On Saturday 7th March Mark Garnier MP was made of Friend of Worcestershire Youth Cabinet (WYC) by cabinet member for Wyre Forest, Craig Bateman.
The Youth Cabinet conferred this status upon seven Worcestershire campaigners and supporters who have worked with WYC to implement their goals. Mark was the only Member of Parliament to receive the award. The event also highlighted the work of the WYC and how it was engaging with different sectors of the population across the county. The WYC's evolution from a youth engagement platform to a viable local force on many key national issues was highlighted by Mark Garnier.
The weekend also saw the results of election to the UK Youth Parliament, organised by WYC, being announced. Three young adults from Worcestershire were selected to the national body, including Wyre Forest resident Joseph Webster. The election had a turnout of 3,600, which was hailed as a success.
Mark Garnier MP said, "I am very honoured to have been given Friend status by the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet. It is really refreshing to see so many young people challenging the myth that there is no interest in politics amongst younger voters. WYC have run job shadowings, and campaigns for making Public Transport cheaper, and have demonstrated beyond doubt that, when there was a threat to the WFC's future, they are up to the task of making sure their activities have a long and viable future. Supporting youngsters to engage in politics is an important job of an MP - not least because we in Parliament are simply minding the shop for when they take over. It is this generation of the Youth Parliament and the WYC who will have to take on what we leave them. Having the WYC is incredibly important for people like me to get to know their concerns and aspirations. It is a really good organisation and people like Craig Bateman and Jo Webster need and deserve all the support and respect they can get. "