Introduction
The UK political system is made up of a variety of different political parties offering their own distinctive ideas and agendas to politics. They are spread out across the political spectrum, from far left-wing to far right-wing.
One of the main reasons why many young people don’t vote or get involved in politics is a lack of knowledge. If you were to ask a group of young people to name a British political party, I guarantee they would probably say Conservative or Labour, and even then, they probably couldn’t tell you their mottos or agendas. They remain completely unaware of the other political parties and what they have to contribute to Parliament.
Well, we are here to help. Here are some examples of political parties in the UK and their policies towards helping young people:
British Political Parties:
1. Labour Party
Ideology: Social democracy, democratic socialism
The Labour Party is a center-left political party in the UK. It emerged from the labor movement and historically represents the interests of the working class. The party advocates for social justice, workers’ rights, and public services. It has a strong focus on reducing inequality and has been in power multiple times throughout UK history.
The Party’s primary focus is reducing inequality and improving social mobility. They prioritize affordable housing initiatives, including building more affordable homes and introducing rent controls. Labour also supports raising the minimum wage, protecting workers’ rights, and investing in public services, such as education and healthcare.
Policies:
- Introduce a £10 minimum wage for workers, including those under 18
- Increase funding for apprenticeships and job training
- Scrap tuition fees for university students and cancel outstanding student debt
- Increase funding for mental health services for young people
- Increase funding for affordable housing and cap rent prices
2. Green Party
Ideology: Green politics
The Green Party is an environmentalist and progressive political party that focuses on ecological sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy. They advocate for environmental protection, renewable energy, and social equality. The Green Party has representation in both the UK Parliament and the European Parliament.
The Green Party prioritizes environmental sustainability and social justice, which also have implications for youth. They advocate for investment in green jobs and renewable energy, providing opportunities for young people in the growing green sector. The party also supports measures to address the climate crisis, which will have long-term effects on future generations.
Policies:
- Introduce a universal basic income for all citizens, including young people
- Scrap tuition fees for university students and cancel outstanding student debt
- Increase funding for youth services and community centers
- Increase funding for affordable housing and cap rent prices
- Invest in renewable energy and create green jobs for young people
3. Liberal Democrats
Ideology: Liberalism, social liberalism
The Liberal Democrats are a centrist political party that promotes liberal policies, including individual freedom, social liberalism, and environmentalism. They support issues such as electoral reform, civil liberties, and pro-European Union stances. The party was in a coalition government with the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015.
The Liberal Democrats prioritize investing in education and expanding opportunities for young people. They aim to ensure free access to early years education, provide more funding for schools, and expand apprenticeship and training opportunities. The party also focuses on mental health support for young people and advocates for youth participation in decision-making processes.
Policies:
- Scrap tuition fees for university students and cancel outstanding student debt
- Increase funding for apprenticeships and job training
- Increase funding for mental health services for young people
- Increase funding for affordable housing and cap rent prices
- Introduce a Youth Services Guarantee to ensure every young person has access to youth services
4. Conservative Party
Ideology: Conservatism
The Conservative Party, also known as the Tories, is one of the oldest and most prominent political parties in the UK. It traditionally advocates for conservative policies, such as limited government intervention, free markets, and social conservatism. The party has been in power since 2010, with Rishi Sunak serving as Prime Minister since October 2022.
The Party focuses on promoting economic growth and opportunities for young people. They have introduced policies such as apprenticeships and vocational training programs to improve employability. Additionally, they emphasize expanding access to quality education, including funding for schools and increasing the number of university places.
Policies:
- Increase funding for apprenticeships and job training
- Increase funding for mental health services for young people
- Introduce a Lifetime Skills Guarantee to provide training opportunities for people of all ages
- Increase funding for affordable housing and cap rent prices
- Increase the National Living Wage, which would also benefit young workers
Conclusion
There are many more political parties that offer a range of ideas and policies. So keep yourself informed and get involved!
