APPG elects new Chair and Vice-Chair ahead of exciting year in Parliament

Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP and Gillian Keegan MP, were elected Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs at the inaugural meeting on 2 November.

The APPG on Youth Affairs is a cross-party forum which allows MPs and Peers to meet about – and raise the profile of – issues which affect and concern young people.

Alongside Lloyd and Gillian, during the AGM two other officers were elected to the group; Tim Loughton MP  continues supporting the APPG as Treasurer and Karen Lee MP as Secretary.

The APPG was established in 1998 to encourage dialogue between parliamentarians, young people and youth services, and encourage a co-ordinated and coherent approach to youth policymaking.

The group is supported by YMCA England & Wales and the British Youth Council. Alongside a range of young people’s organisations, they draw upon their membership to ensure that young people directly participate in the group; and is therefore, an excellent opportunity to engage directly with young people and understand their concerns and aspirations.

Speaking after the meeting, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been elected Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs. I have championed and fought for youth rights prior to entering Parliament and I look forward to continuing this through the APPG.

“Young people’s issues are often overlooked by decision makers and I am determined that this APPG will work across Parliament, with all parties, to bring the issues affecting young people to the fore.”.

Denise Hatton, YMCA England & Wales Chief Executive, said: “I am exceptionally pleased the APPG on Youth Affairs is continuing and that YMCA is a part of it. Over the past 18 years, the group has given young people the chance to put forward challenging questions to MPs, Lords and Ministers on a range of topics and I am sure this will continue over the course of this Parliament. Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP has been a champion of young people’s issues for some time and will make a wonderful Chair. We look forward to working with him on the APPG.”

Anna Barker, Chair of the British Youth Council, said: “I’m really looking forward to yet another year of fruitful discussions at the APPG on Youth Affairs. With the support of the British Youth Council and YMCA, the APPG on Youth Affairs will continue to be a space for young people to discuss the social issues that matter to them with decision makers. I’m excited to see what young people have to say about their futures!”