2024 UK Youth Parliament Election Candidates

Barnet Youth Ambassador and Youth Parliament candidates

On this page you will find the Barnet Youth Ambassador and Youth Parliament candidates campaign bios for the 2024 elections.

Candidates are grouped in the themes they are campaigning for.

How to vote for your chosen candidate

To vote for your chosen candidates please go to https://www.mi-vote.com/secure/barnetukyp and use the unique ID codes on your voter card (these will be distributed in all Barnet secondary schools) to view candidates campaign statements and place your votes.

Each code enables you to vote for two Youth Ambassadors and two Members of Youth Parliament. 

Classroom behaviour and education

Daphne, Preventing bullying in schools

"I chose to campaign for anti-bullying because school is a place where everyone should want to go, not avoid. Everyone deserves to be happy and have friends and everyone should feel safe, loved and respected at school. Together, we can change the world into one where kindness prevails cruelty and abuse."

Meir, Classroom behaviour  
 
"I have chosen to change classroom behaviour in schools because I have been in many lessons where my learning has been disrupted by a small number of students. Often there is a reason for someone misbehaving and those students need better support to help them behave. I want to address this because it means not everyone is able to learn."

Ruby, Improving education 

"I want to help improve the standard of education in Barnet. Recently, with the effects of COVID-19, inflation, and strikes has left many students feeling their educational opportunities are limited which I hope to change. Everyone deserves an equal chance at receiving a good education, regardless of their background. We are the future generation, and we should be able to have a say in our own education. We should be able to make the choices in how our futures go. I am campaigning to make Barnet a better place for all young people, and I hope to do the best job I can if elected."

Mental health

Connor, Improving mental health
  
"I have chosen this because I am aware that many young people have suffered from mental health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a significant loss of their childhood experiences. For example, I had my own struggles with social anxiety, which is something I have noticed to be more common in young people following lockdown as many had limited face to face interaction during that time. I feel as if additional support provided by schools and local organisations may be able to help with this, helping to stimulate positive social interaction between young people and looking after young people going through a tough time. I also hope to raise awareness of the different symptoms of mental health issues so that students in schools are able to identify if them or a friend are suffering and provide the necessary support."

Eleanor, school stress    

"Following a research study, I am campaigning for what teenagers find stressful in school. I have chosen this as sometimes schools put stress on students. This includes not being allowed to go to the toilets during lessons which affects students focus during lessons. Long lessons with only a short break twice a day. The lessons are usually around 2 hours and to concentrate for this long puts students under pressure. In addition, students who have a mild learning difficulty (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia) are not getting the support they need. Coming from a pupil with dyslexia, I have struggled with not getting enough support in lessons. For instance, my school has teachers that help pupils who have more severe learning problems and not students with milder issues."

Isabella, teenage mental health matters    

"I believe that in many cases, teenage mental health has been extremely ignored and overlooked. Teachers may be good support for others, but some may not feel as comfortable to tell a teacher. I am aware that not all teachers are like this, however some are and they believe low-scores and trouble with others is only due to laziness, though sometimes it isn't. Students may suffer silently which is horrible, so my campaign is dedicated to bringing those who are silent to feel free to speak out. Students that do not feel reassured by staff members cannot develop properly, they can't grow and improve if they don't feel safe. School should be a safe environment, not one where students feel as if they don't matter, they are not alone. There should be people who understand and can help them in recovery."

Ivon, mental health    

"I acknowledge the crucial significance of prioritising the mental well-being of young individuals. I am a strong advocate for implementing comprehensive education on mental health in schools and communities to combat stigma and promote understanding. Unfortunately, mental health is often disregarded and those who are struggling are advised to simply "toughen up”. People often hide issues that they are facing as stigma is still widespread, and many people are not receiving support to access services. This harmful belief must be challenged and replaced with a more empathetic mindset. It is imperative that we create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of being judged. My goal is to raise awareness about the urgency of early detection and intervention, and to implement effective programs that address mental health issues before they escalate."

Sophia, Improving mental health support    

"This is a crisis. All of us have mental health. But in recent years there has been an enormous spike in children struggling, exacerbated by the pandemic, and nothing has changed to adapt to it. Why is there a lack of support for something we are ALL affected by? Why has funding been cut in mental health services? We must direct our efforts to relieving the plight of children’s mental health, as it is an epidemic, before it is too late. Every day the waiting list grows longer and longer. The average wait for CAHMS is 21 weeks. Mitigation is the best method, but the lack of resources is failing our generation. This is an issue that is prevalent now but will have negative knock-on effects for our future kids, economy and lives, which is why change needs to happen now."

