and she said, if you don't come back, that means the bad guys got you. and i said, i'm coming back. but i have to say -- not just going to war, you try looking at your five and six-year-old when you are putting everything in waterproof containers to go do ebola and liberia, which has the most civil wars in history, and the liberians told me over and over again that it is a silent killer. so, he is at that point where yet, i would've made a different decision at 30. it's a very hard thing to do. but i feel like it is part of my dna.

some of the discussion about the dangers of reporting in the middle east. this was held recently by the council on foreign relations. you can watch it in its entirety tonight at 8 p.m. eastern here on c-span. >> tonight on "the communicators" we take a look at how the music industry works. professor of music business at berklee college of music discusses how the new music forms of impacted the way musicians are paid and wants reforms congress can implement to make the pay structure more transparent. >> certainly the narrative of artists and songwriters healing like they do not understand where their money is coming from is not new, but we are living in a world today where everything is trackable. the nsa can know where i am, they can know where you are,

they can know what you're talking about on your cell phone. there is no reason artists and creators should not be able to know where their songs are being streamed and how they are being paid for that, and not on a significant time lag either. communicators" at 8 p.m. eastern on c-span2. up, c-spanear wraps looks back at congress year in review, a look at all of the hearings and debates that took place this year. as we revisit mitch mcconnell taking his position as senate majority leader, pope francis's historic address to a joint session of congress, the resignation of house speaker john boehner, and the resignation of paul ryan. gun control, terrorism, the rise of isis.

in review onr c-span, thursday at 8 p.m. eastern. >> more than 300 members of the u.k.'s youth parliament gathered in the british house of commons for a debate. the students debated several topics that would be considered for the national campaign. the students discuss to combating racism and discrimination. it is followed by debates on improving school curriculum. parliamentary colleagues here present, but more importantly, members of the united kingdom to theliament welcome house of commons -- talking both to the debate leads and a number andhe magna carta speakers i asked which had been present here last year? a small

smattering had been, about a third i would guess. but the great majority had not participated last year. perhaps i can ask, hands up, which of you were here last year? a very small proportion. probably not even 1/8, i would guess. the vast majority of you are new, and you could not be more welcome. this is the seventh meeting of the u.k. youth parliament in the house of commons chamber. we began what is now a very established and revered tradition in 2009, and i hope that this will continue year after year after year, decade after decade after decade. the issues to be debated today were made by the make your mark ballot. last year almost doubled from the previous year. the british youth council reports this year the number has increased again, with 968,091 young people casting a vote.

congratulations to you. [applause] so you don't need me to tell you what your target is for next year. it is that million mark. i'm quite sure that you will. today, you will choose the issues that you wish to have as the subjects of your priority campaigns for 2016. this year's youth parliament also marks the second year of the paul basket memorial award. that award was set up last year in the wake of the passing of paul basket, one of the driving forces behind the u.k. youth parliament, and a very prominent

figure of the british youth council. i remember all fondly and with great respect. support workers and parliamentary staff will have the opportunity to vote for a speech lead and another speech. presentation of awards will take place at a reception in january of next year. today's proceedings will be broadcast live on the internet. members of the youth parliament who wish to speak should stand in their place. and i would add, it is helpful if you say your name and region at the beginning of your speech, just to be sure that those who compiled the official reports know who you are, and it is probably advisable when you are called just to cause for a moment -- a matter of a couple of seconds -- to enable your microphone to be activated.

there are two other things i want to say and then i will have a great pleasure of calling the deputy leader of the house terry's coffee, to say some remarks to you. those two things are as follows. first, on a somber note, today in london is the funeral of michael meecher, who served in this house as labor member of parliament for oldham west for 45 years. i mentioned michael because he was esteemed across the house for his dedication, his principle, his sincerity, and his service. i am with you because i want to be here, and i cannot be at his funeral, but i think it only fitting that we should monitor that service and our due respect -- knowledge that service and

our dear respect to someone who took his responsibilities as a constituent member of parliament, as well as a one-time minister, very seriously indeed. the second thing i say is the reason i'm here year after year, is partly because i enjoy the occasion, but also, i believe, fundamentally and deeply, in the united kingdom youth parliament. before i was elected speaker, i was one of those that voted for your right to stage your annual debates here. i remember to one fairly crusty individual who is no longer a member of this house, retired from it, who was profoundly opposed to the youth parliament coming here saying that i did not share his dire prophecy of what would happen. he thought, at the very least, if allowed to come here, chewing gum would be left all over the chamber, and at worst, pen

knives would be used and great damage would be inflicted on the bench as he loved. i said that was stuff and nonsense. specifically, i predicted to him that members of the youth parliament would be proud to come here, would you speak well, and would behave much better than we do day to day. and i say in vindication of you, as members of the youth parliament, over the last six years, i have been proved right on all three counts. there is no reason why today should be any different. i sense that feeling of pride that you have to be here, i'm confident that you will speak well, or i'm sure that you will behave impeccably as well. and remember, to all the other members who are observing the proceedings, to teachers, support workers, representatives

of the byc, staff of the house, to me, we are all on your side. we are wishing you well, we are proud of the fact that you are here. i hope you have a great day. i will not be able to call everybody, but i will try to call people from different parts of the u.k. proportionately and to ensure there is a proper gender balance. i will do everything i can to maximize participation. thank you for coming, it will be a very special day. please now give a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the deputy leader of the house of commons, dr. therese coffey. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker, and they continued parliament. in 800 year of the matter car in the seventh year that the youth parliament has met in the chamber of the house of commons, on behalf of the government, unlike to extend a warm welcome

to all members of the youth parliament. i know my friend the prime minister has written a letter which will be run by one of your colleagues. i represent the constituents of suffolk since 2010 and have recently served as a member of government. i am responsible for representing government in parliament and representing parliament within government. i hope all members of the youth parliament will cherish the opportunity to be here and treasure the memories sitting in this place. this is a very special chamber and it is an honor to sit on these benches and i expect all members of the youth are limited will make the most of it during today's debate, using it with an appropriate consciousness of the history, traditions, and conventions of their surroundings. one such addition is saying the prayers at the start of every sitting day. this is a special time in the chamber. all business, including debates, taking place in public and recorded on television. i should advise people, there are some new camera angles which

have appeared, compared to previous years. however, this is the only time when the chamber is exquisitely attended by members along with the speaker and sergeant at arms and the main daily prayers, there will several of them, but the one i find special ask members to keep in mind the responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all. i invite the members of the youth parliament here today to look around the walls of the chamber where they will see the shield that commemorate the members of the house. each day during prayers, members turned to the walls and face the shields, conscious of the sacrifices that were made. it acts as a reminder of what all can hold and also the attack on democracy. mr. speaker, what matters in this house is the quality of debate. debates are not mere democratic windowdressing or paying lip service to issues but have a

profound impact, and speeches in this house can turn nice. the assistant dying bill was in this chamber this year and it attracted huge interest. the house overwhelmingly voted to reject the plan. however, the result of the vote was not a for a conclusion and many mines worse way through the course of the debate. do not underestimate the power of the word that are spoken in this chamber. it is in this tradition of debate and scrutiny that the members of the youth parliament today will make the most of the opportunity and the powerful applicant for the young people they represent. i was about to suggest that another one of the long-standing tradition that we have in the house, to refrain from applauding during speeches. you have reminded members on various occasions, but what matters is that the young people here get to speak, and the more that i speak, the less time there is for them. so i conclude by wishing everyone well today. [applause]

