17-year-old James Humphry, member of Cardiff Youth Council, is one of 11 young people to sit on the new Youth Select Committee – launched today (17 April 2012) by the British Youth Council, supported by the House of Commons.
The Youth Select Committee mirrors the UK Parliament Select Committee structure and gives young people the opportunity to scrutinise and hold enquiries in to topics they’re interested in. The group’s first inquiry, in July, will look at public transport – as identified as a priority by members of the British Youth Council and UK Youth Parliament in 2011. The terms of reference for the inquiry are: ‘to inquire into issues and concerns around safe, affordable and accessible transport for young people and make recommendations to decision makers to address them.’
James, who is also been actively involved in developing a new structure of youth forums and services for young people in and around Cardiff, brings a wealth of experience to the group. Commenting on his involvement in the Youth Select Committee, James said:
“I am delighted to represent Wales as a member of the first ever Youth Select Committee inquiry on transport, and am looking forward to making a positive contribution.
The Youth Select Committee is open to take evidence from Tuesday 17th April 2012 to Monday 14th May 2012. The inquiry will take place on Friday 6th and Friday 13th July 2012 in the same committee rooms used by Parliamentary Select Committees in Westminster, and their final report will be published in November 2012. Individuals and organisations can submit evidence to the Youth Select Committee by emailing: [email protected]
The British Youth Council recruited the select committee members to represent a geographical, age and interest spread from across the UK, and arranged their induction and training. The charity will continue to support the group’s research and the calling of witnesses, throughout the first inquiry.
Dara Farrell (18), Chair of the Youth Select Committee and Vice-Chair of the British Youth Council, said:
“We are really pleased to have James on the Youth Select Committee. This is a really exciting opportunity for young people to become more actively involved in Parliament – not just campaigning on the outside, but actually coming inside and actively influencing decision making.
“Young people have chosen transport for the first inquiry with 65,000 young people voting it a priority, and endorsed by votes at the British Youth Council and UK Youth Parliament last year. It is clearly an important local issue to young people across the UK.”
Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:
“I am delighted to support this exciting new Select Committee project which empowers young people to examine the issues important to them and which highlights the power of politics to change things for the better.”
Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, said:
“This Youth Select Committee is a great example of how we are Positive for Youth – listening to young people’s views on issues that really matter to them, such as transport. Central government is leading by example in giving young people a voice and I look forward to hearing the results of their inquiry.”
Jan Royall, Labour’s Leader in the House of Lords and head of the Labour Party’s Young People & Politics Policy Review said:
“I wholeheartedly welcome the launch of the Youth Select Committee. Young people care passionately about the important issues facing our country and the Youth Select Committee will be a great way for young people’s voices to be heard loud and clear.”
