Awesome – in nearly 30 years of youth work as a volunteer, part timer and full timer both for the voluntary and statutory sectors I witnessed last Friday the ultimate in youth empowerment.

Not only was the UKYP event historical in that the House of Commons was allowed to be used by others than MP’s (the first time in 800 years) but that young MYP’s taking part showed fantastic courage, were so articulate, humorous and showed a great knowledge in the subject areas they were debating on. John Berkow the speaker of the House of Commons and speaker on the day, in his opening address paid tribute that the UKYP was more representative in terms of its gender, ethnicity and disability representation than that of the adult House of Commons.

I am sure that other Youth Workers who were sat in the public gallery like myself felt an array of emotions at what we were witnessing, not since the first Live Aid concert have I felt such emotion as young peoples passion was so coolly delivered on the House floor. Congratulations not just to the young people taking part, but also to those workers whose hard work behind the scenes was so encapsulated at this event. Thanks also to John Bercow speaker of the House and fellow MP’s who voted last March to allow this historical event to take place. Lastly to the small group of Conservative backbenchers that so shamelessly last March tried to disrupt this event taking place-shame on you – I am sure your constituents many of whom are young people would be interested to know who you are – as John Bercow stated: ‘ the beauty of Democracy is that if we don’t like you we can simply vote you out!’.

Dave Thorley (Youth Worker).