speaker: thank you. i'll call the shadow leader of the house of commons, chris brian. >> thank you. it is, for me, a complete delight to be standing here addressing the youth parliament because i was a member of parliament who move the notion that youth parliament be allowed to sit in this chamber, which was successful because you voted for it, and you voted against it. therese. [laughter] [applause] >> mr. speaker, the honorable gentleman is accurate in 2010 , but he will be aware in 2015, i moved the motion to secure the

unanimous backing of the house. >> there is more rejoicing in heaven 11 center -- when one repents -- [laughter] therese.ur apology, seriously, i want to start by saying this. i think the single most important thing in politics, the one piece of advice i can give, is never let your ambitions be determined by other people. always campaign for what you believe in, always believe in what you campaign in. of course, those two things have to go together. i remember the debate then. of the great high craftiness himself -- several of them -- arguing if we allow young people in here, it would be a fundamental undermining of the whole history of parliament. we were right to change the rules then and i'm absolutely delighted that now you are able to be here and i get to speak, because i always like that. [laughter] and i say that, never let other

people determine your ambition, because i'm slightly homosexual. in fact, i am completely homosexual. i thought i would break it to you gently. [laughter] >> mind you, with this tie, i'm not sure what else i could be. the point i am making is, in my lifetime, the world has completely transformed the opportunities for lesbians, gay, transsexual, bisexual people in this country. that is because people did not let their ambitions be limited by other people's prejudices, and it was an enormous delight for me in 2010 to be able to get married in this building, the first game and to be married in this building, and then we had quite a bit of a party at your house, mr. speaker. i don't think you pay for the drinks, though. i hope -- many of you will not go into politics, but some of you will. maybe there is a future prime minister in here.

maybe several of you will end up sitting on these benches as elected members and for that matter, i hope one day, elected members to the house of lords when we have an elected house of lords. the first thing i'd say is always check the facts. when somebody tells you something, don't presume it's true. i bet you have all been told that these two red lines on the sword lengths apart. it is nonsense, a myth that everyone perpetuates. for start, they would be very short swords. you have not been allowed to carry a sword in a chamber apart from the sergeant at arms for centuries. the last time i can find anyone recorded as wearing a sword in the chamber was in 1784 when the prime minister who lost the american colonies, who was very shortsighted, tripped on somebody else's suitcase, and managed to take somebody else's wig off with his sword.

that was 1784, a previous chamber. if you look at any of the pictures of the house of commons, there is no carpet until 1850, which is when the red lines appeared. so it is a complete myth. the reason i'm telling you the story is don't just except something as truth because somebody has told you it. check the facts in politics. the other thing is, don't ever worry too much what other people think of you. i mean really don't, especially if you want to go into politics. therese and i are at one on this. really don't worry about it. a couple of years ago i had two e-mails. the first one said, i saw you on television, can i just say, it was wonderful to see such a handsome man speaking so fluently in french and putting across such a pro-european argument. it made me proud to be british. immediately after, i had an e-mail that said, dear mr.

brian, i just saw you on france 24, what an odious little for -- fart you are. the point is, you are not going to win everyone over, and it really doesn't utter. -- matter. and for that matter, don't believe half the stuff that you read about yourself in the newspapers. about 1/10 of it will be true, and the rest will not be. in the end, when you have to do in politics is believe in something and fight for it and campaign for it until you achieve it. of course, you have to build alliances with people, that is why political parties matter. it is not just about you as the individual, but in the end, you doing what is right, not necessarily what you think is popular. loads of other pieces of advice that i could give. turn up on time. do not call a vote until you know you can win. stay for the vote. learn to count, that's a useful one.

do not read the "daily mail." [laughter] [applause] but i think the most important piece of advice i can give you, of any, and maybe it works for life as well -- always respect your opponents. if you don't respect your opponents, they will win, because they will have crafted a better argument, and you will not have listened to them properly. in the end, every single person i know who has been involved in politics is a decent and honorable person who has wanted to work for the common good, and that is why i say, respect your opponents. i hope you have an absolutely wonderful day today.

while i don't think therese and i will be here for the whole of the debate, we will nonetheless be watching with interest. i am really proud that the youth parliament is able to sit on the green benches, where other mps sit, where you have every bit as much a right to sit here as we do. [applause] speaker: thank you very much for that. i now call owen winter. i think he was going to read to us a message from the prime minister. mr. winter: the letter is as follows. welcome to the house of commons and to the u.k. used parliament. i like to start by congratulating you all on this year's make your mark ballot in which nearly a million votes were cast. this demonstrates how engaged young people are in issues that matter to them and how much they want to make their voices heard. as you may know, this year marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the magna carta. the document that pave the way for parliament and democracy as we know it.

i know that members of the youth parliament will speak on magna carta and a modern charter today. your comments alongside those made during other debates will be fully reported by hansard, a written record. i hope this serves as evidence of how seriously your views are taken as the representatives of young people in your local areas. robert wilson, the minister for civil society, who has responsibility for youth policy, will be present at today's debate. after attending last year's youth parliament, i know how much he is looking for to hear young people's views again, and i've asked him to report back to me on a lively discussions he is sure to hear. i hope your experience in the house of commons is an unforgettable one, and i wish you all the best in the future. david cameron. [applause]

speaker: thank you very much, indeed. you spoke for yourself, you represented the prime minister, and of course, you are a representative of the southwest. southwest should be duly proud of you. reference was made to rob wilson, the minister within whose remits the youth parliament falls. rob is not able to be here at the moment, but he will be here later today. i know that he will listen intently to what you have to say, and we look forward to that with interest and anticipation. just before we get underway -- and this will happen during the course of the day, that i will reference members of parliament present -- i want to acknowledge with thanks the presence of tim laughton, member of parliament for east worthing and short run, shoream, a former

children's minister and a longtime supporter of the right of the u.k. youth parliament to hold its debate here. indeed, more widely, tim has been a champion of the u.k. youth parliament. and underlining the fact that you are surrounded by friends and what chris bryant said was very important. you will speak with principal le and withncip passion and commitment. it's always worth listening to constructive criticism, but you shouldn't for a moment either today or subsequently, in your political activity, ever be deflected, still less dispirited by hostility or abuse, because, as chris implied, frankly, it just does not matter. the key thing is to remain focused on what you believe and what you want to do, and what you seek to campaign to accomplish. as long as you go about that

with goodwill, commitment, and integrity, you can be proud. as i say, never be blown off course by anybody else. it is great to have you here. the youth parliament will now consider the first motion of the day, working together to combat racism and religious discrimination, particularly against people who are muslim or jewish. the motion as printed, as we say, in the proceedings of the house, on the order paper. to move the motion -- let's get into the spirit of the thing, of the youth parliament -- please give an act limits tory welcome to our proposer from yorkshire. [applause]

>> thank you, mr. speaker, good morning members of youth parliament. in every walk of life, in every community, and in every society, there are good things and then there are bad. let me put this concept into perspective for you. captain hook and peter pan. ed miliband and [indiscernible] [applause] similarly, in every belief system and in every race, there are good people and then there are bad. but that is obvious, isn't it? so why do statistics paint a different picture? why do one in five people feel discriminated against every single day? why did 95,000 young people feel it was necessary to vote this motion as a make your mark issue? surely, you can see that racism is still a very prominent and active thing in our society.

