powerful contributions at parliament. missy porter made a cogent argument that was very well marshaled.i think giselle manny, i think i pronounce

that elegantly and effectively argue his case. i think that future prime minister potential definitely, i'll be seeing him at the dispatch. lily thompson, jacob reed reminded me of a young william hague in the way he delivered his speech but obviously he's got the hair still so ahmed, a very personal and extremely powerful speech and it rightly got a standing ovation at the end of it. and then there was stephanie, an extraordinary contribution from the back benches there without a single note. really, really impressive. [applause] >> and i think chandler wilson on the end back there, i'm so pleased your major speech sitting down, people should never hear being different and you didn't so congratulations to you. [applause] and finally, ryan

parnell looked bored to be at the dispatch box, need i say more? we moved on to, donald manfred gave a confident and robust statement, leslie payne got a standing ovation before she even spoke which i think all politicians would love to be in her shoes, i can tell you and as it turns out it was well deserved. stanley noon from wigan said at the start of the speech that she was uneducated but proved herself with every word she spoke to be quite the opposite and then we had james seavey, spoke with real knowledge and understanding and without notes again. rarely have a scene us all moved in such an impressive way to get the speaker's attention and victor stafford , [applause] mister, i have

ipads in the dispatch box number iphones. i don't know whether you're playing one of those games on it but anyway, i thought he was eloquent, persuasive and comfortable in his house, a great way to finish that particular debate. and then we have the better, kinder democracy debate and i couldn't pick anybody after that debate, i thought every single speech was super so congratulations everybody. [applause] but for all the contributionstonight , everybody who took part in these receives a standing and didn't get called, i was particularly interested as i said to hear the debate on tackling racial and religious discrimination because the youth select committee is due

to report on this subject this week and deviously select committee reports have been very influential and have even altered government policy and i expect this year's report will be similarly persuasive and many of you will note on the minister responsible for youth policy and i want to let you know what we've been doing on your behalf. in recent months we've announced an 18 million pounds of new investments towards youth projects with continuing to increase investment in the national assistance service which i hope many of you will be on in actual fact and if you have taken part, please do spread the word about how much you got from the experience of being involved. we want to get as many 16-year-olds taking part in this by 2020 as possible. young people telling other young people about the great experience they have have the most powerful advertising effect on reaching other young people. as you all know, we are now leaving the european union area chances are that you will all live in the united kingdom longer than those of

us currently in parliament, taken mister speaker for example. he probably jobs, twentysomething times each way and i daresay takes a few vitamins. how could he do such a demanding job without doing those things? despite all this, the chances are that you hear today will outlive him and all of my colleagues area and so we are working with our colleagues in the department for the european union to make sure that your generation gets a voice to join these coming negotiations. [applause] after all, it's your future that we are building. there are only some of the many projects and initiatives running across government, all remain to make sure you, your friends and the ones coming after, yes, even those

annoying brothers and sisters get the best start in life and that your opinions are heard. inher maiden speech this summer, the prime minister made it clear she wants to build a shared , united society and to fight social injustice wherever it is found. i know, not just from what i've heard today but from all my work with young people that these are your priorities to read you want a world where everybody gets the same chance and the same opportunities. as minister for civil society, i will continue to make sure your voice is heard and i will report back to the prime minister on all today's debates and all the points that you raise. i know that she is more than ready to listen so thank you once again, i'm sure it won't be long until i count some of you today as full-time starlings in this house and i look forward to that time so please leave the hours at home. [applause]

>> minister, thank you for what you said and for the way in which you said it. these are greatly appreciated. i now call the shadow leader of the house of commons, valerie vaz. [applause] >> thank you mister speaker. you do enjoy yourself today? great. because you now can join me in thanking the british youth council, everyone on the parliamentary estates, the doorkeepers, they call them but they are much more than that. those involved in parliament, your families and mister speaker , the chair and the state. [applause] honorable members,

you are showing us the way. your decisions have extra time for debate for an effective democracy has never been more important. not only after june 23 but what's been happening in america. we haven't even had the chance to debate that in parliament and we will follow you. zach, you showed us how important it is to take people with disabilities and move them to the front of the agenda, that's a major difference now as a member of the nhs youth forum. honorable members, you are showing us the way to end increasing society and as the minister stead, to many young people over the last few

