Over 80 young people join APPG on Youth Affairs to discuss national youth strategy

On Tuesday 26 November, the APPG was delighted to welcome over 80 young people in Parliament for a meeting to discuss the recently announced National Youth Strategy, what young people might want to see in it, as well as topics that the APPG might cover for the rest of the Parliamentary session.

The APPG on Youth Affairs is unique amongst APPGs, as it brings young people to Parliament and the heart of democracy and puts young people at the centre of its work. The APPG strives to have young people frequently come to Parliament and to be able to put forth their concerns to MPs and panel members. On Tuesday, young people set out   what they would like to see included in the APPG’s work plans for the rest of the parliament.

Chair of the APPG, Natasha Irons MP, welcomed the young people and ensured that as many people as possible were able to contribute ideas and thoughts. Other members of the panel were Siana Beard, Youth Ambassador from YMCA Worcestershire, Anne Longfield CBE, Chair & Founder for Centre for Young Lives, and Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation. They provided their own perspectives, and were also joined by David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, and Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham.

The APPG has previously covered policy areas including youth services, mentoring, and homelessness. In 2023, it carried out an inquiry on skills and youth employment, exploring barriers to employment, skills gaps across the country, and solutions that could be implemented to bolster the future workforce. The report aimed to identify ways the Government could empower young people to meet the world of work and its challenges, which remains an important issue.

On Tuesday, young people offered up their thoughts on what areas require further inquiry and attention for the future, and which also impact their lives now. Matters raised included: political education and trust in schools; SEND student support; mental health support; youth services and funding; skills development; and lack of opportunities for young people.

These suggestions will be taken forward by the APPG and considered as the APPG decides on its future agenda for the rest of the parliament. Regardless of what topics will be focused on, making sure the voices of young people are included and heard at every step is critical. And with a commitment of a National Youth Strategy recently announced, it is more important than ever that young people’s perspectives are highlighted and that a strategy is built that puts the experiences and aspirations of young people at the centre.