although we may live in a diverse society and we are protected by certain laws, we have forgotten that real equality does not lie in a piece of paper, nor on a piece of legislation, but through our actions that make each one of us feel like we belong, and that we are all equal in our communities. some of you may be thinking, racism does not affect me. how are we going to tackle such a big issue in short amount of time? the short answer is we cannot. even if when we get out of it is one person feeling like they belong, we have made a difference. i know that there are a few of us that log onto facebook and applaud a cheeky smile, but think about it. have we ever seen a racial or religiously hateful post and made the decision to ignore it? in doing so, we allow discrimination to go on, hiding under the mask of humans. where do we draw the line on

these persistent hate crimes? let's face it, we need change. the government has put an integration and equality strategy in place, and now it's time for us, members of the unit parliament across the u.k., to work with our mps and the government to make sure these are implemented effectively. making sure that each and every one of us are represented effectively. locally, we can work with our schools and academies to celebrate diversity and put racism and religious discrimination at the forefront of our life in education. therefore, addressing the lack of understanding of negative stereotypes associated with certain religions and race. i have a dream, a vision, a vision of great change, and it includes every one of us in here. we have the opportunity now to either leave this campaign and

let it slide under the box, or we can put an end to racism, stand up to discrimination, and make it a thing of the past by choosing this as our national campaign. so i invite you, members of the youth parliament, to join me in solidarity. join me in the fight against racism and religious discrimination. thank you very much. [applause] speaker: thank you for getting us off to such a confident and articulate start. please, members of the youth parliament, give a similarly warm welcome to the person who is now going to oppose the motion from london, hannah morris. [applause] >> no baby is born a hater. to them, a different pigment of the skin or belief in the heart

is no more significant than a different shade of the eye or color of the hair. prejudices are learned and acquired taking root as they are , passed on over many generations. in religious related hate crimes this last year. a 15% increase in those race relations. the crimes of a few individuals can be used to tarnish i hope community's reputation. making this our campaign is not the solution. what could we actually ask them to do? new legislation are unnecessary if current laws are not being enforced. however, all hope is not lost.

proposes we increase education on racial and religious diversity. school is the one place where discrimination is being successfully tackled. it will be really in this progress could be into the wider community. a select committee of young people within every public-sector, including hospitals and the police force, that is the conscious for equality. unfortunately, this is not the proposed plan of action. listen, only two of the five motions can go one to be the national campaign. this and the living wage. 968,000 young people voted. by passing this motion, would we be doing them justice?

more than double the amount of people who voted for it voted for the living wage. we are choosing between the issues that came first and last. why do you think young people vote in this way? because two things are clear. one, we as a generation have the potential to make change. two, the solution is not immediate. it will occur gradually over many centuries and decades. improvements are being made. look at how diverse this chamber is today. the youth parliament stands for diversity whether it is the campaign or not. it carries the message of equality out of the chamber. it tackles the issue and lead the change. let us fight for what is right by example of. for the rest of our lives, not through a single year's campaign. [applause]

>> thank you for that immensely accomplished speech. we had a cracking start with h very strong speakers to we have 20 minutes for this debate. i'm looking for contributors. we are looking for speeches of a couple of minutes as i think you know. who wants to contribute? please stand if you wish to catch my eye. if people can say where they are from. >> thank you, mr. speaker. islamophobia does not exist, you are a policy problem. is portrayed in a negative

way with our young muslim like myself is seen as a terrorist, and extremist and a possible syria run away. this is why i want us to pick this as the national campaign. i have had racism expressed to me. i have had people been islamabad into me, and i was not able to speak out about it. if we vote, we can help young people speak out about these issues. some ways that we can work on this campaign is, we can create the debate, discussion in schools and youth organizations like the u.k. youth parliament, to talk about racism, to talk about religious tolerance. sorry. we can spread a positive image of young people from different races, from different religions, and show that it does not matter what you look like or what religion you are.

we are young people and we are awesome. lastly, we can work with the government to make sure that policies are actually helping people of race and religion and not affecting the negatively, so remember, let's be game changers. start today and will to tackle racism. thank you. [applause] speaker: thank you. i am looking at this area for a speaker from scotland. this young man here, please. >> representing the west of scotland. i come from one of the most culturally diverse areas of scotland, racism is an issue. we are the leaders of tomorrow and we need to lead by example. racism should be a thing of the past.

we live in a 21st century. racism should not be felt by anybody. i think there should be a national campaign because it affects everybody in every community and it something that all of us can get behind to strive toward equality for young people. thank you. [applause] speaker: do we have anybody from northern ireland wishing to contribute? >> as many of you know, we have various issues in northern ireland, but we also have our religion ones as well. this is why it is such a big problem for us. in belfast alone, hate crimes are up 43%, which is especially bad for young people because we know we want to feel integrated in our societies. i urge you to support this because no matter your ethnicity or religion or your lack thereof, that should not affect your contribution to our society. [applause]

speaker: what about the east of england, who have we got from the east of england? >> thank you, mr. speaker. i represent hartford sure from the east of england. the equality act of 2010 aims to reduce amongst others the socioeconomic inequality, prohibit victimization, and amend the laws relating to write a responsibility in family relationships. a 2013 survey by the greatest social aptitude reported an increase of 30% of the people describing themselves as having some degree of racial prejudice compared to an all-time low of 25% in 2001. we have recently celebrated 40 years since the birth of the sex discrimination act. it took place the legal framework where women and men got offered the same protections against bias and harassment in the workplace. we have not lived up to the ideals the laws were designed for. we are still in a society where women are paid less than their male counterparts. in conclusion, the equality and discrimination act cannot be legislated alone. instead, we need commitment by

policymakers, businesses, and educators, to work in partnership and to change entrenched racist attitudes, that these laws are embedded in our culture and to find ways to bring down systematic barriers to create a happy society. thank you. [applause] speaker: at this point, i like somebody from the northwest. anybody from the northwest? second row back. no, to your right. thank you very much. with the beard. >> thank you, mr. speaker.

representing old and from the northwest. i believe this is an important issue for members of youth parliament. we are young and enthusiastic young people, we are the future generation of this country. we need to take that one small step to create change in the u.k. it took rosa parks not to get off of her seat for the montgomery bus to take place, and as we know from that, there was huge change for americans in the united states of america. i believe this one-year campaign will be a trigger for ongoing campaigns in the future. thank you. [applause] speaker: what about somebody from the northeast, who have we got from the northeast? >> thank you, i am allison, i'm from the northeast side. not many people will disagree with this motion, but i think he could choose to the fact -- those that do -- we are from

different parts of the u.k. and we experience diversity very differently. for example, in the northeast, you are considered diverse if you are from scotland. we don't have the same as you have in london or other divers places. i think that's a conjugation to the fact that certain extreme right-wing parties have the majority of constituencies in the northeast. this is bizarre because i think where we live, we cannot just go outside and see people who are ethnically diverse or religiously, and we like them all the same as us, so a lot of the time we sort of see what we see in the newspapers and say, that must be true because we cannot experience it and see that it is not true itself. a lot of people believe in this kind of thing with the northeast saying they do have racial

prejudice toward people, which is disgusting to me. for sure all of you must agree that something needs to change about this. i support this motion and i think you all should as well. speaker: thank you. now, i need to hear somebody from the southeast. who have we got from the southeast? >> thank you, mr. speaker. i am charlie doherty. i feel this should be our campaign, one of our campaigns. i feel part of the issue is -- and i have witnessed it myself, and maybe part of the reason that it came as an issue -- people are unaware of the fact that what they are saying could be racially or religiously offensive to somebody. i myself have witnessed people younger than me, my age, and

older, making racial comments, which to them may seem like a joke, but to somebody else, it may hit close to home and may seriously affected them. that may be what they see as racism, but to others it is a joke. this being one of our campaigns would be such a good cause, as it enables people to understand what racism is and how it could be affecting other people when they do not realize it. [applause] speaker: thank you. what about a contributor from wales? sorry, i was looking at the wrong side. you, sir. >> thank you, mr. speaker. >> [inaudible] >> i oppose this act, and i will explain why. i fully am ashamed, as a member of the u.k., a citizen of the

u.k., the fact that religious hate crimes have gone up 43% and racist hate crimes are up. i am ashamed the citizen right-wing groups that i will not name, including one very large one on facebook and twitter, is very popular and is all over young people's screens. the reason why is i have to do some research on the steps i found. i found despite we are looking at race and religion, we are ignoring lgbt rights, discrimination, and we are ignoring disability, despite there being a higher increase in disability and lgbt hate crimes than there is in race, and higher hate crimes in lgb than religion. if anyone is going to tell me they are not important, that is almost 10,000 hate crimes, 52,000 total. we are seeing a fifth of those do not matter because they do

not involve race or religion. i would also like to emphasize the fact that young people seem to find it funny, in spite of they are straight or not, by calling them certain names, bullying names, and people let them go. it is seen as a joke. it is seen as a joke, a hate crime. it is seen as a joke, bullying, making fun of people different sexual orientation. that is why i'm opposing this. until every hate crime is accounted for and we stop this, we are not doing our job. we are not accounting for these people. i respect -- sorry, i forgot your name. but, he has to understand, lgbt rights, transgender rights, disability rights, and discrimination do matter. discrimination should not be

there. [applause] speaker: thank you. can we have a contributor from the west midlands? the young woman there. looking around. >> some of you may remember i spoke against this motion at the annual sitting on the grounds that i did not feel it was right to purely focus on islamophobia and anti-semitism but rather to take the stand that all kinds of this behavior is equally negative, and for the same reason i'm asking you to vote against this. i worry just focusing on one or two kinds of religious discrimination sends an isolating message, rather than one of togetherness. i would hate for young person being victimized but not experiencing islamophobia or anti-semitism to feel that the represent his place more of an emphasis on that behavior when we should be taking a stand on all discrimination. we should condemn all forms of this unforgivable issue. it is an important issue.

i would be completely in support of a motion. thank you. [applause] >> somebody from london? you in the third row. yes, thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. suffice to say people think racism is an issue of the past. unfortunately in my borough, racial attacks are going up 1%. we know the british youth are more diverse than their parents. but we need to combat racism.

we need to challenge ourselves and ask questions to everyone we know of. more importantly the u.k. parliament needs to ask itself if we are representative of the u.k. that is where we start. [applause] >> we get a contributor from yorkshire. i am slightly concerned you will fall over jumping up and down with such enthusiasm. you shall be heard. >> my name is alari. i don't think this is an exaggeration. there is hatred, intolerance, and ignorance. the best way to combat that is by saying young people do believe this is wrong.

i agree with points of the opposition, there are other forms of discrimination and hatred. there is no denying that. there is disability discrimination. it doesn't mean this isn't an issue. in fact we should encourage this more. not many people deny that racism exists in this country. we are already halfway there and we are trying to fix it. i don't think we are ignoring these types of discrimination. we are saying this year we are going to focus on this issue. this parliament does not endorse hatred of any kind, but especially on this level. the number of hate crimes last year were 46,180. that 46,180 hate crimes too many and we should desperately solve it.

[applause] i know it is a long time, but this is an issue that matters. how can we claim democracy if people are discovered in a did against pace on their culture, religion, skin color. please vote for this issue. [applause] >> very well spoken, thank you. there are a couple of parts from the country from whom we have not yet heard, one of which is the southwest. are you from the southwest? this gentleman here? no, you. are you from the southwest? let's hear from you. >> thank you very much, mr. speaker. speaking to a 14-year-old with an islamic background, hearing her go through the day-to-day basis really shocked me. i firmly believe it is vital we

reduce the negative perceptions and stereotypes of other beliefs and faiths. she consistently experiences abuse at school and on the street, often by people unknown to her. this mix her feel so self-conscious about her culture and other people's attitudes towards her. she's afraid. this can't happen. we mustn't let it happen. today i ask you all to join with me and make significant change to her and -- to the life of her and many others. thank you. >> again we take a contributor from the northwest. who do we have from the northwest? the chapel on the front bench? >> thank you very much, mr. speaker. i'm very proud to speak on the half of a city that has been many generations multicultural

and respectful and peaceful. there is very little ignorance in -- this is ignorance we must fight. it is ignorance and religious discrimination. we must not just promote british values, we must note the values and beliefs of all cultures, all beliefs, races, and religions. am i wrong in saying, mr. speaker, that the greatest british value of all is indeed respect? it often spreads across social media and even those in politics. those who spread hate, those who spread discrimination, those who spread across our community -- nelson mandela once referred to

education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. we must use this campaign to use education as that weapon to fight a parents, destroy and tolerance and to fight racism at its very core. this campaign may only be a small step on a very long road, but that road leads to a peaceful future. please join me on this. thank you. >> we have yet to hear a voice from the east midland. i'm spoiled for choice. we will take the woman at the end. >> thank you, mr. speaker. since we were five we have enjoyed the beneficiaries of -- we make posters for black

history month. respect for different values is already part of our curriculum at every stage of education and it hasn't worked. while i agree -- while likely with the statement that all young people should work together to combat racism it is simple a type dream. we can teach people that grace is a construct and we are all essentially the same pit however, although our society hopes to enlighten us with tolerance and intolerance is more learned wrong -- is morally wrong -- racism is illogical, so we cannot have a reasoned debate about it. despite our efforts racism refuse to die. there is no reason to raise -- no reason to reason with the unreasonable. thank you.

>> i need to hear somebody from the southeast. who do we have from the southeast? how about this young man here? >> as a young muslim we often face racial discrimination. we all know about 9/11. i do not feel lobbying would make any difference at all. we already have so many laws -- in place. the biggest issue is ignorance as many speakers have said. ignorance is one vital fact why racism and dissemination is perpetuated. racism has increased despite the

fact that they are often seen as muslim and this causes a chain affect. if anyone does feel like they want to support this motion you would be better off voting for it -- i'm asking you here today, who has been talked to in school about why racism is wrong? yes it is a bad thing, just don't do it. if you are not told why, then you are probably going to go and support it. that is why i ask you here today to not support this motion and instead logically think about the reasons why racial discrimination and religious discrimination occurs. thank you. >> it is possible we have one

more speaker from scotland. i don't think i have proved myself if i suggest you are from scotland? please. >> going back to what earlier was said. it would affect scotland as a problem. i live in northeastern scotland. one of the least diverse areas in scotland. this is a manifesto for a reason. the u.k. has an issue on this. although, one-sided -- one in five hate crimes will be ignored -- the worst you can get for a racist crime is six months in jail. we need to change attitude and people who need to change up their attitude need to be given more punishment. a quick survey showing that a quick observation, everyone who -- a quick observation, everyone

who has spoken has been white. >> thank you. we must now wind up this debate. england,southwest of i call this person. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. go back to your country. you whenever have it again. exactly a month ago on the 13th of october, a film went viral on the internet. it depicted one passenger who abused other passengers, who happened to be muslim. incidents like this are not uncommon. the rate of crime is growing by 70% in the capital and anti-somatic attacks are increasing. racism is prevalent as ever.

the black people up to 17.5 times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police and having to wait 32% more than white people. just under 100,000 young people voting for this topic could make your mark. it is evident that racism and religious discoloration is get to be met. it is up to young people to adopt it? how much time do we have? 365 days of productivity and success, changing attitudes and educating minds but with the school-based approach, it could be 365 days of no answer. no reply and a situation of no change. circumstance where are we , starting from? the campaign suggested the government needed to do more. surely with the 2010 introduction of the quality strategy, there is more this government can do. however, it is the basic

introduction of these laws really doing the reality of the situation justice. effectiveness, stand up to racism. two examples of charities already fighting the problem. if we vote for, we run the risk of problem. we run the risk of depriving them a purpose and denying causes altogether. undoubtedly we know one voice will make the goal more realistic. time, circumstance, effectiveness -- three factors that will allegedly impact the outcome. it is your job to make the decision. can we make a reality? thank you. [applause] >> we will move on to the second debate. just before we consider the second motion on mental health services, i want to mention to care at theal

mr. burtt of health is who was unable to be with us. he has sent a statement. the statement is the most excellent statement which has large words and i am not able to read the whole thing because i want you to have the chance to contribute. that is why i'm working so , thely with my colleagues first education minister with responsibilities and mental health. we will launch the largest ever national campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination

targeted at young people and their parents. he goes on to say the department of health and education will andinue to work with you many other groups of young people to ensure the reviews are incorporated into the work we are doing. i will be attending the launch of the youth summit next tuesday. the findingsd to and recommendations on the half of the government. we are grateful to alastair. this is about you, what do you think and what you are doing and what you want. we are grateful to alastair. this is about you, what do you think and what you are doing and

what you want. mental health has been much more discussed in this house in recent years, specifically the attempt to destigmatize the issue and remove the taboo and it received a huge boost when a number of my colleagues chose to speak out about that personal experience, and ever since then, there has been a greater focus on the issue. i have penned an article on what the houses doing to boost mental health services for members of parliament and it is about to be published. all credit to you brought you are doing, and i look forward to the debates on this motion. we will now consider that motion.

mental health services should be improved with our help as printed on the order paper. to move the motion from the west midlands, please, welcome the mayor charles murray. [applause] >> thank you. 1.8 million, and my talking about the number of selfies kim kardashian takes in a day? no, i am talking about how many people suffer from a mental health illness. services available to not [indiscernible] only 6% of the funding is for young people. that is disgraceful.

meanwhile, it shows us what we need to do. it could be a waste of the years campaigning if we did not carry it forward and choose mental health today. mr. speaker, i am proud of last year, but there is more to do. this issue got 13 percent more votes to make your mark. the people we represent realized that the 12 months has not been enough. we need 12 more, just 12 more to implement these changes. so the silent cry of 1.8 million young people is heard. we need improvement in the curriculum. the impacts will be nothing short of life-saving. i will give you an example. there was a lovely fellowmen toward once. she struggled to cope with everyday life. one day, her best friend showed her an unhealthy escape and she began to create the feeling of being noun. she forgot about everything else. her friends no longer existed, she stopped eating, refused to go outside and became trapped. and all that time, she had to

overcome the stereotype can find the courage to contact the services, deal with the constant referrals and rejections, when all she wanted was someone to just listen. we can be the voice that gives her what she so desperately needs, not which he is told to need. i want you to think about her. there is a stigma, a flaw in society that has existed for too long and that too many people get hurt. it needs to be challenged. it is costless but priceless. we have to show that she was suffering from depression, anorexic, and it is not attention seeking or worthless. imagine the number of lives improved or saved if we make the right choice today. we cannot approach this decision as collected representatives.

we had to approach it as human beings -- we have to approach it as human beings. so we commission young people are free to express their feelings. they share the last year of campaigning was worthwhile and that generations are proud because those young people who felt lost were empowered by our efforts. [applause] >> thank you for that heartfelt and passionate opening speech in our debate which is hugely preceded by the house. to oppose, from wales, alicia gibbons. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker.

your mother, your brother, even your next-door neighbor, don't you have the responsibility to listen? mental health affects everyone, not just people in schools. i believe we should not be campaigning for mental health education to make it compulsory. it affects the young, old and anyone in between. we need to challenge attitudes on changing behavior around mental illness. to do this, we need the community approach that involves everybody. we must not put the responsibility of this chest on the schools. the government mental health strategy, they stated that by promoting good mental health, and intervening early, particularly in the childhood and teenage years, we can help to prevent the mental illness from intervening. so if it is true, then

[indiscernible] doesn't the family have an important role in the health, well-being and happiness of children? what about those who are not in school? those who are homeschooled or those who are over the age of 16 years old who are in the challenging time of transition? how they access information on mental health? over 4.4 million pounds were given to local authorities in 2012. it speaks of ensuring that every school has a counselor. why? just to be told that there is not enough things, after you finally have the courage to ask for help. well, this is what has happened to me and my friends. to many, school is not seen as a

safe place. we do want to talk or admit personal difficulties? it is hard for young people because they fear of the stigma and consequences. it can bring a feeling of personal shame. i celebrate the youth select committee as a recommendation that has been welcomed by ministers and acknowledged by the department of health, and some of us have our debate cured in this issue, so why spend another 12 months tackling this? i think we need to provide a safe environment for people to share the difficulties, not at school, it could be heading -- it could be at a local youth meeting for a park bench. we need to tackle this as a community. if that mental health is fundamental and young children, then we need to emphasize that you do not have to be an activist to talk about mental health but just start conversation, like some of started with me. thank you. [applause]

>> thank you for that powerful speech. can we hear contributed from northern ireland? >> thank you, mr. speaker. so many people have suffered from a mental health disorder that they do not even realize they are diagnosed with. the reason is because it is not physical appearance and it cannot be seen. they are told that they will get over it, but how do we know they will? i speak on experience and it is not easy to have a mental illness problem and i am tied up so many people feeling the same way. no person deserves to have to go through something like this, even as young as nine years old. even though we cannot stop them from being diagnosed, we can certainly can help them and get them to help education they need and informed them that there is someone they can turn to for help and most importantly, make

them realize that they are important and that their mental health illness does not dictate their future. thank you. [applause] >> anybody from scotland? yes, you are a good soul. thank you. >> [indiscernible] [laughter] one in 10 young people through the age of 15 suffer from mental health issues. over 300 young people in the u.k., that is a statistic that will suffer for mental health issues, but with any of you, would you know what to do or see cap? would you get that help? the likelihood is probably not. it is shocking that young people are not getting the help that they need. there is a waiting list. why should there be a waiting list for someone to get help which should be provided by the government.

it is also important as and that's why peace choosing mental health for the national campaign. what can we do with the campaign on mental health? surely, the government cannot ignore us. we need to take a stand and say that mental people's health is important -- and see that young people's mental health is important. just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there and i urge all of you to vote for this issue. thank you. [applause] >> thank you so much. wonderfully fluent speech. i would like to hear somebody from london, and is there anybody from islington? north london? [indiscernible] [laughter]

