Huw Merriman said he supported the Make Your Mark campaign because it gives young people a chance to have their say on their communities and national issues. Teenagers will be asked about 10 policies including poverty, climate change and the voting age in this year’s ballot. “It’s so important that young people have their say,” he said. “I’ve visited a lot of local schools since being elected as MP and have always been impressed by the opinions of young people and the challenging questions they have for me. “Young people clearly care about their local communities and national issues. “This campaign gives them the opportunity to have their voices heard and I would urge them to take part.” This year’s campaign, supported by the National Citizen Service, aims to reach 1 million young people and break last year’s record 876,488 young people taking part. Member of Youth Parliament for Leeds Minhaz Abedin said: “This is a huge opportunity for young people to have their voice heard. “For too long politicians have ignored the voice of young people but now we have a platform they can’t ignore. “The more voices we canvas and listen to, the harder it’ll be for anyone to ignore us. “I can’t wait to see the chamber packed with MYPs that are there with one purpose; to voice the opinion of young people.” Chief executive of the British Youth Council, which manages the UK Youth Parliament and the campaign, James Cathcart said: “This is the biggest youth ballot in the UK and Europe – when over a million are expected to ask the Government to listen to their concerns. “Young people do care, are active, want change – and have something to say. Let’s listen. “It’s great that nearly 100 MPs are supporting this launch from across parties. “We ask that they will also take the results seriously and debate the issues in Parliament.” To take part in the consultation visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/makeyourmark. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.