Budding politicians were given the opportunity to debate issues affecting young people at a special event in the Houses of Parliament.

Members of the UK Youth Parliament gathered in the Commons to discuss a number of subjects, including work experience and the protection of LGBT individuals.

It followed a consultation put forward by Harrow Youth Parliament, which asked 11 to 18 year olds to vote on the things which matter most to them.

More than two-thirds of young people in Harrow had their say in the ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign.

It emerged that introducing work experience hubs for people in their age bracket was the most prevalent concern, closely followed by issues relating to public transport and lowering the voting age to 16.

Dara Foody, who attended the debate as Harrow’s Youth MP, said: “We are determined to provide a voice to all of the young people in our borough and to persistently campaign on issues which are significant to them.

“Over the past year we’ve been working alongside MPs and councillors to increase support for votes at 16 and to lobby for a curriculum for life to be introduced in schools across the borough.

“We will continue to place these issues, as well as work experience and transport, at the top of our agenda so that we can offer effective representation to those who elected us and make a change for all young people including those who are locked out of the electoral system in this country.”

The UK Youth Parliament is the only time people other than MPs are entitled to sit on and debate at the iconic green benches.

Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, chaired this year’s event and there were a number of speeches from ministers including the Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom.

While work experience, public transport and voting age were considered the most worthy issues in Harrow, at a national level, the increased provision of life skills within the curriculum was identified as being of the greatest importance.

Cllr Christine Robson, responsible for children, schools and young people at Harrow Council, said it would continue to fight for young people going forward.

She said: “It is wonderful that, because of the high youth voting turnout in Harrow, the national debate was heavily centred on the needs of our young people.

“Harrow Council takes the needs of young people seriously. We’ve helped create over 500 apprenticeships during this administration and supported the UK Youth Parliament by passing a motion supporting votes at 16.”