THE AM for Torfaen believes the creation of a Welsh youth parliament will help to address the needs of the most disadvantaged young people in Wales.

Lynne Neagle used a debate in the Assembly to support the call for a Youth Parliament for Wales, labelled a “no-brainer” and one that has received cross-party support.

The politician, a long-standing advocate for the most deprived areas in Wales and the Valleys, would allow voices to be heard across Wales’ poorest communities.

Ms Neagle, also the chairwoman of the Children and Young People Committee, said: “I genuinely believe the need for a youth parliament is a complete no-brainer.

“I hope that any youth parliament will ensure that those are the kinds of voices we also make sure are heard.

“A youth parliament that addresses the needs of the most disadvantaged young people will be one we can all be very proud of in Wales.

Ms Neagle added that she believed a youth parliament would attract members from all areas of young Welsh society, and not just a token few.

“I think there is always a risk that such parliaments are more prone to engaging the more articulate, confident young people – and I celebrate the fact that we have these young people in Wales.

“But the test of a genuinely representative parliament will be how effectively it ensures we hear the voices of some of those young people who do not usually get their voices heard.”

A similar youth assembly scheme – Funky Dragon – was created in 2002, but two years ago, the initiative closed due to funding being withdrawn, a move which disappointed Ms Neagle.

“I was disappointed, in 2014, when the decision was taken by Welsh Government to cease funding for Funky Dragon,” she said.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Assembly Commission is taking forward this initiative.”

Responding to the debate, Elin Jones, the presiding officer, said: “The Assembly Commission has endorsed this ambition as part of the new strategy.”

“I’ve also discussed this issue with the children’s commissioner, Sally Holland, and found that we share common ground and the same ambitions on this issue.”

“I have written to the Campaign for the Children and Young People’s Assembly for Wales’s trustees in advance of their meeting, signalling our commitment to taking this matter forward.” “Of course, I will be respectful of their consultation and She said: “I look forward to receiving their final recommendations on a youth parliament before Christmas.”