Young people call on the new government to put youth voices at heart of policy-making, as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award shares new research
25 Jul 2024
Young people from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) are calling on the new government to back a Youth Pledge, committing to give young people a meaningful say on policies that affect them, as new research from the charity shows young people feel politicians don’t listen to their views or share their priorities.
Published on Tuesday, 23 July, the DofE Youth Voices 2024 study sought views on the political and personal issues that matter most to young people aged 14 to 24, and found that housing, the NHS, cost of living and mental health ranked highest among respondents.
However, young people also felt these areas are considered least important by political leaders, and 66% said they believe politicians in the UK are most likely to listen to those aged over 35.
And with just 22% of respondents agreeing with the phrase “politicians in the UK listen to people of my age”, DofE Award holders personally delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street to call on the new government and parliamentarians to respond to the disconnect and disillusion felt by many young people.
The letter called for MPs to back a Youth Pledge, which outlines a commitment to introduce a clear process to ensure that youth voices are factored into all levels of policy and decision-making over the coming years.
Poppy, 19, a Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Award holder, who was among the group of young people delivering the letter to Number 10, said: “For too long, young people like me have been shut out of the conversation and having our views overlooked by adults who are making decisions that will affect the rest of our lives. Our views and experiences matter too, and politicians can learn from what we have to say.
“As a new government takes office, they have a fresh opportunity to reassure young people that they are listening to our hopes, concerns and priorities. Policy makers must consult us on decisions that affect us. We are the future of this country and we deserve a seat at the table.”
Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Our findings clearly show that young people are ambitious for their own futures, but they continue to feel unheard and unsupported on the issues that will define their lives and careers.
“The new government must use this moment to acknowledge that disconnect and prove they’re listening by giving young people meaningful opportunities to be consulted on policy decisions that affect them, including through youth networks, youth-led organisations, the UK Youth Parliament and local youth partnerships and policy networks.
"Young people are this country’s future and should have a say on decisions that will fundamentally impact the rest of their lives.”
To read the Youth Voices 2024 report in full, click here to visit dofe.org/YouthVoices2024
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