reduction that could add as much as 3/4 of a percentage point to consumer spending. host: "usa today" this morning -- "online sales soar for the holidays." does this hurt your group, international council of shopping centers? guest: no, not directly. we are seeing, i think, pretty much strength across all channels. you say, long-term, on-line takes away sales from in-store, and that is probably true long- term, but right now is more active -- and i doubt it is more addictive -- right now it is more additive. host: we have said the numbers up, so if you want to call in, please do. /it political affiliation -- divided by political affiliation. we are talking about the economics of the current world and the economic outlook for 2011. michael niemira, give us your prediction for 2011, some macro figures. guest: we're basically looking for a piece of real growth at a little bit above the trend that i just spoke of. gdp growth of about 2.6%. when you start to look beneath the surface, we are more optimistic on some of the final sale categories. one of the key stories up until now was the strength has really been largely in inventory. inventory has been rebuilding about half of the growth we had since the recovery set in. that story is likely to change in 2011. the driver of the growth is likely to be different. it is starting to give some indication that the numbers are changing at hand. that is normal. in this case, it has been normally strong on the downside, the reduction, and the rebuilding. that is starting to moderate. 2011 is likely to see stronger final sales, stronger employment growth. we're looking for employment growth to average on a per-month basis by the fourth quarter of 2011 about 150,000 range. we look for slow employment growth to continue, but certainly an improvement on what we are seeing currently. profits are likely to continue to look pretty good. that is indeed the catalyst for a lot of this improving economic activity. the profit growth pace is likely to slow. there are obviously some concerns -- bair oil prices will translate into higher gasoline -- higher oil prices will translate into higher gasoline prices. higher food prices will push overall inflation. and get back into the core rates. the non-food, non-energy consumer prices, increasing by maybe a percentage point over the course of 2011. that will also likely mean higher interest rates than we are seeing even today, like the to be with us for much of 2011. a changing economy, but one that will continue to look pretty good overall. again, the composition of the growth is likely to change. host: michael niemira is the chief economist and director of research for the international council of shopping centers. new jersey, david, you are on the air. caller: good morning, peace to the world. one of the things i wanted to speak about is that we fixate on chopping issues and how much money consumers are spending. we never really address structural issues when we are talking about the united states economy. this is something that has been a big disservice to america. one of the issues we have with stopping right now is the fact that -- with shopping right now is that across the united states you have millions of the square footage of shopping malls that are being closed and abandoned, because of structural changes in the economy, people going to the internet, that type of thing. we are not really helping our economy by going out and continuing to spend 2/3 of our gross national product. what i look at the united states and i think about the things we really have problems with, our infrastructure, a human capital, and particularly in the area i live, the urban areas of the united states, where you have such illiteracy. back in the 1920's and 1930's, the people who were ancestors of the folks now here came from the south and other areas of the united states to come to the industrial heartland. well, that industrial heartland is now all gone. we're not even doing things to ensure that people who are in these areas are going to be the so-called consumers of the future. we have not invested in human capital. host: mr. niemira. guest: well, there are lots of issues in that question. first, let me make a broad comment about the importance, actually, of the shopping center. in fact, one in 11 jobs is as a dependent at the shopping center environment. extremely important to the broader economy. keep in mind that there is a perception that the only thing that people are going out and buying at these shopping centers is probably big ticket items, apparel and so forth. the shopping center includes lots of different types of retailers, from your grocery store to the dry cleaner to even educational facilities now being housed in these facilities, shopping centers. the shopping center is evolving with the economy. more services that is a -- more services. that is a key thing to keep in mind. broader structural changes in the economy is a question that congress needs to address. right now the concern is getting through some of the transitional effects of the past recession. the caller's perception that we have longer term problems is certainly correct and we will revisit this over the next congress and beyond. host: we have this tweet for you. guest: well, it is all of those. something of 1/3 of all purchases are debit cards and credit. i don't think that is so much an issue, certainly with the trends and a consumer credit looking much better -- in consumer credit looking much better. i think a lot of the spending is coming from improvement in the economy that generates more in come. average weekly earnings is something in the 3% to 4% range over the course of 2010. that is pretty much the kind of pace we are seeing for much of 2010 spending. i think that the strength is coming because income is stronger. host: huntington, new york, please go ahead with your question for michael niemira. caller: i work in a bakery now, and this time of year, we get a very busy thing they're going. -- thing there going. but after the holidays, we kind of slow down a bit. we are also feeling the impact of the big retail outlets, online shopping. so we do a lot of -- we advertise that we do a lot of, you know, online shopping for most of our customers. you know, everyone who benefits from our goods and services -- we do try to provide a variety of different services where i work -- host: as business been good this christmas season? caller: eh. so far so good. host: ok, thanks. mr. niemira. guest: there is a seasonal pattern that you alluded to, and will slow down after the holidays in some industries. keep in mind the broader economic story. a good holiday season is more often than not statistically followed by a good economic year. the fact that overall, the holiday season for all types of retailers is looking stronger this year is encouraging for 2011. the momentum is there. i guess