Lancashire's young people have taken the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to them in the House of Commons, and decided on the two main issues to campaign on next year.

Members of the Young People's Parliament (MYPs) decided that the top two campaign issues will be a curriculum for life and votes at 16.

This follows the 'Make Your Mark' ballot, which resulted in over 31,000 young people in Lancashire and 194,091 in the North West voting to decide which five issues the MYPs should debate at the annual House of Commons session, which was held on Friday 11 November.

Nationally, the number of young people who participated in the vote this year reached over 978,000, an increase of 8,224 votes on last year. This has set a new record for the biggest youth consultation of its kind in UK history, with nearly one in five of all young people aged 11-18, taking part.

Lancashire's top five issues that were discussed were:
1. A curriculum for life
2. Transport
3. First Aid education for all young people
4. Mental Health
5. Tackling racism

Most of these issues are reflected across the UK. The top five nationally were debated in the House of Commons on 11 November.

Matthew Tomlinson, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "Once again, the ballot achieved a really high level of voting. Young people both in Lancashire and across the country have appreciated the opportunity to express their opinions on the issues that they really care about.

"Hopefully the young people enjoyed debating the issues. This was a tremendous experience and opportunity for them to have their say.

"The young people have played a part in real democracy. Although votes for 16-year-olds wasn't a top issue In Lancashire, it was nationally, and so it will be a campaigned on next year."

The parliamentary debate involved 300 young people from across the UK. It was chaired by the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. The Government's initial response was given by The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson MP.

The debate was broadcast live on the BBC Parliament channel on 11 November.

More information on services and support for young people is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/yps and http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/...ople-make-mark

More information about the UK Youth Parliament is available at www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk