Political parties should address the issues that matter to young people
The British Youth Council is launching ‘Our Parliament, Our Vision’, a manifesto which outlines our vision for the next UK Parliament. The manifesto sets out the four priorities that we want the next Parliament to address the issues of young people including climate change and mental health. Young people want the next Parliament to do
- Published in General Election 2019, News, Press
Voter ID at elections marginalises the marginalised
British Youth Council Trustee, Larissa Kennedy, comments on the Voter ID pilots undertaken at the Local Elections in 2018. Throughout history, the power of the vote and, equal access to voting, is something that so many have fought for – with young people being some of those who continue that battle to this day. It
- Published in Blogs
It feels like we’re being convinced there is no point in voting
When I think of the word politics, several potent images of sceptical public politicians and highly emotive scandalous campaigns come to my mind. These days, my Facebook feed is flooded with news articles that appear to be published to rile the public into believing that all politicians are the same and that there is no
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017
If young people cared they would vote
I hear this so often from people, in regards to what many view as young people’s political disengagement. Not only is this stance is overly-simplistic and lacking in nuance, it’s fatalistic. It takes no accountability for encouraging further political engagement via traditional, more visible and measurable channels. If this argument were the case one would
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017, Votes at 16
Creating meaningful, paid and fair internships for the next generation
Internships are often invaluable opportunities for young people to gain knowledge, skills and experience that enable them to further their careers and develop as individuals. Entering the world of work is hard. You might just be grateful for a position and dismiss the way you are treated in order to gain that golden ticket of
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017
It’s time to listen to young people
As a fifteen-year-old, I campaigned in the Scottish Independence referendum but I could not vote. When I turned sixteen, I was trusted as a door-to-door canvasser for general election but was not seen mature enough to vote. At seventeen, the government successfully denied the voice of over 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds in the UK.
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017, Votes at 16
Young people and the dark side of social media
Young people live and breathe social media, from snapchatting their friends to updating their status on Facebook. Most of the interactions are harmless, friends sharing good times, but knowing what hides behind the scenes of social media interactions is essential. In this ever evolving technological world we need to understand exactly what young people are
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017
Our minds really do matter.
Democracy is one of the most wonderful things in this world as it allows people to have a voice in choosing who should govern their country. Many people around the world still don’t have this privilege and I am thankful that I do. As I am able to vote and so are thousands of young
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017
We want a real living wage for all
On June 8th, it is crucial that young people head to the polling station and cast their vote in the General Election. Whatever changes are being implemented now, they will affect our generation – young people – more than they will ever affect the politicians implementing them. This election in particular is extremely important, since
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017
It’s about time our democracy gives a voice to the voiceless
If you were to google ‘millennials are’, the words that come after are not inspiring; ‘lazy’, ‘stupid’ or ‘screwed’. This isn’t by chance, it’s part of a wider narrative. My generation – those who are currently under 25 – are constantly undervalued and undermined. We’re seen as selfish and entitled, bone-idle and boorish. Nothing could
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election 2017, Votes at 16