15th January 2007 - Linda urges young people to join debate

Yorkshire and the Humber MEP Linda McAvan is urging young people living in the region to take part in an online discussion and share their views on political topics.

The European Youth Parliament has set up a new website, where leading MEPs and experts take part in discussions on climate change, EU enlargement and education. Linda has posted the opening statement for the education discussion.

Leading figures from the RSPB and Institute for European Environmental Policy, a university academic and four MEPs are taking part in the project.

Linda McAvan said;

"Too often, the voices of young people are not heard in our political discussions, but it is they who are most affected by the long-term decisions. As politicians and policy-makers, we need to do more to ensure that they are."

She added;

"I know that many young people are angry and passionate about climate change, that they care deeply about improving the lives of people overseas, and that they want an education system that prepares them well for their future careers and will help them into good jobs. Why shouldn't they be involved in the debate that helps to make those things happen? And in a world that seems smaller than ever before, why shouldn't that debate should cross national boundaries? I hope that people who live locally will have a look at the site, share their thoughts and engage in the debate."

To take part in the discussion right now, just visit http://www.eyptalk.net/.