Organised by UpRising, a UK-wide youth leadership development organisation, the National Youth Debate was designed to encourage people between the ages of 16 and 25 to vote. As part of the ‘My Voice, My Vote’ programme, the debates took place simultaneously across 11 locations in the country, with the University hosting the Luton event.

A similar event also took place close to the University’s Bedford campus, with students attending both events across the towns. Such was the popularity of the nationwide events, the hashtag #MyVoiceMyVote was soon trending on Twitter.

Each event consisted of a panel of local candidates, with Labour’s Gavin Shuker, Conservative Katie Redmond, Liberal Democrat Linda Jack, UKIP’s Yasin Rehman and the Green Party’s Sofiya Ahmed all appearing at the University-hosted debate.

Chairing the Luton event, Registrar Jenny Jenkin spoke about how the evening worked in tandem with the University’s campaign to increase the student vote:

“The Students’ Union here at the University has been working hard to increase voter registration and offer opportunities for students to get engaged in the elections. Tonight’s event is an important part of that campaign.”

Panel members were quizzed about topics ranging from local housing issues, to university league tables and, ultimately, to increasing involvement with young and student voters.

UpRising’s Bedfordshire and Luton project manager, Alex Wrack, said: “At UpRising we were really excited to bring this National Youth Debate to Bedford and Luton.

“It was a testament to the young people involved in our programmes and across the county that they care about what's happening around them – their education, the economy, their futures – and are engaged and willing to get involved with politics.”

Are you a young person or student who wants to have your voice heard in the general election?

• Register to vote
• Deadline is 20 April
• General election date is 7 May