Rhun ap Iorwerth AM has welcomed the Presiding Officer’s announcement this week that the Assembly Commission has agreed to establish a Welsh Youth Parliament.

The Welsh Youth Parliament will hold its first elections in November 2018 and will have 60 members aged between 11 and 18.

The Commission are currently working on a date to register to vote for Youth Welsh Parliament Members (YWPMs) and are looking at how young people can put themselves forward to become a YWPM.

Ynys Môn AM, who has been very supportive of the idea of a Youth Parliament for Wales, said:

“The establishment of a youth parliament for Wales is something which I feel very enthusiastic about. It will not only give young people an opportunity to express their opinions but will also raise awareness amongst young people about their political systems and parliamentary systems that have an effect on their lives.”

Gwion Rhisiart, 13, who had taken part in the consultation on the idea of a Youth Parliament and who today spent the day with Rhun ap Iorwerth at the Assembly, added:

“I am very pleased that Wales will have a Youth Parliament because now young people will have a view on matters that will affect them.”