Last week, QE student Sophie Bloomfield represented Redcar & Cleveland at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons for the UK Youth Parliament House of Commons Annual Sitting. As part of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP), Sophie not only observed the proceedings but also spoke with MPs, raised key concerns, and delivered a powerful speech in the historic chamber.
The UK Youth Parliament is a national organisation of democratically elected members aged 11-18, committed to campaigning, debating, and driving social change. Sophie has been an active voice within the programme, working on issues that matter to young people.
Sophie is a first year QE student studying Spanish, Biology and Chemistry, and she also takes part in our Italian for Beginners enrichment programme.
Reflecting on the experience, Sophie shared:
‘I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to propose methods of tackling youth crime during the UK Youth Parliament House of Commons Annual Sitting. From both my work on the UK Youth Parliament Youth Select Committee and speaking to my constituents, this topic has become increasingly important to me; I hope that through our committee report and the addressing of this issue in the House by young people, we will see government take tangible steps in combatting youth violence.
Once again, it was a true honour to address the House, and to do so on behalf of my constituents.
I vow to continue to amplify the voices of the young people of Redcar & Cleveland, and I am truly grateful for the young people who shared their stories with me, and trusted me to deliver them to parliament.This day could simply not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the National Youth Agency, DCMS, local youth workers, and House of Commons staff. Thank you for keeping us safe, running the event so smoothly, and for supporting me with my access arrangements.
Additionally, I feel it important to address my fellow MYPs. This programme (UKYP) is filled with diligent, passionate, powerful young minds, but it is also bursting with kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for one another. It was a true honour to represent (over 6.2 million!) young people alongside Members of the UK Youth Parliament. If there’s one thing that’s clear after these debates, it’s that the youth voice is STRONG, it is POWERFUL, and it is HERE to STAY! To the MYPs who’ve made this, and many other experiences, so memorable, I thank you.
Sophie also expressed her gratitude to the organisations and individuals who made the event possible, and praised her fellow Members of Youth Parliament for their passion and support:
I am entirely grateful for this opportunity and I promise to continue to bring real solutions to real issues through the remainder of my work as a Youth MP.’
QE is proud of Sophie for her dedication to amplifying youth voices and shaping positive change at a national level.
Watch Sophie’s speech in the House of Commons during the afternoon debates (starts at 1:21:02)
