A Carmarthenshire teenager is taking to the floor of the House of Commons this week to represent the voices of young people from across the county and the UK.

On November 6, Evie Sommers, aged 17 from Carmarthen, will join 300 other Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) from across the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies for the annual sitting of the UK Youth Parliament.

The event – held in the historic House of Commons chamber – provides a unique opportunity for young representatives to debate the issues that matter most to them and to influence national decision-making.

This year’s session, organised by the National Youth Agency in partnership with the UK Parliament, will feature five key debates on:

  • Housing
  • Health
  • Employment
  • Crime
  • Sustainability

These topics are drawn from the newly established UK Youth Parliament manifesto for 2024–26, titled “Shaping Our Future: Today Not Tomorrow”.

Evie said:“I’m looking forward to hearing the views of other Members of Youth Parliament at the House of Commons sitting. Representing the young people of Carmarthenshire in the chamber is such a huge honour and privilege.”

In her role as an elected youth representative, Evie is committed to working with policymakers and decision-makers to address these priority issues, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of young people in Carmarthenshire and beyond are heard at the highest levels.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Glynog Davies, said:“We are incredibly proud of Evie for representing Carmarthenshire at such a prestigious event. Taking part in the UK Youth Parliament debate at the House of Commons is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication to giving young people a voice.

“Our young people have so much to contribute to the future of our communities, and opportunities like this ensure their ideas and passion are heard at a national level.”

The young delegates will be formally welcomed to the chamber by The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.

For more information or to get involved with Carmarthenshire Youth Council, please visit: www.youthsirgar.org.uk