A LLANELLI 6th former has come up with a plan to galvanise younger people to take more of an interest and have more say in politics. The Llandovery College student has already impressed First Minister Carwyn Jones and the politically active actor, Michael Sheen.
Theo Meredith Davies-Lewis has established the basis for a plan to set up a Youth Assembly Wales, but rather than just being a pressure group or sounding board, the Youth Assembly Members (YAMs) would be elected and have powers to make a difference to policy.
Theo said: “I organised for the First Minister to visit my school to speak last month single-handedly and was honoured to see him give a passionate speech. However, I did mention to Carwyn Jones the problem with youth engagement in politics in Wales. I suggested to Carwyn Jones my idea of a Youth Welsh Assembly. He asked me to compile a document for him on it, which I’ve done. As well as meeting the First Minister, I was at the Conservative conference a couple of weeks ago and spoke to Andrew RT Davies, Stephen Crabb, Nick Ramsay and others who are behind the idea and realise its potential. I was also at the Wales We Want conference where I was invited into the future leaders round-table discussion with Sustainable Futures and Michael Sheen. Michael Sheen is supporting this idea and he will get back to me via email soon.”
Speaking about the Assembly and what it does for youth engagement with politics, Theo continued by saying: “These are all brilliant initiatives. However, we do not want that. The youth of Wales want a voice in a youth democratic system which I propose. I believe that a Youth Welsh Assembly will do many things. It will encourage youth engagement in politics, educate youngsters on the democratic process and create Wales’ future leaders. After the Scottish referendum we saw a surge of young people across the UK, many in Wales, become involved in youth politics. In Scotland, England and Northern Ireland they are able to express their views in the UK Youth Parliament scheme, while in Wales we are left to ponder how relevant our voices are to the discussions. The Youth Welsh Assembly is a clear way of allowing Wales’ young people to have their voices heard. It’s not about Labour, Conservatives, Plaid or Lib Dem – it’s about young people bringing about true social change for their communities. Wales is the only country in the UK and one of the only ones in the EU without a youth democratic system – we can change that soon. The youth engagement officer and education manager at the Assembly are wanting to meet me and discuss the idea further.”
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