09 October 2007
The phenomenon of speed dating has swept the UK in the last few years and now Justice Minister Bridget Prentice is pioneering political speed dating at a youth democratic engagement conference she is hosting in London.
Rather than trying to find their perfect love match, young people will have three minutes of speed dating with leading ministers, MPs and councillors. They will have the challenging task of persuading secondary school children and youth groups of the benefits of democratic engagement and participation.
The event marks the climax of a year-long programme of democratic engagement outreach events led by Bridget Prentice.
Ms Prentice said:
"The youth of today are the decision-makers of tomorrow. It is vital to ignite their interest in democracy, for their voices to be heard and for them to have a stake in the political process.
"It is a myth that young people are not interested in politics. I know from my visits that they are passionately interested in issues as diverse as climate change, crime and local transport. We have to make to make formal politics more relevant to capitalise on this interest.
"Young people have been involved in planning and decision-making for today's activities. They will have direct experience of testing ideas and putting them into practice and will take part in a series of activities including interactive voting workshops and mini consultations. Politicians will truly be under the spotlight about their political careers in front of one of the hardest audiences they will ever face."
Notes to editors
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Your Voice Counts Ministry of Justice Conference, Central Hall Westminster, Storey's Gate, London SW1H 9NH (from 9.00am to 4pm).
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The invited audience includes pupils from St Anns Church of England Primary School and Parkview Academy (both in Haringey, North London); Hertswood School in Hertfordshire; Churchfields Primary School (Edmonton, Enfield); Ashford Youth Forum (Ashford, Kent); Coventry Youth Forum (Coventry); United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP); Scottish Youth Parliament, the National Children's Bureau; Fareport Training Organisation; Greenford High School (Ealing); Harvey Girls (Burton-upon-Trent); Staffordshire Fire Rescue Services (Burton-upon-Trent) and Whalley Range High School (Manchester).
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Jack Straw, Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Justice, will also attend and give the keynote speech.
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The comic play 'Who runs this place' by Solent Peoples Theatre will be presented at this event.
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For further information contact Pam Afghan, Ministry of Justice Press Office, 020 7210 8532.
ENDS