A recent article in a local paper, well written by student journalist George Barnett, has made me think about the poor relationship many young people seem to have with the political process.
I had already written, quite recently, to the head of the Grammar School, to ask if he would consider hosting some sort of electoral event, from a full public meeting to a simple opportunity for students to talk to local politicians.
The democratic and political process is going to have a huge influence over the lives of young people, yet the educational system, if Mr Barnett is correct, seems to attach small importance to it.
That is a shame.
The national media, just now, is doing a poor job of informing people, though our local press do rather better.
Obviously politics may seem rather uninteresting and remote to many young people, yet it’s politicians who map their futures, keep them safe, and take a large slice of their income once they join the world of work.
Through your pages, I extend my invitation to organise, host or take part in an electoral event with local politicians, to all district secondary schools.
If they wish, it could be restricted to students and those under voting age, to avoid accusations that we, or any other party that takes part, is just seeking votes in May.
Paul Foyster
UKIP South Holland & the Deepings