THE UK’S Youth Parliament is looking to hear from young people about the issues they find most exciting.

Wiltshire residents aged from 11 to 18 have been asked to select the subjects debated by youth parliament when it next meets at the House of Commons in November.

Whether it’s education, equality, the environment, or something else entirely, young people can cast their ballots to choose their topics in August.

Schools and youth organisations can apply for ballot papers from the UK Youth Parliament website.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “The Youth Parliament is a fantastic institution which does so much to nurture the ideals of democracy.

“I hope that as many youngsters in Wiltshire as possible get involved by voting for subjects of debate. The county’s schools and students have supported the Youth Parliament strongly in the past and I’m sure they will continue to do so for a long time to come.”

The UK Youth Parliament was founded in 1999 with the aim of giving young people a voice in politics. Members take part in an annual debate in the House of Commons chamber chaired by the Speaker of the House.

They debate five issues chosen by a ballot of young people from across the UK and then vote to decide which two issues should become the UK Youth Parliament’s priority campaigns for the year ahead.

Wiltshire is represented by three MYPs. Maisy Humphrey represents the north, Karl Smithson the south, and Joel Mutagayika the east of Wiltshire.