years have taken part in your balance area this year, 978,126 took part in the public that you've got today. doubly return the most ballots, 8722, jason cavanaugh from liverpool returning 7222, samantha rose beauchamp from derbyshire collecting thousand 753. and as liberty said, age 13, we need to say what young people are saying. honorable members, you are showing us the way. it is during your debate that you focus on the issues, you didn't focus on personalities and you didn't denigrate anyone. you have shown commitment, discipline and strength. and even wisdom, remembering junior doctors and nurses who look after us when we are at

our most vulnerable and how the process works two jobs. you have shown us that you are ambitious for your constituents. despite all your responsibilities you put yourself up for election and you stood here and you come here and work really hard on all your citizenship. you've given up your time for public service so even if you didn't speak, and i'm sorry rory, i know you tried very hard, the fact that you are sitting here in parliament is as important. there will be other opportunities to show your talent and some of you will be as the minister said sitting here on the green benches. and we need toagitate, i'm sorry, debate. if we want to make any changes because i can tell you , i wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for agitation. women weren't allowed on the floor of the house. we were up there behind the grill and it's only because

women change themselves to that grill which is now in the central lobby that i have the ability to stand here as a member of parliament. [applause] and here's the punchline, and donald trump had anything to do with it, i would be hiding behind a wall, let alone a grill. [applause] so when you go back to westminster port, looking back at the seasons chapel and you will see the most beautiful work of art and mary frampton is our artist in residence and it

consists of a series of glass desks, there are hundred 68 and they light up on the type boards. they are hundred and 86 d pieces of legislation that have made a difference to the quality and they were passed by parliament. and that's what i want you to do, to remember the fight for justice, for equal rights for everyone the respect for equal rights, gender or disability and that's what you have done today is so important. you've challenged prejudice and discrimination and persuaded us that our public services need to be better . we have to respect each of us because it's not about what's on your head, it's what's in your head. stephanie, your pain was powerful. i think probably all of us ought to know someone or is someone who been through what stephanie has been through but if you think you're going to have fun and you're going to go home and collect your bags, your work is not done. your work is not done.

because each one of you, honorable members of the youth parliament, have to report back to your constituents. take thosetopics , lobby your mps. lobby the minister who has a lot of money and tomorrow, pass legislation about votes between 16 and 17 so there you are. and if you want a curriculum to prepare you for life, lobby your schools lobby your head , lobby your school council. set up afterschool clubs. those from other schools and tell them what you have done here today, what you did in your year as a member of the youth parliament. because now , you are the mentors. young people will be coming to you to ask you how to become a member of the youth parliament and how they can run for something like this and end up in a chamber like this so use your incredible gifts and talents that i've

seen in abundance here today to help other people, to give something back. because mister speaker, minister, alistair burke, i'm sure you are here today, we will go away and work hard to make this country worthy of you all. [applause] >> leader, thank you very much indeed for that speech. we now have what is described as a speech of thanks, well thanks i hope to all of you and that speaker is from the west midlands, please welcome conor l. [applause]

>> thank you mister speaker. i have got notes, i've got so many people to thank. members of the uk youth parliament, today we sit here in the glorious center of democracy in our country. today we sit here knowing we represent 978,216 young people from around consultation. today we sit here in this historic chamber of rhetoric where our position has been outplayed through the centuries and today we make history. 978,216, mister speaker . isn't that just astonishing? one in six young people represented by nyt sitting in this house today and making marks across the country. there are many people who made today possible and without those people we wouldn't be sitting on these cream benches today. first of all thanks to those to those in those local authorities and that's

wonderful first for you in the galleries. [applause] >> from our hearts we thank you.as previously stated, the house of commons is truly not just because of the ancient architectural structure but also because of the eloquent and efficient manner of the house of commons parliamentary staff, the gracious hospitality is no less inviting and today we thank you. >> a special thanks goes to principal doorkeeper phil housley taking care of us in the most prestigious honor, thank you. [applause] this setting would

