Across North Somerset, young people are being urged to take part in a national consultation that could help shape future recommendations to Government on tackling hate crime and discrimination.

The consultation forms part of the UK Youth Parliament's 2026-27 national campaign on Anti-Hate Crime and Anti-Discrimination Education, which was voted for by young people from across the UK at the organisation's Annual Conference earlier this year.

The campaign aims to understand young people's experiences, identify gaps in education, and develop practical recommendations for change.

As North Somerset's first ever elected Members of Youth Parliament, we are especially keen to ensure local voices are represented. The survey gives almost 40,000 young people in North Somerset the opportunity to share their experiences and views on discrimination, hate crime, and how these issues are discussed in schools, colleges, and society as a whole.

Responses from North Somerset will contribute to a nationwide body of evidence that will be used by Members of Youth Parliament across the UK to develop recommendations and calls to action for decision makers at both local and national levels. 

While the campaign has a national focus, findings from North Somerset will also help inform local action.

The area's MYPs will work alongside local organisations and decision makers to address issues highlighted by young people and advocate for improvements within the community, taking their actions directly from survey feedback to create visible, lasting change.

We’re seeing again and again that young people are asked for their views after decisions are made. This consultation is the first opportunity for young people in North Somerset to have an impact on national conversation and ensure that their experiences are considered and their voices are heard. Whether you’ve experienced discrimination, witnessed it, or just have ideas on how education can improve, I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey!

The consultation comes at a significant moment for the UK Youth Parliament, with Members of Youth Parliament also campaigning to secure the organisation's future after the Government announced plans to end funding in 2027. MYPs have argued that youth voice has never been more important and are encouraging young people to take part in the consultation to demonstrate the value of meaningful youth participation.

The survey is open now to young people aged 11-18 across North Somerset and can be completed here: https://forms.gle/g9FDXHKSybEJMhC56