Sonny Green Becomes Oracy Ambassador for the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament

At just 31 years old, Sonny Green is already a powerful voice for his generation. Poet, actor, and community advocate from Southend-on-Sea, Sonny has now been named Oracy Ambassador for the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament – a role that feels both deeply personal and perfectly placed.

Sonny plans to launch his ambassadorship where his own story began: at Hamstel Primary School in Southchurch. Joined by local MP Bayo Alaba, Sonny will work alongside the Child MPs, helping them explore the power of oracy and, crucially, how to find their voice. It is a full-circle moment – returning not just as a former pupil, but as a role model showing what is possible when young people are encouraged to speak, express, and be heard.

Many will already know Sonny from his New Year’s Eve 2026 poem, What England Means to Me, which aired on BBC One and ITV1, reaching an extraordinary audience of over 30 million people. The poem struck a chord across the country, blending pride, reflection, honesty, and hope – the very qualities that make Sonny such a compelling ambassador for youth voice.

Alongside his work with the Children’s Parliament, Sonny also leads oracy workshops with the Financial Times and partner charities, continuing to build bridges between young people, education, media, and opportunity. As Oracy Ambassador, he champions the belief that every child deserves the confidence and skills to speak up, be listened to, and shape the world around them.

Co-founder of the UK Children’s Parliament, Richard Hillgrove, reflects on the legacy that underpins this appointment. Sir David Amess, he says, was passionate about teaching people – from the youngest age possible – about oracy and politics. At just 11 years old, Sir David Amess famously launched The Revolutionary Party with the aim of scrapping homework. Long before his time in Parliament, Sir David was known as “Mr Southend”, a tireless advocate for his community before he was so tragically taken from us.

“Sonny Green is filling big shoes,” Richard says. “He is the new Mr Southend.”

Fittingly, Sonny’s words now live not only on stage and screen, but on the page too. His book, What England Means To Me, is available to purchase on Amazon – a powerful extension of the poem that captured a nation, and a reminder of what can happen when someone is given the space, confidence, and encouragement to speak.

This is not just an appointment. It is a continuation of a legacy – one that believes in young people, in voice, and in the power of words to change lives.

Sonny’s new book ‘What England Means To Me’ is available for purchase on Amazon.

Posted: 18th January 2026