UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)
What is the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)?
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) gives young people aged 11–18 the chance to use their voice to make a difference on the issues that matter most to them. Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are elected locally and represent the views of young people in their area at a national level.
Through campaigns, debates, and meetings with decision-makers, MYPs work to influence change on topics such as mental health, education, safety, equality, and the environment.
The UKYP incorporates many different elements in empowering the youth of today in achieving youth leadership and prominence throughout the community.
Every year, MYPs from across the country gather in the House of Commons to debate key issues chosen by young people through the Make Your Mark ballot — the UK’s largest youth consultation.
The UK Youth Parliament is supported by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and aims to amplify young people’s voices, ensuring they are heard by local councils, MPs, and government.
UK Youth Parliament Elections – 2026
The next UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections in Sandwell will take place from 26th January to 20th February 2026!
In Sandwell, two elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) will represent the voices of young people across our borough — locally, regionally, and nationally.
Want to be an MYP for 2026?
Registrations are now open and will close on 5th December 2025. This is your chance to make a difference and stand up for the issues that matter to young people in Sandwell. Apply here
Help us reach more young voters!
In our 2024 elections, we had an incredible 9,000+ votes — and this time, we want to beat that!
We’re calling on schools, colleges, and youth groups across Sandwell to register as polling stations so every young person can take part and have their say.
Polling station registrations are now open.
Find out more:
For full details about the UK Youth Parliament and election rules, check out the UKYP Rule Book.
Together, let’s make the Sandwell UKYP Elections 2026 the biggest and most inclusive yet!
Make Your Mark – 2024
Sandwell took part in the Make Your Mark national ballot in March 2024 and received 9,771 votes.
The votes were as follows:
- Crime & Safety – 2,288 Votes
- Rights, Equalities & Democracy – 1,475 Votes
- Education & Learning – 1,415 Votes
- Health & Wellbeing – 1,264 Votes
- Jobs, the Economy & Benefits – 920 Votes
- Culture, Media & Sport – 713 Votes
- Youth Work & Young People’s Services – 668 Votes
- Climate Change & The Environment – 377 Votes
- Transport – 341 Votes
- International Relations – 310 Votes
We would like to thank all young people who voted online and in schools, and the schools in Sandwell who took part as polling stations!
We will be sharing the National Make Your Mark ballot results as soon as they are shared.
An Introduction to Parliament for Children & Young People
west midlands police Youth Police and Crime Comissioners Elections
We are really proud to announce our two new Youth Police and Crime Commissioners, Maria Hussain & Ayyatulahi Adigun!
The Youth Commissioners will advise the Police and Crime Commissioner on law and order issues, affecting children and teenagers. They will also be asked to represent the views and stand up for the rights of young people within the police force area.
Each borough in the West Midlands will be represented by two Youth Commissioners, who will serve a two year term and the PCC is asking young people to reach out to their Youth Commissioner, so that their voices are heard.
As well as speaking directly to the PCC, the volunteer Youth Commissioners will liaise with police officers, decision makers and youth organisations about crime, justice and victim services.
One of the two new Sandwell Youth Commissioners, Ayyatulahi, said: “I just wanted to say thank you so much for everyone who supported me and I cannot wait to make an impact on society, together with all the other Youth Commissioners.
“To every young person in Sandwell, I am here to represent you and my ultimate aim is to make you all feel heard, safe and welcome.”
