[NOTE: This story is dated May 2024 and refers to the continuation of UKYPs 2 year DCMS delivery contract from until March 2025 following the closure of the British Youth Council. As of January 2025 there is no information about its future after this date. YVN have written to DCMS to enquire if it will be retendered or extended. – Editor]
Minister Stuart Andrew MP (DCMS) issued a Commons statement (21/05/24 see below ) and appeared on BBC Newsround to confirm that the Government has appointed the National Youth Agency to continue the UK Youth Parliament programme until March 2025. This followed a pause to national coordination following the closure of the previous host BYC (see other news post) and a period of dialogue with stakeholders, including young leaders and Young Voices Heard.
The Minister also announced a formal review of the Youth Parliament’s long-term future and that the Department (DCMS) “is exploring its role in supporting the delivery of other youth voice activities which were previously facilitated by the British Youth Council. We remain open to proposals from organisations or sector bodies on how these might be delivered by others in the future.”
James Cathcart, Director of Young Voices Heard (and former CEO of BYC/UKYP 2008-2016) said “I’m particularly pleased that the NYA is to going to be working in partnership with the existing delivery infrastructure in the regions and nations, ensuring continuity through those who hold the existing experience and expertise in the field of youth representation. This includes the young leaders themselves, notably the elected UKYP Steering Group and lobbyists who stepped up to be heard and doubtless impressed and influenced the Minister in their meetings. I expect the Government-led review of UKYPs long-term future will provide an opportunity for reform of the model, including a thorough exploration of sustainable and appropriate funding that doesn’t rely on the variables of short-term charity income and government grants. We need something which is as secure and independent as the role of the children’s commissioner.
I’m also pleased that organisations continue to be invited to submit proposals and ideas about the future of UKYP and indeed a future replacement for a national Youth Council. Young people deserve to not only have a right to be heard but a solid foundation and framework to do that. In the meantime young people have the UKYP platform to be heard on their priority issues, including how they can be better heard by power, before and after the forthcoming election”
Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament
The Minister also said “By securing the future of the Youth Parliament for the coming year, we are underlining how the
Government is absolutely committed to creating opportunities for young people’s voices to be heard as voters and politicians of the future”.
BBC Newsround He was later interviewed by Members of Youth Parliament on Newsround which you can watch here.
Haydn Cutler MYP, Member of Youth Parliament for Kent and lobbyist ( News Blog) on behalf of the continuation of UKYP said “It is great to hear that the important work of UKYP will continue, with our organisation essential in the continuance of youth voice within UK politics, and I know the NYA will continue to enable this. From the discussions I’ve had, it is clear today’s announcement will bring relief to many fellow MYPs, and I would like to give my thanks to all who worked tirelessly for this outcome”.
Jamie Burrell, UK Youth Parliament Steering Group said: “Since BYC announced their closure, the Steering Group, the programme’s young leaders, have been working to ensure that Members of Youth Parliament will be able to take up their roles and make a difference in their communities and beyond. I’m delighted that the National Youth Agency will deliver that this year and I’m committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable long-term future for the UK Youth Parliament”
Young Voices Heard met with and provided a platform to both Hayden (who coordinated a petition open letter to the Minister when BYC closed) and the UK Steering Groups, published their public statements, during the round of meetings between officials, the Minister and lobbyists.
MORE INFORMATION :
DCMS Press Release: Government secures future of UK Youth Parliament – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
UKYP/BYC Resources: Manifesto, Make Your Mark Report (draft), Rule Book, Code of Conduct and the latest Youth Select Committee Report are available in our YVH Resources for reference
NYA/UKYP page/news: UK Youth Parliament – National Youth Agency (nya.org.uk)
YVH Comment Given the forthcoming general election, its expected that both the formal review and a broader debate about the future of a national Youth Council will inform and influence a new Governments policy and support, and will extend to a range of broader youth engagement measures such as Votes at 16 , democracy education in schools, and a new Minister for Youth. Young Voices Heard will be updating and launching its own manifesto for change in the coming months.