MEMBERS of the Worcestershire’s UK Youth Parliament are clearing their throats ready for their live televised debate when they will be discussing issues volunteered by some of the county’s youngsters.

On Friday, Worcestershire’s elected members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) will make history when they sit on the green benches in the House of Commons and debate the issues that matter to young people from across Britain.

They will be the first outside body to debate in the House of Commons chamber.

Over the last couple of months, young Worcestershire residents have been asked to put forward their ideas for what the elected members should debate.

Taking part will be West Worcestershire member Alice Murphy from Worcester Sixth Form College, East Worcestershire member Ario Bagheri from Droitwich Spa High School Sixth Form and North Worcestershire member Ellen Cochrane from North Bromsgrove High School.

The five issues to be debated are: Lowering the voting age to 16; youth crime and how to tackle it; public transport for young people; jobs for young people and the economy; and university fees. The debate has been organised by United Kingdom Youth Parliament and supported locally by Worcestershire County Council.

It is being televised live by the BBC Parliament Channel from 4.30pm.

Kirsty Fraser, Worcestershire County Council's youth voice development worker, added: “This will be a great event that will really help put Worcestershire young people’s views and ideas on the agenda.” For further details on the debate, call Kirsty Fraser on 01905 827489 or e-mail kfraser@worcestershire.gov.uk.