Equality diversity and inclusion 

Aiden, Discrimination    

"I am campaigning about discrimination. Why am I campaigning about this? Because in the past and even now there has been plenty of discrimination in the world. For example: how people look, what size they are, the colour of their skin or even their disabilities. But they should not have to be treated like this; and I think we can make a difference for people who should not be bullied about their appearance or disabilities because there is nothing wrong with them. They are who they are and should be fortunate to call themselves different. I want to help stop the discrimination and I will campaign for equality."

Danielle, Gender equality in education

"As a teenage girl, I have had my share of experience with gender based issues, such as inappropriate comments from male peers, or being faced with disgust for being on my (perfectly natural) period. This, in my eyes, is unacceptable, and is partially the fault of the education, or lack thereof, on these incredibly serious topics. I will campaign for an addition to the PSHE curriculum to include not only more conversations on serious issues like sexual harassment and how it affects both genders, but also how we can help to change these issues within our school. I would also campaign to change the assessment criteria for certain accessibility arrangements for neurodivergent kids, as much of the criteria centres around the way disorders such as ADHD and Autism present in boys, which has been proven to be entirely different in girls."

Elyah, Stereotypical discrimination    

"I am campaigning for this cause as too many young black kids or coloured kids get treated differently due to the colour of their skin. Whether it be stop and searched on a day to day basis or treated differently in school. As a young girl of colour, I have experienced this and I know that it is one of the worst feelings. Stereotypes that have been for black people are becoming worse and worse by the day and it needs to stop. For example, all young black boys do drugs or young black girls steal most of the time. Even just in general how we get treated because we are different our hair, our facial features and even our skin. To be different should be celebrated and not just for one month of the year."

Kashmala, Education and social injustice     

"I feel that campaigning on social and education injustice is the way for society to be fair and equitable. By choosing this and addressing the disparities and injustices it would lead to a more inclusive environment socially and education wise. I as a student can point to the disparities in the social and educational settings in the youth sector. I have chosen this topic as I feel this injustice is the reason why youth steer into crime, violence, and drugs. I know campaigning for this will have a huge impact as social and educational injustice campaigns and can lead to huge positive systemic changes. So I want to say let's build a foundation with the youth and cut and throw away the gaps as I want to make sure that everyone has equal opportunities in education/socially."

Raphael, Preventing hate crime     

"Youth are being disproportionately affected by hate crime and far too often, are the perpetrators. As a result too many young people find themselves in isolated bubbles or hostile environments, causing them further harm. I have chosen to address this issue because I believe that the safety, education and fair treatment of young people should be our top priorities but this should not come at the cost of them being forced to sacrifice their individuality or identity to stay safe."

Salina, Racial equality    

"I have chosen something very sensitive and significant. I have chosen this campaign because personally I have been a target of racial slurs/ comments or jokes and I feel the need to talk about this because I feel that the voice of the youth on racial equality is not heard enough, and I’d like to see more participation of the youth in this campaign. I would also like the government and parliament to listen to the youth because the youth play a huge part in our society today. I don’t want any form of vicious, violent comments directed at young minds."

Veer, LGBTQ+ Inclusion in schools    

"The reason behind my campaign for LGBT+ inclusion in schools stems from the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. By advocating for the inclusion of LGBT+ individuals, we aim to promote acceptance, understanding, and respect among students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This campaign seeks to address the discrimination and marginalisation that LGBT+ students often face, ensuring that they have equal access to education and are able to thrive academically and socially."

William, Appearance prejudice    

"I am campaigning about appearance prejudice because I have experienced this, and it isn't nice being called something you aren't. So I would like to educate people about this issue. I am regularly misjudged about my gender because I am a boy who has had very long hair since I was 9. It hurts because if you like your appearance, then someone calls you something you don't want to be it makes you feel like you want to change. Examples of prejudice are  gender stereotypes such as boys with long hair, girls with very short hair ,clothing choices, including style and colours, height prejudice, race, age,  and treating a person unfairly because of how they look."

