Jasper Emery delivered a speech in the House of Commons starting his speech by addressing the Speaker of the House of Commons and the UK Parliament in Manx and English.

The Isle of Man was proudly represented at the UK Youth Parliament sitting held in the House of Commons on 6^th November 2025. This initiative from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, enables young people from across the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territoriesto share their perspectives and experiencesempowering young voices and the next generation.

This year, Jasper Emery, a student at Queen Elizabeth II High School and a Committee Member of the Tynwald Youth Select Committee, was selected to speak on behalf of the Island’s young people in Westminster. He had the honour of addressing the Chamber from the iconic Despatch Box, joining elected representatives from the UK Parliament and applicants from across the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories in the House of Commons Chamber.

Fastyr Mie is commonly heard in Tynwald Court and its branches, but the Manx language will likely never have been spoken in Westminster as the Isle of Man has never been represented in the UK parliament. The UK Youth Parliament itself has been granted the unique privilege of sitting in the House of Commons Chamber making it the only organisation aside from Members of Parliament themselves to do so. After practising his speech in the Tynwald Chamber, Jasper will be one of the few people who have ever had the opportunity to make a speech in the House of Commons and the Tynwald Chamber. 

Representatives from each of the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies were asked to deliver a two-minute speech on a topic important to their peers in their jurisdiction. These topics were selected through the Make Your Mark ballot, in which schools from each of the areas voted for the issues they felt most strongly about. Students at all schools across the Island were invited to participate in the Make Your Mark ballot, ensuring that the issues discussed reflected the concerns and experiences of young people on the Isle of Man. The combined results evidenced that young people in the Crown Dependencies felt most strongly about Health and Wellbeing: Physical and mental health. Jasper’s speech highlighted the importance of mental health in young people and current initiatives to support mental health.

The Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson said;

“Representation of our island at such a high-profile youth event highlights the strong connection we have with our neighbouring jurisdictions. The Isle of Man introduced votes at 16 and with the upcoming General Election happening in 2026 this will mark two decades since young people gained this important right of citizenship. It is essential that young people ensure their voices are heard and I hope Jasper’s involvement encourages more young people to get involved and engage with politics in the Isle of Man.”

-ends-

For further information contact:
Office of the Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500

enquiries@tynwald.org.im

Correction 07/11/2025: Jasper Emery is not a pupil at Castle Rushen High School. He attends Queen Elizabeth II High School.