Hadyn Cutler MYP

— EMBARGOED UNTIL 21ST MAY —

Today, it is welcome to be able to announce the news that the National Youth Agency (NYA) are the new facilitators of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP). This process, which began two months ago to the day (smart move, DCMS press team), has resulted in much stress and anxiety amongst the youth voice community, especially MYPs. Given that many may have just begun a new term, perhaps their first, it was an unwelcome introduction. However, now that that is over, I hope many feel relieved like me.

NYA is the national body for youth work in England and says it “exists to champion its transformative power.” I see it as a fitting and well-placed partner to aid in continuing the legacy of the British Youth Council, and the future will certainly be bright. While this is only a contract for the 2024–25 period, it will allow us to figure out the future in greater detail and can allow for more consultation on what young people truly want out of UKYP and out of the Youth Voice Programme more generally, allowing the best provider to be picked later down the line, whether that be NYA or another organisation.

Despite this process not being as smooth or transparent as we hoped, it has truly been a learning process for everyone involved. There were mistakes made along the way, and those should be reflected on. However, such is life when you’re feeling in the dark about where to go next. I hope DCMS adequately reviews what got us to the point of BYC going bankrupt, how that can be prevented, and how (if the need arises) the transition process can be more smoothly handled in the future.

Now that this has come to an end and we can all return to relative normal, I would like to take the opportunity to thank a few people. Firstly, all the staff and volunteers at BYC, who were the real victims of this matter, putting their heart and soul into their work only to be unceremoniously let go. I hope they are all successful in finding new positions. I would also like to thank all the folks at both DCMS and the UKYP Steering Group. I have had constructive discussions with both groups, and it is clear to me that they were both instrumental in getting to this stage. I would also like to give thanks to all 310 of you who signed the open letter (as well as the 2.4k people who visited it, those numbers are bigger than my brain can comprehend); it went further than my wildest dreams (I really thought it would get 10 likes on social media and 2 signatures; I was very wrong), and each and every one of you helped in that. From former chairs of BYC to those 20 members of the public who decided to join in on the action, thank you.

Some individual shout-outs:

• Oliver Tomlin, former MYP for Medway – He was instrumental to this whole process, being both the first person (minus myself, of course) to both see and sign the letter. He’s had to deal with my constant natterings throughout this mess and, despite not even being an MYP anymore, has entertained me throughout. Thank you. Find him on Twitter here.
• October Smith, YCllr for Tonbridge and Malling – A great friend of mine who has had my back through thick and thin, I think the stress (campaigning is much more stressful the more successful you are, haha) would have killed me at some points had he not reassured me to keep going. Also has great craic during KYCC meetings and makes late night Discord VCs much more entertaining. Thank you. Find him on Twitter here.
• Michael Doran, Founder of Step Together – If you’ve seen my socials, it’s no surprise that I know him, but we actually first began discussions thanks to the open letter. A great man who is truly just trying to make the world a better place and manages to be both great at campaigning and being funny. I’d recommend checking out all his Step Together stuff; you might find me in there. Thank you. Find him on Twitter here.
• James Cathcart, Founder of Young Voices Heard – He’s been an invaluable sounding board throughout this whole process, and his guidance is what likely got my letter in front of the minister in the first place. Without him, this campaign would’ve lost inertia and fell flat. We’ve nattered over meetings for long hours discussing UKYP, and I hope he continues to inspire young people to create change. Thank you. Find him on Twitter here.
• Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven – Ever since I’ve been in touch with him, he’s been such a help. Going out of his way to call me to have discussions on updates and the future wasn’t forced by procedure or the eyes of the public, but rather goes to show his great character. Thank you. Find him on Twitter here.
• The folks from UKYA and the whole Friends of BYC campaign – These are some invaluable campaign partners who have been equally involved in the process as I have. They’ve been a great sounding board and have elevated the issue to many international partners. Thank you.

There are additional people, but if I listed everyone it would be my longest blog post ever, or rather the longest blog post ever, so I have to cut it somewhere. So, to cover all bases, to everyone who helped with any of this mess, no matter how small, thank you.

Anyway, I’m glad I can now go back to my usual routine of doing politics while listening to Eurovision music, and I’m glad that the NYA has taken on the unenviable duty of facilitating UKYP. Here’s to changing the world for years to come.

Any questions? Contact me here, or here for media inquiries.