Zahra, Special needs and disability    

"I will be campaigning for greater support and inclusivity for children with a range of additional needs and disabilities. Throughout my time in education, I have found that schools I have attended try their very best to support children with various needs. However, I have observed that there are many children who demonstrate behaviours that they might need more support with. Teachers have a lot of students to support in a classroom and therefore find it challenging to support those children who need additional help. Schools would therefore benefit greatly by having resources and programs to support children who are unsettled in class and are even reluctant to go to class. I think everyone deserves a good education despite the challenges they might face."

Knife crime

Brielle, Stop knife crimes

"Knife crimes are really bad, especially for young people. It's ruining our chances for a good future. Did you know that in 2022, there were over 46,000 knife-related offences in the UK? That's more than just numbers; it's our friends getting hurt. Kids shouldn't have to be scared to walk to school or play outside. We need to stop this because our generation is meant for more than violence. It's not just about the stabbings; it's about losing dreams. Let's choose hope over knives. We're the future doctors, teachers, and leaders, not the ones causing harm. I want to stop knife crimes and gangs because kids my age should feel safe. Everyone deserves a chance to grow up without fear and violence. Together, we can build a safe, bright future for everyone. Say no to violence."

Max, Preventing knife crime 

"Knife crime is a big issue in young people’s lives as (based on a study by statista) 1 in 15 children are exposed to knife crime before the age of 16, and social media has affected the problem massively. People are now glorifying knife crime as a ‘fun’ activity and saying ‘it builds character’. This pulls children into crime and needs to stop. Also, as children see news bulletins regarding knife attacks, they believe they need to carry a knife in order to defend themselves. This turns it into a cycle of young children getting hold of knives and it becoming their lifestyle. We need to get a grip on this threat and that is why I am running for MYP."

Sylvia, Youth knife crime   

"I am campaigning to prevent youth knife crime. The reason for this is because at the age of 14 my brother was robbed and then stabbed in the left arm. His case was closed almost immediately by the police and my family have not received justice. I think when someone experiences something as traumatising as this situation, it makes you think that we need a change and that people who carry knives around deserve a harsher sentence. Knife crime doesn’t just affect the person getting injured, but it also affects their loved ones and family. I feel very strongly about helping to raise awareness when it comes to safety, not just in youth/ teenagers but everyone in general."

Improving outcomes in education

Akay, Better schools enrichment

"I have chosen better school enrichment offers as I can bring a fresh perspective to the schools, innovative ideas and aim to enhance the school experiences for as many children as can be. Joining the parliament can help bring my ideas and combine them with others to try and create a tangible effect on shaping the school experience for everyone."

Ava, Better understanding of kids     

"I have chosen this because sometimes it is harder for a kid to find their inner power, this means that they won't get their right to say, now if we push that out of them it can help improve the amount of children that decide to speak their word to us and other people."

Ben, Better school enrichment

"I will be campaigning for greater support and inclusivity for children with a range of additional needs and disabilities. Throughout my time in education, I have found that schools I have attended try their very best to support children with various needs. However, I have observed that there are many children who demonstrate behaviours that they might need more support with. Teachers have a lot of students to support in a classroom and therefore find it challenging to support those children who need additional help. Schools would therefore benefit greatly by having for resources and programs to support children who are unsettled in class and are even reluctant to even go to class. I think everyone deserves a good education despite the challenges they might face."

Freddie, Diversification of the curriculum    

"I campaign for a diverse school curriculum, ensuring inclusion of all perspectives. In Barnet, where over 42% aren't the cultural majority, it's crucial to address ethnic and gender contributions throughout subjects. PSHE should cover media bias, global perspectives, and dangers of propaganda, empowering young adults to identify fake news. Teaching controversial topics like Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, and Israel can reduce prejudice, fostering informed discussions and an interest in geopolitics for young adults. Prioritising diverse learning cultures, considering students' backgrounds and finances for a more inclusive environment. I would advocate for the impact of young adult's opinions in governance and emphasise the need for counsellors in schools, addressing rising mental health issues. I would like to encourage government funding for counsellors who can enhance mental health, improve education, leading to better jobs and ultimately a wider contribution to the national economy."

Jasper, Facilities for children

"I am campaigning to give children access to better facilities. I think that London should have more facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, football pitches and skate parks. I also think we should have more ways for people to have contact even if they don’t have a phone. Also, I think children should have easy access to charities so they can get help, advice and volunteer if needed. I think children also shouldn't have to go to the toilet in disgusting unhygienic places."

