News Archives - UK Youth

This year, UK Youth will be attending Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party Conferences to speak to policymakers, platform our young #iWill ambassadors coming to conference alongside the team and make the case for urgent investment in youth work.

We will be speaking to MPs, cross-sector experts, prominent journalists and think tanks to advocate for youth services and the key role youth work plays in the life of young people and their communities.

UK Youth calls on Government to provide the following:  

Sustainable, long-term investment in youth services with a commitment to increasing funding for youth work;  
A cross-government National Youth Strategy with a commitment to rebuilding the youth sector workforce and providing clear metrics, outcomes and accountability;  
Integration of the proven preventative support role played by youth work into existing government policies, including the Youth Guarantee and the Young Futures programme;  
Youth workers prioritised as essential roles – alongside teachers, social workers, and therapists – for implementing effective policies for young people;   
Co-design of all new policy initiatives across departments that affect young people with young people;    
Cross-departmental government support for and investment into Outdoor Learning, recognising its benefits and life changing impact for young people, including its contribution to improved physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether you’re an MP, policymaker, journalist, or youth sector colleague attending party conferences, we’d love for you to join us at one of our events.

Our CEO Rosie, Head of Policy and Public Affairs Laura, and #iwill ambassadors and co-ordinators will be representing UK Youth at party conferences. To arrange a meeting, or find out more about our work, please email policy@ukyouth.org

Our conference programme is as follows:

Labour Party Conference

🌿 Natural Capital & the Next Generation A UK Youth & The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Panel Session
📅 Monday 29 Sept | 🕤 9:30–10:30am
📍 Exhibition Centre Riverside Lounge, Youth Zone and Skills Hub (Secure Zone)

Explore the link between outdoor learning, wellbeing and resilience in young people, and the role of youth work in connecting young people with nature and life skills.

Speakers include:

Phil Brickell MP, Labour MP for Bolton West
Mary Creagh MP, DEFRA Minister (Invited)
DofE Youth Ambassador
Ruth Marvel, CEO, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Laura Cunliffe-Hall, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, UK Youth (Chair)

🗣️ Future Focus: Where Young People Lead the Conversation With UK Youth, Shout Out UK & Full Fact
📅 Tuesday 30 Sept | 🕚 11:15am–12:15pm
📍 Exhibition Centre Theatre One, Youth Zone and Skills Hub

Young people challenge politicians on topics like Votes at 16, misinformation, media literacy and social action. Expect high-energy debate, direct questions, and powerful youth voice.

Speakers include:

Jim McMahon MP
Florence Eshalomi MP
Peter Swallow MP
Jacob Collier MP
John Slinger MP
#iWill/UK Youth Ambassadors
Shout Out UK Youth Policy Group
Chair: Aletha Adu, Political Correspondent, The Guardian

🧭 Young Leaders Briefing – London Edition With the Mayor’s Fund for London
📅 Tuesday 30 Sept | 🕧 12:45–1:45pm
📍 Exhibition Centre Riverside Lounge, Youth Zone and Skills Hub

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech, this youth-led discussion focuses on how to create space for young leaders and drive policies that support youth opportunity.

Speakers include:

Natasha Irons MP, Chair of the APPG on Youth Affairs
Rosie Ferguson OBE, CEO, UK Youth
Mayor’s Fund for London Youth Board Members
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business & Growth

Conservative Party Conference 2025

We’re also heading to Manchester for a packed programme of events during Conservative Party Conference:

🎓 Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Youth Work With UK Youth & AQA
📅 Monday 6 Oct | 🕑 1:45–2:45pm
📍 Manchester Central Exhibition Hall, Youth Zone and Skills Hub

This informal discussion explores how youth work bridges the gap between education and employment — offering young people vital skills, support, and pathways to thrive.

Speakers include:

Baroness Barran, Shadow Education Minister (Invited)
AQA Youth Ambassadors
#iWill/UK Youth Ambassadors
Laura Cunliffe-Hall, Head of Policy, UK Youth
Chair: Clare Fraser, AQA Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager

🧑‍⚖️ Future Focus: Where Young People Lead the Conversation With UK Youth, Shout Out UK & Full Fact
📅 Tuesday 7 Oct | 🕒 3–4pm
📍 Manchester Central Room 6, Youth Zone and Skills Hub

Young people once again take the mic — holding ministers accountable and pushing for change across youth rights, digital literacy and civic engagement.

Speakers include: