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Young people reflect on Labour’s General Election win

25 July 2024

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Following Labour’s General Election win, UK Youth caught up with some young people who are #iwill ambassadors to hear how they found their experience of the election and what they would like to see happen next from the new Government.

What was your experience of the election?

#iwill ambassador Sophia Badhan.

Sophia Badhan, 23, from Sutton Coldfield, said: “‘I was studying abroad at the time of the election, so I applied to vote by proxy and appointed my dad to cast my vote on the day on my behalf. It was surprisingly easy.

“Participating in the electoral process is super important to me, so I knew I would be voting no matter when the election was announced. I also recently got called to jury duty, which is only possible if you are registered to vote. I had no idea there were lots of other benefits to using your voice and registering to vote.”

Reuben Byfield.

Reuben Byfield, 18, from Huddersfield, said: “This election was especially important to me for a number of reasons: my first time voting, a generational change in government, and a wave of support for smaller parties – and independents – obliterating the idea of a two-party system.

“It was also exciting because the safe seats in question were significantly reduced and so when I went into the polling station and crossed an X, I really felt my vote had weight and could make a significant difference.

“Talking to friends there were mixed reactions; some impassioned with clear optimism in supporting their party of choice, others reluctant voters and some who stated they had no understanding or care for politics in general.”

Eden Byrne.

Eden Byrne, 20, from Belfast, said: “It was my first time voting in the general election and I actually felt a bit nervous, as I wasn’t entirely sure who to vote for initially. I went to my local polling station and it was a pretty straightforward process.

“I think there were not a lot of conversations around the election with some of my friends. However, lots of my friends are activists and we were able to talk about it openly and campaign for young people’s voices.”

Henry Hughes has competed in the Deaflympics at swimming.

Henry Hughes, 20, from Loughborough, said: “My experience of this election has been an exciting one. It was the first time I voted here in the UK since moving from Australia at the beginning of 2024.

“Voting in person always gets me geed up in doing so, queuing, chatting with locals and eager to make my decision. My polling station was in a church, which is my other favourite part of voting, whether it is a school, a community club, a church or other places in your communities, your voice, your choices are always heard.”

Troy Njenje Mbanga.

Troy Njenje Mbanga, aged 21, from Wakefield, said: “I was a first-time voter. I voted by post which was kind of exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I also felt like the general engagement towards the election seemed positive and felt like we wanted change.

“I think I should have voted as it’s about the future and us young people are the future generation in making a decision about what we want our country to be.  By us having a voice could change other young people’s lives and the issues they face.”

#iwill ambassador Leah Nolan, aged 22, from Stoke-on-Trent.

Leah Nolan, 22, from Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This isn’t my first time voting in a general election. I voted in 2019, a week after my 18th birthday. However, this is my first time doing a postal vote, as I live part-time in Ipswich.

“I chose to vote in Stoke-on-Trent as it is my home, I spent my childhood there and I feel a much stronger connection to Stoke-on-Trent than Ipswich. What surprised me was how easy it was to submit a postal vote, it didn’t even take me five minutes.”

#iwill ambassador Chloe Pomfret.

Chloe Pomfret, 21, from Oxford, said: “This year marked a significant milestone for me as I cast my vote for the first time in the general election.

“As someone who grew up in the foster care system, I had been following each party’s manifestos, combing through each for details on care-experienced people, reading their plans to support the homeless and how each party would reform education.

“Considering this, my investment in this election ran much deeper than most of my peers, rooted in my personal experiences and the urgent need for change.”

Chloe Willoughby.

Chloe Willoughby, 17, from Blackpool, said: “As someone who turns 18 at the end of this year, I was not old enough to vote in the July 2024 general election.

“I have always been a strong supporter of 16-year-olds having the right to vote. As the results will profoundly affect the society we live in for the next five years, it is unfair to deny young people a say in who will be responsible for governing our country during that time.

“It is not the fault of 16 and 17-year-olds that they are being prevented from learning about the current political state of the UK and are therefore being stopped from voting. This needs to change.”

What would you like to see from the new government?

Sophia said: “‘I think employment and housing are important areas for young people, especially considering the cost-of-living crisis and the fact most of us may not even be able to afford our own homes.

“I’d also like to see more investment in mental health services. As a mental health activist myself, I have lived experience of how stretched the current services are. Many young people struggle with mental health issues, exacerbated by social and economic pressures and, as the leaders of tomorrow as well as today, the government has to invest in the wellbeing of our generation.”

Reuben said: “With a Labour Government running their campaign on the ‘change’ message, this is the perfect opportunity for the apathy and distaste for politics to be quickly addressed.

“I would like to see: a move to a proportional voting system so every vote counts and there is appropriate representation that reflects the population, enfranchising 16 and 17-year-olds – which most of the main parties support – to have the needs and views of young people truly reflected in our politics, and implementing political education in schools and for the general public, so every young person is adequately equipped with the knowledge to think critically, partake in their civic duties, understand what different political parties have to offer and understand how politics impacts their everyday lives.”

