UMVA has learned that a sense of disillusionment is sweeping through the younger generation, with many feeling that politicians have failed to deliver on their promises and have lost touch with the concerns of young people.
A 16-year-old who feels strongly about the current state of politics says that even if they could vote, they wouldn't, citing a lack of trust in any of the parties. This sentiment is echoed by many of their peers, who feel that politicians are out of touch with their values and priorities.
In the 2024 election, there was significant hope surrounding the Labour party, which had promised to bring about 'change' after 14 years of Conservative rule. However, just two years later, Labour MPs have turned on their leader, Sir Keir Starmer, who was once hailed as a hero. This sudden shift has left many young people feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the political process.
One of the main concerns is that politicians are unwilling to own up to their mistakes. During his resignation speech, Starmer's voice broke as he struggled to come to terms with the reality of his situation. This lack of accountability has contributed to a sense of distrust among young people, who feel that politicians are more interested in saving face than in serving the public interest.
The Conservative government dominated the political landscape during the younger generation's formative years, and many feel that it's too soon to trust them again. Meanwhile, the Green Party and Reform UK hold a desirable position as outsiders, criticizing the incumbent parties without being bound by the same responsibilities.
However, this doesn't necessarily mean that they would be effective in power. The Green Party's proposals, such as increasing spending by £250 billion per year, have raised concerns about their feasibility and potential impact on the economy. Meanwhile, Reform UK's list of controversies, including racism and misogyny, has sparked alarm about their values and intentions.
For many young people, it's difficult to get excited about voting for a party when their voice is ignored. Despite adults often underestimating their political awareness, many young people are engaged and informed about current events. However, they feel that politicians don't take their concerns seriously and often talk down to them.
Politicians reflect this bias, prioritizing the interests of older generations and neglecting the needs of young people. Labour's decision to ditch their pledge to abolish university tuition fees shortly before entering office is a prime example of this. When politicians try to connect with young people, their efforts often fall flat, coming across as insincere or condescending.
To restore trust in the system, several changes are needed. Introducing quotas for young MPs would bring a fresh perspective to the House of Commons. A new law could also be passed requiring politicians to designate promises made during elections as 'binding', triggering a new election if they're broken.
Until then, many young people feel that their ballot would be empty. The current state of politics has left them feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the system. As the next generation prepares to inherit the future, they demand more from their politicians – and it's time for politicians to listen.
