 In 1963, the Council gained independence from the British Government and became a UK charity championing the opinions of young people.From the late 1960s, the Council expanded its work in connecting youth councils across the UK – a move championed by then staff member John Denham, former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.In 1971, BYC organised the annual World Assembly of Youth event in Manchester where Prime Minister Edward Heath was the keynote speaker.