YouthPolitics Articles

articles

Dear Mary Robinson MP

'I would not be writing to you on this issue if there was any redeemable chance for a full and sincere apology, and a pledge to right the wrongs of the past.' Zach Foster, 17, writes an open letter to his MP.

articles

Something must change.

'We have a long way to go. But I hope, for the memory of two parliamentarians who understood the meaning of duty in its truest sense, we can succeed.' Robert McFarlayne addresses the recent murder of two British MPs, and what must be done to prevent it happening again.

articles

No Matter the Result, Germany’s next Chancellor is a child of Merkel

'A strong German chancellor has been crucial for the stability and security of Europe and its defining institution, the European Union.' Robert McFarlayne argues that, whatever the result today, the next chancellor will be in Merkel's image.

america

The US Constitution is a Hindrance to Progress.

'I am extremely doubtful that America’s fiscal prosperity can continue to disguise a fundamentally flawed system of government' Benjamin Harcourt Sharpe, 17, argues that the USA's reverence of its constitution is hindering its progress.

articles

The Monarchy: Expensive, Outdated, Pointless

'It is my view that the monarchy viably can, and should, be abolished due to their finances and misconduct, but, primarily, for the sake of democracy.' Samuel Cohen, 17, argues that the British monarchy is outdated and gives an image contrary to that of a western democracy.

government

Tory Sleaze is Back – What Now?

‘Sleaze, Sleaze, Sleaze’, was the diagnosis from the opposition leader, Keir Starmer, following numerous scandals – it seems the government is suffering from a case of indecency. But what will be the effects? Daisy O’Connell explores the possible impacts of misconduct in government.

articles

Students Continue to be Let Down During the Pandemic

'Paying the full tuition fee of £9250 for a substandard university experience seems wrong; the university experience simply isn’t the same.' Jack Crockford argues that the approach to university tuition throughout the pandemic has been damaging ill-prepared.

boris johnson

Government hypocrisy is undermining the COVID effort.

'Ultimately, as members of the government themselves, they set an example to everyone in the country. When they disregard the rules, it sends the message that it is ok for everyone else to do so' Frances Hudson makes the case that government scandals have weakened our fight against COVID-19.

boris johnson

Boris Johnson is in Deep Waters — It Will Start to Catch Up With Him

"No matter what happens though, there’s one thing that’s for certain — it will end badly." Zesha Saleem, Editor for Youth Politics UK, reflects on how the Downing Street refurbishment issue will catch up with the Prime Minister.

articles

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.

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.