not bepossible without the outreach and engagement team who fork endlessly to ensure today's debates are in order, can we get around of applause ? and all those who have worked behind the scenes, i've known david ever since i was a five-year-old baby faced connor and we hope he's as proud of us today as we are of him, thank you. we always love to see him depart, he represented totalitarian today and some sitting with us and our debates. today i must thank the minister for the society bill wilden, your support has been gracious and we thank you. >> i also need to give thanks to the league of the house of commons, the right honorable david lillington and the deputy of the house of commons , the right honorable valerie vaz. these speakers have been no less inspiring. [applause] the minister for the constitution, he was

unable to join us but he sent his support. we'd also like to thank those members of the uk youth parliament who couldn't be with us at this prestigious event. we thank you for their work and time. [applause] there is one in this room who never fails to amaze me, right in the heart of democracy. a man who's of great elegance, a man whose voice never seems to get less inspirational and without being praiseworthy, a man whose my inspiration. please thank me for thanking the speaker of the house, john tran one. [applause] thanks also goes

to the amazing prestigious group ofrepresentatives who led our region to synchronize success and on behalf of all corners of the uk, i want to thank them . [applause] and massive, massive thanks goes to all of those at the british youth council who are really our backbone by supporting us in our endeavors. the outgoing ceo, jane has been an amazing ceo over the last few years. [applause] and also the amazing shelley kimberlin. joking aside, she's working hard to ensure the youth parliament and youth council is seen and heard, thank you to her. [applause] also thanks goes

to all of you working as democracy coordinators across the country, they are scattered around the room, we thank you and you are truly amazing. [applause] before i conclude that thanks i have a couple of thanks to you sir, thanks goes to my parents robert and amanda who are making sure i'm where i need to be in all my endeavors. i'd also like to thank the college, my education establishment as well as those in my previous working school for allowing me to have this opportunity and give me the ability to develop as a person, i wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for them. [applause] so the teachers who invested so much time and in me, i thank you. [applause] members of the uk youth parliament, without

sounding clichc, i have a dream. i have a dream that we can take hold of the real promises of democracy and carry them out, no matter what the campaign is. we need to look at these new campaigns as a matter of urgency, this is what young people want. as martin luther king said, we cannot be satisfied as long as young people and their needs are satisfied to and the campaign will need to be to combat racial and religious difference discrimination and starting today as we invite mps to discuss the campaigns on our national day of action, on friday, january 20, 2017 area let's go out, put words into action and change lives for the better as you will be changing lives this year and today, thank you. [applause]

>> thank you for a very warm and gracious tribute to the very large number of people without whom today's event would not be able to take place. it was with a real recumbent see that you delivered that speech, i think everybody that you thanked will be very appreciative of it and will never forget it. before i offer some closing remarks of my own, i will tell you that i do have the results of the vote. [applause] first in respect to the one reserved issue on which you feel the uk youth parliament should campaign in the year ahead, i will give you the votes.

you have a choice as you know between those two alternatives, tackling racism and religious discrimination , had 117 votes. colleagues votes, the 16 and 17-year-old in all public elections attracted 159 votes. [applause] thank you, very ecstatic welcome from a very

large body of supporters. it is the democratic process so there will be delights, there will be ecstasy, there will be relief and inevitably as in any democratic contest there will be people on the other side of the aisle who think different. they wanted it to be something else. that in a sense is your induction to the democratic process, that is the nature of the beast but a very good democratic beast it is and your theme in the year ahead therefore will be that, votes of 16 and 17-year-old in all elections. with respect to the one people, inthis case england only issue , the voting was as follows. you must stop terrorists that affect the nh ask area 30 votes. make public transport cheaper, better andaccessible for all , 32 votes. a curriculum to prepare usfor

life , 230. [applause] the curriculum to prepare us for life will be your one default, england only issue in which the uk youth parliament show campaign. members of the youth parliament, many of you started the day at a very early hour. it has been, i hope, is usually stimulating but to a degree perhaps almost inevitably, necessarily an arduous experience.

