YOUNG people from Leigh met MPs this week to discuss a national campaign regarding racism and religious discrimination.

The Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet met with MPs Andy Burnham and Lisa Nandy to discuss the campaign, which aims to improve the education of young people on different cultures and religions.

Both MPs were supportive of the campaign.

Mr Burnham agreed to meet with a wider group of young people to help inform them of the Labour party’s anti-extremism and anti-discrimination policy.

He said: “I support the young people with their campaign 100 per cent. I’ve made a commitment to meet with the UK Youth Parliament to see how young people’s views could help us to tackle extremism and discrimination.”

The issue came to light when the ‘Make Your Mark’ vote, run by the UK Youth Parliament, found that issues with racism was the top concern for the 7,000 young voters across the UK.

Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet will also be making their own efforts to address the issue by organising informal events, workshops and discussions.

Cllr Jo Platt, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This campaign and the partnership we have with the UK Youth Parliament is the perfect opportunity for young people and groups to connect on a national scale.”

Young people who would like to get involved in Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet and the UK Youth Parliament can e-mail voiceandengagement@wigan.gov.uk or call the council on 01942 487076.