YouthPolitics Articles - YouthPolitics UK

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.

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.

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.