APPG Youth Affairs – Liberal Democrats – 24 February 2014 By YEUK Youth Ambassador Jack.
With Labour getting off to a strong start last month. It was time for the smaller Coalition partner of the current government to take the stage at the second of the three special party APPG Youth Affairs. The Lib Dems have faced quite a bruising period since their agreement to form a government back into 2010 amongst young people.
Since agreeing to raise tuition fees to above £9,000 a year. Their popularity among young people has slipped dramatically. Their position in the polls has suffered too, scraping no more than 7 or 8%, newcomers like UKIP or the SNP performing much better. Sitting around a group a largely first time voters for this General Election. It was going to be a task to convince those in the room who were still undecided on who they would be voting for in May.
Chaired by Julie Hilling MP, the panel comprised of:
President of the Lib Dems – Sal Brinton, 
MP for Norwich North – Simon Wright
Chair of Liberal Youth – Alex Harding
NCVYS Policy Manager – Dom Weinberg
The opening statement from Sal was centered on the room of young people, asking for a show of hands to questions such as how many were first time voters, who was intending to vote and if they knew who they would be voting for. All responded that they would be voting in the coming election, but not everyone had decided who they would be voting for. Sal went on to speak highly of devolution powers and how this would be transferred to local authorities. Enabling them to take on decisions on issues in their communities.
The party, like Labour, are also supportive of Votes at 16. Seeking to introduce the measure in the next Parliament. As well as intending to take a stronger line on challenging climate change. Wright praised the policies during their time, such as the Pupil Premium and tackling topical problems in society like homophobic bullying. The party maintained that during its time as coalition partner it had provided a stabilising element within the Conservative policies.
When it was time to take questions from the body of the room. I was the first to kick off the questions. i was curious to what extent would devolution be pushed within communities. If giving the power to local authorities would boost job opportunities and growth, given the extensive cuts over the past five years in many areas.The panel expressed that even though they were not supportive of regional assemblies. Devolution would be an improvement on authority from Whitehall.
The second question of the evening was asked by YEUK Ambassador Hugo, who questioned the strength of Citizenship education in schools. Wright replied, that they were supportive of the British Youth Council’s (BYC) ‘Curriculum for Life’ report. The party would if they come into power would seek to introduce measures based on that.
Questions that followed included, how often marginalised groups in politics, like women and people with learning disabilities, would be engaged in politics. The former it was suggested that it required role models and also women in society that they could connect with.
Mita Desai, The BYC Chair addressed the panel asking if a Youth Minister with a portfolio to specifically address young people’s needs would be created. While the party said they would not commit to the proposal as an official policy, it may be a strategy they will consider. There were many in the room whose concerns surrounded mental health. Which the party said they would commit £400 million. They would build more affordable homes, constructing up-to 300,000 if in a position of power after the election.
Naturally the subject of tuition fees was not forgotten and with the question eventually raised. Which Brinton expalined, that they were within a Government where they did not have full control of policies. Its contract with the Conservatives meant that they had to make some compromises. Brinton admitted that it came at a very unfortunate point in which the party would face the repercussions it did. After five years, it seems that all is yet not forgiven.
Next month, in the third and final debate before Parliament dissolves to campaign. The Conservative take the panel seats and discuss what they can offer if re-elected in May.
