Hadyn Cutler MYP

The UKYP Annual Sitting at the House of Commons has always been very special to me, but 2025 may just supersede the previous ones I’ve been to.

At this sitting, I was given the immense privilege of concluding the political literacy debate, an issue that is undeniably key in our modern society. Without proper democratic education, our society is doomed to fail. However, this sitting was about so much more than that.

Times are undeniably turbulent, both inside and outside of the youth voice hemisphere. Yet, we endure. We still file into the chamber year after year, and despite taking place in February instead of our standard November, we remain testament to the power of the collective voice of youth.

Whilst political literacy may not have succeeded in its effort to become one of our priority campaigns, the issue has still been heard, inside the chamber and out. The same applies for all the issues, including the two victors—voting age and period dignity.

However, hearing is different from listening. The work starts now to coalesce support and push for true change, no matter what topic area or pressing issue is at hand. Whether this takes place in front of politicians, over the airwaves, or simply in our local communities remains to be seen. It’ll likely be a combination of all three.

As I end this reflective post, I’d like to quote…

myself.

Now is the time “to be those who worked so that those who came after could not simply imagine change; they could create it.”

Thanks to the House of Commons for hosting us, the National Youth Agency for their continued support, and to all the South East MYPs who elected me to the prestigious position of Debate Lead. I hope I didn’t let you down.