At the Despatch Box

Kashmea Wahi

Youth MP, Harrow

This Friday (November 4, 2022) I had the honour to step up to the despatch box at the House of Commons and represent the youth voice on the topic of the Cost of Living Crisis.

It was an absolutely surreal experience and I could not be more grateful to open the debate on such a critical topic. (The best way to celebrate my first day of being 18). To be one of the handful of non-MPs to speak at the despatch box is a moment that will stay with me for life.

I’m also proud to announce that the over 150 MYPS voted in support of the Cost of Living crisis, making it the national campaign of the UK Youth Parliament. At the moment, there is no more pressing issue than ensuring our people can afford to live.

I have been working alongside Go Dharmic to increase their number of food distributions, to help meet the growing demand. These distributions are absolutely critical for thousands of people across the country, however there is no denying that more needs to be done by the government, and it needs to be done now.

Thank you to UK Youth Parliament for giving me this opportunity and to all those who trusted me and elected me to represent their voice.

The speech can be accessed at the following link ( https://youtu.be/r2wP8TnIESY) and a transcript is provided below.