There are lots of reasons why democracy is in crisis.
We have had a run of mendacious politicians who show no respect for the law, corresponding with the rise of social media (which promotes echo-chambers rather than debate), and the decline of news media that have traditionally at least tried to hold politicians to account. Nowadays newspapers and their online sites often seem to be more interested in following their own partisan agenda – or chasing advertising revenue.
Politicians need to be held to account – and decent, honest reporting is essential, but all too rare, especially in local politics.
The number of young people who vote in elections is at an all-time low. Overwhelmingly, young people do not recognise themselves or see their lives in what passes for political debate. Democracy comes across as something alien and politics is something that is done to them, rather than something they can be a part of.
That’s why I try to both prioritise school visits in the constituency, and make time for school parties when they come to Parliament.
Without exception, I come away from school visits feeling encouraged and motivated. Children (and all credit to their teachers), engage passionately with the issues they care about. They invariably approach politics from a personal perspective – fairness, equality, their future (often through the lens climate crisis). My visit to Randwick Primary and taking part in one of their philosophy for children (P4C) lessons remains a highlight.
This week Thomas Keble sent a group of 40 students to Parliament. I was struck again by both the dedication of the teaching staff and the seriousness of the children – and they asked some great questions.
Schools can organise to visit Parliament under their own steam, or come along as part of Parliament’s educational programme. Contact my office or follow the link here:
https://learning.parliament.uk/en/session-workshop/tours-and-workshops
