James Evans speaks for Votes@16 at the House of Commons

*Turn the volume up!*

On Friday 30th October 2009, the UK Youth Parliament made history by debating in the House of Commons.

At the end of the event, the UKYP selected Votes@16 it's number one national campaigning priority for the upcoming year.

James Evans, MYP for Wokingham, opened the debate with this speech.

... Enjoy - and do spread it around!

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[Archeryjames]

Who picked these people to speak. They are nothing like the majority of sixteen year olds across the country.

[AwesomeEvs]

They were elected, either indirectly (or in my case directly) often by thousands of young people in their respective constituencies. In some areas there is greater turnout in Youth Parliament elections than there is in local council ones. Makes you think!

[katiemcvay]

I live in the US and I was sitting at home watching C-Span, a TV network that only airs government proceedings. And I thought youth parliament was awesome. I am really jealous that we don't have something similar in the US.

I watched the whole thing and your speech was the best of the day. You'd make a great politician.

[AwesomeEvs]

Thank you very much. Do push for something like the UKYP in the US, it really has been fantastic to be a part of!

[AwesomeEvs]

Glad people are enjoying this so much! Do feel free to spread it around!

[TheEmoKiller3000]

Nice speech, nicely done :)

Just out of interest, what are your political views?

[AwesomeEvs]

I hold certain ideals close to my heart, but don't currently support a party. I'm watching policy decisions very closely and will have made my careful decision my the election!

[johnblack627]

I wish I was in the Youth Parliament. Then again I wish I was British. Then again, I would be thrown out for heckling too much.

[upturnedkangaroo]

@Pyr0maniac29 people can make the better desicion at 16 because they will have stronger and more fiery oppinions, voting at 16 will lead to more protest votes, which will help end the lib/lab/con dominance. not all young people are thick, ignorant fools, they are much more politically aware than you think.

[Archeryjames]

@Pyr0maniac29:

Well said I totally agree!

[upturnedkangaroo]

HEAR HEAR! VOTES AT 16

[Pyr0maniac29]

James, for every one of you there are thousands of others the same age who have neither the will, nor the inclination to get acquainted with party politics. Lowering the voting age will merely: lead to an increase family voting, voting for outrageous parties and an increase in voting for the party with the most propaganda. At 18, people are generally more suited to making the best decision they can regarding the future of our country.