'If you don’t do politics, politics will do you'

Young Londoners have come together to discuss what politicians can do to help shape their futures, ahead of the general election on Thursday.

The panel, at Lambeth Town Hall, was joined by former Labour director of communications Alistair Campbell, public policy advisor Salma Shah and housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa, offering their view on the voting age, the importance of campaigning and securing opportunities beyond the classroom.

Youth unemployment, the climate emergency, disabilities, marginalised communities, asylum seekers, mental health issues and access to education were at the heart of the voters' concerns, who were aged 18 to 25.

Reece Morris, 19, told the panel discussion, organised by Back Youth Alliance: "It’s the first time I’m getting to vote and I’m so excited about it. I really want all young people to get out and vote."

He added: "I really want the next government to focus on better mental health services for young people, give more funding to the creative arts and also for schools to teach politics so that young people are more informed at a younger age."

Activist Kwajo Teneboa stressed the value of being politically engaged, saying: "My message to young people is that if you don’t do politics, politics will do you.

"We have to remember, whether we like it or not, it affects all aspects of our lives. And we deserve to have a say, we should have a say, and we shouldn't take that opportunity for granted.

"I know the next government are inheriting a really tough economic situation, but all the politicians need to remember why they came into politics – to positively change the lives of people suffering, and they will have a chance to do that."

A member of Youth Parliament for the City of London, Zara Choudhary, 15, said: "I would definitely like to see a lot more youth engagement in politics and more politicians listening to what young people have to say."

Ayesha Karim, 21, UK youth lead at the Scouts, added: "I’ve been involved in Scouts since I was six years old and Scouts is all about supporting young people to become active citizens.

"It’s time young people are recognised for the difference we make in society and are listened to by decision makers."

Mr Campbell told the discussion that "all of the youth energy" would be needed to "turn the country around."

"At the moment, old people vote more than young people. I want to persuade young people not just to vote but also to understand that all of their ideas and energy are going to be needed,” he explained.

Ms Shah agreed, saying: "Youth engagement in politics is vital to protect our systems and their legitimacy for the future. Having a vote is only one way to influence the government and politicians."

Recent research by Opinium showed that only one in 10 young people aged 8–17 believed politicians always or often focused on the needs of young people when making decisions. But 88% of young people believed it was important to have a say in the decisions politicians made about public life.

New Duke of Edinburgh's Award research suggested two thirds of young people had engaged in one or more political activity over the past three months, and 53% of those aged 18 or over said they were interested in UK politics.

More than half of 14-24 year olds (53%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that politicians in the UK listened to people their age.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]