YOUNGSTERS can make their voices heard nationally as nominations open for the borough’s first ever representatives of the UK Youth Parliament.

Young people aged from 11 to 18 are invited to vote for two Members of Youth Parliament and two deputy MYPs who will represent them at national events.

The UKYP was established in 2000 and is run by young people for young people, giving them the opportunity to share opinions on a wide range of issues from job opportunities to foreign policy.

All representatives will be non-political and views and recommendations will be listened to by local and national government and providers of youth services.

Bobby Wiafe, a member of Barnet Youth Board, said: “More than 80 per cent of local authorities are represented already in the Youth Parliament so it’s only fair that our voice is heard as well.

“It gives young people the chance to get to know what an election is like, giving them the experience so when they turn 18 they will know about voting and being represented.”

Councillor Andrew Harper, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for education, children and families said: “The UK Youth Parliament gives young people an insight into how democracy works – hopefully we will see some of them become councillors or even MPs in the future.”

For more information visit www.barnet.gov.uk/youth-parliament