THE new members of the West Sussex Youth Cabinet took the chance to tour Parliament, where they were guided around the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The group, aged 11-18, was elected by their peers to represent the county’s young people, in particularly those who may have no voice or a quieter voice.

During the visit, the group learnt the reasons behind the different areas within Parliament and the unique role each building plays in hosting debates and passing new laws.

They walked in the footsteps of the Queen by visiting her robing room, the throne and discovered how she is involved in opening and dissolving Parliament and approving bills before they become law.

From there they took a trip to 10 Downing Street to see where the Prime Minister Theresa May lives, and happened to meet actress Evanna Lynch from the Harry Potter films.

A walk through St James’s Park up to Buckingham Palace to see the guards in action ended a stimulating and educational day.

Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “All in all this was a lovely learning experience for the newly elected Youth Cabinet members, who are very excited about their future roles in promoting youth issues.

“This starts with their Curriculum for Life campaign, where they will begin by working to get first aid taught more widely in schools in West Sussex, so watch this space.”

Next up for the Youth Cabinet is a joint cabinet board meeting on 6 September, where they will be discussing their other campaign, Votes at 16, with county councillors and MPs at County Hall.