A STUDENT has been voicing the views of young people in the House of Commons.

Reanna Johnson, aged 17, Halton’s member of the UK Youth Parliament joined 300 other elected teenagers for a debate in Westminster.

Motions chosen by Halton youngsters in a ballot have now been adopted for the rest of the country.

Cronton sixth-former Reanna, from Hough Green, said: “To represent the young people of Halton at these debates has been an amazing experience and a real privilege.

“I am really pleased that what turned out to be the number one issue in Halton , everyone should be paid the living wage, has become one of our national campaigns. “

“I’m also happy to see that improving mental health is taking a priority. Mental Health is a really important issue that effects many young people in Halton.

“I will be working flat out to ensure better services and to challenge the stigmas around mental health.”

Reanna said it was amazing to watch such an informed, passionate discussion.

The topics debated included:

• Mental health service should be improved with our help

• Everyone should be paid at least the Living Wage

• Votes for 16 and 17-year-olds in all public elections

• Better work experience

• Bring back exam resits in English and maths

Phil McClure, Halton Council’s youth provision for participation and democracy, said: "The debate and discussion witnessed in the chamber is always of the highest standard and this year was no exception.

"Anyone with a jaded outlook of politics and democracy in this country would do well to check out the debates online and see for themselves how switched on, well informed and passionate these young people are.

"Watching these debates you soon realise that the future of our democracy is in very safe hands.

“This year in Halton we have seen a record turnout in both the UK Youth Parliament election and the Make Your Mark ballot showing that, if given the chance, young people will be active, engaged and involved in their communities.”