THE COMMONS is debating whether or not to allow the UK Youth Parliament to meet in the chamber.
Those who oppose such a move are often painted as old fuddy-duddies, protecting their ancient club membership privileges. And the problem is that many of those arguing against the mover are, in fact, old fuddy-duddies protecting their ancient club membership privileges.
Having said that, even Philip Davies is putting forward some reasonable arguments against the idea. But although I have reservations, I can’t see any real reason to oppose this. The House of Commons is not the same as the chamber at Westminster. It is wherever the 646 MPs choose to meet. So if, as has been suggested, the chamber has to be closed for a long period of time for restoration work to proceed, and we have to meet elsewhere — in the chamber currently used by the Lords, for example — then that chamber will become the House of Commons. Were we to meet across the road in Methodist Central Hall or the QE2 Centre, either of those venues would become the House of Commons.
When it was first inaugurated, the Commons met all over the country, and wasn’t described as a “House” of Commons until it was given its first permanent venue at Westminster by Edward VI. We shouldn’t become too precious about a mere building — iconic though those green benches are — and risk making ourselves look even more elitist and out of touch than we already appear.
Back to top
Monday 16 March 2009 at 9:07 pm
It shouldn’t be allowed because it will give the Youth Parliament some legitimacy, when it should be viewed as the waste of time that it is.
What next, will their “leader” be invited to stay at a room in Downing Street when in London?
Rubbish, stupid, is just two of the many words I can think of to describe the “Youth Parliament”. Let them meet behind the bike sheds as it should be.
Bloody kids!
Monday 16 March 2009 at 9:29 pm
What another complete waste of time and money.
Monday 16 March 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hi Tom,
I’m delighted that this was voted through. This will be a fantastic oppertunity for young people.
It’s always great to have the support of someone like John above as well.
Best wishes
Sam Ellis
Chair of the Board of Trustees
UK Youth Parliament
Monday 16 March 2009 at 10:33 pm
Tom,
Letting them use the chamber? What’s the big deal? The UK Youth Parliament is a fantastic idea, and though it could be much better utilised, all in all, how can anyone criticise the concept? If we want to encourage kids in anything, why not give them the opprtunity.
Lots of politicians do appear out of touch so very often, and this would just further this. Glad to see you’re swinging in the right direction on this.
Friends and family have been members of the UK Youth Parliament and can only applaud it, so giving them a bit more of an incentive is the least they can do.
Monday 16 March 2009 at 10:33 pm
Ha. The Youth Parliament. If you asked 100 random kids from my school about it, I doubt if a single one would have heard of it. It’s completely inaccessible and vacuous.
Monday 16 March 2009 at 11:18 pm
Don’t MPs have bigger things to worry about than this?
Monday 16 March 2009 at 11:33 pm
As the House of Commons have delegated most of what used to be sovereign competencies to the European Union (e.g. Transport, Environment, Trade, yada yada) and as this will be the shortest sitting of a parliament in over a hundred years. Then I have no problem if Muslim Parliament, the Youth Parliament or even the boy scouts and the girl guides wish to soil the seat of their pants on the green greasy benches of Westminster.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 12:23 am
Interesting to see Deputy Chief Whip Tommy McAvoy voting against it, assuming Hansard has not made a mistake. Only other Labour MP to oppose is Colin Burgon (Elmet).
Also two Lib Dems opposed: Jeremy Browne (Taunton) and Bob Russell (Colchester), along with Gregory Campbell of the DUP.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 1:05 am
It’s always nice to have support. Maybe Sam Ellis can use some that to get the Gloucester Youth Parliament blogs working again.
Fair play to Tom for getting so many comments, and permitting them too. Our own MP is petrified of what his constituents might say about him.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 1:47 am
A few comments of my own:
http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/03/17/ukyp-must-it-be-adversarial/
Best,
dw
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 2:44 am
Youth Parliament, I recollect something from the 70s or 80s about something like that. Same time about school children unions calling strikes and other silliness.
Didn’t know that it was still going on, I wonder how many youth even know it exists or how kiddies become members.
Oh well, I’m sure they do wonderful things and stuff.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 5:57 am
As Terry Jones might have said about the Youth Parliament, “I didn’t vote for them”.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 10:13 am
The Commons is probably worried that the Youth Parliament will set a standard of behaviour and debate that MPs won’t be able to uphold.
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 12:52 pm
Tom – you can’t say Philip Davies has made reasonable points! He never makes reasonable points!
Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 12:56 pm
Good point, well made.
Wednesday 18 March 2009 at 12:32 am
On the subject of the 646 meeting elsewhere, may I suggest the Excel Centre in Newham? They’ve got some great facilities there.