YOUNG PERSONS' DEMOCRATIC EMPOWERMENT
EDM number 879 in 2004-05, proposed by Barbara Roche on 09/03/2005.
That this House recognises the role that students and the young people of today will play in the world of tomorrow; further recognises that informed engagement with United Kingdom democracy is crucial for a democratic society to thrive; notes that, at the last election, only 39 per cent. of 18 to 24 year olds went to the polls which represented a mere seven per cent. of the total number of votes cast in comparison to 24 per cent. cast by those aged 65 and over; further notes that these are statistics which should be of grave concern; further notes and supports the PIECE (Participation, Involvement, Engagement, Community, Empowerment) campaign of the University of London Students' Union in the run-up to this election in publishing its online empowerment package for young and first-time voters, a London-wide voter registration programme, mounting several hustings events, and in acting as a local polling station and ward information point; further notes the work of many students' unions UK-wide in running similar initiatives; and believes that honourable Members have a serious responsibility to make themselves available for debates and presentations within students unions, colleges, schools and universities and places of learning and in bringing Parliament and democratic empowerment to the young people of this country.
This motion has been signed by a total of 72 MPs, 1 of these signatures have been withdrawn.
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