Olin, Improve educational outcomes for youth    

"Barnet's employment rate decreased over the last year. Around 11,600 people aged 16 and over were unemployed in June 2023 with a rate of 5.7%. This was an increase compared with June 2022 when the unemployment rate was 5.6%. From what I have heard, not just my school but from other schools too, many students don't have a clear idea of what they should do in the future."

Vanshi, Publicising super curricular opportunities    

"I am passionately advocating for a transformative project that highlights extracurricular and super-curricular activities, courses, and possibilities for students. Recognising the inequality in availability to such resources among schools, my motivation is based on personal experience with restricted opportunities. This initiative aims to address these gaps by providing students with a centralised resource for a variety of educational interests. Beyond academic borders, it aims to promote enthusiasm, knowledge, and community growth through networking. Having experienced the disconnect caused by restricted resources, I hope to empower individuals by providing a platform for them to research and participate in activities that will improve their abilities and extend their horizons. By advocating this cause, I hope to ensure that every student has equitable access to opportunities that will help shape their educational experience and contribute to their personal and professional growth."

Drugs

Mia, Drug awareness/smoking 

"I think that it is important, especially for children around our age and above to be aware of drugs and what they can do to you. I feel as though lately for minors, vaping has become quite a popular drug to consume, however I don’t believe that people are aware of what vaping and other drugs can do to your mental/physical health. It destroys people’s lives and could potentially even kill some people. Overall, I just think that children (and even adults) should be aware of what drugs can do to your body and thoughts."

Nathan, Discouraging vaping among youth

"Vaping. A trend becoming more and more prevalent in recent years, with a drastically rising number of youth users, recent studies have shown just how detrimental it is to a young person’s health. Additionally, the recent increase in bright and appealing aspects of their designs makes them more enticing towards vulnerable people, especially considering the establishments selling these to innocent young people often import from countries where illegal substances are often contained within the nicotine – all of which the government is not doing enough about. However, I will work tirelessly, creating workshops, spreading awareness about this issue, and ensuring that young people stop this habit. Additionally, I will work towards making school meals free for all students across Barnet and increasing portion sizes, ensuring that children will have the full capacity to learn on a full stomach."

Vinishaa - Preventing vaping among youths

'One day a little girl gets seriously ill and gets admitted to the hospital, only for her parents to realise that she has been a victim of addiction! She used VAPES so often that 60% of her lungs stopped functioning.' This must be stopped!

VAPING ISN'T COOL! IT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A FOOL!

"This is my campaign slogan. My campaign is to help the youths of Barnet to realise the extreme dangers of VAPING & SMOKING. I will work towards ensuring youth don't take this up as a fashion or style statement and get addicted to it. They should not get influenced by seeing adults smoking. Hence it is equally important to ensure they do not smoke near kids. The campaign will also highlight this issue among adults to help prevent youths from vaping."

Poverty 

Aleks, Cost of living

"I've chosen to campaign on the crucial issue of the cost of living in the UK Youth Parliament because it strikes at the very core of our collective potential. As a student myself, I've witnessed the challenges created by rising expenses, which limit opportunities for countless young minds. By addressing this issue directly, we can unlock doors to education and dreams that would otherwise remain closed. My commitment comes from the belief that every student deserves an equal chance, unlimited by financial constraints. I aspire to stand up for policies that diminish these pressures, encouraging an environment where aspirations flourish freely. The cost of living shouldn't be a barrier; it should be a challenge we conquer for a more accessible future."

Iona, Feed our future

"I am campaigning to end food insecurity in London! Raise awareness, collaborate with local organizations, and fundraise for food banks. Advocate for policy changes, support community gardens, and encourage volunteerism. Empower through education and partner with schools. Together, let's ensure no one in London goes hungry. No child should need to worry about if they have dinner on the table tonight because it is not a child responsibility. I have chosen this topic because too many children aren't eligible for free school meal regardless socioeconomics circumstances results in deprivation resources, and I believe it is imperative that we change this."

Sophia, Homelessness    

"I am campaigning to address the issue of homelessness in London. My goal is to advocate for increased accessibility to essential resources such as healthcare, mental health support, food, and safe shelter for the homeless population. I have chosen this topic due to the prevalent presence of homelessness in our city, and the lack of action being taken to alleviate this issue. It is important to note that many homeless individuals face challenges such as alcohol and drug abuse, high levels of stress, and an increased risk of experiencing abuse and violence. Additionally, there is a significant risk of death among those living on the streets."