that was the key point. the on line, i guess, was addressed by the caller. that is here to stay. retailers are figuring out how to use that to the best advantage, integrate it with the in-start channel. it is working, and it will continue to help the industry evolves. and with it provide probably better service for the consumer. host: connecticut, jon, good morning. caller: i would like to say that c-span is a christmas gift to the nation. this is a great show. i watch it every morning. one thing the media is missing, i don't hear a lot of talk about technological employment, in the form of, let's say, self-serve checkout counters. i understand that are giving businesses credits to get the economy kick started. but if, say, ups were to equip or of their talrucks with gps all the stores having self-serve checkout counters, and makes it drops the people building these things, but the ultimate goal -- it makes the job is for the people building these things, but the ultimate goal seems to be eliminating the human factor. all the capital on the sidelines is invested in equipment to get rid of the human capital in the equation. self-serve check out -- that used to be an entry-level job for a person getting out of high school. i don't know where they acquire skills to participate in the workforce in the future. just your comment on that. i did not really have a question. host: thank you. mr. niemira. guest: that is sort of the story of all economic growth over a long period of time. whether it was 150 years ago, agriculture, manufacturing, and today, the service economy. one of the benefits, though, of the improved technology in the workplace is higher productivity. a back to the first caller, the structural issues that need to be addressed, indeed that is the issue. how do you generate new industry, new ideas triggering more employment and so forth. the evolution of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing to services was certainly a story of technology. that is not necessarily a bad thing. i think the question is what fills the gap today and into the future. host: this tweet from sasha -- guest: well, in many respects, all the technology is making it more efficient and more -- and holding down costs the consumer. it depends on what statistic you look at. you look at a measure from the commerce department for what is known as gapfo stores. we are seeing a 3% decline in prices. that is coming from a lot of the efficiencies, and technologies part of that, that retailers have been investing in four years. it may not show up as a discount simply because you are doing self-check out, but it certainly shows as a discount >> tomorrow morning on washington journal, jerry patton. -- gary patton. frank luntz joins us. washington journal which recalls of the day's headlines tomorrow morning at 7:00 eastern here on c-span. members of the u.k. use parliament recently held a debate in the house of commons. the debate covered sex education in schools, the afghanistan war, and rising tuition costs. this is 3 hours 50 minutes. on the 21st of july this year, the house of commons voted to allow the u.k. huge parliament to meet annually for the remainder of this parliament to debate the subjects which you have decided should be debated. that decision was a ringing endorsement of the outstanding success of the first ever series of debates which took place exactly one year ago. it was also members of the youth parliament who were a symbol of the commitment of the house of commons that they should engage with civil society in general and with young people in particular. a course in as in beit el many of you will know -- a course many of you know is dear to my own heart. the 21st of july as a significance to you as a parliament. three days after words -- if i may say so, at my request to the chief executive of the parliament and the chancellor -- on the 24th of july i travel to belfast because i wanted to be present on the occasion of your annual general meeting. i was, i confess, overwhelmed on that occasion by the warmth and generosity of the welcome you extended to me. in return for the work -- for the warped and generosity you extended to meet, i, on behalf of the house today, extend the warmest and most generous welcome possible to each and every one of you sitting in the chamber and to all of the people who aided and abetted you in coming here today. i offer you that wellcome not merely out of politeness -- i offer you that welcome not merely out of politeness -- there is nothing wrong with that -- but out of respect. respect for what you are, respect for what you'd do, and respect for what i note you at the parliament -- what i know you at the parliament will increasingly become. you express the views of the young people and will engage in debate on crucial questions that affect you, your fellows, and society as a whole. i know that many of my parliamentary colleagues here today, from the deputy leader of the house to the chair of the business community, are united in respect for what we can learn from your own parliament. in terms, not merely of enthusiasm, though that is certainly ever present on the range of subjects that you discussed, which is easily observable, but of your veness of your nes institution. 50% of you are females. approximately 20% of you are from black or minority ethnic communities. approximately 10% of you have some form of disability. in terms of representing the kaleidoscope of modern society, the u.k. used parliament does it in a way for which the elected house of commons can learn. on this great occasion i would like to say something about a very special man who is sadly no longer with us. that man is andrew rowe. he served as a member of parliament. he sadly passed away two years ago. andrew rowe was as far-sighted as he was a warm-hearted man. it was an inspiration to see him establish a u.k. youth parliament and a forum for young people to debate, to articulate, to engage with each other, and to contribute to the democratic process. he strove to establish the parliament with a relatively small number of enthusiastic supporters. i know how proud he would be today of your presence and of what you are going to offer. from my point of view, it is a joy, and i hope it is for you, to be able to welcome andrew's family to the gallery -- his children and his grandchildren. you are hugely welcome and you can be proud of what andrew did. he was truly a great parliamentarian, a decent man, and we appreciate him. [applause] we are going to get onto the great debate. enjoy your cells. speak for your areas. speak for your fellows. recognize it is a great privilege and it is a privilege which should be truly rewarding for you. we are thrilled to have you. we are going to get onto the main business of the day because there is much to do, as winston churchill used to say, little time in which to do it. order, order. the