We are delighted to announce that Year 11 student Edie has been shortlisted to stand in the UK Youth Parliament elections for Leeds – and she needs your support in voting for her in the upcoming election. 

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) enables young people to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better. Run by young people for young people, UKYP provides opportunities for young people aged 11-18 years old to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

Edie has always been passionate about the environment and making a positive impact on the world. In school she is an enthusiastic and engaged member of our school community – as a member of the School Council, member of the Eco-Schools Committee, and a Geography and History student leader. We are certain Edie will be more than capable of being a great Member of Youth Parliament (MYP). Read her manifesto below, or on the UKYP website.

To vote for Edie in this election – you need to be aged between 11-18 and should live in Leeds or attend a Leeds school. Voting closes on Friday 24th November.

Follow this link to vote: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/MYPVoting23/ 

Here is Edie’s manifesto:

Public transport fares must be lowered to tackle the climate crisis.  A vote for me is a vote for your future – get your voice heard. 

I am Edie and I am standing to be your MYP for Leeds.

Climate change is one of the major issues facing young people today, and it is vital that we, as young people, have platforms to have our voices heard on a national scale. Although young people are sometimes not taken into account when climate related decisions are made, it is imperative that we have our own young representatives to challenge this, as we are the generation who will be  dealing with the most serious effects of this in the future. As your MYP, I will advocate for you and be your voice, representing Leeds, on issues such as climate change.

 – Firstly, I will campaign for lower public transport fares for young people. Although this may be seen as a separate issue, it is extremely closely linked to climate change, as to decarbonise we need to increase numbers using public transport. High fares are often a barrier stopping young people from using public transport, and I know that many of you in Leeds suffer from high bus and train fares on a daily basis. I will therefore raise this issue nationally, and work with transport companies and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to obtain lower fares for young people. Aside from climate change, lower transport fares for young people are vital as they can increase access to education and employment. Why should we have to suffer with high bus fares when it is illegal for us to drive a car?

– Secondly, I will campaign for greater climate education, and work with your schools in Leeds to create plans surrounding action on climate change. Climate education is essential to create a generation of informed citizens who can tackle the issue and develop new technologies to adapt, so I will campaign for this on a local, regional, and national scale to benefit you all now and in the future.

I will also send out regular surveys so that I can raise any issues that you have with decision makers, as I want to understand all of your priorities well so I can represent you to the best of my ability.

If I am elected, I am determined to also address issues such as provision for mental health problems, anti-social behaviour, and poverty.

Thank you for reading my manifesto, and remember that A VOTE FOR EDIE IS A VOTE FOR YOUR FUTURE.