full some tributes have already been expressed, not least by commons but before that with great eloquence and generosity of spirit by the minister for civil society, robert wilson whom i think for that speech but also for all he's done in support today and throughout the year. and of course by the shadow leader of the house, valerie vaz. most of those front bench speeches i think captured the mood and did what we do to rarely and often do often and with complete sincerity, which costs nothing and that is to utter those two words, thank you and that's what rob and valerie did and that indeed is what colin did. without going through all the people who have been mentioned, i want to put on

the record my appreciation on behalf of us all, of all those who have helped, whether it be today only or on a much more ongoing basis, to facilitate the work of the uk youth parliament, the sitting in the chamber, the annual conference, the establishments functioning and follow through on the work of the youth select committee, the activity that is facilitated and to which administrative support is provided in local areas throughout the country, with real sincerity and i think something of a lump in the throat, thanks were properly expressed to all your youth workers for whom engagement with and leadership of the uk

youth parliament is at least some degree a labor of love. those people do this because they want to make a difference. i thanked a number of people in the house and i make no apology for that but of course people in my own office, those who assist in the sergeant at arms team, people providing catering services and many others besides and of course all of my parliamentary colleagues who have assisted, either by being here today or by offering support to a local nypd or observing from a distance or helping in their local constituency, those people who wanted to be part

of the nypd, i say a big thank you. i also want to underline our appreciation of and tribute to and respect for james cathcart with whom i forged a great working relationship over the last seven years. james, i think you know from the spontaneous reaction to what was said how valued and appreciated you are. you may be falling here today in day-to-day terms but you have talent and you have no how and the contributions you continue to make and i very much hope that in other ways, possibly even in other parts of the world, you might help to crystallize the skills and energies and ambitions of young people to be a functioning and dynamic part of a good democracy. [applause] now, members of the youth parliament, i do want to say a small number of things to you. first, as far as i'm concerned, it's our privilege to be in the chair as speaker of the house of commons and

to charities proceedings. and indeed to attend your conference. forgive me because i have made this point before but not all of you will necessarily have heard it but when i was elected speaker in 2009, a small number of months after the house that voted with my support to allow the uk youth parliament to hold an annual sitting, i was informed by my staff that the session was upcoming in the autumn and that the senior deputy speaker in the house, a very highly respected and accomplished deputy speaker sir alan haworth would be taking the chair. and the reason why that was happening was the speaker, michael martin was ordinarily in his constituency and worldview on a friday and intended to be so and alan was perfectly happy to chair. instinctively and immediately

i thought with no disrespect to alan who wouldof course have done extremely well , that's not what i want. i voted for this sitting, i voted for this right, i voted for this proceeding to happen and i think i should be there to chair it so i said to alan, alan , you have the day off, spend your time, not really at bed from the house of commons , all your constituency or doing whatever you want to do, i intend to chair the proceedings. of course there's always different motive forces. i was relishing it and i thought it would be a huge sum and it would be something that i would massively enjoy. i was wrong on any of those cats but also chose to chair the very simple reason that i believed then as i believe now that if we in parliament want to be respected by the young people, we must show our respect for our people,

respect is a two-way street. [applause] and it was precisely that mindset that led me to signal to the uk youth parliament within days of my election that if and by definition only if the uk youth parliament wanted me to attend their annual sitting meeting conference, call it what youwill , outside of westminster, then i should be privileged to attend and to say some words. that was in 2009 and i resolved then that every year i would chair the session from the chamber of the house of commons and that everyyear , i would if welcome and invited visit and the annual

meeting wherever it took place in the united kingdom. this is the year in which i've had the privilege to share your proceedings here and visiting and addressing your meeting in different parts of the united kingdom and i that as privilege that i will never forget so that is my outlook, it doesn't have to be everybodyelse's , it's what i see. i mentioned enjoyment. of course anybody privilege to be a member of parliament and the most our members currently in this chamber, alastair has had a greater experience than any of us, having been elected very young in 1983. we know what a privilege it is and we love what we do. i love being a member of the parliaments of buckingham, i

love being speaker of the house of commons. there are other things i want and love and do, i love time with my family. i love going to football matches and i love going to tennis tournaments. i love all sorts of things in the course of my day-to-day life.two other things to which i look forward more than anything in the whole of the annual calendar are charities proceedings and visiting that annual conference. and the reason why i say that to you my friends is that you are the future of our democracy and in a very real sense incapable of being contradicted as i make this point, you are the future of our country. rob hinted at the next point that i think i should make but i want to underline what he said and others have mentioned. in a veryreal sense , we can learn here in the house of

