Members of Sandwell’s Youth Parliament made history when they debated in the House of Commons chamber with the help of Halesowen MP Sylvia Heal.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, chaired the debate which aimed to give young people a greater understanding of how Parliament works.

The 11-18 year olds debated a range of issues from lowering the voting age to 16, youth crime and how to tackle it, public transport for young people, jobs for young people and the economy and university fees.

They voted lowering the voting age to 16 as the issue on which they would campaign over the next year.

Sandwell MYPs Stuttee and Vijay said: "It was a memorable and inspirational day where we made history in The House of Commons! Meeting both Sylvia Heal MP and Adrian Bailey MP, before the event and on the day helped us to prepare. It was good to have their support”.

Sandwell Youth Officer Shohba Sharma added: "I was truly proud of all the young people who took part in the historic House of Commons debate, however, I was particularly proud of our Sandwell Members of Youth Parliament - Stuttee and Vijay, who participated and conducted themselves really well.

“Having support from our MPs Sylvia Heal and Adrian Bailey was invaluable and gave the young people confidence and inspiration".

Halesowen MP Sylvia Heal said: “I was really pleased to be able to welcome local MYP’s to Westminster, it was a fantastic opportunity for them to debate in the chamber and their contributions were both passionate and confident.”