use parliament will consider the first motion of the day relating to sex education as printed on the paper. to move at the notion -- and i ask you to get them a very warm welcome -- i welcome mr. joe simpson. [applause] >> thank you very much, mr. speaker. we all greatly value what you have done so far. the highest teenage pregnancy rate in europe, an increasing number of sexually transmitted infections of most young people, no compulsory sex education in the united kingdom. this is the dire situation we find ourselves in today. no school in england or whales is prepared to teach their children about sex or relationship. this is a disgrace. this approach has not only left many people leave and on aware, it has created a postcode lottery. if you do not live in the right area, you will not be taught the right stuff. the schools do not have to teach any of it. the only compulsory element of sex education are contained within the science curriculum. let us be clear, sex education covers a wide range of issues. these include safe sex prices is, -- safe sex practices, sexually transmitted diseases. this is the part of our education that is damaging society. almost 43,000 young people had abortions in 2008. other countries have shown by it -- that by teaching young people about sex and relationships at an early age, teenage pregnancy slows. sexually transmitted disease is false. more people are more coveted about themselves. we simply cannot but one single young person fall into the trap of previous generations. it makes sense if you teach a young person the basics of what a good, healthy relationship is before they are old enough to want to have sex, they will have the conscience of to make all the decisions. sex education in this country is too little too late. we need to look at the facts. we need to say, "this is enough." why are we waiting until there is a problem to teach young people about sex education? we are covering up the harm already done. sex education needs to start early. stop the damage before it is too late. when a similar note, if we are serious about our commitments to make sure no young person is ever left in the dark, we must have sex education. i recognize the difficulty this proposal bruises to certain religions. this is why i support the previous government's proposal. i cannot stress enough how important it is that no young people -- no young person fall to the net again. [applause] >> thank you for getting us all to a coffin that start. -- to a confident start. a lot of my parliamentary colleagues are here today. that is evidence of their support for you as an organization. tim lawson is here. lynn brown. terry mccarthy is up there. robert is leaning forward expectently, and rightly so. [laughter] it is great to have you. i call the opposition to the motion. [applause] thank you mr. speaker. we are a generation like no other. in a world in which information can be transmitted at a click of a button, it is unsurprising that young people develop ideas influenced by the media. sexual images dominate media activity and often are presented so callously and so recklessly that it is vital to our young people that we are provided with a sensible counterpart. 76% of teenagers surveyed across the country, including those in my own constituency, felt that they needed more sex education. young people are provided with inconsistent and inaccurate information at our age. however, teaching sex education to young can exacerbate the effects of the media. an understanding of relationships cannot simply be taught on a chalkboard. it requires the experience of life. children do not possess this. every primary school teacher will of old, promote, encourage as an educator, particularly between the impressionable ages of 5 and 10. it is simply not necessary for the state to interfere with the parent's right to handle this crucial issue with their own young children. essentially we are experiencing a tragic loss of childhood. a walk down the high street reveals a depressing trend. -- ourn's pencil cases children are being socialized too young. we must aim to protect their short-lived in a sense. it is simply inappropriate in a primary curriculum. the issue does not lie with when to start, but health early and held consistently. the sex education shows recently broadcast found that the main concern of you is, "i am normal ?" we must dispel the illusion of must used that they must confirm -- conform to a media's the image and perception. i believe that teaching children sex education at private schools would be too much, too young. let us defend the innocence of childhood. it is that secondary school age that it becomes crucial to the health and well-being of millions of young people. thank you. [applause] >> maria, thank you for an excellent contribution. i need people to indicate, and you have been told how to do so. yes? >> we are separated by a social background more than anything else. there is the belief that one unilateral policy should be the answer. we need to promote all aspects of relationships. sex education is not a condom. one size does not fit all. it is a waste of time, money, and resources. education is there to destroy ignorance. with the right education and the right -- it is not -- it is a question of quality. almost all schools have some form of sex education. 60% of young people fill sexual education is [unintelligible] the government has to take responsibility for sex education. they must begin to inequality. it is practical in today's society. financially, says this occasion is highly valuable. [unintelligible] the right topics are not introduced. money is wasted. this is why a curriculum should be devised on a local level to meet the needs of each young person. each young person has a value. [applause] >> if the young gentleman with the red tie in the back. class thank you, mr. speaker. we face a serious issue. [unintelligible] as my friend said, -- sex education is very limited. the focus is on contraception. it is tough to teach the issues of feelings, desire commandeering communication. we need to put this in the appropriate cultural context. [unintelligible] it was not due to opposition. we believe this is an absolute disgrace and a complete the trial to young people who have actively requested that sex education should be better provided. [applause] >> magnificent. lots of people want to take part. can we have someone from northern ireland? the gentleman there. >> i would like to look at this from an irish perspective. teenage pregnancy is an appropriate measure of equality of sexual education. in 1971, 50.6% of births were to teenage mothers. we have seen a massive decrease. six point -- it was a 6.6% decrease. that was pretty consistent throughout the '90s. we run the risk of over sexualizing our use. they should be safeguarded, not sacrifice for the state of statistics. [applause] >> thank