We asked over 850,000 young people nationwide to rate the issue which was most important to them, and Southwell students. They considered tackling Climate Change and reducing knife crime as their top priorities which they want the Youth Parliament to campaign on.

On the morning of the debate, I had the opportunity to talk with the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, in Speakers House who shared his and the government’s commitment to empowering young people. Alongside this, I was chosen to close our debate on knife crime, speaking from the government despatch box in the House of Commons Chamber. I highlighted the need to tackle the root causes of knife crime, adopting a public health approach through reducing child poverty and racial stigmatisation.

To listen to my full speech, follow this link: https://youtu.be/aVUNKKrA7R0