Youth democracy / Youth voice

Dario, Improve youth voting education    

"I am campaigning as a Barnet Youth Ambassador as I've observed a concerning lack of interest among many young people in Barnet regarding future voting and a general misunderstanding of the candidate/party selection process. This issue has persisted over the years, evident in the 2016 Mayoral Election statistics where merely 37% of voters in Barnet fell within the 18-24 age group. In reality, the voters that matter the most are young people, considering that the outcomes of elections can profoundly impact our lives for the majority of our future. My mission is to advocate for an improved understanding of the voting process among the youth, commencing from an early age and extending throughout their school years."

Nathan, Hearing Barnet’s young people    

"Currently in Barnet, our young people are facing a number of major issues. Funding in our schools is the same since 2010 when adjusted for inflation, despite there being 17,500 extra students. This has translated into stagnant GCSE results which have been in a steady decline since 2011, leading to lost opportunities for many young people. This month the council announced they were cutting healthcare spending by £2.5 million pounds, which will only cause NHS waiting lists to get longer and our most vulnerable young people to potentially lose vital care. Barnet’s young people need someone who will listen to their needs and represent them.  If elected, I will consult Barnet’s young people and speak up on the issues that they raise and are important to them."

Nathaniel, Making Barnet youth heard    

"I believe the youth of today isn't being listened to. When was the last time we had a prime minister under 40 years old? Are the interests of the youth catered for? For example, the voting age is still 18. Apparently 16 is enough to die for your country, but can only influence how it's governed by 18? Furthermore, today 1/4 of students today say that they are more likely to leave university due to costs. In the cost-of-living crisis, how can people complain about financial independence when many students are working minimum wage, having to pay off unjustifiable tuition fees? Finally, I wish to minimise crime within the youth. Crime has recently steadily increased in the UK, which I believe can be inhibited through widespread teen-education programs (e.g on knife crime), because I believe today's solution isn't sufficient."

Sejal, Your voice, your democracy

"A wise man once said: 'A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation.' "Unfortunately, we've got so many politicians, and so few statesmen, who are responsible for some legislation that will have short- term benefits and long-term consequences. Consequences we have to suffer with. Despite this, we don't evaluate; think about or challenge our current system; nor is our voice being heard to encourage us to do so. It's no surprise then that we're gradually becoming the most apathetic generation yet. To stand up for all of us, I make this my issue. In my campaign I wish to have a two-fold effect; I campaign to equip ourselves with a world-class, engaging and thoughtful civic education. I also campaign so those in power know we exist; know that we have problems and propose they should listen."

Tobias, Our voice, heard today    

"As a candidate, my focus is helping to engage young people in politics. As a young person myself when I talk to people in school or young people in general, I am always struck by the ideas and conversations; from global issues like climate change, pollution, and mental health all the way to the local level on things like roadway quality and accessibility; The youth have incredible ideas, however, the problem is that many young people feel cut-off from the idea of Parliament and decision making: their voice cannot be heard. That is what I will change. Improving the accessibility of parliament to the youth is vital if we want to have a future where innovative ideas can be acted upon in meaningful ways, and that will only happen if our generation has the power and platform to be heard."

Other

Selena, Road Safety and Awareness    

"I strongly believe that people in our society should be more aware about road safety. Unfortunately, the most recent data shows that roughly 126,247 casualties happen each year in Great Britain, which is approximately 346 a day. Barnet recorded the highest number of road deaths in 2022 according to the provisional figures from the Transport for London, with 1633 road traffic fatalities nationwide. We need to promote greater awareness amongst all users of the roads along with tighter enforcement of the laws.  This would help create a safer space for society and reduce the financial burden associated with road traffic accidents. When it comes to being on the road there is no 'redo' button if a mistake is made. In conclusion, increasing people's awareness of road safety and traffic regulations, will create a safer environment for the community."

Avi Aggarwal, Youth for green initiatives    

"Did you know that the average person in the UK has a carbon footprint of 10 tons of carbon per year versus an average of 4.7 tons per capita globally in 2022 (statista.com), which is over double the global average. At this pace, in 17 years, we won’t be able to sustain humanity. 17 years may feel like a long way away but soon it will be too late, and we may not even be around to regret it. This is why I am campaigning to implement sustainability-focussed systems in Barnet. I'll work with the council to make their ideas about sustainability a reality and give youth the required skills to enable them to make change for themselves and for society. For a greener and brighter future tick the box next to this campaign to vote for me."