you. the young lady there. >> i feel we had misnamed this debate. i feel that relationships are more important breeds -- are more important. we have our priorities are wrong. relationships should come first. they are key to good, safe, and informed safe. we need to look at relationships first. i am not saying sex is wrong. it does not want to have sex. it is good and it can lead to better relations. [laughter] [applause] with that, it shows that we are at extreme risk of desexualizing our children. why should we not teach them about relationships and love? what should we test it with -- what should we teach them about having good relationships? it is not wrong to have sex, but yes, it is too early. we should teach in more contact relationships and then move on to sex. we have our priorities wrong. relationships first, then sex. that is how we should educate our children. [applause] >> the young man there. >> i would like to make a point about age. i cannot imagine looking at age five at a picture of someone who has an aristide -- has an std. the government has an opportunity to tell young people ask about sex. it needs to keep up with the media's speed. thank you periods -- thank you. [applause] >> we are being joined by three more colleagues. allison mcgovern is with us. thank you for coming. >> i think it is important that we keep the images of young people. it is not a good idea to corrode the mind of young people into thinking they are going to catch an std. i do not want my younger brother to come home telling me he learned about chlamydia or gonorrhea. that is not good. in most private schools, i am short, they teach sex education from age 5. once they reach that stage, that is when they start to learn in more detail about what is going on if you do this or do that. thinkuld not make them this will happen to them. [laughter] [applause] >> thank you. shworth.wor >> young people with disabilities do not have quality information. it can get worse for some individuals to do not get sex education. [applause] thank you. >> the young woman there. >> as it has been said before, this is not about teaching five- this isds about stds, about teaching five-year olds about having relationships in the future. everyone develops at different stages. everyone is ready for sex at a different age. it is not about the facts and figures and the birds and bees. this should be left to when you are older. young people are having sex from the age of 11 works well. if we elected -- if we left it -- i have no people at that age you have gotten pregnant. we need to teach people about respect and when the right time is. we need to teach that from quite a young age, not necessarily at 5. if someone told me they should drink some alcohol and they would be ready for their first time. no one should be pressured into anything. not enough is put on feelings, personal appearance, and confidence to say no until you are ready or in a healthy relationship. [applause] >> have we got a female member from the west midlands it would like to contribute? i think we have. the young woman up there. thank you. >> all like to say that in primary school, they are teaching us how to have good relationships. the thing is, it needs to be improved on. also, [unintelligible] we should get a scheme that is that into schools. young people would feel more comfortable about that. thank you. [applause] >> to have we got from wales who is waiting to speak? >> i was personally taught nothing on relationships or sex education ever. i learned nothing until i got into biology. i am actually shot. -- i am actually shocked. [unintelligible] not only the dangers such as pregnancy or stds. it is never taught that it can actually be a good thing. it is almost like you do it because it is dangerous. [unintelligible] [applause] >> , i am going to call on the young woman from buckinghamshire. >> ladies and gentlemen, britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in europe. there are a wealth of social and political reasons for this. the paramount thing about rectifying this issue is education. we need to educate young people on sex and relationship education. it is not just making it compulsory, but we need to have a basic standard in schools. if we look at the system at the moment, the fluctuations between different schools is massive. some of my friends have had a comprehensive and consistent education, where as i can count about 3.5 hours. i was in primary school when i learned about the human reproductive system. one of those was in year eight when i was in a biology class. one of those was 45 minutes telling me how difficult it was to put on a condom. [laughter] the thing about it is, we need to prevent young people from learning about relationships and sex through gossett. we are distorting the ideas about our relationships. we need to teach young people about contraception, about 6 cents, about relationships. it is a huge thing. for those who say that sex education is for parents to teach their children, who feels mortified about having the top with parents? -- having the talk with parents? [laughter] [applause] every multi-cellular life form in existence has sex. we start when we are teenagers. [applause] >> we have time for two its reductions. -- two enter dutchess -- two introductions. >> i believe it is paramount to not only teach young people about how to manage a healthy relationship, but how to manage equality. the only way to do that is to teach them from a young age to have same-sex relationships. i know that in my constituency [unintelligible] we need to teach children from a young age that homosexuals are normal. that is the only way to stop the inequality. [applause] >> thank you for that speech. to do we have in the east of england? -- to do we help from the east of england? >> why is it so important? why should a young person be free to use the entered that and have sex when it is not safe over the internet. they can access a much different information. you can go to a primary school where it is a safe environment and learn. i know quite a lot of young people do want to know about it and the only solution is the internet. i think it is better that it is taught in a safe environment rather than going to the internet. [applause] >> i am afraid that exhaust the time available. please do not be upset or discouraged if you did not have a chance to speak in this debate. there are other debates upcoming as you know. if you are keen to contribute, please stand and i will try to get to as many of you as i possibly can. ms. felicity stonehill will conclude the debate. >> thank you, honorable speaker. i would like to thank all of you for your valid points. sex education is a new topic to be debated. i myself am honored to be able to discuss it. compulsory sexual relationship education is something we have been campaigning for for five years. last year we were days away from making a lot. we had a disappointing outcome. i believe we can make the government listen to our campaign. i would like to mention as has already been mentioned that this is not just sex and sex education. this is sex and relationships education. many believe teaching children about relationships from a young age is vitally important to their development. those children should understand the meanings of those relationships such as trust and respect. maybe with this knowledge, as they mature we can have a generation with a better attitude towards sex. today we are asking what age should this education be applied? some would argue secondary school. looking at an independent review, it says that schools -- it is highlighted that this education is strongly valued by parents. right now, our generation has a disfigured view on sex. this can lead to reproduction, such as teenage pregnancy, which is something we are aware of and have heard so many times in the press. this is not the way we want young people to be represented. i think most of us can agree that sex education is important for young people, but the right education -- with the right education, teenagers in the wind to say no. i ask you today to think about your own experiences and what you think could be done differently. thank you. [applause] >> thank you for winding up our debate so well. the debate really has been a very striking, characterized by people speaking with knowledge, with passion come out with boys, -- with passion, with poise. what you have done has been a great start. we now move on because it is time for the youth parliament to consider the second motion of the day related to university tuition fees as printed on the order paper. to move the motion, please give him a warm welcome, mr. james bartell. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. as members will be aware, a few weeks ago were brown published this report. the board brown recommended lifting the cap on it universities and paving the way to a rise in fees. this rise in fees is absolutely necessary if we are to maintain high standards in our education system. the reality is that at the moment we are reaching a crisis point in university. many universities or start for cash. there is a massive gap to fill. the director general, which represents 20 at the top universities, said we desperately need more money if we are to give students the education they deserve. mr. speaker, there is a real risk that standards in universities will be poor if investment is not retained. that is not the only factor we should consider. standards should be at the heart of our university system. we must all remember that students do not pay one penny towards their university education. you do not pay one penny until you leave. nobody will pay for their education until they have left the university, started working, and are earning over 21,000 pounds a year. if their wages go down, so will their payments. it they stop working, then their payments will stop as well. mr. speaker, that is fair. in the end, the person that benefits from having a degree is the student. the armed forces, education, and argon disallowed. money is always an issue. i hope that we will think long and hard annoy all of the options before making your final choice. during the time of speaking, three babies have been born around the country. think about the measure maker decision. we could really make an impact on their lives. now back to my opening question. would you really give up your seat for an old person? you have to do. thanks for making this day possible. [applause] thank you for the young people at home watching. thank you, mr. speaker. [applause] >> thanks for including the debate today. we appreciate the way in which people responded to you. we will come to order in due course. that concludes the debate. the obligation now and the opportunity now is for the youth parliament to vote. we want to recognize and draw the attention of the parliament. i refer to the former education minister. he is also one of the great parliamentary characters of this institution. he is a member who that is no end of authors, poets and playwrights. we are delighted to see you here today. thanks for coming. [laughter] on this occasion, i will spare you my impersonation of him. those on my right show you -- leave the chambers through the doors behind me and turn left into the lobby behind you. those on my left, should leave by the doors at the far end and turn left into the lobby behind you. you will be given ballot papers with the debate listed on separate color papers. place them in the yes or no box on each ballot paper and handed the complete favor to the and return to your place in the chamber. we will of someone on hand to assist you. you should vote only once. the lobbies are now open. order. [unintelligible] [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2010] members of the youth parliament. order. order. some people have said they wanted to raise once of order. it will not be by now but fairly shortly. i will take great pressure in asking one, mr. thatcher to say something. let me say a few more words before i do. i get the distinct impression that members of the youth parliament have enjoyed their session here today. m.r.i. it? >> -- am i right. ? >> aes. [applause] -- yes. [applause] >> and we would like to thank a number of people without home this defense would not be taking place or would not have done so with anything like the smooth and seamless efficiency that we have enjoyed. perhaps most prominent of all, i would like to say thank you to a great, a dedicated professional, a great servant of the house of commons. [applause] we appreciate you. the principal doorkeeper, robyn has gone home. he has not gone home. he is not here to be thanked. let us thank him. [applause] thank you. [applause] and a someone who has been indispensable in today's this man.s, and rea [applause] i like to thank the head of parliament's education service concurs it has been my privilege to work closely indeed over the last six months. i think the education service of the house that reaches out to schools and colleges across the country is one of the great assets and part of the progressive movement we are making to engage and encourage the participation of young people. and the leader does an outstanding job. [applause] thanks for everything you have done today and throughout the year. and bacall, where are you? you're working has been fundamental for us to be able to do this efficient but also secure. it is very much appreciated. where is pam foster? [applause] there is one group of people that's we must not forget to thank on behalf of all of us. it is the catering team. [applause] this year, we have not had the pleasure of your company. it would have been a great treasure of a scottish parliament. they have been meeting in debating