Chloe Smith MP elected Chair of Youth Affairs All Party Parliamentary Group

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, was elected of the APPG on Youth Affairs at the inaugural meeting last week.

 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs is a cross-party forum which allows MPs and Peers to meet about – and raise the profile of - issues which affect and concern young people.

 

The APPG was established in 1998 to encourage dialogue between parliamentarians, young people and youth services, and encourage a co-ordinated and coherent approach to youth policymaking.

 

The group is supported by the British Youth Council, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, and YMCA. Alongside a range of young people’s organisations, they draw upon their membership to ensure that young people directly participate in the group; it is therefore an excellent opportunity to engage directly with young people and understand their concerns and aspirations.

 

The APPG allows for a lively debate between ministers, parliamentarians and young people. It forms part of Chloe’s work to engage young people in politics and Government, ensuring their voices are heard on issues that matter most to them.

 

Speaking after the meeting, Chloe commented: “I’m delighted to have been elected Chair of this important group to oversee their continuing work to ensure young people’s issues are represented in Westminster.

 

“Through my work leading the Norwich for Jobs scheme, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing young people. I look forward to working with the APPG to help politicians in Westminster understand them better, and to seek solutions to some of those problems too.”

 

Mita Desai, Chair of British Youth Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the APPG on Youth Affairs will continue with the support of BYC, YMCA and NCVYS. The APPG on Youth Affairs provides a space for young people to discuss the social issues that matter to them with decision makers and I’m excited to see what discussions will take the floor over the next few years”

 

Susanne Rauprich, Chief Executive for NCVYS, said: "We're delighted to be working with our new Chair Chloe Smith MP as well as our partners in the youth sector and look forward to providing opportunities for young people and the youth organisations who work with them to meet with decision makers, share their experiences and hold them to account."

 

Denise Hatton, YMCA England Chief Executive, said: “I am exceptionally pleased the APPG on Youth Affairs is continuing and that YMCA is a part of it. Over the past 17 years, the group has given young people the chance to put forward challenging questions to MPs, Lords and Ministers on a range of topics and I am sure this will continue over the course of this Parliament.”