Mark is taking part in a new online forum on sustainable transport in which young people can debate directly with MPs, MSPs, Peers and leading figures from NGOs. Mark campaigns very actively on climate change both locally and at Westminster and he is keen to get local schools involved.

You can visit the online forum by clicking here
and read Mark’s initial statement here

The forum is organised by the Hansard Society which is an independent charity that aims to increase public involvement in politics.

Mark said:
“I think this is a great idea for young people to get their views heard on an issue which is so important because of the contribution that transport makes to climate change.

“It is often said that young people are just not interested in politics but I disagree. Climate change is an issue that I and people of all ages feel very passionately about.

“The subjects that we are discussing – airport expansion, local transport, investment in greener transport and the transport choices we as individuals should make - are central to our future so get posting!”

Mark has also just started a ‘Bring Back our Buses’ campaign to reverse cutbacks in local bus services. That campaign is using a facebook group, a blog and an online petition and shows the way that online campaigning and debate can be used to give people a more direct say in influencing decisions that affect their daily lives.

The forum runs until 8 May but there is another forum on youth citizenship in June and July and more debates in the autumn when the economy will be one of the subjects on the agenda. Mark chairs an All Party Parliamentary Group on debt and personal finance so he is intending to take part in that as well.