ROYAL Wootton Bassett student Matthew Jamieson brought up the hot political issue of online safety for teenagers when he joined members of the national Youth Parliament at their annual sitting.

He was one of three youngsters from Wiltshire who travelled to Liverpool to vote on topics they will debate in the House of Commons later this year.

His motion was one of two put forward for the vote. He said afterwards: “It was great to be able to present my ideas on how to help young people.

“Annual sitting is not only a great way to progress as an individual but also a great platform to represent young people from Wiltshire and the UK.”

He wanted to discuss how young people should be educated on digital security to help keep them safe online as well as in the wider world.

Fellow Wiltshire representative Cecilia George from Salisbury’s motion was for subsidised gym memberships for 16 to 18-year-olds.

She said: “It’s so nice to meet like-minded young individuals who care so much about youth voice and politics.”

Their suggestions were debated alongside 18 others and although they weren’t successful the youngsters are looking forward to being part of the annual debate in the House of Commons chamber in November.

The annual debate by youth parliamentarians is chaired by the Speaker of the House John Bercow and gives them a chance to discuss five hot topics before voting for two issues that will become their priority campaigns for the year.

Wiltshire Council runs local elections to the UK Youth Parliament and support its MYPs throughout their term of office. The youngsters also sit in the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth and campaign on local and national issues identified by young people.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children said: “It is important young people have a voice and our three young people are doing their best to represent the youth of our county on the wider stage.

“We value the input from young people in our day to day decision making here at Wiltshire Council and this is taking those issues to be shared on a national level.”

The debate is due to be held on November 10. In last year’s session members discussed racism, Islamophobia and Brexit while previous debates have covered mental health, improving public transport and a call for everyone to be paid at least the living wage.

Members, who are aged 11 to 18, are elected every year by their peers and over the past two years more than a million young people have cast their votes.