SOME of Anglesey’s eight Welsh Youth Parliament candidates ventured to Menai Science Park (M-SParc) on Monday for a hustings hosted by the Science Park and the island’s MS, Rhun ap Iorwerth, to discuss a range of issues important to them.

Candidates aged between 12 and 17 are standing for the island’s seat previously held by Ifan Eurfyl Jones, with the eight pupils representing Holyhead, Bodedern, Llangefni, David Hughes and Friars secondary schools.

Monday’s hustings, which took place on S4C’s Pawb a’i Farn set before the show was recorded at the Science Park, saw five of the candidates come together for a session chaired by Mr ap Iorwerth to discuss why they’re standing, COP26 and climate change.

Other issues of importance to them such as mental health services, affordable housing for young people and more, were also discussed.

After hosting the session, M-SParc managing director Pryderi ap Rhisiart said: “Our future is certainly in very safe hands if what we saw in this hustings is anything to go by, as the passion and enthusiasm from these young people to speak up and express their views, concerns and ideas regarding a range of real-world problems was very inspiring and encouraging.

“We’re proud to help give such fantastic young people a platform here at M-SParc to take part in events like this.

“The themes raised by the candidates were all very relevant to our work and ambitions here at M-SParc, in particular the issues raised around climate change, the economy and providing the best opportunities for young people.

“I don’t envy the young people of Ynys Môn having to vote in this election, as the candidates are fantastic and sure to be great representatives for their island.

“Good luck to all eight candidates in the election to come, and I’m sure we’ll see much more from all of them in the future.”

Mr ap Iorwerth added: “It has been clear over the last few years what an amazing contribution the Welsh Youth Parliament can make to the discussion on issues which are important to young people in Wales, and I’m delighted that eight young people from Ynys Môn have put their names forward to represent the island in the next Youth Parliament.

“The candidates’ responses during the hustings were fantastic, and it was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into each one.

“Whichever one is elected later this month is going to make a real difference and Ynys Môn can be confident that they will have a very good representative, and one that will keep me on my toes!

“I wish them all well and I encourage young people from Anglesey to have their say by registering and voting through the Welsh Youth Parliament’s website before November 22.”

If you are aged between 11 and 17, you can register to vote in the Welsh Youth Parliament Elections via the Parliament’s website: www.youthparliament.senedd.wales.

Voters must register by 5pm on November 12 and cast their votes before November 22.