>> are you an arsenal fan? good. you can speak. >> i am -- mental health, both to simple words that are used to describe something small. at first, i thought they were upset and they should resolve it by going out more. i found out that this is far from the truth. one in six people suffer from mental health. this is a statistic given to the number of people in britain that will experience at least one type of mental health illness at any given time in their lives. one in six. the normal people that wake up every morning thinking about how their day will be harder than everyone else, one in six. the number of people who need to be understood and help, one in six. we need to make sure that people feel comfortable about talking

about mental health with their family, friends and experts. we need to make sure that people are not being made fun of dutra mental health illness. we need to make sure that these people, these one in six of the british population, are living a life where they know how to deal with their obstacles and that there are people who can help them with their obstacles, both for this motion -- vote for this motion. [applause] >> what about yorkshire? about the gentleman in the middle of the three, yes. >> forgive me. >> i do not mean year. now, the chap in the third row. we will try to get the others and if we can. >> i am representing from yorkshire.

in 2014, a survey was carried out which found 15% of people with mental health issues felt like they were bullied. at the time, although the government was working to reduce the number, is the concrete number that it has happened? mental health affects everyone. positively or negatively. there has been a rise among young people. is it not our sponsor ability to tackle an issue that affects young people directly? the first is to tackle the stigma and preconception that mental health is a taboo subject. from there, there is no limit to what we can achieve, to expand mental health services and eliminate discrimination. thank you. [applause] >> do we have a representative from wales who would like to contribute? yes? the lady waving at me. indeed. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i am representative of wales. it was mentioned earlier that mental health can affect everyone, not just young people.

i agree with the statement as mental health can develop at any time or day to anyone. although starting at and the age may help combat mental health, it may not wait for everyone, therefore, we need extra support for those who are not in school, those in school, and those who are afraid to speak out. the offset only actors half of the solutions and we must take responsibility, even if it is doing something simple or speaking out and challenging mental health stereotypes. thank you. [applause] >> what about the east of england? the gentleman with the raised hair? >> to our very much. >> we look forward to hearing

from you. >> obviously, i think everyone agrees that mental health is a really big problem, but my issue with this motion is whether it is best placed for as to be more cost effective. i think we work best and we have worked with grassroots campaigns and i think it is an issue that has to be dealt with from the top. i think there are other motions i can better help young people within the community. rather more, i think we should highlight the fact that this is a difficult campaign. it is an issue that affects them personally and maybe it has not been dealt with in the most sensitive matter. i think all the organizations involved should make it sensitive while they campaign on it. thank you. [applause] >> who is trying to contribute from the northwest? the chap waving to me, second row, you.

no, the chap in the second row. your moment has arrived, sir. let's hear from you. >> [indiscernible] [laughter] education. college, education, we love to progress and life and further establish ourselves. how can you expect to have top returning without the proper education? the best thing we can do in order to get rid of the mental health stigma and issue is to educate people and include people, to include the people who refuse to accept it as an issue. just keep educating them until they fully understand the issue. i keep hearing one in six people are affected. one in six people may speak spanish, german, those are subjects of school, simple answer. [applause]

>> what about the northeast of england? yes, yourself. >> thank you, mr. speaker. from newcastle, it is one of the best mental health services in the country. [indiscernible] i could not expect to have 12-year-olds and 18-year-olds in the same class for the same education. we need to make sure that every person has a fair chance. thank you, mr. speaker. [applause] >> london, it is london's time. you are going to burst. i am very worried about you. i hope you will be all right. [laughter] of course, you will. we look forward to hearing from you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i represent the london borough. why does this campaigning so much to me?

that campaign means it's so much to me because it symbolizes what young people have to fight for. we need to feel valued, happy, like the future will be bright. some young people do not feel that way. 95% of young people have a mental health illness. you do know you are more likely to end up in prison if you're mentally ill than you are to end up on the mental health center? i think we need to stand up and make a change against this. we need to show young people that we are listening, where representing them and this is an issue that affects everyone. everyone has mental health. let's stand up for emotional well-being, and show young people not only how it hurts and how to fight to be heard in school and get a good grade, but that's show young people, let's teach young people the value of living. thank you. [applause] >> we need to hear somebody from the southwest. who have we got from the

southwest? the forest of hands, including one that is wobbling and waving. second in, you, indeed. yes, i am looking at you. your good self. thank you. >> i am chelsea white. these numbers, despite having such a high number, there is a huge stigma of mental health services. i think it just glorifies the stigma. i want to emphasize the fact that just because you cannot see a mental health in this does not mean it is not as important and someone with a physical illness. with a point made earlier, i think the more voices, the better. we still have so much to do as a body, and i want to be part of the body where future generations have the support.

thank you. [applause] >> forgive me. if you are wondering what i am not going side to side, i am anxious that the debate should have a voice of each side of the country. let's start with the east midlands. thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i am at george baker and i represent lincolnshire. one in six, i think it is more than one in six. one in six people may have a mental illness, but i guarantee that you will know someone who does have a mental illness, which is why education is important. not just those of a mental illness, but those who help out. this motion is so important so that we all know what to do and it is so easy for us to do.

more government spending goes into it, 1.2 5 billion in the last budget. let's make sure that money is spent wisely and we can do that. thank you. [applause] >> we can squeeze one more in, but i want somebody from the west midlands. who have begot standing from the west midlands? the young woman, second to the antique waving at me -- to the and waving at me. >> my body is doing everything and can to stop it from having a panic attack, and i think that really proves how much of a hidden issue mental health this. lack of education has left young people suffering a private. one in four people suffer from a mental health issue at some point in their life. i think it is important for because everybody hits a bump in the road at some point in their lives. everyone needs help because we know that prevention is the best cure. sorry.

i'll try to say i was involved in action. this is not enough. we need to speak to the wake, those who do not have a voice. we are elected to represent young people. as i said, every single young person suffers from some sort of mental health issue. we need to finish this job we started. thank you. >> i am so sorry because as is normal, demand exceeds supply, and other words, more people want to speak but we do have to move on to the third debate, shortly, so forgive me and please, keep trying if you have not spoken. i have now to call the wind of speaker for this debate, please, welcome the wind up speaker in this debate from the east of england, toby jeffrey.

[applause] >> it does not matter how much money the government invest in young people's mental health. if the end people who use the services proved that they are not good enough, then you still have more work to do. despite the government for talking therapies available to young people, were furled waiting times are still long. before we start talking about the services, let's consider the fact that young people face a stigma attached to mental health in the first place. we know that three and four young people fear the reactions of friends when they talk about possible mental health problems, which tells us young people need someone they can trust so they can talk about their issues openly. when young people go online looking for help, so they can begin to understand what they are feeling, they are going toward organizations like childline. that is not a mental health service. i think this second gear could focus on those three things, services, stigma, and the availability of accessible resources to young people.

however, this year has been challenging. whether we are putting up posters in schools, speaking to groups about the services they provide or fighting, we are not always being listened to. it is worth questioning what the specific objectives of our campaign this year were and if we have achieved them. there has been called to move onto another campaign, seeing that the government is perhaps responding to the crisis that young people are facing up and down the country. they have been invested in next 1.2 5 billion pounds to improve unsolved services to children, young people and young mothers. is it worth putting more time and effort into campaigning for another year? i am without a doubt that there are young people with mental health problems watching this speech today. either online, tv or they are in the chamber. regardless of what happens, they must understand that they do not have to face the problems alone.

they must understand that there are people who will help them and it will get better. i will leave you with this question -- is choosing mental health at the national campaign a good way to demonstrate that? thank you. [applause] >> thank you for the beautifully wind-up which has been a principled and valuable debate. whatever you decide, you will always remember this debate and so will i. the youth parliament will consider the third motion of the day and the last of our morning session. make public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all as printed in the order paper. to move the motion, i call from the northwest of england, rose walburton. [applause]

