Killyleagh politician is off to Youth Parliament event

Killyleagh politician is off to Youth Parliament event

26 July 2017

KILLYLEAGH’S James Savage is delighted that funding has been found to allow the Youth Parliament to reconvene.

The parliament’s annual sitting takes place in Liverpool this weekend, with James very much looking forward to the trip to Merseyside to join up with other young people from across the UK.

The Killyleagh teenager —  who was elected to represent the Strangford constituency —  is one of six young people representing Northern Ireland at the Youth Parliament which was formed 17 years ago. 

It has around 600 members who are elected to represent the views of young people aged between 11 and 18 to government and service providers.

Last year, the organisation was plunged into crisis after those who had been elected were informed their terms had been suspended due to financial pressure. But with the issue now addressed, James is looking forward to playing a key role in the work of the parliament, starting this weekend in Liverpool.

“Youth MPs elected in 2016 were informed there would be no further elections and the terms suspended until further notice but funding has now been found to allow it to continue,” he explained.

James revealed he has already started working on projects that will help the people of the Strangford both young and old. 

“A big issue for me during my second term as the member of the Youth Parliament will be inter-generational work and making communities across Northern Ireland stronger,” he explained. 

“I want everyone to feel safe in their own community and I am already working on small projects that will help everyone feel safer in my local community.”

James revealed that over the coming weeks he will be distributing personal alarms to elderly and young people in the community and working to make people more aware of police advice on how to deal with so-called cold callers and feel safer in their homes.

“I also hope to assist community groups and support projects already underway and will be speaking with councillors and politicians about how young people can be better represented and their views taken on board,” he continued.

“Young people are the future of our country and they deserve a say. As a member of the Youth Parliament and believe the voting age should be lowered to allow enable this to happen.”