UK Youth Parliament looks set to be axed

Image source, House of Commons/Reuters Image caption, Members of Youth Parliament pictured in the House of Commons chamber in February 2025

The UK Youth Parliament is at risk of being axed within months, BBC News has learned, as the government is not committing to funding it any longer.

The parliament was launched in 2000 to boost interest in politics among young people and has more than 300 elected members aged between 11 and 18.

Once a year, the young politicians are allowed to hold debates in the House of Commons chamber, on a day when MPs are not sitting.

Some MPs and young people say axing it would be a blow for youth democracy, while others say it is not providing value for money.