Tackling knife crime and youth violence was on the agenda when seven members of the Cambridgeshire Youth Consultation Panel visited the House of Commons.
The young people from across the East Cambridgeshire area were invited for a meeting with Lucy Frazer MP on Wednesday (June 20).
Sergeant Phil Priestley said: “Ms Frazer welcomed us into the Palace of Westminster and it was quite an experience for us all.
“She sat down with members of the panel to talk about an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant - both locally and nationally.
“She has expressed her absolute support for our efforts to address youth violence and knife crime and has agreed to support our bid to the Home Office for additional funding to tackle the issue.”
The Cambs Youth Consultation Panel began in East Cambs in June 2016. The success of the group has lead to it expanding across the region.
Now the panel is fundraising to bring students from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida to the East Cambs area.
Francesca Galelli, who is a member of the group, said: “We were shocked and deeply upset by what happened in Florida in February.
The 15-year-old who goes to Soham Village College added: “We are inspired by the way that students in that high school have responded and we believe that they have a message about youth violence that will help us to make schools and communities safer in Cambridgeshire.”
Rory Dingley, 16, who has just finished his GCSEs at Witchford Village College, said: “I can’t see how you can legislate more against knives.
“They are everywhere - even pencil sharpeners have blades in them. We need to address the issue of knives with young people - and it has to be led by young people that want to be safe.
“You have to make people reject knives as weapons.”
On Monday June 18 the panel was welcomed by Ely City Council to the Youth Forum Committee where Mayor of Ely Councillor Mike Rouse promised his support.
The Youth Consultation Panel is currently fundraising to bring students from Florida to the area
If you can help with sponsorship contact the group by emailing cambsyouthpanel@gmail.com
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