MEMBERS of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) South West Division met for the first time in the new term of office this month.

Ellie Pullen, who has been a member of Youth Parliament for west Wiltshire for the past two years attended along with Charles McGrath new Member for east Wiltshire and deputies Kieran Mulvaney (north), Jordan Green (west) and Aodhan Burnell (east).

They discussed UK Youth Parliament’s campaign for the year ahead, A Curriculum for Life, which more than 250,000 young people from across the UK chose to be debated in the House of Commons by UKYP members.

The campaign states: “The UK Youth Parliament believes the national curriculum should be radically overhauled through a youth-led review that helps develop young people’s political knowledge, better sex and relationship education, cultural awareness, community cohesion, finance skills and sustainable living.’’

Members discussed how to develop the campaign over the year and what should be taught. They also spent time on a Heritage Heroes project, learning about historical political activists from the region such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Emmeline Pankhurst.

Charles, 16, said: “A thoroughly interesting day in which I learnt the basics of being a member of Youth Parliament and the responsibilities of the role. An insightful session on local Heritage Heroes rounded off an extremely eventful day.’’