Wolverhampton Youth MP represents city at Parliament debate

Wolverhampton’s Youth Member of Parliament, Sienna Ahir, proudly represented the city for the second consecutive year at the UK Youth Parliament debate held in the House of Commons recently.

Supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Co-production team, Sienna joined Youth MPs from across the country to debate some of the most pressing issues facing young people today. The agenda included topics such as Crime and Safety, Education, Employment, and Sustainability.

During the debate, Sienna used her platform to advocate for greater access to employment and training opportunities for young people, particularly in areas where such opportunities are limited.

And she urged MPs to consider the disparities faced by youth across the country, stating: “Picture the same young people with the same determination – one lives where opportunity grows and the other lives where there are barriers to employment.

“These issues are not abstract concepts. They are embedded in work experience wasted in making coffee, travel costs we can’t afford, and rejection before we have had a chance to prove ourselves.”

The annual Youth Parliament debate offers young representatives a unique opportunity to experience the workings of Parliament first-hand, and to voice the concerns of their peers from the famous green benches of the House of Commons.

Reflecting on the experience, Sienna said: "To speak in the iconic chamber of the House of Commons was a surreal experience, and I was honoured to represent Wolverhampton. Speaking on employment isn’t about jobs or money, it’s about recognising the value of young people and prioritising the present in addition to our future.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, praised Sienna’s contribution, adding: “Sienna is an outstanding ambassador for the young people of Wolverhampton. Her powerful words in Parliament reflect the passion, insight, and determination of our city’s youth to access the opportunities they deserve.”