commons from the uk youth parliament.it was true back in 09 and it's true if anything probably more so in 2016. and indeed i can think of two respects in which we hear can learn and it should have the humility to be ready today from your example. first, as anybody could see and hear today, you truly represent the diverse city of modern britain in a way which currently the house of commons doesn't though it does so rather better than it did but to which we should most definitely aspire. the youth parliament has always had terrific representation from women, it's always had great representation the bme

communities of britain, it's always been open to and supportive of those with disabilities. it has championed the lgbt communities of our country so it really has been diverse and inclusive in a way that makes you a role model of others to see to emulate. the other respect in which if i may say so you have set an example by the way in which you behaved. a reference was made to this only a few moments ago. sure, the arguments we have in parliament are about immediate issues, sometimes often entailing legislation that will within weeks if not

days affect people's lives and about which there can be passionately held differences of opinion and they are not abstract differences and they are not oxford union debate . and we are not ever going to be simply members of the mitigating society. moreover, there will be noise. we are not going to behave like trappist monks. that cannot be expected and would not be wanted. a degree of birth , anger have always been part of the culture of the house of commons for centuries and realistically, they always will be but there is a balance to be struck and when we teeter over the edge into periodically orchestrated barricading, personal abuse, a cacophony of noise, a determination to shout someone down or daring to hold an opinion which differs from all someone other our own we are spray painting our own window because those are

instances that get coverage and are heard and seen and widely deprecated and to the huge and enduring fairness of the youth parliament, that has not been the spirit or tenor of the debates today. there has been differences of opinion but no one has been shouted at, let alone shouted down. people have argued their case, sticking to the issues, playing the ball rather than the man or the woman. seeking to produce evidence in their court, speaking in many cases from some instances sharing a keenly felt and heard personal experience and that has been respected by other members of this parliament and i think that is a fantastic example you have set. you have chosen subjects of huge and continuing interest in on which your campaigning contribution can potentially

make a decisive difference. you forged an ongoing relationship with the minister and with the leader of the house from whom you heard in very welcoming terms at the start of our proceedings and you have forged and will go on forging relationships with both of them and with the shadow leader of the house, not to mention your own members of parliament who should be and must be made by you aware of your membership of this place and your commitment to involvement in and leadership in public life. i'm thrilled by the subjects you've chosen. i wish you great success and i can only repeat my commitment both in respect to people of rails prevail which is my area and much more widely to try to preserve and build upon the strong relationship which exists between the house of commons as an institution and the uk youth parliament. if you keep welcoming me, i'll keep visiting you and if

you keepcoming here , i intend to be here to hear you and to have the joy and privilege and honor of sharing your proceedings, thank you for everything you've said and everything you've done and everything by way of values and principles which you represent, thank you so much. [applause] >> thank you my friends and if i may conclude, in the traditional parliamentary fashion, until we meet again , order, order. [applause]

>> tonight it's book tv in prime time with a look at notable books of 2016. starting at 8 pm eastern, beth macy discusses her book true vine: two brothers, a kidnapping in the mother's quest. the true story of the jim crow south. then sit on the mocha g on the gene: an intimate history. after that michael hayden looks at playing to the edge: american intelligence in the age of terror and finally carol anderson on her book white rage, the unspoken truth of our racial divide. >>

>> you had to live in his time. it's great to look at clips and it's amazing to see them, but to live in his time, watching his fights, experiencing the genius of his talent was extraordinary. every one of his fights was an aura of a super bowl work he did things no one would do. he predicted the route he would knock someone out and then he would do it. he was fun, beautiful and the most perfect athlete you ever sought at those were his own words. [laughter]

>> he was so much more as a fighter as time went on with abi kennedy gone, martin luther king gone, mart-- malcolm x god who is going to react when the vietnam exploded in our face. there were millions of young men that were eligible for the draft on the conveyor belt rapidly feeding the war machine, but it was ali who stood up for us by standing up for himself. >> that was part of our program that looks at the passing of several key political figures in 2016. we will also feature portions of the funeral service for former is amy prime minister and the memorial service for astronaut and former us senator john glenn , both of whom died this year. see it tonight at 8:00 p.m. eastern on c-span. this holiday weekend on c-span2 book tv, saturday night at