FRESH from a visit to the House of Commons, a young student with aspirations of becoming an MP has voiced encouraging words to his generation to ‘stand up’ and make change happen.

Jacob Brownbill described his visit as ‘inspiring’, having been given the opportunity with fellow members of the Youth Parliament to sit among the green seats, usually reserved for elected MP’s.

The Priestley student, who currently studies politics at the college, entered into several debates whilst on his visit to the Commons focused on environment, mental health, wellbeing and the cost of living.

The next generation of politicians were there as part of the British Youth Council’s ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign, which seeks to raise matters most important to the youngest members of society.

Jacob’s message was a plea to his fellow peers to not lose faith in politics.

He said: “If we want change there’s no point in waiting for a government that is full of people older than us to make that change,” he said.

“We have to stand up and make it happen ourselves.”

Previously a student at The Heath in Runcorn, Jacobs ambitions to become a politician sprang from joining the school council.

But since then, he has made strides towards his goal, with this trip strengthening his passion for politics further. 

“It was surreal to be there and inspiring at the same time,” said Jacob. “It reinforced my passion for it, and I want to go back as an MP one day,” he said.

Jacob, from Runcorn, is studying his A-Levels which also include History and Philosophy, a Journalism course and The Graduate – a programme designed to help students secure places at the most competitive universities in the country.

He revealed his role models in politics to be that of Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury.

“A lot of the issues have been around for a long time, but unless we stand up and talk about them they will never go away,” he added.