Enthusing Young People about Democracy

Camden Council recently held a fantastic event to get young people more involved in democracy, decision-making and their local area. Secondary school students were given a chance to put their councillors on the spot and tell us what they think needs to change in their neighbourhoods. Unfortunately most Camden residents wouldn't about know this because our local newspapers virtually ignored the event.

One of their few criticisms of the day was that there were very few Labour and Conservative councillors who took part. Obviously I can’t speak for the other parties, but the Lib Dems take young people and their views very seriously and I think our turnout at this event demonstrates our commitment to the young people of Camden. I was personally really pleased that so many of the students I spoke to supported my attempts to make Camden more environmentally friendly.

There’s still a lot to do but events like this, the extra investment in youth services and activities, the challenging of the negative stereotype of young people and understanding that they are most often the victims of crime, and the investment in a youth council to give Camden’s young people a real voice, all show that the Lib Dem-led administration is moving in the right direction and is serious in its commitment to young people in Camden.