The NAASA youth group at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre were joined by Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, for pizza and to discuss the importance of voting.
In total 30 young people attended the Newton Aycliffe and Shildon Alive Friday evening youth group, to listen and speak with Mr Wilson.
The group attracts those in their teens up to 19 years old, meaning some of those who attended could cast their first vote in the EU referendum this June.
The rushed introduction of Individual Voter Registration, a year earlier than planned, has however wiped many people, particularly the young and disadvantaged, from the register. The Electoral Commission has stated that 770,000 names were removed from the register when the transition period to individual voter register ended. In Sedgefield constituency alone, at least 500 people were removed from the register.
Phil Wilson however, has made it clear that he will work hard to ensure young people in his constituency are not denied a voice, “Young people are the future of this town and they deserve to have their say.”
Vince Crosby Chairman of the Board of Trustees said, “My Trustees are fully behind getting young people involved in the way they can understand how both laws are made and how to engage with the MP and I would like to thank Phil for taking the time out. Young people having previously met with the local Councillors are becoming more involved.”
During the pizza and politics session, he listened to the concerns of the young people and answered numerous questions on a range of issues, with one teen quizzing the MP on changes regarding e-cigarette legislation.
Others told Phil how important the youth centre is to them, and expressed their concerns over potential changes to the youth service in County Durham; a direct result of the disproportionate cuts the government is placing upon Durham County Council, with the toll of government austerity costing the council £290 million between 2010 and 2020.
Phil Wilson said “What evenings like this show is that young people care about their communities, and they want their voice heard. The teens and the staff at NAASA are a credit to the town and to the constituency.”
“I want young people to have their say, it is not about whether they vote for me, it is about enabling them to exercise their fundamental right to vote”.
After Mr Wilson had finished speaking, those 16 or over were able to register to vote.
Overall the evening was a great success, with 16 pizzas consumed, and more young people now on the electoral register, able to have their voice heard. To register to vote, please visit:
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Youth centre voter reg