Above: Solomon Curtis MYP second from left voting in favour of a motion

Is transport no longer an issue for young people in Hastings?

Last weekend as the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Hastings, Bexhill and Upper Rother, HOT’s Solomon Curtis attended the UK Youth Parliament’s annual sitting along with hundreds of MYPs from across the country.

The Sitting not only prepares MYPs for the House of Commons debate in November where the UK Youth Parliament’s main campaign is decided, but it is also a chance to vote on motions which inform the Youth Parliament Manifesto.

For years, Transport has been voted in the Commons as the main issue for the Youth Parliament, but after this weekend that may not be the case.

There were two transport motions for MYPs to vote on, firstly saying that bus fares should be reduced up to 50% across the country and that there should be a discounted fare across the country.

I voted on behalf of Hastings against both proposals.

The proposals weren’t passed after several recounts and controversy. It was felt that the first proposal meant discounts could be 0.01% and it should have said “reduced TO 50%” and the second proposal had no substance or strategy for campaigning.

Because of this unexpected shock, it is predicted that Transport will not be voted the most important issue in the House of Commons by MYPs. However, I am campaigning, along with the East Sussex Youth Cabinet, for a 3-in-1 card which proves ID, provides discounts to prices and local stores; the biggest change in transport for young people in the county.

Rt Hon. John Bercow MP with MYPs

In addition to the voting, the UK Youth Parliament’s annual sitting involved speeches from the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, Tim Loughton (minister for children and families) and Peter Tatchell who gave a hard hitting speech which ended with over one hundred names of human rights criminals that were special guests to the olympic opening ceremony and the list was ended by his dash to catch a plane.

Also in: Campaigns