Young people had the chance to quiz local politicians on what Brexit means for their futures at a special debate in Monmouth.
In its inaugural event, the newly-formed Monmouthshire Youth Parliament (MYP) invited students under 18 years-old to have their say and share ideas following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.
Conservative MP for Monmouth David Davies and Monmouth Labour Party candidate Catherine Fookes were questioned on topics including education, employment and health during an hour-long discussion at the Shire Hall on Friday.
Supported by Monmouthshire County Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls sixth-former Beth Handley founded MYP during the summer holidays with help from Year 11 Monmouth School pupil Jack Tottem to open up lines of political discussion among young people.
David Davies MP praised the organising committee for arranging a successful first event.
“I was delighted to take part in the debate on Brexit and congratulate the youth parliament for providing a much-needed political voice to the young people of Monmouthshire,” he said.
“There seemed to be a general agreement that whichever side of the argument you’re on, it is important to respect the democratic wish of the British electorate who voted to leave the EU in order to get back control of our money, our borders, our laws and the politicians who make them.
“Young people wanted to know when we will actually leave. The answer is that we could simply tear up the treaties and leave immediately.
“Instead of doing this, the government has responsibly decided to spend a few months working through issues with the rest of the EU. We will then trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the legal mechanism for beginning the process of rescinding our membership, which the Prime Minister has indicated is likely to happen in early 2017.”
Mr Davies said he was saddened by suggestions during the referendum campaign that widespread concern about immigration was in some way ‘racist’.
He added: “I warmly welcome those who have come to the UK from around the world and contributed to our economy.
“However, I do think current numbers are too high and we should restrict access to benefits and social housing for people who have just arrived.
“This is certainly not racism and I am glad Remain supporters seem to now agree.”
He also condemned post-Brexit hate crimes, stating: “I am extremely disappointed that there have been attempts to link the unacceptable behaviour of a minority of idiots with the 17 million law-abiding people who voted to leave in June.”
Britain’s exit from the EU will allow the government to negotiate free trade deals with countries across the world which, Mr Davies argued, could lead to greater opportunities for young people to travel, study and do business abroad.
“Most importantly of all, young people will benefit from being able to demand that elected representatives attend debates such as the one in the Shire Hall,” he said.
“MPs who face election every five years are always going to be a lot keener to attend public meetings than unelected commissioners.”