Knowsley Youth Parliament finalists in National Youth Parliament Competition

KNOWSLEY Youth Parliament (KYP) in Liverpool has made it through to the final for the Citizenship Foundation’s National Youth Parliament Competition and the team are in with a chance of winning a place at a House of Lords Reception in July 2007.   Knowsley’s entry was a debate on a proposed Bill to Raise the legal age of alcohol consumption to 21 KYP Member Jennifer Ginley picked up an individual award for ‘Best Minster’ and Stephanie Hall for ‘Best Backbencher’ in their heat.

Knowsley saw off competition from over 170 other schools and youth groups from around the UK to reach the final where their entry will be judged by a panel of MPs and Ministers, including Sarah Teather MP, Theresa May MP and Bridget Prentice.  Sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, the National Youth Parliament Competition helps bring to life the process of Parliament, government and politics. Teams of 11 to 18 year olds recreate the parliamentary chamber, take on the roles of Government, Opposition and backbench MPs and make a 20 minute video of their debate on a mock bill. The Competition is now in its sixteenth successful year.

Speaking about the competition, Shadow Education Secretary David Willetts MP said:- “The National Youth Parliament Competition is an excellent way of helping young people learn about politics by practising it. They remind us how the Commons can be the heart of an effective democracy in the future as much as the past.”

Tony Breslin, Chief executive of the Citizenship Foundation said:- “This active learning competition gives young people the opportunity to debate issues that are fundamental to their everyday lives. Healthy democracies need well-informed citizens who understand the democratic process and have the skills and confidence to participate. This competition helps bring this to life.”

The Winners will be announced on 12 June 2007.

EU TRANSPLANT HOPE FOR SOUTHPORT PATIENTS

A new EU-wide organ donor scheme could raise public awareness and bring hope for patients in Southport waiting for a transplant operation.

The idea was announced this week by EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou as a way to increase the number of organs available for transplant operations.

Around 40,000 patients are on EU waiting lists for a transplant, and it is thought that 10 people a day die waiting in vain for a donor organ.

The European Commission is drawing up guidelines to control the supply of surplus organs to countries in need. It also proposes creating organ transplant co-ordinators in hospitals and making better use of living donors.

Southport Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies has welcomed the announcement.

He said:- "This is the best instance of the EU not only getting greater value but also giving the chance of life itself.

At a time of grief this is an opportunity for people throughout the EU to give hope to others in whatever country they may be in.

We already have an EU-wide scheme in place for the movement of blood plasma which ensures the same high standards across the EU."

An opinion poll published this week found that 81% of EU citizens support the use of organ donor cards - but only 12% actually carry one.

It also found that 56% of Europeans are willing to donate one of their organs after they die.