As part of our mission to widen access to politics and public affairs, each year Principle welcomes Uxbridge College students learning English as a second language for work experience. This opportunity allows them to learn about UK politics and campaigning, discuss societal issues, and join us for a Parliament and Westminster tour.
This year, our consultant Valentina Garcia also took the group to the Supreme Court, exploring a newer addition to Britain’s constitutional setup.
We firmly believe all young people should be empowered to make a positive difference on the matters that affect their lives and be encouraged to get involved in politics. Our four students researched the UK political system, presented on inspirational figures committed to social change, and discussed issues like climate change, transport, health, and if the votes at 16 pledge Keir Starmer might make a difference.
Last week’s general election highlighted the importance of this – for all the seismic changes we’ve seen at the outset of this new Parliament, the turnout was just 60%, the second lowest since 1885. A post-election poll, by Conservative polling guru Lord Ashcroft, suggests that Labour won by a 25-point margin among 18-24s who decided to vote, but overall youth turnout remains low. In the 2019 election, 67.3% of the public exercised their right to vote, but only 47% of under 24s did.
Against that backdrop, two of our students blogged about three political issues that are important to them and that they wanted their local parliamentary candidates to address during their public affairs work experience.
I am from Afghanistan. I think everyone should be interested in politics because the people who are elected can and do have a huge impact on our own lives. Elected officials – whether we’re talking about Councillors, Mayors, Parliament or even more offices that might be elected in other countries – can have an impact on our taxes, for example – not only how much we pay, but also on how that money is spent. For me, my top three issues are:
Immigration
Rises in immigration has created diverse societies. Some people will see this as an advantage, as it means thriving migrant diasporas. But in some cases there can be tension with existing local populations, so there need to be policies that help integration. The UK population could reach nearly 74 million by 2036 and net migration is a factor in this, Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures published this year suggested.
Healthcare and NHS Funding
The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of UK society, but it faces significant challenges, including funding shortages, staff shortages, and increasing demand for services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, highlighting the need for substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce. We need to talk about how to ensure the NHS remains free at the point of use while improving efficiency and patient care. There is also a focus on mental health services and addressing health inequalities across different regions and demographics.
Trade and cost of living
Costs and barriers when transporting goods between countries can cause trade imbalances and push up prices, which is making cost of living harder for people in Britain and many other countries. It also forces people trying to run businesses in Britain to make difficult decisions about where to locate.
These issues are central to the political landscape and need comprehensive and well thought-out policies to address them. By focusing on immigration, healthcare, and transportation costs, politicians can work towards a more sustainable, healthy and equitable future for all residents.
I’m from Afghanistan and studying my pre-GCSE Level 1, and I’m really into UK politics. Understanding how political decisions shape our society is crucial, and today, I want to share the three political issues that matter most to me.
Climate Change
Climate change is a big deal. With more floods and extreme weather in the UK, we need to act fast. Investing in renewable energy and enforcing stricter environmental rules is essential to protect our future.
NHS Waiting Times
A major issue for me is the waiting times in the NHS. When you’re sick and need emergency help, waiting for one or even two hours is unacceptable. Booking a GP appointment for the same day is often impossible, and you might get an appointment only after a day or two. By then, you might not even need it anymore. The NHS needs to improve its response times because many people need quick and efficient medical attention.
Social Equality
Social equality is another important issue. Despite some progress, there are still big gaps in income, education, and opportunities across different regions and communities. Policies that promote equal opportunities and address these inequalities are crucial for a fairer society.
To sum up, dealing with climate change, reducing NHS waiting times, and promoting social equality are the political issues I believe are most important right now. These issues affect all of us and need attention and action from politicians. Together, we can make a positive difference in the UK.
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