To print: Click here or Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

This story was printed from silicon.com, located at http://www.silicon.com/

Story URL: http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39246116,00.htm

House of Lords embraces YouTube
The upper house gets down with the kids...

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Friday 13 June 2008

The House of Lords has launched on Parliament's YouTube channel with videos explaining the role of the house and how young people can get involved in politics.

The House of Lords is trying to engage more with the public and this initiative is part of that effort, helping people become better informed about Parliament.

silicon.com Public Sector

Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!

The five videos explain the role, impact and relevance of the House of Lords. These include an explanation of the role of the upper house and how it has changed since the Life Peerages Act, 50 years ago.

There are also videos on why people should get involved with politics along with those covering the United Kingdom Youth Parliament debates held in the House of Lords.

Lord Speaker, Baroness Hayman, said the videos reflect the "diversity and expertise in the House of Lords and its relevance to young people".

She added she hopes the initiative will help combat any outdated stereotypes people may have about the Lords.

Other methods the House of Lords is using to boost public engagement includes the 'Lords of the Blog' blogging site and its Peers in Schools programme.