UK Youth Parliament

North Yorkshire has three members of the UK Youth Parliament who represent the young people in their area and take local issues forward to the national agenda.

The UK Youth Parliament enables young people to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better.

Run by young people for young people, the UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for young people aged 11 to 18 to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change. Members have the opportunity to be involved in the democracy at a national level. 

Being a member of the youth parliament is very exciting. Throughout your term of office, you will have the chance to get involved in a range of activities. For example, you will meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates, and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.

The most important aspect of an MYPs job is to engage with and represent the young people in their constituency on both a local and national level.

Elections to the UK Youth Parliament take place every two years and all young people aged between 11 and 17 are eligible to stand for election. In North Yorkshire we have three members of the youth parliament, with separate constituencies in the East, West, and Central areas of the county.

For more information about the work of members of the youth parliament, the election process, or to speak to your local MYP, please email nyvoice@northyorks.gov.uk.

You can also contact us on social media Instagram @nyccyouthvoice, Facebook @northyorkshireyouthvoice and Twitter @YouthYorkshire.

Current members of Youth Parliament

See our Youth Parliament members as well as their reasons for running and their priorities.

Central area current members

Connor Fox

I live with a disability and I have spent time trying to overcome the challenges associated with autism. I am a strong believer in supporting young people and giving them a voice. I believe schools need help to listen and better understand young people particularly those that struggle. I want to be the voice for the voiceless and be there to stand up for the unheard and misunderstood. I enjoy politics, the natural world and learning more about people. I love spending time with my friends, reading books, graphic novels and being with my cat.

I have spent time on my school council trying to improve the school, helping people and making everyone feel their opinions have been heard and understood. I am also a school ambassador where I enjoy being part of a great team doing great work for the benefit of all.

I want to engage with those around me and those who share my passion for helping others young and old. I am enthusiastic, driven, a hard worker and eager to be the voice for all those people in my area.

My Priorities

I want to introduce fairer GCSEs, with more emphasis on course work assessment and less on an exam. I want to encourage the government to change GCSEs to help increase pass rates and open up more opportunities for young people.

I know people on free school meals, and I know how hard it is for these families. I think the money for free school meals should be increased as prices for food have gone up in schools meaning less choice.

Nobody should not be able to go to their local school. I have personally experienced how schools are not inclusive for people with disabilities and I want to ensure local schools are fully inclusive for all.

I want to be the voice of the young person, tell our story to everyone that will listen, fight for change and inspire those that face daily challenges to reach their full potential as I am proof you can overcome difficulties and succeed.

Email: connorfox.myp@gmail.com

Members of youth parliament Instagram page.

West area current members

Brando

I’m a vocal member of the Harrogate Youth Council, school sports, the debating team and an RAF Cadet. I am actively involved in humanitarian causes and am interested in politics. I will bring greater diversity and confidence by facilitating discussions between youth parliament, youth councils and schools to consider all experiences, the challenges and aspirations of all young people and portray greater representation in my role as a youth representative. My tenacity will fight the side of young people on the pressing issues faced by our generation. Far too many decisions have been made about my generation without us.

I believe politics should not be for a select few individuals but everyone. I am a selfless, supportive and strategic leader in my community. At school, I have represented my year group at crucial points in our response to covid 19 and the skills I obtained are vital attributes serving as your MYP. Being organised, flexible, resilient and decisive, and above all, loyal. I am always one to stand up for what I believe in and who I represent, albeit in Harrogate Youth Council, RAF Cadets, bite back 2030 and as a vocal member of my School Council.

My Priorities

Fair and equal treatment

We are all impacted by discrimination regarding race, gender, sexuality, or religion. I'll campaign for a responsive PHSE curriculum and enhanced peer to peer education in schools. We must ensure everyone is proud of themselves & are supported to do so.

Positive health and wellbeing

We're experiencing an unprecedented emotional health crisis. It affects everyone and every aspect of our community and is as vital as our physical health. I'll show how language can reduce stigma and will signpost to youth-led support and resources. 

Confidence in our future

The ongoing health and environmental crisis disproportionately impact our generation. As MYP, I promise to investigate funding towards youth services, encourage that no one is left behind and that no decisions about our services are made without us.

We are the leaders of today, not tomorrow – vote Candidate W3 for better wellbeing, fair and equal treatment and confidence in our future

Email: brando.myp@gmail.com

Members of youth parliament Instagram page.

East area current members

Adria Beattie

I would like to improve the number of facilities for young people in the local area as there's not much for teens in small villages. I know quite a few people who tell me they are not good at anything because there's no clubs or activities for them to try. There are activities and attractions in towns around but it’s hard for some people to get there if their family can't get them there and it can be expensive. Lots of young people stay at home a lot because there's hardly any places to hang out with friends. There are parks but they are aimed at younger children. There were rumours of a skate park being built but no such thing has happened. I would like to speak to young people, find out what they're interested in or what they want to learn and provide opportunities for them to happen.

I will make sure I represent young people by listening to everyone and including everyone's ideas on how to fix the area to make it better to live in. I will make sure everyone feels like they have been heard and I will do my best to make it happen. I am fortunate enough to be able to travel places for activities, and I am involved in YMCA shows and the sea cadets therefore I meet a variety of different people so I can get lots of different views and opinions from people.

Young people should vote for me because I will listen to everyone and I'm confident enough to fight for what young people want to see happen.

Email: adriabeattiemyp@gmail.com

Members of youth parliament Instagram page.

A to Z of council services

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z