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26 March 2025

Blackpool’s Luke Marwood’s voice heard in UK Youth Parliament

Luke Marwood, 18, the elected Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) for Blackpool has recently had his voice heard at the national sitting of the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons.

Luke Marwood, 18, in a blue jacket and jeans, stands in front of Big Ben, representing Blackpool at the UK Youth Parliament.
Luke Marwood
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Luke Marwood, 18, the elected Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) for Blackpool has recently had his voice heard at the national sitting of the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons.

On the 28 February, Luke joined young people from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the House of Commons in London to debate key issues that they feel have an impact on younger people.

Luke was elected as the MYP after Blackpool Council’s Youth Service advisory team reached out to 11-19 year olds across Blackpool through schools, sixth forms and colleges to cast a digital vote for their chosen candidate. Over 2000 votes were received and Luke was elected.

He is also a member of Blackpool’s Youth Council for 11 to 18 year olds who are involved in activities and campaigns that enable them to make positive changes for young people in Blackpool. They work with different organisations and partners across the town to help shape and decision makers that affect the lives of local young people.

Having been elected by his peers, Luke joined over 400 young people from across the UK representing their constituents to head to the House of Commons to debate topics ranging from voting at 16, public transport, the living wage to period poverty.

The young constituent representatives sitting at the House of Commons voted to support to make votes at 16 and period poverty the campaigns for the UK Youth Parliament for 2025.

Luke Marwood, Blackpool’s Member of the Youth Parliament, said:

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“Debating in the same chamber as generations of leaders before me was surreal. But more importantly, it was a reminder that politics should be for everyone, including young people. We deserve to have our voices heard. ‎ “Sitting in the House of Commons as Blackpool’s Member of the Youth Parliament was an incredible honour. Young people in our town have strong opinions and real concerns, and it was a privilege to represent their voices at such a prestigious institution. “The energy in the chamber was electric. Every single young person in that room was passionate, determined, and ready to fight for change. You could feel how much we all cared about the issues we were discussing. “One of the best parts of the experience was meeting other youth representatives from across the United Kingdom. We all came from different backgrounds and communities, but we shared the same goal, which was to make life better for young people.”
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Luke also met the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and had the opportunity to update the speaker on the work of the UK Youth Parliament and Blackpool Youth Council.

Cllr Kath Benson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration, commented: 

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“It is fantastic to see so many young people getting involved and voicing their opinions in an important democratic forum on matters that can have an impact on people’s lives both locally and nationally. “It is wonderful that people such as Luke are taking a positive and active interest in the issues that individuals and communities have to deal with on a daily basis. I wish Luke and others participating in these important discussions and debates all the very best in the future.”
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Any young people aged between 11 and 18 years old who are interested in being involved with making a difference and campaigning on issues that affect young people or may be interested in the Blackpool Youth Council please email youthservice@blackpool.gov.uk.

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