in hollywood. i am sure they have been successful there. i hope they had as a rewarding experience as you have experienced here on the green benches in the chamber of the house of commons. last year was the first time you have the opportunity to debate here. i was very striking by the sheer quality of your contribution, by the self-confidence that was displayed, the poise that everybody could witness. to underline the significance of what you have done and how much you have achieved, let me say to you for myself defense when i was your age 5 was thought speaking on a regular basis in public places in front of large numbers of colleagues. i had not known but those skills for acquired that degree of self-confidence. what you have accomplished is something very special and very meaningful. i help you fill fulfill a crowd -- feel fulfilled and proud. the first for the development of your own self confidence. that is very important. i think we all can agree that the whole is the sum of the greater of all the parts. you have done right by the young people of this country. yet given us an opportunity to represent today. whenever i go around the country and these people did hear from young people, it always pains to say that whatever you think of the political system the democratic system we enjoy it is vastly better the condition in which many people have to exist afloat. i have visited some of the los conflict stricken in four places of the planet. very often, that policy was exacerbated by conflicts i met people who would give had -- wanted the opportunity to speak out and say what they think. in many parts of the world, there are still people who cannot do so because if they do speak out, hertz, raped, or killed. we know the importance of politics. it matters. the quality of education that we enjoy, the state of health care, whether or not we wage war, it all depends on loss made, money spent, decisions reached. you have taken part in a very important process. i hope it will be regarded as uncontroversial. i hope you will have your say to improve yourself to represent your community. we do not refer to people outside of the house. but i mentioned today that there is a regional media interests. i know that one person from the politics is here from the media. somebody said to me one person was here. i am delighted that she felt those people from the media will recognize this as a positive story about people showing what they can do. you have to put up with a lot of representatives, inappropriately-, sometime discriminatory coverage in the media. [unintelligible] thank you very much. [applause] on behalf of the leader of the house, i know you are welcome here and will give a warm welcome to the hon. member, the chair of the back bench business committee. my colleague, natasha. [applause] >> i am a tossup. -- natasha. thank you very much for coming. thank you so much for inviting me to speak here today. this is my first and possibly ever a time at this spot. if anyone were to ask me if i'd like to take part in this day, it would be here, and it would be now. i am very privileged to join you here today. this is an enormous privilege for me. it was not that many years ago where someone and i thought this was completely impossible. the amount of opposition that we have to have young people, anyone who was not a member of parliament, speaking from the green branches was incomprehensible. so i want to say a special thank you. i think we are in a special position to note, important this is and how much work has gone into making today possible. it would not have been possible if that man was not at the chair. let us say a big thank-you to mr. speaker. [applause] that is absolutely sincere, and i know your applause is some fear. these young people here today are taking the opportunity to give a very positive representation of what young people are capable of doing. you have been absolutely brilliant. [applause] the reason why this is an important is because those people regarding letting young people to use this chamber, if they came here today, if they had come here last year, they would see for themselves that there is nothing to worry about and a lot to celebrate. welcome. [laughter] one of the -- [applause] we all have been in different situations. i like to thank the speaker and lawrence. thank you. thanks to rob and end the doorkeepers. without their work every day, we really appreciate everything they do on a daily basis. thank you to the doorkeepers. [applause] i would like to finish off with a very fifth thing you, to all of you who have been here today. you have been fantastic. you show us how we can do it, should do it, and how parliament could be run. thank you very much. [applause] >> tom jennings. i think he is going to say a few words. >> msa thank you to everyone who has made to this day possible. -- a massive thank-you to everyone who has made this day possible. [applause] we have shown today is that we are making our market john people. thank you. >> i just thought it tony cummings. he was lurking in the background. we are grateful to him for his interests. we are waiting for the results of the vote. some people are disappointed, because they do not recall, in we make sure everyone is represented in each region. i make a particular effort to make sure there is a gender balance in the debate. if anyone is disappointed, in generally sorry. -- genuinely sorry. >> i think it is fair to say that at a time where some future is certain, a lot of things have to go to them. we have to support them on a week basis. that group at the back to plan everything for us and make our lives d.c., thank you. [applause] >> getas always speaks with tremendous passion and sincerity the great thing about this cause is the labor members, service members, many of them are here today to support you. i think it was shared at the annual meeting of the u.k. parliament the conversation i had with a member of last year before i chaired the debate last year. it would be wrong to name that member. he has retired from the house. it is an example of what rank hostility we encounter. that member said after i became speaker he said, you want to cheer the debates. let me tell you, he said, it would be an unmitigated disaster. i said, i do share your view. >> what is your argument? >> eventually, he moved on to what he was saying. i the he said at the very least, these young people will leave chewing gum all over the chamber. and he said at the worst, knives will be used. i said, you are completely wrong. these young people would be privileged to come to the chamber. i predict to you, they will speak extremely well, and they will behave better than many of my colleagues do on a day to day basis. [applause] members of the youth parliament, i know it was never popular to say i was right, but i think i can be permitted to make an exception on this occasion. you have proved me right. thank you. [applause] the very last business of the day, and those waiting to transport you would be pleased to know, sex education, motion 1. for the motion, 211. against it, 104. as we say in parliamentary language, the ayes have it. university tuition fees, for the motion, 57. against it, 267. [applause] ave it. for the motion of job opportunities, 56, against the motion, 271. [applause] it.no's have the fourth motion on the war in afghanistan. for it, 137. against it, 179. it.no's have and the motion on transport and yell purses. for the motion, 239 -- transport of young persons. for the motion is to under 39, against it, 80. -- 239, against it 80. order. order. [applause] [unintelligible] >> q&a continues tonight and tomorrow with interviews from london. tonight, the shuttle minister from public health, diane abbott. and tomorrow, comparing the british and american forms of government. we talk about elections, the impact of money in places. that is tonight and tomorrow night at a clock eastern on c- span. -- 8:00 eastern on c-span. >> and next, the lighting of the crash -- christmas tree. this is a little over 20 minutes. >> hello, everyone, and evening. welcome to the united states capitol tree lighting ceremony. i am the architect of the capital. i am honored to serve measure ambassador of ceremonies tonight as we carry out this wonderful tradition. part of this is to display festive holiday carol's prior to the program. let us take a moment to give a special thanks to the united states navy band for being here, helping to create a warm, holiday mood. the you. behind me, ladies and gentlemen, right here on what i like to call our nation's sge, stands and immelmann screws from maine. it has been beautifully decorated with more than 5000 handmade ornaments by wyoming sidence which reflects this year's theme -- "wyoming, forever west." in addition,he tree is adorned with thousands of bright, colorful, ellie the lights, which are environmentally -- led lights, which are environmentally friendly. [laughter] as is the tradition, the speaker of the house, the hon. nancy pelosi, will extend her holiday greetings to you and like this wonderful tree in just a few moments. before we get to that big moment, i would like to welcome members of congress, distinguished guests, our capitol hill neighbors, and those of you who are visiting our nation'capital today. thank you for joining us on this cold and breathe the evening. i would especially like to a knowledge -- cold and breezy evening. i will also especially like to acknowledge our other guests. [applause] each year, the united states capitol historical society produces a beautiful ornament and presents the congress with one to place on th cistmas tree. at this time, i would like to introduce a former member of congress and the president of the united states capitol historical society, mr. ron harrison. ron? [applause] >> thank you, steve. >> your welcome. >> thank you again for the opportunity to be year to once again present one of our ornaments to you to hang on the tree. this year, we have a very beautiful ornament that includes the dome and the tree. this year, it is a metal ornaments. you can get this if you would go to our website, www.usch.org. it is my pleasure to be here and take part in of this -- take part in this ceremony. steve, here is the ornament for your tree. >> thank you. [applause] that is beautiful and it is quite fitting that this year's ornament features this iconic capitol dome behind us. for 40 years, the department of agriculture u.s. for service and the architect of the capital have partnered -- forest service and the architect of the capital have partnered to bring a treat each year from our national forests. altogether, they comprise 193 million acres of forest and grassland in the united states. i would like to specifically thank all of the dedicated forest service staff who have helped us make this event possible. let's all please give them a round of applause as well. [applause] joining us tonight is j. jensen, deputy and a secretary for natural resources and environment with the u.s. department of agriculture. he would like to share a holiday message with all of you. jay? >> okay, it is cold out here. i hope the tidings of the season will bring warmth to you all. it is my pleasure to be a part of the ceremony today. speaker pelosi, senators, architect, distinguished guests, thank you. on behalf of the secretary of agriculture, i wish to wh everyone here a merry christmas and happy holiday season. thank you for coming, to brave the cold, to be a part of this year's letting of the capitol christmas tree. this tree this year comes from the teton national forest, as you have heard, in western wyoming. this tree is a beautiful spurs and, as a forester, -- beautiful and, as a forester, it is like the citizens of wyoming. ornaments have been selected from over 17,000 ornaments from the people of wyoming. to bring us this tree and dozens of other smaller trees, to decorate their offices and buildings, our volunteers have donated thousands of hours and businesses, schools, and other partners have made many generous donations. this tree symbolizes the holiday spirit of giving. i would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved. this tree comes to us because leaders long ago, like president theodore roosevelt, had the wisdom and foresight to establisa id system of public lands called the national forest. our job is to sustain those national forests for the current generation and for generations to come so that many may enjoy these christmases and trees like this. but we cannot do it alone. it takes partnerships and collaboration to get this tree on its journey here to the capital. it takes people who live on land, you use it and know it. it takes people who cherish its beauty and rely on its sources to bring it like this. we must recognize the effort that draws upon new collaboration and old friendships to help continue building this great country of ours, tree-by-tree, force-by- fours. thank you to the people of wyoming and to everyone bringing us this tree. hopefully, this tree can be a reminder to all of us of the importance oconnecting people to the land and to forests. again, tnk you, mary christmas, and happy holidays. [cheers and] applause --cheers and applause] >> tnk you. >> thank you, jay. as i mentioned, this tree has been on a tremendous journey. it traveled more than 4,6 miles across the country from wyoming. just a week ago, the tree arrived here on the west front of the capital where are dedicated grounds crew went to work decorating it. did they not do a marvelous job? [cheers and applause] i would also like to thank said that bell, our capitol grounds superintendent who has -- thank ted bektel, our capitol grounds superintendent who has the huge responsibility of selecting our tree. this is the