More than crumbs from the table: A critique of youth parliaments as models of representation for marginalised young people

This paper addresses issues of inclusion and exclusion, not between young people and adults, but between included and excluded young people. By exploring and challenging commonly held assumptions about youth democracy and participation it also questions whether inclusion is aided or hindered by the pursuit of a representative democracy model. The paper draws primarily on the experience of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) and the views of young people involved.1