A RUNCORN schoolboy has been speaking up for Halton’s young people.

Halton Member of Youth Parliament Ewan Jago went to the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting.

The 14-year-old joined more than 250 of other elected members to debate new policies and campaigns for the year ahead.

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy pupil Ewan said: “Being able to meet up with all my fellow MYPs from across the UK was brilliant.

“We all got to share ideas, make plans and learn a lot about each other, but more importantly put real focus on how to make the lives of the UK's youth better.

"I have come away inspired to make sure Halton’s young people are seen, heard and listened to and I will be working hard to ensure they are well represented in this year’s Make Your Mark ballot.”

The three-day residential at Liverpool Hope University gave young people a chance to develop their vision for a better country.

Ewan added: "I can’t wait to meet up with my fellow MYPs again at the House of Commons in November to help decide our national campaigns for the coming year.”

MP John Bercow, speaker of the House of Commons, gave an impassioned speech about the importance of young people having a voice.

Support for young carers, improving healthcare services, supporting EU nationals post-Brexit and protecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community were among the issues discussed.

Ewan and his colleagues from Halton Youth Cabinet will be busy in the coming weeks making sure there is a strong turnout among the borough’s young people in the annual UK Youth Parliament Make Your Mark ballot, which will help decide the body’s national campaigns for the coming year.

Cllr Tom McInerney, board member for children and young people at Halton Council, said: "It is fantastic to see young people so involved in politics."