11 to 18-year-olds in Somerset are invited to attend two virtual events next month to help shape Somerset County Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy.
Somerset Youth Parliament is running two free sessions via Zoom on Monday 11 and Monday 18 October, 6.15pm to 8pm, to learn more about the county’s plans, listen to key speakers including Rebecca Pow MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and have an opportunity to ask questions and contribute their own thoughts and ideas.
In November 2020, over 180,000 young people aged 11-18 across the UK (2,200 in Somerset) voted within the UK’s biggest youth consultation. The top priority for young people – both nationally and in Somerset – was ‘Take action on climate emergency and stop plastic pollution’.
Somerset Elected Member of Youth Parliament, Oban Mackie, said: “We know that young people are passionate about protecting their world. We understand that their opportunity to work alongside decision makers is crucial to improving our environment.
“In the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21), we anticipate that young people can expect to be listened to and included in decisions which will impact their future like never before.”
Cllr Frances Nicholson, Lead Member for Children’s Services at Somerset County Council, said: “It’s really good to see Somerset Youth Parliament and indeed all our young people involved in important discussions on climate change. I encourage as many people as possible to attend these events, to have their say and make a difference in the world.”
Somerset Youth Parliament is a non-party political group, affiliated with the British Youth Council and part of the national UK Youth Parliament and supported by Somerset County Council.
To find out more about UK Youth Parliament and the work of the national British Youth Council, visit www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament
To book a place at one of the virtual events, or to find out more about Somerset Youth Parliament group, email Kate Darlington at: kdarlington@somerset.gov.uk