This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words. Ed
Jack Phillipsborn, Member of the Youth Parliament for the Isle of Wight, has spent two days shadowing Island MP, Andrew Turner.
One day was spent in Mr Turner’s Island office at the Riverside Centre, the other at Westminster.
As well as getting ‘first hand’ experience of the work of a Member of Parliament, Jack also sat in the public gallery of the House of Commons to watch Prime Minister’s Question Time.
The Youth Parliament
The Youth Parliament was formed in 2000 and now consists of around 600 members. It provides opportunities for young people, from 11 to 18 years of age, to use their voice in a creative way, representing young people in their area, to bring about social change.
Elections usually take place between December and February each year and any young person aged between 11 and 18, has the right to stand for election. Members meet regularly to hold debates and plan campaigns, at venues including the British Museum, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Great insight
Jack commented, “In my view one of the most essential parts of being a Member of Youth Parliament is developing a good working relationship with the local MP, so that the youth community can have better representation in our nation’s politics. I am very glad to say that such a relationship exists between Andrew Turner and me.
“On one day I shadowed Mr Turner in Parliament. Amongst various discussions about British politics (particularly House of Lords reform) and the state of our ‘beloved’ Coalition Government, the opportunity arose for me to attend the weekly Prime Minister Questions. I occasionally watch it on the television, but to actually see question after question put to the Prime Minister from the gallery of the House of Commons was quite extraordinary.
“The experience gave me great insight into what the role of a ‘backbencher’ is and how that role provides the much-needed checks and balances to scrutinise the Government and its agenda, which is more important that one might presume.
“I must pay tribute and thank Mr Turner and his staff for the remarkable opportunity”.
Interesting to hear views of youth
Mr Turner said, “I very much enjoyed spending a couple of days with Jack. It was interesting to find out his views on such topics as votes for 16 year olds, reform of the House of Lords and the age limits for drinking.
“He had clearly thought carefully about the issues and we had discussions about those topics and many more. Jack also invited me to attend a meeting of the Youth Council, I will be very happy to do so as in the past I have found those meetings very useful.”