first time the state has had this honor. please welcome senator john grossberasso. [cheers and applaus >> it was the first time ever for wyoming and it was worth the wait. is this not absolutely gorgeous. [eers and applause] bobby and i are so thrilled that you could join us. mike and cindy and i travel around the state and former gov. garrido is here. we need more wyoming in washington, wyoming valleys, independence, determination, honesty, hard work. the work to getting this yea was not done by the congressional delegation. it was done by all of you. you are the ones who made the ornaments. mikend cindy and i were concerned -- could we actually get 5000 ornaments? we were concerned. but it did not turn out to be 500. then it was 10,000. then it was 15,000. it was almost 20,000 ornaments made by the people of wyoming. [cheers and applause] the children's choir of shy and not worry about the cold, do you? [cheers and applause] i want to thank the thousands of people from wyoming who showed up as this tree travel through the roads of wyoming, stopping a thousand people in cody, 1500 in jackson, all of them coming to see this tree because this tree is a gift from the people of wyoming to the united states to celebrate christ's birth. with that, all of us from wyoming wish this country a very merry christmas. thank you very much. [cheers and applause] >> thank you. >> , i would like to it -- next, i would like to introduce senator nc. >> i want to welcome -- senator enzi. >> i want to welcome the people here from thewyoming. that is a big part of our population. this tree had to be cut and taken into a building and one up so it could be compressed to fit on a truck. then it was taken all over the state of wyoming and then ended up in georgia by thasgiving and here last week so that we could have this grand celebration. today is december 7. that is the did that lives in infamy. it is only fitting that we mentioned our service members who might be looking at this on television halfway around the world. they almost -- they also might be in places where they're not any trees like this. in some places, they're sticking a stick in the ground and they're taking coat hangers and making limbs and they are taking things out of the box that you sent to them to decorate that tree. on their behalf and on the behalf of the people of wyoming, we get to commemorate the street tonight in such a glorious fashion for wyoming, the west, and america. thank you. [cheers and applause] >>hank you. now to help set the proper mood, let me introduce the all city children's chorus from cheyenne, wyoming under the direction of miss mary firsrisk. there will be singing a medley of holiday songs. [applause] ♪ ♪ [singing "deck the halls"] ♪ ♪ ♪ [singing "go tell it ont the mountain"] ♪ ♪ ♪ [singing "rocking around the christmas tree"] ♪ ♪ ♪ [cheers and applause] >> the all-city children's chorus from cheyenne, wyong. [cheers and applause] >> ladies and devon, it is my great pleasure to introduce the speaker of the house. i know this is one of her favorite events here at the capitol every year. joining the speaker to help like the speaker is daniel sitter. daniel, come on up. he is a sixth-grader at osmond elementary school in fairview, wyoming. a round for daniel. [cheers and applause] daniel's name w drawn from more than 1000 students to help the tree. he made this trip to washington along with the honor of the assisting speaker pelosi in the lighting of the tree. ladies and gentlemen, the speaker of the house, the hon. nancy pelosi. [cheers and applause] >> hey, we want those kids back over here while we light the tree. please come back over here. what an honor to be here with you and all of you and daniel. i would like to recognize j. jensen, undersecretary for natural resources and environment and the united states navy band. thank you for entertaing us this evening. what a treat f us to see the all-city children's chorus from cheyenne, wyoming. thank you. you honor us with your presence and entertainers with your music. it is our joy to have you here at the capitol. to the people of wyoming, thank you for this gift to the nation, the capitol christmas tree. you cannot see on the other side of the tree, but they can see you. gathered on the speaker is bound up anyare many men and women in uniform from walter reed hospital with their families. let's give them a round of appreciation. [cheers and applause] i told them that you would appreciate their presence. this is a highlight for the year. the gift and the lighting of this magnificent tree and the ornaments, we are exhibiting the quality for the entire nation to see. last month, as it has been mentioned, at the heart of the national force, people came from jackson came together to look at the tree. parents brought their children keep brother -- parent procter children to see the capital tree. it went to 22 sittings with in wyoming. 22 cities within wyoming? [laughter] and towns before heading across the country. the tree even has its own memorabilia, mugs and magnets, tins and patches, teachers and tote bags that you will all want to have. it is a source of pride for wyoming. it is a source of joy for the united states congress and for all americans. daniel has been mentioned, but his sister mia -- held a she? >> she is 13. >> she is 13. she is here with him as well. daniel is the person that we are all honored to share the lighting of a tree with. we are honored by the gift from the state of wyoming. we are honored by the service of our men and women in uniform. with the help of daniel sitter, we will now like the tree. i want these children to come even closer. ♪ ♪ ♪ [band plang "oh christmas tree ♪ ♪ ♪ [cheers and applause] >> thank you all. i know you will want to get your pictures taken in fro of the tree. >> thank you, daniel, and thank you, speaker pelosi. does not the tree look wonderful? [cheers and applause] thank you all for joining us with speaker pelosi and members of congress, the navy band, the forestry service, for the sliding of our united states capitol christmas tree. thank you and good night. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2010] [captioning performed by national captioning institute] >> tonight, let us celebrate the season and sing for the true reason, love, joy, peace that we believe in and celebrate with more room 5, -- maron 5, ingrid michaelson,a and the legendary b.b. king and some very special guests. ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the president and the first family of the united states. [cheers and applause] ♪ >> mr. president, >> mr. president, welcome. first family, welcome. i hope those seats are ok. if not, i can hook you up. are they ok? >> yes. >> then let's get the show started. first is a gifted singer and songwriter. ladies and gentlemen, joining the u.s. coast guard band is sara bareilles and ingrid m ichaelson. ichaelson.