YouthPolitics UK

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.

The PM's keynote speech: forget wind power when you can have hot air

"There’s no point in showing us the light at the end of the tunnel when there’s a huge rock threatening to block it out from us." Zesha Saleem reflects on the Prime Minister's keynote speech at the Conservative Party Conference

education

Our education system must maintain neutrality

"Gavin Williamson, with this decision, has identified his government as the enemies of freedom." In this thought-provoking piece, Junayd argues that the new government guidelines are threatening freedom of thought in schools.

coronavirus

Students Are Being Held Hostage By The Rentier Economy

"Decisions concerning the return to university were made with the priority of guaranteeing revenue to this country’s rentier class. The safety and security of students was an afterthought." Alice Stephens, 19, asks whether young people are really to blame for the current rise in COVID-19 cases.

liberal democrats

Can ‘Orange Book’ Liberals save the Liberal Democrats?

"A crumbling economy, an unpopular prime minister, inefficient cabinet ministers and a party in government haemorrhaging support. All of this gives me flashbacks to 2010." Jack, 16, gives his thoughts on the election of Ed Davey as Lib Dem leader.

covid-19

Capitalism has catalysed the impact of COVID-19 across the globe

"No one should profit off misfortune. No one should lose their job, be refused aid, or die a preventable death due to capitalist shortcomings." In this article, Samuel, 16, passionately explores the negative impact of capitalism on the COVID-19 crisis across the globe

liberal democrats

A New Leader Won't Save the Liberal Democrats

"The Liberal Democrats are failing. Picking a new leader is just re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" Owen, 17, argues that the roots of the Liberal Democrat's recent shortcomings are due to a contradiction of ideology; not unpopular leaders.

black lives matter

The UK Is Not Innocent

"I believe it is necessary to actively support ways in which we can revolutionise law and order in Britain. I say revolutionise- because we have moved past the need to reform." Nida Rafiq, 19, demands an end to complacency.

democracy

Deepfakes are damaging and undermining our democracy

"It is increasingly clear that deepfakes are a problem that urgently needs resolving by those holding political power." Jack Crockford, 19, reflects on the threat that political deepfakes pose to our democracy.

colonialism

Racist Iconography Has No Place In Our Streets

"In our daily lives, we see colonisers and plantation-owners immortalised in bronze statues and street names. Why do we allow this to continue?" Caitlin, 16, explores the controversial topic of iconoclasm.

articles

Kae Tempest’s “People’s Faces” portrays our present political situation

"This is eloquently backed by the words of arguably one of the most passionate spoken and written word artists in all contemporary Britain." In this article, Rohit, 16, explores the link between Kae Tempest's masterpiece and our current political climate.

voting

Mind over mantra: Why do we vote the way we do?

‘’How many people vote a certain way because their parent told them to? What seems to be the deciding factor for most? Environment or ideology?’’ Laurie Freeman ,19, explores the factors influencing our political standpoints.

colonialism

Berlin’s street names: addressing Germany’s colonial past

'Many German colonisers are still exalted in Berlin's streets.' Alexandra La Guardia, 22, argues that Germany needs to come to terms with its other brutal legacy.

Green Party

The Green Party needs to get pragmatic

"We have to meet every Briton in the middle." Mawgan Stinchcombe, 18, endorses Rosi Sexton to lead the Green Party into a new era.

democracy

The Government’s Hypocrisy is Destroying Us

‘It suddenly seemed like the rules were changed to protect a person in power.‘ Michelle Osborne ,19, details the hypocrisy and double standards demonstrated by political figures.

Elections

Lowering the Voting Age would revitalise Democracy

"There are currently more discussions about young people than with them." Matt Musindi, 19, argues that it's time for the UK to give 16-17 year-old citizens the vote.

activism

Why your allyship never extends to Jews

‘My feed was silent and I was scared.’ The past few months has witnessed a flood of activism but Rachel Coussins, 19, reflects on how and why she thinks Jewish allyship was left outside of the equation.

A levels

For the few not the many: A-Level students miss out on their top universities

'The Government has let down the most disadvantaged people in our society.' In this article, Ben Barry criticises the government for their mishandling of a level results and the disproportionate effect on poorer students.

Labour Party

2019: The Inevitable Kick in the Teeth for Corbyn’s Labour

"You’re young, you don’t know what you’re talking about" This Labour Party activist explains her experience working inside the Labour Party and criticises it for shutting down ideas other than Corbyn's.