Greens ask Minister: what will happen to Yorkshire’s Youth Parliament representatives if the funding stops?

Harrogate councillors question future of UK Youth Parliament

North Yorkshire Greens have asked the Government to set out what will replace the UK Youth Parliament after its current term ends in March 2027.

And they have urged to ensure young people continue to have opportunities to elect representatives, campaign on issues that matter to them and make their voices heard by decision-makers.

Coun Mike Schofield and North Yorkshire Green Party campaigner Gilly Charters have written to Youth Minister Vicky Foxcroft asking what will replace the current arrangements.

The intervention follows new Government research on Votes at 16, published on 24 September, involving more than 3,500 young people aged 14 to 17.

It found fewer than half of those surveyed reported receiving support from their school or college to help them feel ready to vote.

School debates and mock elections were the most common form of wider political participation, involving around one third of respondents.

North Yorkshire currently has three elected Members of Youth Parliament, representing the East, West and Central areas.

Their term runs until 2028 - leaving questions about what happens if government funding ends in 2027.

Nationally, there are more than 300 Members of Youth Parliament aged 11 to 18. The UK Youth Parliament is not party-political, meaning that its young people focus on issues, not party politics.

Coun Schofield, who represents Harlow and St George’s in Harrogate, said: “If we’re going to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote, we also need to give young people opportunities to understand democracy. There’s no better way to learn than actually taking part in it.

"This isn’t about creating a generation of politicians. Taking part helps young people understand how democracy works. It also develops confidence, public speaking and teamwork – skills that employers value, whatever career they eventually choose.

"We want to know that the opportunities that the UK Youth Parliament provides won’t disappear after March 2027.”

The Government is supporting the UK Youth Parliament during 2026/27 and is developing new Youth Councils and other ways for young people to participate in decision-making.

Gilly Charters, a former teacher and probation officer and long-term Green Party campaigner, said: “The Government’s own research shows the need to help young people participate. We’re asking the Government: what happens after 2027?

"Will our young people still have the chance to elect their own representatives, campaign on issues that matter to them and have that meaningful voice with local and national decision-makers?

"Youth Parliament gives young people a chance to experience democracy before they get to the ballot box.”

The Greens have asked the Government to set out what will follow the current UK Youth Parliament term and ensure young people continue to have meaningful opportunities to participate, represent their peers and influence decisions locally and nationally.