Disappointment as Youth Parliament set to be axed

Scrapping the UK Youth Parliament would remove a way for young people to be heard, according to Guernsey's youngest participant.

The parliament, which takes place at the House of Commons, could be axed after the UK government said it would not commit to further grants.

It was launched in 2000 to boost interest in politics among young people and has more than 300 elected members aged between 11 and 18 years.

Cole, who was 14 years old when he represented Guernsey last year, said it felt "extremely disappointing that we are taking away the platform, the stage to give young people that voice".

Once a year, the young people are allowed to hold debates in the House of Commons chamber, on a day when MPs are not sitting.

Cole said he felt disbelief when he heard the Youth Parliament might come to an end.

He said it would mean a "meaningful national route into democratic participation" would be lost.

"As I've experienced the UK Youth Parliament first hand, I know what an incredible opportunity it gives to young people," he said.

"I think it's incredibly important because we are the future, we are the people that will inherit the decisions being made today."

Cole said taking part in the Youth Parliament "did the world" for him.

"It improved my confidence tenfold," he said.

"To be given a stage to really voice your opinion and something you're so passionate about it was a brilliant opportunity."

While no final decision has been made on funding beyond March 2027, the UK government said it was working to design a new scheme.

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