The Youth Parliament makes children of us all

When the British Youth Council (BYC) announced last week its imminent closure, people went near-hysterical, declaring it ‘devastating’ news and a ‘dark day’ for Britain’s youth. Of particular concern was the future of the Youth Parliament, one of the BYC’s flagship programmes. In all likelihood, the Youth Parliament will see new leadership rather than the graveyard. But the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport would be well advised to think twice before increasing its £750,000 grant for the project. 

I say this not just as an old curmudgeon, but (for all my sins) as a former ‘Member of Youth Parliament’ (MYP). My criticism of it is not purely self loathing. From the outset, the concept was flawed. Like many youth initiatives, it rejects the centuries old wisdom that children should be seen and not heard. By giving young voices a platform, it presupposes that young voices deserve to be listened to.