Young people in Birmingham are making their mark
Young people from schools across Birmingham have taken part in this year’s national Make Your Mark campaign, resulting in members of the Youth Parliament debating issues in the House of Commons
Make Your Mark, supported locally by Birmingham City Council's Youth Service, gives young people aged 11-18 a chance to decide what members of the Youth Parliament will debate and what their campaign will be for 2019.
With 12,713 votes cast in the city, the most important issue for young people was putting an end to knife crime, with 22.9 per cent of the vote.
Member of Youth Parliament Awez Khan, who goes to King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys, said: “People are crying out for help over knife crime – there’s an epidemic in my opinion. Knife crime is the biggest issue right now and as the UKYP we should make sure that these voices are heard and make a change that will last.”
Cllr Jayne Francis, cabinet member for education, skills and culture, said: “It is fantastic to see these young people get so involved in their local community and in local democracy. The UK Youth Parliament is a great way for young people to engage in the issues that matter to them and wider society and to engage with the democratic systems of our country, which will in turn inspire other people to get involved.”
Cllr Tristan Chatfield, cabinet member for social inclusion, community safety and equalities, said: “It is great to see young people campaigning and taking seriously the issues that face society today. Too many young lives are lost to knife crime and we must all work together to address it; so it is heartening to know that young people are so passionate about this.
“We know knife crime is a national concern, and Birmingham is no exception, and we will continue to work with partners and the community as we seek to tackle this issue together.”
