Young people are being urged to make their mark and vote for the issues which matter most to them.

The UK Youth Parliament's annual Make Your Mark ballot gives young people the chance to decide what issues their Youth MPs should campaign on and debate in the House of Commons in the year ahead.

Thousands of people in Wolverhampton cast their vote in 2016, with more than one million people nationally set to take part this year in what is the biggest youth consultation in the country.

Young people have until Friday 6 October, 2017, to cast their vote either via Type=links;Linkid=9676;Title=United Kingdom Youth Parliament;Target=_blank; or by using a ballot paper available from schools and youth groups across Wolverhampton.

Young people in Wolverhampton are being asked to choose one issue from the 10 topics up for discussion. They range from giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote and the development of work experience hubs to compulsory first aid education in schools.

The debate, involving Youth MPs from around the country, will take place on Friday 10 November during Parliament Week, a national initiative that aims to build a greater awareness of Parliament and the work it does. It will also be broadcast on the BBC Parliament channel.

Wolverhampton Youth MP Amias Perry said: "Make Your Mark is a highly important vote which allows the voices of young people to be properly heard.

"In a political climate where youth can be overlooked or ignored, it gives us with a way to make our opinions and views known to decision makers, and creates an opportunity for real change. it is an opportunity we can't miss."

Fellow Youth MP Millie Betteridge added: "Make Your Mark is an incredible opportunity for young people to act upon their concerns and frustrations and to realise the impact they can have on society.

"I'm excited to see how this year's campaign pans out and the opportunities it will bring throughout the year ahead."

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Our Youth MPs work really hard for the young people of Wolverhampton, and this is a great opportunity for them to highlight the issues they want debated.

"I'd encourage all 11 to 18 year olds in Wolverhampton to make their mark by taking part in the ballot."

  • released: Friday 22 September, 2017