>> a 14-year-old is made to pass every day in school. a 16-year-old requires weekly doctor appointments but can no longer afford the journeys. given the chance, would you help these young people? now, you have that chance. the committee, carried out a report on transport. four weeks ago, 1000 young people voted that we campaign on this issue once again. it is an illness with diagnosis. would you stop the treatments today? let's use the evidence from the report to create a reformed, refreshed and reinvented campaign. let's aim for reform such as a

national concession for young people similar to the young persons railcar. many will question what we can really achieve on a national scale with local authorities. let's use this to our advantage. creating reform where transport is accessible and showing those that it can be. let's put pressure on the government to reintroduce committees for transport. let's give transport and other force. the final push it needs. thanissue is so much more trains and expense. it will use young people who are disillusioned. as a child, i cannot wait to experience my first journey. i look forward to the life of britain. however, when we grow up, we have seen trains lose its basis.

we forget the bushing and the -- the bus to school tomorrow. one third of new young people would continuing educational training if given the financial support for transport. 2015, the consultation has proven that young people are not content. we have the opportunity to and thethe magic day-to-day necessity. we have the chance to make a difference, make a change, and

tomorrow, we need young people's voices heard and their transport more accessible. [applause] >> thank you very much indeed. now to oppose the motion from the east midlands, i call and please welcome daria eckert. [applause] i live in between link a share and lester, and like most places, we are dependent on public transport to take us to school or to see friends. in lincolnshire, i know it's a real issue to get from one village to the next. we have tried to work with our best companies to make improvements, but it may take a long time before we reach a conclusion. however, in leicester city, the

story is different. there are different issues, such as mental health or the living wage. can the campaign be a coordinated success if we come from different places with different needs? the person sitting next to you may have a very different public transport network to you. each community needs public transport as a community. transport takes time, commitment, and huge investment. four years ago, transport was our national campaign, although not much has changed. we should be using the committee's recommendations.

how sensible are those demands? who will pay? we'll be asking local councils to help. mps, therelobbied would be the pressure on the government. in one area, the demand. in some areas, all they want is -- [indiscernible] areas, they want an accessible network not in 2020 but today. ,ransport needs to be tackled but not nationally. let's invest our time and effort into a campaign where each mp can make a difference and we can make an impact. [applause] >> thank you.

do we have a willing contributor from northern ireland? is there anybody from northern ireland who wishes to speak echo yes, the young men nearest me. >> i believe in this motion i live in the ecclesiastical capital of ireland, and yet, we are the only city in the u.k. without a train station. why is this? politicians aren't bothered. our politics isn't represented in westminster. young people simply can't afford it. this motion should be supported to make sure everyone is successful in education no matter where you are from. thank you very much indeed. before i call the next speaker,

i want to acknowledge the presence in the chamber of the attorney general. last time i looked, he was a rugby from kenilworth south. he is the attorney general, and he sidled up to me and said, i'm about to go, and he said to me, they are very good, aren't they? jeremy, thank you for giving us your moral support and for being present today. ok, do we have a speaker from scotland? does anybody from scotland wish to speak in this debate? >> you'll have to forgive me. i've recently caught a bit of a cough.

how do we sustain what was spoken against? we have to find the money. my counsel will not be able to afford this. this was a u.k.-wide issue. this should be a real issue for us. how can we expect companies to provide for us? a warning in the motion i find issue with. how do we enforce the standards? how do you measure the pricing structure? is there a matter we have to deal with concerning pr?

[applause] >> thank you very much indeed for that confident and capable speech. sometimes when i want an honorable member to bring his or her speech to an end, i stand up and say, i'm extremely grateful to the honorable member, which is my polite way of saying, shut up, sunshine. i'm not telling you to shut up. that was a very good speech. i want a speaker from the southeast. been is one person who has trying to catch my eye quite some time, right in the back row with the white top. i'm from the south least. kent is massive. kent, we have a town council, and we've been campaigning for years on town transport.

transport isn't an england-only issue. there will be shared resources. it would mean everyone gets the .hance to share resources i've tried to travel to the council meetings, and it takes us an hour on the bus. if i were in a different area of kent, it would take me 10 minutes to get into essex or london. it's not there, and transport needs to be better so as young people we can ask ice different types -- access different areas around the country and become friends. [applause] >> what about the speaker from the west midlands? who do we have from the west midlands? the young man in the gray suit. >> myra present the area of dudley in the west midlands. don't agree on this issue, i also agree.

about anlking england-only campaign. i look to my friends in london who get their bus transport for free. that's a lot of young people in we want be campaigning on. is that right? my second point is actually for the motion. i went on the bus a couple weeks ago, and i was questioned for 10 minutes because of -- regarding my age. i was questioned for 10 minutes on a bus. this is not correct. i urge you to vote with your heart rather than with what mps said. thank you. >> what about whales? is there somebody from wales? the fellow waving at me very demonstratively. >> thank you very much.

i would like to start by saying, thank you very much for all the work you've done to make sure we could be here today. i'm incredibly grateful for that. [applause] mr. speaker, the motion that is before us today fails to take into account one fundamental matter. people use transport to get to school, to college, to university, wherever. the motions also on the paper can be focused around these places, around schools, around , and i can go on, but if we can't get to the schools, if we can't get to the colleges because the public transport system is so weak and poor and inexpensive, how are we

going to enact any of these other motions? it is simple. we can't. my commute takes me two hours each way to get to college. i leave just after 6:00 in the morning to get to college. there are trains every hour, and it's an absolute nightmare. i'm still doing it. i don't know why. i'm doing it because i want to do it. the fact is, mr. speaker, the train service i'm going on is her end is. as ae not doing enough youth parliament and as young people to campaign on these issues, and we should be doing them. in wales, it costs over three pounds for an adult single anywhere.

mr. speaker, i'm going to close we need to make this successful. we need to make sure young people can get to these schools so these policies can be successful in the first place. >> what about the northeast of england? let's hear from you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i represent northumberland. as a representative, thank you much for mentioning northumberland.

when you are 14 years old -- [no audio] i was still doing my gcse's. all i had was pocket money from my mother. when you are 14, you aren't an adult. that is despicable. a few years ago, when public transport was debated, it was a national campaign, and that was fantastic. people say it's a local authority issue. if it is, then we should lobby and campaign to our counsel to help us, and if the councils don't have much order, why don't we include the operators, as well? why don't we campaign to the operators? if young people pay so much, they are going to use it less and less. your friends back home, we all use public transport. in people use public transport every single day.

it is up to us to help them. the cost of travel is taking over my family. they need help, and the only help they can get is from us to help them. if this is a national campaign, they tell decision-makers in operators, public transport needs help, young people need help to get to school, to get to socialize with people. thank you. [applause] london.t a speaker from the woman with the turquoise top. yeah. >> good afternoon. i would echo a lot of other people that say we should have a

new focus, something that is -- nationalcal campaign. it's absolutely appalling. mr. speaker, we cannot let this continue anymore. as someone mentioned earlier, religious hate crimes are now totaling over 3000 over last year. how can we let these injustices continue to increase while sitting back and not helping those most vulnerable? a voice inhave society, but society says our voice doesn't matter. we have the confidence to stand up for beliefs. u.k. y p has given us the ability to make a change in .ociety

let's grasp the opportunity we've been given. it's a choice of improving lives. [applause] >> thank you. how about a contributor from yorkshire. is somebody holding up a newspaper of some description? yes. >> transport has consistently been appearing in -- [indiscernible] within wakefield east, bus transport is becoming limited. those in rural areas are struggling to get buses at a fair price. if i want to get on the bus to

school, i have to take two buses. this costs me six pounds a day. i know this does not just affect me. it affects everyone. when of my colleagues who spoke in this chamber last year has to travel using a rail car to university, but this rail car a.m.,ot work until 10:00 so she has to pay full price every day. this issue needs tackling. [applause] >> we need to hear a contributor from the east midlands. this gentleman here. >> thank you. i'm simon johnson from lincolnshire. transport -- if you are in education, you should be supplied it for free. it shouldn't matter, in my opinion.

