ALMOST half of 11 to 18-year-olds in Torfaen took part in a youth parliament debate at the House of Commons.

Of the 9,466 people in Torfaen within the age band, 4,569 or 48 per cent cast their vote on a range of issues which formed part of the debate.

Although Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea had higher voter numbers with 10,133, 4,635, 4,687 and 5,284 respectively, Torfaen’s percentage turnout for the youth parliament debate was the highest in Wales.

“As a young person I cannot explain how proud I am to represent a local authority that has achieved 4,569 votes in 2017," said Samantha Locke, the MYP for Torfaen.

"I am overwhelmed at the experience I have been given and I am proud to say that the Youth Parliament and Torfaen Youth Forum has shaped my future in politics."

The top five issues debated in the House of Commons were; curriculum to prepare us for life; transport; work experience hubs for 11-18 year olds; votes at 16 and protect LGBT+ people. MYPs vote for the two issues that will be campaigned on during the following year.

The top two issues that will be campaigned on throughout 2018 in Torfaen will be 'Work Experience Hubs' and collectively for Wales 'Curriculum For Life'.

The 'Vote at 16' campaign which was selected last year, has been centre stage for the Torfaen youth over the past year.

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, who has been heavily involved in supporting the campaign said: "I am very proud of the work of the Torfaen Youth Forum and the role of our MYP Samantha Locke.

"To have 4,569 votes cast by young people in Torfaen really bodes well for political engagement.

"I have been a long-time supporter of Votes at 16 - I was at the House of Commons to vote for a law to bring it in in recent weeks and was very disappointed that the Government talked it out.

"More positively, I am looking forward to a great year of campaigning in 2018."

Compared to its neighbouring area, the number of votes cast in Blaenau Gwent was 1,489 – 21 per cent turnout – and 3,409 or 19 per cent turnout in Caerphilly.

In Monmouthshire, 2,059 votes were cast, equating to 22 per cent of the 11 to 18 population and in Newport, just one vote was placed or 0.007 per cent.