QUICK-FIRE QUESTION TIME PUTS STUDENTS IN THE DRIVING SEAT

5.45.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Aug 2008

Sarah Carr telling of her belief that more chances for young people to be given far more opportunities to take part in political life.

On the opening day of Hereford's first International Youth Conference (Tuesday 15th July), young people from across Europe had the chance to take part in a fast-paced debate featuring a line up of local and national political figures.

Chaired by Vice-chairman of the Conference Committee, local student Michael Wheeler, the panel of guests ranged the political parties including visiting Labour MP Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton), Felicity Norman for the Green Party, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Sarah Carr and her Conservative counterpart Jesse Norman, with Conference Chairman James Langford completing the line-up.

In the two hours of heated political debate, young delegates from the audience asked the panellists views on issues from Europe to the environment, youth participation in public life and the economic challenges facing us in the future. The panellists clearly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the youthful enthusiasm of their questioners. Strong feelings were clear that young people should be given more opportunity to help influence the political decisions that affect them, through youth councils and the possibility of 'votes at 16'.

After the debate Sarah Carr said:

"A great credit is owed to the student committee that organised this conference, and to the staff who have made it possible. The fact that a student-run conference has proved to be such a success has shown that, whilst negative stereotypes of young people are common, in Herefordshire many of our teenagers are willing, eager and able to take a real and active role in the issues and plans that will shape our county for years to come. I was delighted to take part in the debate and I hope this will be the first of many youth conferences held in Herefordshire."