A BUDDING young politician took part in a historic debate in the House of Commons on Friday (November 30).

Justin Kempley, 18, of Meadow Lane in Loughton, is a Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Essex. He was one of 300 MYPs who became the first people other than serving members of parliament to debate in the famous chamber in 300 years.

He said: “The whole experience was absolutely fantastic. It felt slightly surreal to be there in that context, but great at the same time. It's a wonderful old building. The whole thing, to be there and to speak with other people from all over the country taking part in something together, was just outstanding.

“There were five debates, and I spoke in the one on public transport. It focussed on the question of whether we should have free transport for under-16s if over-60s are entitled to it. I made the point that, in the time of a recession with rising fares for everybody, it was not realistic to expect something for nothing. I feel we should focus on the tangible issues, like voting at 16.

“I first read an article 12 months ago or so about the Young Essex Assembly, which is sort of a shadow for the country council. I was able to go on from there to become the MYP for Essex in the UK Youth Parliament. I sort of stumbled into it but I have loved every single minute of it.”

Justin plans to study anthropology at university and is in the process of applying while taking a year out.

He said: “I'm currently on a gap year, working on an internship at National Opinion Polling in the city. I've managed to get a buit of travel in already – I went to Berlin for the Germann elections, which was great fun.

“In January I'll be working at National Geographic in their marketing department. I'm really enjoying myself, even though I never thought I'd be the type to take a gap year.”

The UK Youth Parliament was launched in 1999 and has around 600 members aged 11-19, who were all elected by their peers to represent the views of young people across the country. For more information visit www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk.

Q&A

What is you favourite piece of music?

I love everything, but if I had to pick one it would be Beat It. I love Michael Jackson.

What are you reading at the moment, and what is your favourite book?

Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis.

What is your favourite hobby?

Probably rugby. I've always supported England and I played quite a bit at school.

Who is your hero?

Mohammed Nasheed. He's the president of the Maldives, who was leader of the opposition under a dictatorship and has brought democracy to the country. He's the one who held a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the threat of climate change. Realy inspirational.

What is your earliest memory?

Blowing out the candles on my cake on my 5th birthday.

What do you like most about Epping Forest?

We're really lucky to have the best of both worlds here, with the city on the one side and the forest on the other. It's a very beautiful, balanced place.

What do you hope to bring to the UK Youth Parliament?

There'll be a lot more campaigning, like CAFE (Cultural Awareness for Everyone), which is all about community cohesion and raising awareness of different cultures.