12 June 2008
A new group aimed at encouraging young people to become active citizens has been launched by Bridget Prentice in London today.
A new group aimed at encouraging young people to become active citizens has been launched by Bridget Prentice in London today.
Chaired by Professor Jonathan Tonge, the Youth Citizenship Commission will focus on questions of citizenship, political participation, volunteering and voting.
Bridget Prentice, Democracy Minister, said: 'There has never been a more appropriate time to engage young people on some of the crucial issues in our society.
'At a time when youth crime is dominating the headlines, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of young citizens want to play a positive and constructive role in society.
'Most young people are involved in their communities - whether traditional local communities or internet-based national or global communities - in ways which point to their sense of citizenship; the question is how to harness that.'
The 12 appointed Commissioners of the Youth Citizenship Commission are: Professor Jonathan Tonge, Professor Phil Cowley, Dr Andrew Mycock, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Miranda Sawyer, Richard Demby, Wes Streeting, Anne Longfield, Ray Auvray and include three young people, Robyn Keeble, Justin Cole and Vicki Collin.
The Youth Citizenship Commission will report to Bridget Prentice; Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice; Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families; and Gordon Brown, Prime Minister in spring 2009.
Notes to editors
1. For more information, contact the Ministry of Justice Press Office on 020 7210 8532.
2. The YCC was announced in the Governance of Britain Green Paper in July 2007.