Left to Right - Mike Hopkins, Principal - Ray Mallon, Mayor -
Thomas Robinson, Middlesbrough MYP - Bob Brady, Chairman of Governors.

Middlesbrough College was the venue chosen by Thomas Robinson MYP, Member of the UK Youth Parliament for the Middlesbrough Constituency to launch his ‘Middlesbrough Manifesto’.

Thomas Robinson was joined by Middlesbrough Mayor, Ray Mallon, to unveil the manifesto.

Speaking to an audience of young people, Thomas explained how the manifesto had been created following discussion with young people and decision makers. He said that the manifesto outlined his top priorities and pledged to work hard to deliver the ambitious programme for change.

The key challenges outlined in the manifesto are:

• To improve the image of young people
• To improve the image of the town amongst young people
• To support young persons discount schemes
• To promote facilities for young people
• To encourage more young people to be involved in the Healthy Towns Initiative

A number of the College’s Student Ambassadors were present at the launch, and Tomas met with the College Principal, Mike Hopkins, and the Chairman of Governors, Bob Brady.

Mayor Mallon welcomed the Middlesbrough Manifesto, saying that one of the key issues facing Middlesbrough was to make Middlesbrough ‘more vibrant’ by providing employment, housing and other facilities that would attract young people to live, study and work in the town. He said that young people had a key role to play in the future of the town.

Offering a word of advice to Thomas, the Mayor said that the manifesto was ambitious but that as there was never enough money or enough time to achieve everything, he should be pleased if he achieved some of the aims set out in the manifesto.

Mike Hopkins welcomed the manifesto, saying ‘It’s great to see young people getting involved in the development of the town. We are delighted that Thomas has chosen Middlesbrough College to launch this manifesto as we share many of the aspirations set out in this document’.