Youth Council and Southend MPs host Youth Politics Event

On Friday 17th November 2006, David Amess MP, James Duddridge MP and Cllr Tony Cox hosted a Youth Politics Event in conjunction with Southend Youth Council for young people in Southend.

The open invitation was sent to all the secondary schools in Southend urging those that are perhaps already involved in their school council or studying politics to come and meet their MPs in an informal setting and question them on the issues of the day.

The students that came to the Iveagh Club on Friday also got a chance to inform David, James and Tony, who is the Youth Champion at Southend Borough Council, on how they can encourage more young people to get involved in local issues and the democratic process.

As David Amess MP said at the meeting,

‘Just because you are not old enough to vote does not mean that your opinions don’t count. Write to your MP and your Local Councillor, get involved in the Youth Council and you will make a difference.’

This was just the first of what is hoped to be a regular event that will strengthen youth participation in politics in the town.