Nick Clegg MP web chat – 20.01.2010

[ukyp]

Leader of the Liberal Democracts, Nick Clegg MP, joined us for a web chat on Wednesday 20th January 2010.

To view a transcript of the web chat go to http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/...gg_200110.html

[Liam Hannan]

Nick; do you think that the use of modern technology presents a metrocentric bias to engaging young people in politics?

For a start, young people in urban areas of the country are statistically more likely than their rural counterparts to possess the latest technology and be in touch with the latest trends, and further, research has identified a geographic bias in terms of "e-trends" which tend to spread north from London over a period of months or years, thus putting young people anywhere north of the Humber at a disadvantage when attempting to engage over tweetbook, facepalm or the latest digital craze. Surely sticking to traditional print media is best?

[Austin Sheridan]

Good, I will think up some good questions then.

I have a some Youth Group meetings in my constituency over the next 5 days so I will ask them what they think

Looking forward to this.

[Andy]

For Clegg:
It's nice to see one of the 'big three' party leaders taking time out to engage with the youth online. I have two questions, please answer at least one.

1) PR
Your party supports proportional representation, do you not think that using PR could see a rise in extremist parties gaining representation? Having the extremist parties gaining any sort of representation is bad in my book.

2) Votes @ 16
The Labour Party's youth wing supports votes @ 16, however the Labour Party's MP's haven't bothered trying to get any legislation passed to allow young people to vote @ 16. I know the LibDems support votes @ 16, how would you go about passing this? Don't you think young people are more venerable to extremist ideals? Don't you think that political education should be introduced first?

[Austin Sheridan]

For Mr Clegg;

As you know Scottish independence is a huge issue for everyone in Scotland and people of all ages young and old are interested in Scotland's constitutional future.

Many polls have shown that the people of Scotland support a referendum (Nationalists and Unionists)

So my questions are;

Do you think the Scottish Lib-Dems should support a referendum on independence to give the people of Scotland the democratic right to choose whether they want to remain in the Union or not?

If a Referendum takes place, Should the voting age be lowered to 16 for all elections including the referendum on independence? Surely a political party that supports lowering the voting age to 16 will support lowering it to 16 to let young people have a say on Scotland's constitutional future?

Thanks,

Austin.

[kylet15]

Our armed forces offer young people careers and training which they wouldn't get otherwise. If elected, would you make sure that our Armed Services aren't cut any more, to protect an outlet for young people who aren't receptive to education and to make sure that vital line of youth employment is kept in the British Economy?

The Liberal Democrats have often talked about changing the electoral system, is your party open to investigating voting at 16 and standing and possible election to any office at 16?

[ciara_squires]

Originally Posted by Andy Gray

Don't you think young people are vunerable to extremism? I know the SWP seems a very much student movement, so don't you think that political education should be introduced first?

I know this is for Nick but can't help but reply as you seem to have turned a legitimate and good question about political education and vunerable young people into a dig at the SWP! SWP isn't a student movement although there is a large student group SWSS, just like any other student society, young tories, socialist students...let's face it, the people in SWSS or any other politicial societies aren't the ones who need the political education since they're some of the most passionate about politics and just use it as an outlet for student campaigns and student politics....

[REDALERT]

Nick, would you continue your support of both the armed forces and the police in this country by ensuring they get the best eqiupment? Abd, if the situation arises in the general election, would you enter into a coalition with another party?

Thanks, nice to see a major politician taking time out to speak to young people

[kylet15]

Originally Posted by REDALERT

Nick, would you continue your support of both the armed forces and the police in this country by ensuring they get the best eqiupment? Abd, if the situation arises in the general election, would you enter into a coalition with another party?

Thanks, nice to see a major politician taking time out to speak to young people

Just to note that questions have to be related to young people, that isn't a youth related question

[Paul]

Originally Posted by kylet15

Just to note that questions have to be related to young people, that isn't a youth related question

The focus is on "what young people care about" rather than "youth issues" [what they decide we care about]. REDALERT cares about this issue.

Nick will take any question on any issue, but the focus is on what young people care about.