YOUNG people have the chance to shape a new youth parliament for Wales, which will give them a voice to discuss the issues they care about.

That was the view of the Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, AM Elin Jones when she formally launched the consultation at her old school, Ysgol Bro Pedr, in Lampeter.

The consultation asks young people about a name for the youth parliament, its aim, membership, role and values.

A youth parliament is a key part of the Assembly Commission’s commitment to give children and young people a voice at a national level. It was voted for by all political parties represented at the Assembly.

It follows the publication of the Young Person’s Charter in 2014, which committed the Assembly to become a world leader in youth engagement.

“Our duty is not only to today’s voters, but to all citizens whose lives the Assembly touches,” said Ms Jones.

“Children and young people have the right to take part as citizens now. This consultation is an opportunity to think afresh about how this should happen.

“I am very proud to be launching a consultation which means they will have a voice at a national level and put in place a system which will heavily influence the work of our Parliament and decisions makers in Wales.”

Since announcing the intention to establish a youth parliament in October last year, the Assembly has been working with a steering group to lay the early groundwork.

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