BOLTON’S youth MPs got a taste of parliamentary life when they took part in topical debates in the House of Commons.

Teenagers Asim Iqbal and Lauren Webb visited the Houses of Parliament where they joined more than 300 youngsters from across the country.

They discussed issues such as university fees, job opportunities, the cost and availability of public transport, sex education and war.

Asim, aged 17, who attends Bury College, said: “I got the opportunity to speak in the chamber during the transports debate; I spoke to defend the rights for elderly people to get free transport and for young people’s right to reduced transport fares.”

Lauren, aged 15, a Little Lever High School pupil, said: “I enjoyed the whole experience and the opportunity to visit the House of Commons and to sit on the historic green benches.”

Earlier this year, MPs voted by a majority of 499 to 21 to allow the Youth Parliament to debate in the Commons chamber annually.

Last year, a UK Youth Parliament debate was the first time anyone other than MPs had used the chamber.

Councillor Ebrahim Adia, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Bolton Council, said: “This was a great opportunity for the young people of Bolton to get their voices heard and shape the national campaigns being run by the Youth Parliament in 2011.

“It is very encouraging to see Bolton’s young people taking an interest in the world around them and the political processes that affect it.”

Young people from across the country are being asked to submit their views on the debate topics via the website ukyouthparliament.

org.uk.