Many young people struggle with mental health issues, exacerbated by social and economic pressures.

Sophia Badhan, #iwill ambassador

Eden said: “I think the votes at 16 policy and more opportunities for young people is really important. I would also like to see more support in education and workplaces for those with  disabilities and health conditions, as I feel this is really affecting young people.

“Also, I would like to see more mental health support in schools and in the community and also more opportunities for young people to engage in their local community through social action.” 

Henry, a Deaflympian, said: “The role of a young person in society has changed over generations. Now, more than ever before, young people have a more proactive, not passive role in society. With that comes more experiences, like paying taxes, working, access to medical and social support, funding for cultural and sports support etc., but all of these experiences without having a political say in it.

“So, seeing the government committed to giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote is something warmly welcomed. As someone who loves advocacy, I want to see more ‘devolution of influence and power’ to young people in youth spaces like boards, panels, forums, ambassadorships etc., having a more proactive role in contributing, influencing and impacting the decisions where appropriate.”

Amogh Nagendra.

Amogh Nagendra, aged 15, from Rotherham, said: “Being able to vote at 16 might help. Experience helps. But what’s the use of a vote if cast just for the sake of it, influenced to copy our parents’ policies, because we know no better? Votes for 16, however, wasn’t mentioned in the list of to be discussed this parliamentary session in the King’s speech, so we’ll at least have to wait until next year till we hear anything about one of Labour’s biggest promises again.

“Once again young people are cast out of the limelight to make room for policies which benefit over-18s – they’re the ones who hold the power to give power, after all. There are no consultations, no committees, no questions asked. We can only hope. And their excuse? That we are the ‘future’. By calling us the ‘future’ they push us aside where we can only watch as our lives are decided for us.”

Troy said: “I would like to see more focus on young people with special educational needs and disabilities being inclusive in schools, to make support better and give young people opportunities for employment and more work experience for young people to do things they want to do in life.

“Also, in general for young people, to make the education system better, mental health services more accessible and employment to be fairer and easier to access, with more pathways and options. And also create more youth clubs and youth groups for young people to do activities and have a voice to have a say on issues.’

Leah said: “Young people had a lot of influence on the outcome of this General Election. Therefore, the new government should be looking out for young people.

“As new policies are announced, we should push the new government to prioritise young people, as we are the future leaders. I am looking forward to seeing what Labour does, particularly in these first few months. Here’s to the next five years.”

Demand for carers is beyond capacity and the system is failing those most vulnerable. Urgent and sustainable reform is needed.

Chloe Pomfret, #iwill ambassador

Chloe Pomfret said: If I could ask the new Labour government to focus on something, it would be supporting care-experienced people. Currently, there are 83,840 children in foster care. Demand for carers is beyond capacity and the system is failing those most vulnerable.

“Urgent and sustainable reform is needed to protect children at risk, in care and those who leave the care system. These children need someone to advocate for them and legislate to protect them from any further harm.”

Chloe Willoughby said: “In terms of young people, I am of the opinion that as long as Labour is willing to truly listen to us, positive change can be enacted.

“The Labour Party has set out some policies regarding young people that align with what young people want and need, but they need to make sure they carry these out to the best of their ability and liaise with young people throughout.

“One part of Labour’s policies that I find particularly concerning, however, is their policy surrounding transgender people that will not allow ‘self-ID’ and will ban transgender women from accessing ‘women-only’ spaces such as bathrooms.

“I have and always will stand with the transgender community – Labour needs to recognise that people aged 16-24 are most likely to identify as transgender, so their policies are harmful to many young people.”

Ellie Zigah, from Birmingham, West Midlands.

Ellie Zigah, aged 10, from Birmingham, said: “Firstly, children should be able to access books in their school library which means the Government should put more funds towards books. Not only do they give you a range of vocabulary, but they also help you write stories too.

“Secondly, there should be free school meals, because some parents can’t afford it and the cost-of-living crisis is getting worse. Also, during school there should be culinary classes, so you can be able to cook your own meals when you’re older. I think the Government should add that to the school curriculum.”

About the #iwill movement

#iwill is a movement comprised of more than 1,000 organisations and 700 young #iwill Ambassadors & Champions from across the UK. They are united by a shared belief that all children and young people should be supported and empowered to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their livers, their communities, and broader society.

#iwill is empowering, challenging, independent, collaborative and inclusive – it belongs to everybody.

The #iwill movement is powered by young people and organisations. The #iwill Ambassadors and #iwill Champions, alongside organisations who sign up to the Power of Youth Charter, help ensure meaningful action is taken to support more children and young people to be active citizens.

The #iwill Partnership is made up of leaders of collective action groups working within and across sectors and nations of the UK to guide the #iwill movement. The independent #iwill Coordination Hub, hosted by Volunteering Matters and UK Youth supports the #iwill Partnership, #iwill Ambassadors and broader #iwill movement.

About UK Youth

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org 

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability, including Hatch. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes

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