YouthPolitics UK

Are the West Able to Condemn China’s Human Rights Breaches?

'Politics is politics, so perhaps we should not expect too much from leading governments around the world, especially those who already rely heavily on trade with China, or those who aspire to do so.' Harry Hine, 17, explores China's treatment of Uighur Muslims and the West's response.

2019 election

Why Labour cannot win in 2024

"A London barrister - a lifelong party member, but distant from where Labour’s heartlands had recently been breached by clear blue water. The Red Wall no longer." Zach Foster, 16, argues that in order to win again, the Labour Party must forget the Northern Red Wall and look Southwards

2019 election

Boris Johnson is Gaslighting The British Public

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we trusted our government to protect us and they didn’t do their job." Freelance journalist Michele Theil argues that the government has distorted their failures in handling the pandemic to preserve electability

covid-19

The Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: It's Clear That The Government Needs To Be Three Steps Ahead

"Don’t just say, “we all need the vaccine.” Make it personal. Speak right to them, not at them." Editor for YouthPolitics UK and freelance journalist Zesha Saleem looks at how the government needs to be ready to tackle the issue over the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots.

america

The problem behind the two-party system in the United States

'It seems as if the founders biggest worry had come to fruition.' Vedant Rajvanshi, 16, argues that the two-party system in the USA is not only counterproductive but harmful to the democratic process.

The Decay of Socialist Attitudes in the UK Is Weakening Democracy

"The decline of the left of British politics weakens democracy, giving a false dichotomy between two parties with little differences in terms of overall economic and political stances. " In this piece, Samuel looks at how the decline of socialism in the UK can affect British politics

brexit

The Case for CANZUK

'As Johnson burns bridges with the European Union, liberals must coalesce around an economic alliance with Canada, Australia and New Zealand.' Junayd, 15, argues that Liberals must support CANZUK to make up for the loss of EU membership.

schools

Somebody, Please Think of the Children! (and return schools back to the councils)

'You'd know that it’s your local councillor, who just lives down the road, working on education policy in the area.' Mawgan, 17, writing on behalf of the Young Socialists, makes the case that we need to devolve the oversight and running of our schools to local councils.

black lives matter

We Cannot Rely on Politicians to Support Defunding the Police

Following political powers' dismissing calls to defunding the police, Nida Rafiq, 19, explains what it would actually mean, as well as why we cannot rely on politicians to support it.

brexit

Leaving The EU Without A Trade Deal Would Be A Mistake – Here's Why

Going into 2021, the spectre of Brexit hangs over Britain, with a no-deal situation looking more and more likely after repeatedly failed negotiations. Zach Foster explains why this is counterproductive and could potentially cause more damage than good.

Islamophobia

It's Time To Discuss Islamophobia In The UK and Europe

As discrmination spreads through the UK and Europe, Muslims are targets of hate crimes and repressive legislations. Ishaa Asim, 18, discusses her own experience with Islamophobia as well as how European governments are increasingly alienating young Muslims.

boris johnson

Boris Johnson doesn't have long left

"Whatever happens, there will be an unforgettable legacy that he leaves behind – whether brief or lengthy." In this opinion piece, Jack explains why he thinks the resignation of the Prime Minister will be sooner rather than later

mental health

Young People are Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that poor mental health has taken its toll on young people. Patrick Hill-Aspinall, 15, explores how the wellbeing of students of all ages has been overlook by the government and institutions, and what this could potentially lead to.

US election

Biden Won – But What Are His Next Steps?

Joe Biden's victory is fresh out the press. Luke Chadwick, 15, explores how Biden will need to lead the Democratic Party forward, aiming for progression and smooth passing of bills, to survive in an ever-changing America.

US election

Trump's Fear Speaks More Than His Confidence

With the 2020 US Presidential election unfolding and the world watching, Trump's bravado seems to be vacillating as he turns to hysteria and conspiracy theories. Sofia De Ceglie, 20, explores why Trump's displays of fear might be able to reveal more than we might think.

Free School Meals

Marcus Rashford and Free School Meals: A Moral and Political Problem

Amidst the Free School Meals debates, Laurie Freeman, 19, explores how a moral issue has quickly turned political – and why footballer and activist Marcus Rashford handled it so brilliantly.

Elections

Tuesday Won't Be The End Of The Election

The 2020 US presidential election seem to have gone on forever – and yet Tuesday might not be the end of them. Luke, 15, explains why we might not know the results until a few days later, and how President Trump might react to this.

democracy

Intellectual Political Discourse is Dying. But What Does This Say for Democracy?

Constructive political discourse was replaced by petty insults and playground arguments during the Trump-Biden Presidential debates. Sami, 16, explored what this really means for democracy and the dark turn it could take.

policy

The Government Needs A Change In Negotiation Strategy

Between failed Brexit talks and attacks from local leaders following COVID restrictions, communication breakdown in the UK government has become the norm. Patrick Hill-Aspinall, 15, questions current negotiations strategies and their effectiveness.

china

The West needs a pragmatic policy on China, and the UK should be the ones to lead it

"The failure of the West to create a cohesive policy on China must be viewed as nothing less than a failure." In this piece, Junayd, 15, discusses why the UK should play a key role in developing a pragmatic policy on China

Why Defeating Trump Is Not Enough: Harnessing Love For Political Purposes

"To cure America of its rooted prejudices, love must be administered deeply, extensively, holistically." Ryan James Keane, 21, explores how the US needs a deep moral shift to avoid authoritarianism and discrimination, in the wake of the 2020 Presidential Election.

Black History Month

Why Black people are growing tired of Black History Month

"Black history is British history and to have Black history only explored in one month every year in a separate category is to suggest that it is not." Yasmin Al-Najar gives her thoughts on Black History Month and its place in modern Britain.

culture

The pandemic has proved that our creative industries are crucial

"The arts can help us escape the gloom reality of the pandemic but it is inescapable in itself." In this passionate piece, Frances, 16, discusses the utmost importance of the creative industries during the pandemic.

coronavirus

Has COVID-19 proved that ‘levelling up the North’ is nothing more than an empty slogan?

"By ignoring Northern leaders and councils who know their community well, the government is not levelling the North up in any way at all." In this piece, Zesha Saleem discusses the government's handling of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the North of England.

covid-19

COVID-19 - One rule for us, another rule for them.

"Time and time again, we have stories about how various MPs, regardless of party, breaking lockdown rules in their own unique ways." Mahed, 16, argues that the government and parliament are ignoring the restrictions surrounding COVID-19 as if they are above the law.