you should be fed for free for educational reasons. [applause] what about the northwest of england? who have we got from the northwest? what about the young woman on the second row, second in? forgive me. the lady next to you. the lady with black hair. yes, yourself, thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i am from liverpool. public transport has improved a lot in my area over the past couple years as a result of the work done by young people. i think that this should be more of a local or regional campaign, as opposed to a national campaign. the situation is area to area. your experiences with public transport are more likely to be positive in a city as opposed to a rural area. >> we haven't heard a voice of

the southwest. who is a voice of the southwest? there is a huge forest of people from the southwest. i would like to hear from the woman in the second row, second in with the black and red dress. you, mr. speaker. i'm sera staples from plymouth, the isolated city of the southwest. it takes us over four hours on a train to get to london. take buses for instance. i pay 45 pounds a month for my bus pass. i still don't have a bus that can get me to work on time on a sunday. we are lucky in plymouth. other areas in the region are more rural. we need to fix this for young people. [applause]

>> what about the eastern region from whom we've not heard? >> thank you, mr. speaker. i represent the good people of central suffolk and north ipswich. it is now government policy that young people are expected to stay in learning or education until they are 18. there is no entitlement to know the age ofort from 16, and the government hasn't provided funding to provide transport. the only funding available is for students from poor backgrounds. problem solved? no. i live in a rural constituency, and many families have to drive to get to the nearest bus, to get to the nearest school. in my case, it was nine miles away, and that is not something many families can afford. it is eating into the budget for those on a poor or working income. i think the cost of the bus fare scrapped altogether

for the post-16 graduates. a facility into which you are being educated should be a right of all post-16 students in the u.k., and if education is going to go up to 18, it should be government-funded, as well. how deep mom or dad's pockets are should not determine your grades. let's make it happen. [applause] a wonderfully fitting conclusion. i'm afraid we've run out of time, and we need to wind up this debate. please give an enthusiastic welcome to the winder up of this debate, ryan simpson. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. is what we all

rely on to carry out our daily lives. this morning, i've been on a train, car, bus, and plain. i know the struggle. one of my closest friends has a two-hour commute home from school every day. as we heard in this debate, everyone can relate to her. even when service does turn up, it's at an inconvenient time. it's no use to anyone really. all young people feel the same, whether they are trying to meet up with their friends, whether they have a hospital appointment, or whether it's to get to their school or college. it's unacceptable. let's think realistically. could this campaign be achievable? we are loving the transport companies who control the fares and local authorities who control the services.

we've seen the disparity between transport companies across the country and how local authorities are contrasting with each other up and down the country. this has led to an uncoordinated campaign fortransport success. we've done so much already. in 2012, to use select committee's topic was transport. they outlined the fair thresholds for children, accessibility for the disabled, merle transport -- rural transport, and for young people who suffer from the inability to pay for their fares. some gains, so perhaps we can continue on. traps we can fight to control -- t perhaps we can fight to pass the transport act. we can fight to raise a adult fare thresholds to 18, the way it should be, and we can fight

for more efficient routes into the countryside to help those who live in rural areas. the transport campaign will be a never ending journey. there is no scheduled timetable. the route map is expanding, and who knows what potholes lie ahead? the living wage, mental health, all our campaigns, it is our duty to strive to make the lives of young people better. my favorite fictional politician , frank underwood, does share some advice on this subject. he says, it is common sense to take a method on tried. -- untried. above all, we must try something . when you go to vote on the campaign today, i hope you remember that young people are vital to any society, and so is transportation. ask yourself, can our great unique -- great nation, the

united kingdom, survive when vital parts of our society cannot mix successfully? thank you. [applause] >> ryan, thank you for that. thank you to each and everyone of you who has contributed, and thank you to those who have been patiently waiting and have not been called. the four we wrap up, i want to knowledge the presence -- a before we wrap up come i want to acknowledge the presence of stephen hedberg. here today offering his support for the u.k. youth parliament. thank you, stephen. [applause] i know we are finishing a bit late, but i'm afraid we've got to try to keep on track. you do need to be back here from westminster where you are headed for lunch at 1:30.

i look forward to opening up this afternoon's proceedings. thank you for a great morning to date. -- debate. >> with congress on holiday recess, the c-span networks feature a full lineup of prime time programming. tonight at 8:00 p.m. eastern on c-span, laura logan, sebastian younger, and other journalists who have risked their lives covering events in the middle east. tuesday night, celebrity activists speak out on a variety of issues. wednesday night, of vents from the c-span archives, featuring notable public figures who died in 2013. on new year's day, friday night at 8:00, law enforcement officials, activists, and examine the prison system. on book tv, tonight at 8:30, memoirs by reporters, activists,

and a former white house press secretary. tuesday night at 8:00 features books on the economy. wednesday night, authors talk about their books on science and technology. thursday, discussions on isis on new year's and day, friday night, several of our in-depth programs from this year. on american history tv on c-span3, tonight at 8:00 p.m. eastern, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of all schlitz. tuesday night, a congressional ceremony on the anniversary of amendment. wednesday night, a debate on which president would be a better model for gop pattern -- presidential candidates today, calvin coolidge or ronald reagan? on new year's day, friday night, maranda, star of the play "hamilton," excepts the special achievement award. those are some of the programs

featured in prime time on the c-span networks. >> three days of featured programming this new year's weekend on c-span. friday night at 8:00 p.m. eastern, law enforcement officials and journalists examine the prison system and its impact on minorities. >> the first and primary reason we have prisons is to punish people for antisocial behavior and to remove that threat from society. whether they are going to rehabilitate the prisoner or determine future crime, those are secondary crimes. the primary purpose of the toson system is for people keep society say from the threats posed by those folks. >> saturday night after 8:00, a race relations town hall meeting with elected officials and law

enforcement from areas experiencing racial tension with police. job and do their job saying, i am protecting the public. we need to look at all of that. rulesd to look at those that they have started using to engage themselves with our community. evening at 6:30, a discussion on media coverage of muslims and how american muslims can join the national conversation, and at 9:00, young people from across the united kingdom gather in the house of commons discuss issues important to them. >> this issue is so much more than buses, trains, and expense. disdains people feeling and dissolution. as a child, i couldn't wait to experience a bus or train journey.

however, when we grow up, we've their smileyose faces, and we forget to notice honking while we worry whether we can afford the bus to school tomorrow. >> for a complete schedule, go to www.c-span.org. >> congress is out for the year, but both chambers return in january for the second session of the 114th congress. the house returns january 5 and plans to begin work on a budget reconciliation bill that defunds planned parenthood while also repealing the health care law. the senate approved the measure, but the president says he will veto the legislation. senators return january 11 and plan to begin consideration of a circuit court nomination in pennsylvania. kentucky senator rand paul said he will move to require an audit of the federal reserve. you can follow the senate live on c-span2 and the house on c-span.